[dmm]

Info that's been posted before but is worth recalling:
In a transport, first in = first out, and first out = front line. So put all-shield troops into a transport first, then put in all-weapon troops for counterattacks. This is extremely effective for storming smaller colonies. Remember that the defenders get to fire first. For large colonies (high pop), your first transport might need to be ONLY all-shield troops, so that your attack can Last >10 turns and not let the planetary militia "regroup".