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{{otheruses|USE=Imperial rank|OTHERUSE=Novel by Andy Hoare|OTHERPAGE=Commissar (Novel)}}
 
{{otheruses|USE=Imperial rank|OTHERUSE=Novel by Andy Hoare|OTHERPAGE=Commissar (Novel)}}
 
[[File:IG5ECommissars.jpg|thumb|255px|right|A '''Commissar''' defying the enemy{{Fn|1a}}]]
 
[[File:IG5ECommissars.jpg|thumb|255px|right|A '''Commissar''' defying the enemy{{Fn|1a}}]]
 +
'''Commissars''' are special [[Imperial]] officers assigned to [[Imperial Guard]] regiments and [[Imperial Navy]] ships, whose purpose is to enforce discipline and devotion to the [[Emperor of Mankind]]. Independent of the conventional [[Imperial Guard Hierarchy]], Commissars are instead attached to the [[Departmento Munitorum]]'s [[Commissariat]] and are formally part of the [[Militarum Tempestus]].{{Fn|6}}
  
−
'''Commissars''' are special [[Imperial]] officers assigned to [[Imperial Guard]] regiments and [[Imperial Navy]] ships, whose purpose is to enforce discipline and devotion to the [[Emperor of Mankind]].  Independent of the conventional [[Imperial Guard Hierarchy]], Commissars are instead attached to the [[Departmento Munitorum]]'s [[Commissariat]] and are formally part of the [[Militarum Tempestus]].{{Fn|6}}
+
==Organisation==
 +
Commissars are invariably stern and uncompromising individuals, able to keep even the most anarchic regiments in line through fear, strength and power. Every regiment has one or more attached Commissars who remain with the regiment throughout its duties. Commissars are assigned to regiments by the [[Departmento Munitorum]]'s [[Commissariat]] department, which provides high-ranking commanders to Imperial Guard armies. They have authority over both the soldiers and regimental officers. Commissars have both the right and duty to immediately execute any Imperial guardsman or officer who shows cowardice or incompetence in battle. They must also ensure the regiment does not harbor the likes of [[Genestealer Cult]]ists, [[Chaos]] heretics, spies, or [[mutant]]s.{{Fn|18}}{{Fn|1a}}
  
−
== Organisation ==
+
Personnel selected to become cadet Commissars are drawn from the [[Schola Progenium]] - [[Ecclesiarchy]]-run schools where the pupils have already received a strict [[Imperial Cult]] education. The training of Cadet Commissars lasts for an indeterminate length of time, and their advancement depends entirely upon the judgment of the full/senior Commissar responsible for their development. Training may involve deployment as part of a '''Commissar Training Squad'''{{Fn|4}} and/or secondment to an individual full/senior Commissar.{{Cite This}}
−
Commissars are invariably stern and uncompromising individuals, able to keep even the most anarchic regiments in line through fear, strength and power.  Every regiment has one or more attached Commissars who remain with the regiment throughout its duties.  Commissars are assigned to regiments by the [[Departmento Munitorum]]'s [[Commissariat]] department, which provides high-ranking commanders to Imperial Guard armies.  They have authority over both the soldiers and regimental officers.  Commissars have both the right and duty to immediately execute any Imperial guardsman or officer who shows cowardice or incompetence in battle.  They must also ensure the regiment does not harbor the likes of [[Genestealer Cult]]ists, [[Chaos]] heretics, spies, or [[mutant]]s.{{Fn|18}}{{Fn|1a}}
 
  
−
Personnel selected to become cadet Commissars are drawn from the [[Schola Progenium]] - [[Ecclesiarchy]]-run schools, where the pupils have already received a strict [[Imperial Cult]] education. The training of Cadet Commissars lasts for an indeterminate length of time, and their advancement depends entirely upon the judgment of the full/senior Commissar responsible for their development.  Training may involve deployment as part of a '''Commissar Training Squad'''{{Fn|4}} and/or secondment to an individual full/senior Commissar.{{Cite This}}
+
Cadet Commissars can advance to full Commissarial rank in numerous ways including immediate promotion following their grauation of the Schola Progenium, cross-promotion from [[Storm Trooper]] deployments or assignment to a Commisssar for further field training, where after which they can then be promoted or assigned to a further developmental role as a '''Junior Commissar'''.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|26}}{{Fn|26}} Full Commissars can be further advanced to senior roles within the Commissariat such as '''Commissar-Captain'''{{Fn|11}}, '''Lord Commissar'''{{Fn|1a}}, or '''Commissar-General'''.{{Cite This}} The exact method of advancement to these positions is unclear.
 +
[[Image:CommissarGuard.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Commissar executes a [[Guardsman]]{{Fn|19}}]]
  
−
Advancement beyond Cadet ranking can lead to becoming a full Commissar in their own right, or a further developmental role as a '''Junior Commissar'''.{{Cite This}} Full Commissars can be further advanced to senior roles within the Commissariat such as '''Commissar-Captain'''{{Fn|11}}, '''Lord Commissar'''{{Fn|1a}}, or '''Commissar-General'''.{{Cite This}} The exact method of advancement to these positions is unclear.
+
Commissars are considered outside the normal chain of command are enabled to take almost any actioned to sanction malfeasance within both [[troopers]] and higher [[officer]]s, including summary execution and unit decimation. However their authority does have limits and commissars who greatly over-step their authority or commit some grave failure in duty can in turn face punishment, typically in the form of a commissarial tribunal were those found guilty may be sentenced to punishments such as drafting into a [[Penal Legion]] or execution. Other less formal forms of rebuke include reassignment to a less prestigous or dangerous posting. {{Fn|9c}}{{Fn|12b}}{{Fn|12c}}{{Fn|13b}}{{Fn|13c}}
−
[[Image:CommissarGuard.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A Commissar executes a [[Guardsman]]{{Fn|19}}]]
+
 
 +
Commissars known to have faced sanction include:
 +
*Commissar [[Moerck]] - charged with failing to carry out orders after he and his company were involved in a friendly-fire incident. Found guilty and was drafted into a penal legion along with his entire company of [[Storm Trooper]]s.{{Fn|27}}
 +
*Commissar [['Hero' Green]] - refused an order to perform a suicidal assault on an objective he deemed pointless. Found guilty and was drafted into a penal legion.{{Fn|28}}
 +
*Commissar [[Amberly Vail#Retinue|Simeon]] - suffered a mental breakdown during a artillery bombardment and attempted to execute his entire platoon for failing to salute. Found guilty and was drafted into a penal legion.{{Fn|15b}}
 +
*Commissar [[Ciaphas Cain]] - charged with desertion, cowardice in the face of the enemy and misappropriation of military resources during a campaign on [[Adumbria]]. Vindicated by the tribunal.{{Fn|13b}}{{Fn|13c}}
 +
*Commissar [[Tomas Beije]] - charged with conduct unbecoming to a commissar following an attempt to intefere with Commissar Cain in the execution of his duties. Released without punishment following testimony from Commissar Cain.{{Fn|13c}}
 +
*Commissar [[Pius Kowle]] - informally dealt with. Reassigned to [[Verghast]] [[PDF]] due to the influence of Commissar [[Ibram Gaunt]], following an incident where he ordered two troopers to be flogged to death over minor infractions.{{Fn|9c}}
  
−
== Commissarial Ranks ==
+
==Commissarial Ranks==
 
===Cadet Commissars===
 
===Cadet Commissars===
−
Cadet Commissars are given the standard arms and equipment of a [[Guardsman]], although they retain their distinctive uniforms. These uniforms differ from those of a full Commissar by featuring blue trim and a specific Cadet emblem.
+
Cadet Commissars are given the standard arms and equipment of a [[Guardsman]], although they retain their distinctive uniforms. These uniforms differ from those of a full Commissar by featuring blue trim and a specific Cadet emblem.{{Cite this}}
  
−
Their training has no set duration and a Cadet will be graduated as soon as he is deemed worthy. Part of the training of a Cadet-Commissar emphasises learning standard infantry tactics and gaining experience in situations common to standard [[Imperial Guardsmen]]. In order to ensure this, Commissar-Generals may decide to form up the Cadets under their purview into Training Squads, nine Cadets under the command of a specially chosen full Commissar.{{Fn|4}}   
+
Their training has no set duration and a Cadet will be graduated as soon as he is deemed worthy. Part of the training of a Cadet-Commissar emphasises learning standard infantry tactics and gaining experience in situations common to standard [[Imperial Guardsmen]]. In order to ensure this, Commissar-Generals may decide to form up the Cadets under their purview into Training Squads, nine Cadets under the command of a specially chosen full Commissar.{{Fn|4}}   
  
 
===Commissar Training Squads===
 
===Commissar Training Squads===
−
Commissar Training Squads are groups of Cadet-Commissars, formed up into a fighting squad and led by a full Commissar into battle. These Cadets are then trained, under battlefield conditions, in how to live, fight and even die alongside the troops they are supposed to one day inspire and discipline. They are sent into the fiercest fighting, in which they are expected to show bravery and devotion enough to earn the respect afforded to them by standard troopers. Commissar Training Squads are highly motivated and pious fighting units and an Imperial Guard force accompanied by such a squad will consider itself destined for victory.{{Fn|4}}
+
Commissar Training Squads are groups of Cadet-Commissars, formed up into a fighting squad and led by a full Commissar into battle. These Cadets are then trained, under battlefield conditions, in how to live, fight and even die alongside the troops they are supposed to one day inspire and discipline. They are sent into the fiercest fighting, in which they are expected to show bravery and devotion enough to earn the respect afforded to them by standard troopers. Commissar Training Squads are highly motivated and pious fighting units and an Imperial Guard force accompanied by such a squad will consider itself destined for victory.{{Fn|4}}
  
−
When a Commissar decides that a Cadet has failed in his duty to become a Commissar, but has not shown cowardice or insubordination, the Cadet is relieved and may be either sent to a [[Stormtrooper]] unit or become an officer in a [[penal battalion]]. Others volunteer for service in a [[Rogue Trader]]'s entourage, and others may face darker destinies.{{Fn|4}}
+
When a Commissar decides that a Cadet has failed in his duty to become a Commissar, but has not shown cowardice or insubordination, the Cadet is relieved and may be either sent to a [[Stormtrooper]] unit or become an officer in a [[penal battalion]]. Others volunteer for service in a [[Rogue Trader]]'s entourage, and others may face darker destinies.{{Fn|4}}
  
 
===Junior Commissars===
 
===Junior Commissars===
−
A subordinate role to a full Commissar, a junior aids his senior in overseeing the the regiment or ship assigned to the full Commissar, performing adjutant and investigation duties as well as Commissarial ones. Junior Commissars do appear to undertake Commissarial supervision at a regimental (or equivalent) level, starting with smaller formations, such as an individual squad.{{Cite This}}
+
A subordinate role to a full Commissar, a junior aids his senior in overseeing the regiment or ship assigned to the full Commissar, performing adjutant and investigation duties as well as Commissarial ones. Junior Commissars do appear to undertake Commissarial supervision at a regimental (or equivalent) level, starting with smaller formations, such as an individual squad.{{Cite This}}
  
 
===Commissar===
 
===Commissar===
−
The standard rank of Commissar, at least one is assigned to every [[Imperial Guard Regiment]]. Their duty is to oversee the morale of the regiment, enforce discipline, and inspire the men in combat.{{Fn|1a}}
+
The standard rank of Commissar, at least one is assigned to every [[Imperial Guard Regiment]]. Their duty is to oversee the morale of the regiment, enforce discipline, and inspire the men in combat.{{Fn|1a}} In addition, they have the power to relieve an officer of command if they suspect that officer's judgment is impaired or otherwise flawed.{{Fn|22}}
  
 
Commissars are also in charge of supervising the raising of new regiments, sometimes from primitive worlds whose inhabitants are savage and do not adapt well to Imperial discipline.{{Fn|1a}}
 
Commissars are also in charge of supervising the raising of new regiments, sometimes from primitive worlds whose inhabitants are savage and do not adapt well to Imperial discipline.{{Fn|1a}}
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===Commissar-Captains===
 
===Commissar-Captains===
−
A rarely seen intermediate role between full Commissar and Commissar-General, the particular role of a Commissar-Captain is unclear, other than ranking above full Commissars. They have been seen to supervise at a regimental level.{{Fn|11}}
+
A rarely seen intermediate role between full Commissar and Commissar-General, the particular role of a Commissar-Captain is unclear, other than ranking above full Commissars. They have been seen to supervise at a regimental level.{{Fn|11}}
  
 
===Lord Commissar===
 
===Lord Commissar===
−
Higher ranked Commissars, promoted after exemplary battlefield service. Their battlefield heroics are the thing of legends for average [[Guardsman]].{{Fn|1a}}
+
Higher ranked Commissars, promoted after exemplary battlefield service. Their battlefield heroics are the thing of legends for average [[Guardsman]].{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
===Commissar-Generals===
 
===Commissar-Generals===
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===Colonel-Commissar===
 
===Colonel-Commissar===
−
'''Colonel-Commissar''' is a very rare rank of the Imperial Guard, held usually in only extraordinary cases, and apparently referring to a Commissar who is awarded regimental command rank in the Imperial Guard itself. Though the records show the rank being held as recently as the [[Sabbat Worlds Crusade]] ([[Ibram Gaunt]]) the inherent clash between the two roles is normally seen as a threat to a regiment's discipline - Commissars maintain discipline and watch commanders, the commander leads the regiment in combat - the two roles are technically exclusive.{{Fn|8}}{{Fn|10}}
+
'''Colonel-Commissar''' is a very rare rank of the Imperial Guard, held usually in only extraordinary cases, and apparently referring to a Commissar who is awarded regimental command rank in the Imperial Guard itself. Though the records show the rank being held as recently as the [[Sabbat Worlds Crusade]] ([[Ibram Gaunt]]) the inherent clash between the two roles is normally seen as a threat to a regiment's discipline - Commissars maintain discipline and watch commanders, the commander leads the regiment in combat - the two roles are technically exclusive.{{Fn|8}}{{Fn|10}}
  
 
==PDF Commissars==
 
==PDF Commissars==
−
[[Image:Commissar Amatheon.jpg|thumb|right|A Commissar]]
+
[[Image:Commissar Amatheon.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A Commissar]]
−
In theory, the Commissariat has oversight authority over all branches of the Imperial military (with the obvious exceptions of the [[Space Marines]], the [[Sisters of Battle]], and the soldiery of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]), which include [[Planetary Defence Forces]]. In practice, however, only a single Commissar is assigned to the PDF of an entire planet, or even several planets in a [[subsector]], and so plays little to no role in these forces' activities. As a result, many of these forces are ignorant that these commissars even exist. Commissars assigned to these thankless postings are usually advanced in age, or have been subject to disciplinary action{{Fn|14}}{{Fn|15}}.
+
In theory, the Commissariat has oversight authority over all branches of the Imperial military (with the obvious exceptions of the [[Space Marines]], the [[Sisters of Battle]], and the soldiery of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]), which include [[Planetary Defence Forces]]. In practice, however, only a single Commissar is assigned to the PDF of an entire planet, or even several planets in a [[subsector]], and so plays little to no role in these forces' activities. As a result, many of these forces are ignorant that these commissars even exist. Commissars assigned to these thankless postings are usually advanced in age, or have been subject to disciplinary action{{Fn|14}}{{Fn|15a}}.  
  
−
Some PDFs maintain their own local Commissariats. Tensions are often strained between these local units and the Imperial Commissariat, especially with issues of jurisdiction{{Fn|9a}}, with Commissariat members even known to execute their local counterparts for overstepping their authority{{Fn|5}}.
+
Some PDFs maintain their own local Commissariats. Tensions are often strained between these local units and the Imperial Commissariat, especially with issues of jurisdiction{{Fn|9a}}, with Commissariat members even known to execute their local counterparts for overstepping their authority{{Fn|5}}.  
  
 
===Notable PDF Commissariats===
 
===Notable PDF Commissariats===
 
*Chaliced Commissariat- [[Calixis Sector]] PDF regiments{{Fn|5}}
 
*Chaliced Commissariat- [[Calixis Sector]] PDF regiments{{Fn|5}}
 
*Vervunhive Primary Commissariat (VHPC)- [[Vervun Primary]]{{Fn|9b}}
 
*Vervunhive Primary Commissariat (VHPC)- [[Vervun Primary]]{{Fn|9b}}
 +
 +
==Commissarial Aide==
 +
{{Main|Adjutant}}
 +
An [[Astra Militarum]] [[Trooper]] seconded to a Commissar, to serve as an adjutant. Technically a functionary of the Commissariat while still remaining a member of the Imperial Guard.{{Fn|25}}
  
 
==Notable Commissars==
 
==Notable Commissars==
 +
{{main|List of Commissars}}
 +
*Commissar-General [[Obin Heethe]]
 
*Commissar-General [[Delane Oktar]]{{Fn|8}}
 
*Commissar-General [[Delane Oktar]]{{Fn|8}}
−
*Commissar-General [[Mordred Van Horcic]]{{Fn|20}}
 
 
*Colonel-Commissar [[Ibram Gaunt]]{{Fn|8}}
 
*Colonel-Commissar [[Ibram Gaunt]]{{Fn|8}}
−
*Lord Commissar [[Gaken]]
+
*Lord Commissar [[Feodor Lasko]]
−
*Lord Commissar [[Marialis‎]]
+
*Lord Commissar [[Vance Theren]]
−
*Lord Commissar [[Barron Reed‎]]
 
−
*Lord Commissar [[Solomon Zane]]
 
 
*Lord Commissar [[Tilenus]]
 
*Lord Commissar [[Tilenus]]
−
*Lord Commissar [[Feodor Lasko]]
+
*Lord Commissar [[Mardan Tula]]
−
*Lord Commissar [[Percy Faulteroy de Ville IV]]
+
*Lord Commissar [[Lukas Uhln]]
−
*Lord Commissar [[Barthold Dorst]]
+
*Senior Commissar [[Chaonian]]
−
*Lord Commissar [[Asdan]]
+
*Commissar [[Arden (Commissar)|Arden]]
−
*Commissar [[Sebastian Yarrick]]{{Fn|1b}}
+
*Commissar [[Fidel Arden]] - 7th Mordion Regiment and took part in the pacification of [[Flotis III]]{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|7}}
−
*Commissar [[Tomas Beije]]{{Fn|13}}
+
*Commissar [[Tomas Beije]]{{Fn|13a}}
−
*Commissar [[Ciaphas Cain]]{{Fn|12}}
+
*Commissar [[Ciaphas Cain]]{{Fn|12a}}
−
*Commissar [[Raven (Commissar)|Raven]]
 
−
*Commissar [[Valker]]
 
 
*Commissar [[Viktor Hark]]{{Fn|10}}
 
*Commissar [[Viktor Hark]]{{Fn|10}}
−
*Commissar [[Broderick Worr]]
+
*Commissar [[Holt]]{{Fn|16}}
−
*Junior Commissar [[Nahum Ludd]]{{Fn|8}}
+
*Commissar [[Daridh Ahl Karif]]{{Fn|11}}
 
*Commissar [[Pius Kowle]]{{Fn|9b}}
 
*Commissar [[Pius Kowle]]{{Fn|9b}}
−
*Commissar [[Fidel Arden]]{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|7}}
+
*Commissar [[Lorr]]{{Fn|21}}
−
*Commissar [[Freud]] - took part in [[Lammas Campaign]], was attached to [[Valstadt 13th Armoured Regiment]]{{Fn|21a}}
+
*Commissar [[Victoria Linn]]
−
*Commissar [[Konstantin Garrick]] - Commissar of the [[Krieg 76th Armoured Regiment]]{{Fn|21b}}
 
−
*Commissar [[Holt]]{{Fn|16}}
 
−
*Commissar Krieglust{{Fn|25}}
 
 
*Commissar [[Odoski]]
 
*Commissar [[Odoski]]
−
*Commissar [[Daridh Ahl Karif]]{{Fn|11}}
 
 
*Commissar [[Genadey Novobazky]]{{Cite This}}
 
*Commissar [[Genadey Novobazky]]{{Cite This}}
−
*Commissar [[Severinus]]{{Fn|2a}}
+
*Commissar [[Severina Raine]]
−
*Commissar [[Tyreen]]{{Fn|22}}, see also [[Quotes Astra Militarum#T|his quote]]
+
*Commissar [[Lukas Vander]]
−
*Commissar [[Nihilius]] of the Imperial Guard [[97th Battalion]], fought on the [[Sepheris Secundus]] with the [[Brotherhood of Malice]].{{Fn|23}}
+
*Commissar [[Broderick Worr]]
−
*Commissar [[Schmidt]] - took part in the defense of the [[Imperium]] world [[Delos V]], during an invasion.{{Fn|24a}}
+
*Commissar [[Sebastian Yarrick]]{{Fn|1b}}
−
*Commissar [[Virok]] - took part in the defense of the Imperium world Delos V, during an invasion.{{Fn|24b}}
+
*Naval Commissar [[Sorenkus]]{{Fn|10}}
−
*Commissar [[Lent]]
+
*Junior Commissar [[Nahum Ludd]]{{Cite This}}
−
*Commissar [[Victoria Linn]]
+
 
−
*Senior Commissar [[Chaonian]]
+
==See Also==
 +
*[[Traitor Commissar]]
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
 
<gallery heights="170px" widths="300px" mode="packed" caption="">
 
<gallery heights="170px" widths="300px" mode="packed" caption="">
 +
Commissar9th.jpg|Commissar (9th){{Fn|20}}
 +
GauntMini9th.jpg|[[Ibram Gaunt]] (9th)
 +
Severina-Raine.jpg|[[Severina Raine]] (8th)
 +
DKOKMini2.jpg|[[Death Korps of Krieg]] Commissar
 +
CommissarMiniNew.jpg|Commissar (6th)
 +
IGLordCommissar.jpg|Commissar (5th)
 +
CommissarMini4.jpg|Comissar (4th)
 +
Armageddoncommissar.jpg|[[Steel Legion]] Commissar (3rd)
 +
Commissar2nd-2.jpg|Commissar (2nd)
 +
Commissar2nd.jpg|Commissar (1st)
 
Retribution Commissar.jpg|Commissar{{Fn|17}}
 
Retribution Commissar.jpg|Commissar{{Fn|17}}
 
Commissar_holt.jpg|Commissar [[Holt]]
 
Commissar_holt.jpg|Commissar [[Holt]]
−
Commissar.jpg|Commissar artwork (3rd edition){{Fn|2b}}
+
Commissar.jpg|Commissar artwork (3rd edition){{Fn|2}}
−
CommissarMiniNew.jpg|Commissar (6th Edition)
+
RTCommissar.jpg|Commissar artwork (1st edition){{Fn|24}}
−
IGLordCommissar.jpg|Commissar (5th edition)
 
−
Commissar1.jpg|Commissar (4th Edition)
 
−
CommissarMini2.jpg|Commissar miniature (4th Edition)
 
−
CommissarMini3.jpg|Commissar miniature (4th Edition)
 
−
CommissarMini4.jpg|Comissar miniature (4th Edition)
 
−
Armageddoncommissar.jpg|[[Armageddon]] Commissar (3rd Edition)
 
−
Commissars2nd.jpg|Commissar models (3rd Edition)
 
−
Commissar2nd.jpg|Commissar model (2nd Edition)
 
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 115: Line 124:
 
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 32
 
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 32
 
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 63
 
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 63
−
*2: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 1st Codex)]]
+
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 1st Codex)]], pg. 13
−
**{{Endn|2a}}: pg. 6
+
*{{Endn|3}}: [[White Dwarf 113 (UK)]] - ''The Pacification of Flotis III''
−
**{{Endn|2b}}: pg. 13
+
*{{Endn|4}}: [[White Dwarf 115 (UK)]] - ''Commissar Training Squads'', reprinted in [[Warhammer 40,000 Compilation]] (1991), {{Cite This}}
−
*{{Endn|3}}: [[White Dwarf#113 (UK)]] (May 1989), ''The Pacification of Flotis III''
 
−
*{{Endn|4}}: [[White Dwarf#115 (UK)]] (1989) ''Commissar Training Squads'', reprinted in [[Warhammer 40,000 Compilation]] (1991), {{Cite This}}
 
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Dark Heresy: The Inquisitor's Handbook]], {{Cite This}}
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Dark Heresy: The Inquisitor's Handbook]], {{Cite This}}
−
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Dark Heresy Core Rulebook]] pg.260
+
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Dark Heresy Core Rulebook]], pg. 260
−
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook]], pg. 7
+
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook]], pg. 7
−
*{{Endn|8}}: [[First and Only (Novel)]] by [[Dan Abnett]], {{Cite This}}
+
*{{Endn|8}}: [[First and Only (Novel)]], Part One - ''A Memory''
−
*9: [[Necropolis (Novel)]] by [[Dan Abnett]]
+
*9: [[Necropolis (Novel)]]
 
**{{Endn|9a}}: Chapter Eleven
 
**{{Endn|9a}}: Chapter Eleven
 
**{{Endn|9b}}: Chapter One
 
**{{Endn|9b}}: Chapter One
−
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Honour Guard (Novel)]] by [[Dan Abnett]], {{Cite This}}
+
**{{Endn|9c}}: Chapter Fourteen
−
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Rebel Winter (Novel)]], {{Cite This}}, p.&nbsp;52
+
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Honour Guard (Novel)]], {{Cite This}}
−
*{{Endn|12}}: [[For the Emperor (Novel)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]], Chapter One
+
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Rebel Winter (Novel)]], {{Cite This}}, pg. 52
−
*{{Endn|13}}: [[The Traitor's Hand (Novel)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]], Chapter One
+
*12: [[For the Emperor (Novel)]]
−
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Death or Glory (Novel)]] - [[Ciaphas Cain: Defender of the Imperium (Omnibus)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]]: Editorial Note after Chapter 10, p.&nbsp;116, fn. 1
+
**{{Endn|12a}}: Chapter One
−
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Duty Calls (Novel)]] - [[Ciaphas Cain: Defender of the Imperium (Omnibus)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]]: Chapter 23, p.&nbsp;449, fn. 1
+
**{{Endn|12b}}: Chapter Two
 +
**{{Endn|12c}}: Chapter Seven
 +
*13: [[The Traitor's Hand (Novel)]]
 +
**{{Endn|13a}}: Chapter One
 +
**{{Endn|13b}}: Chapter Eighteen
 +
**{{Endn|13c}}: Chapter Twenty One
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Death or Glory (Novel)]] - [[Ciaphas Cain: Defender of the Imperium (Omnibus)]], ''Editorial Note after Chapter 10'', pg. 116, fn. 1
 +
*15: [[Duty Calls (Novel)]] - [[Ciaphas Cain: Defender of the Imperium (Omnibus)]]
 +
**{{Endn|15a}}: Chapter 23, pg. 449, fn. 1
 +
**{{Endn|15b}}: Chapter 5
 
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Final Liberation: Warhammer Epic 40,000]]
 
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Final Liberation: Warhammer Epic 40,000]]
 
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution]]
 
*{{Endn|17}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution]]
−
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Codex Imperialis]], {{Cite This}}
+
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Codex Imperialis (Background Book)]], {{Cite This}}
−
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 Compendium]] pg.146
+
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 Compendium]], pg. 146
−
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Imperial Armour II - Ork, Eldar and Dark Eldar Vehicles for Warhammer 40,000]], pg. 31
+
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Avenging Son (Novel)]] Dramatis Personae
−
*21: [[Imperial Armour Volume One - Imperial Guard and Imperial Navy]]
+
*{{Endn|21}}: [[White Dwarf 203 (UK)]], pg. 67 - ''Wrath of Ulthwé''
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**{{Endn|21a}}: pg. 29
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*{{Endn|22}}: [[A Ghost Return (Short Story)]] — [[Gaunt's Ghosts: The Founding (Omnibus)]]
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**{{Endn|21b}}: pg. 35
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*{{Endn|23}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2022/10/08/warhammer-day-reveals-cadia-stands-with-an-all-new-army-set/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer Day Reveals – Cadia Stands With an All-New Army Set (posted 8/10/2022/) (last accessed 9/10/2022)
−
*{{Endn|22}}: [http://web.archive.org/web/20110211195348/http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m70041a_Strategy_cards_4 Strategy Cards] for [[Planetary Empires]] expansion game, card ''"Capture and Secure - Minor Stratagem"'', ''(saved archive page, dated February 2011, last accessed 6 October 2015)''
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*{{Endn|24}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Compendium]], pg. 19
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*{{Endn|23}}: [[Dark Heresy: Shattered Hope]], pg. 11
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*{{Endn|25}}: [[The Smallest Detail (Short Story)]]
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*24: [[Warhammer 40,000 Collectible Card Game (game system)]]: ''Battle for Delos V''
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*{{Endn|26}}: [[Commissar (Novel)]], Chapter Six - ''Integration''
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**{{Endn|24a}}: [http://imgur.com/MdWqwMR Commissar Schmidt], card description
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*{{Endn|27}}: [[Kill Team (Novel)]], Chapter Two - ''Vincularum''
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**{{Endn|24b}}: [http://imgur.com/Z4WuRKD Commissar Virok], card description
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*{{Endn|28}}: [[Chapter Approved 2001]], pg. 114
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*{{Endn|25}}: [[Codex: Astra Militarum (8th Edition)]], pg. 10
 
  
 
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Latest revision as of 15:31, 12 April 2024

Astra Militarum Symbol.png Astra Militarum Portal
Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Imperial rank; for the Novel by Andy Hoare, see Commissar (Novel).
A Commissar defying the enemy[1a]

Commissars are special Imperial officers assigned to Imperial Guard regiments and Imperial Navy ships, whose purpose is to enforce discipline and devotion to the Emperor of Mankind. Independent of the conventional Imperial Guard Hierarchy, Commissars are instead attached to the Departmento Munitorum's Commissariat and are formally part of the Militarum Tempestus.[6]

Organisation

Commissars are invariably stern and uncompromising individuals, able to keep even the most anarchic regiments in line through fear, strength and power. Every regiment has one or more attached Commissars who remain with the regiment throughout its duties. Commissars are assigned to regiments by the Departmento Munitorum's Commissariat department, which provides high-ranking commanders to Imperial Guard armies. They have authority over both the soldiers and regimental officers. Commissars have both the right and duty to immediately execute any Imperial guardsman or officer who shows cowardice or incompetence in battle. They must also ensure the regiment does not harbor the likes of Genestealer Cultists, Chaos heretics, spies, or mutants.[18][1a]

Personnel selected to become cadet Commissars are drawn from the Schola Progenium - Ecclesiarchy-run schools where the pupils have already received a strict Imperial Cult education. The training of Cadet Commissars lasts for an indeterminate length of time, and their advancement depends entirely upon the judgment of the full/senior Commissar responsible for their development. Training may involve deployment as part of a Commissar Training Squad[4] and/or secondment to an individual full/senior Commissar.[Needs Citation]

Cadet Commissars can advance to full Commissarial rank in numerous ways including immediate promotion following their grauation of the Schola Progenium, cross-promotion from Storm Trooper deployments or assignment to a Commisssar for further field training, where after which they can then be promoted or assigned to a further developmental role as a Junior Commissar.[1][26][26] Full Commissars can be further advanced to senior roles within the Commissariat such as Commissar-Captain[11], Lord Commissar[1a], or Commissar-General.[Needs Citation] The exact method of advancement to these positions is unclear.

A Commissar executes a Guardsman[19]

Commissars are considered outside the normal chain of command are enabled to take almost any actioned to sanction malfeasance within both troopers and higher officers, including summary execution and unit decimation. However their authority does have limits and commissars who greatly over-step their authority or commit some grave failure in duty can in turn face punishment, typically in the form of a commissarial tribunal were those found guilty may be sentenced to punishments such as drafting into a Penal Legion or execution. Other less formal forms of rebuke include reassignment to a less prestigous or dangerous posting. [9c][12b][12c][13b][13c]

Commissars known to have faced sanction include:

  • Commissar Moerck - charged with failing to carry out orders after he and his company were involved in a friendly-fire incident. Found guilty and was drafted into a penal legion along with his entire company of Storm Troopers.[27]
  • Commissar 'Hero' Green - refused an order to perform a suicidal assault on an objective he deemed pointless. Found guilty and was drafted into a penal legion.[28]
  • Commissar Simeon - suffered a mental breakdown during a artillery bombardment and attempted to execute his entire platoon for failing to salute. Found guilty and was drafted into a penal legion.[15b]
  • Commissar Ciaphas Cain - charged with desertion, cowardice in the face of the enemy and misappropriation of military resources during a campaign on Adumbria. Vindicated by the tribunal.[13b][13c]
  • Commissar Tomas Beije - charged with conduct unbecoming to a commissar following an attempt to intefere with Commissar Cain in the execution of his duties. Released without punishment following testimony from Commissar Cain.[13c]
  • Commissar Pius Kowle - informally dealt with. Reassigned to Verghast PDF due to the influence of Commissar Ibram Gaunt, following an incident where he ordered two troopers to be flogged to death over minor infractions.[9c]

Commissarial Ranks

Cadet Commissars

Cadet Commissars are given the standard arms and equipment of a Guardsman, although they retain their distinctive uniforms. These uniforms differ from those of a full Commissar by featuring blue trim and a specific Cadet emblem.[Needs Citation]

Their training has no set duration and a Cadet will be graduated as soon as he is deemed worthy. Part of the training of a Cadet-Commissar emphasises learning standard infantry tactics and gaining experience in situations common to standard Imperial Guardsmen. In order to ensure this, Commissar-Generals may decide to form up the Cadets under their purview into Training Squads, nine Cadets under the command of a specially chosen full Commissar.[4]

Commissar Training Squads

Commissar Training Squads are groups of Cadet-Commissars, formed up into a fighting squad and led by a full Commissar into battle. These Cadets are then trained, under battlefield conditions, in how to live, fight and even die alongside the troops they are supposed to one day inspire and discipline. They are sent into the fiercest fighting, in which they are expected to show bravery and devotion enough to earn the respect afforded to them by standard troopers. Commissar Training Squads are highly motivated and pious fighting units and an Imperial Guard force accompanied by such a squad will consider itself destined for victory.[4]

When a Commissar decides that a Cadet has failed in his duty to become a Commissar, but has not shown cowardice or insubordination, the Cadet is relieved and may be either sent to a Stormtrooper unit or become an officer in a penal battalion. Others volunteer for service in a Rogue Trader's entourage, and others may face darker destinies.[4]

Junior Commissars

A subordinate role to a full Commissar, a junior aids his senior in overseeing the regiment or ship assigned to the full Commissar, performing adjutant and investigation duties as well as Commissarial ones. Junior Commissars do appear to undertake Commissarial supervision at a regimental (or equivalent) level, starting with smaller formations, such as an individual squad.[Needs Citation]

Commissar

The standard rank of Commissar, at least one is assigned to every Imperial Guard Regiment. Their duty is to oversee the morale of the regiment, enforce discipline, and inspire the men in combat.[1a] In addition, they have the power to relieve an officer of command if they suspect that officer's judgment is impaired or otherwise flawed.[22]

Commissars are also in charge of supervising the raising of new regiments, sometimes from primitive worlds whose inhabitants are savage and do not adapt well to Imperial discipline.[1a]

Both of these roles require Commissars to lead by example, and demonstrate outstanding personal bravery on the battlefield, as an example to their men.[1a]

Commissar-Captains

A rarely seen intermediate role between full Commissar and Commissar-General, the particular role of a Commissar-Captain is unclear, other than ranking above full Commissars. They have been seen to supervise at a regimental level.[11]

Lord Commissar

Higher ranked Commissars, promoted after exemplary battlefield service. Their battlefield heroics are the thing of legends for average Guardsman.[1a]

Commissar-Generals

The most senior known rank in the Commissariat, Commissar-Generals are highly experienced Commissars, having the additional responsibilities of assigning Commissars under their command to officers and promoting cadets to full Commissar status.[8]

Colonel-Commissar

Colonel-Commissar is a very rare rank of the Imperial Guard, held usually in only extraordinary cases, and apparently referring to a Commissar who is awarded regimental command rank in the Imperial Guard itself. Though the records show the rank being held as recently as the Sabbat Worlds Crusade (Ibram Gaunt) the inherent clash between the two roles is normally seen as a threat to a regiment's discipline - Commissars maintain discipline and watch commanders, the commander leads the regiment in combat - the two roles are technically exclusive.[8][10]

PDF Commissars

A Commissar

In theory, the Commissariat has oversight authority over all branches of the Imperial military (with the obvious exceptions of the Space Marines, the Sisters of Battle, and the soldiery of the Adeptus Mechanicus), which include Planetary Defence Forces. In practice, however, only a single Commissar is assigned to the PDF of an entire planet, or even several planets in a subsector, and so plays little to no role in these forces' activities. As a result, many of these forces are ignorant that these commissars even exist. Commissars assigned to these thankless postings are usually advanced in age, or have been subject to disciplinary action[14][15a].

Some PDFs maintain their own local Commissariats. Tensions are often strained between these local units and the Imperial Commissariat, especially with issues of jurisdiction[9a], with Commissariat members even known to execute their local counterparts for overstepping their authority[5].

Notable PDF Commissariats

Commissarial Aide

Main article: Adjutant

An Astra Militarum Trooper seconded to a Commissar, to serve as an adjutant. Technically a functionary of the Commissariat while still remaining a member of the Imperial Guard.[25]

Notable Commissars

Main article: List of Commissars

See Also

Images

Sources


Imperial Guard Infantry
Command Company Command Squad • Platoon Command Squad • Scion Command Squad • Tank Commander • Regimental Advisors • Commissar • Primaris Psyker • Tech-priest Enginseer • Priest
Specialists Master of Ordnance • Breacher • Scout • Medic • Vox-Operator • Weapons Specialist • Sharpshooter • Operator
Troops Infantry Squad • Heavy Weapons Squad • Special Weapons Squad • Armoured Fist Squad • Veteran Squad • Scions Squad • Canids • Penal Legion Troopers • Ogryn Squad • Ratling Squad • Psyker Battle Squad • Rough Rider Squad • Field Ordnance Battery • Jump Trooper • H-Grade Combat Servitor


Tempestus Scion Forces
Command Commissar • Militarum Tempestus Command Squad
Troops Tempestus Scions
Vehicles Taurox Prime • Valkyrie

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