Besides using Shock Pods to assist in an attack and provide anti-vehicle and anti-air support (with the appropriate upgrade), it may be used to reinforce an Eradicator Hexapod without infantry(or at most, with 2 infantry) garrisoned in a pinch, though with a slightly higher cost (600 credits more), as well as the fact that the veterancy of the Shock Troopers aren't applied when garrisoned, unless the Eradicator itself has veterancy.