Roll out



"Roll out" is a common command among Transformers (primarily Autobots), essentially meaning to move out, deploy or otherwise embark on a mission. Its literal meaning, to start rolling in in one's ground-based, wheel-equipped vehicle mode, appears to have become diluted over time, to the point that Transformers who don't even have vehicular alternate forms (and have to run to where they're going) still give /receive the order.

"Autobots, transform, and roll out!"

- Optimus Prime, too many times to count

Generation 1 cartoon
The phrase in its most iconic form was uttered by Optimus Prime; it typically signified the start of a mission, as the group transformed and deployed to counter the Decepticons' latest scheme.

It was such a famous command that, in the months following Optimus Prime's death, Pipes rallied his troops to defend Autobot Headquarters thus: "As Optimus Prime used to say, transform and roll out!"

Marvel Comics continuity


The phrase here was less associated with Optimus Prime, though he did use it to start off several missions in the months after he was returned from Shockwave's captivity. In fact, the first known utterance of the phrase was by Wheeljack, as he and Jazz left the Ark on a mission.

Later it would be used to command all sorts of Transformers to do all sorts of things, such as running to one's destination, or leaping out of a starship into space.

Beast Wars
Though it would seem logical, nobody has ever told Retrax to "roll out". Not too many other Beast Warriors are much equipped to do so.

Transformers Animated
Repair crew captain Optimus Prime, once settled/stranded on Earth, typically used the command to have his squad deploy on a mission.