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{{redirect|Imperial Guard|the novels|Imperial Guard (Novel Series)}}
 
{{redirect|Imperial Guard|the novels|Imperial Guard (Novel Series)}}
[[Image:Astra Militarum Symbol.png|thumb|right|Symbol of the Astra Militarum]]
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{|hspace=5 VSPACE=5 align=right cellpadding=4 cellspacing=4 style="margin:7px; border:1px solid #090909"
[[Image:IGArtCodex.jpg|thumb|right|420px|The Astra Militarum]]
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|colspan=2 align="center"|'''Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)'''                   
The '''Astra Militarum''', commonly known as '''Imperial Guard''', is the primary fighting force of the [[Imperium]], so numerous in size that even the [[Departmento Munitorum]] cannot place a figure on the number of [[Guardsmen]] under arms at any one time; the lists of new recruits and toll of casualties can run into the millions in a single day. It would be unfeasible trying to put any exact number on the strength of the Guard; however, it is believed that there must be many billions of Guardsmen, divided into millions of [[regiment]]s. This absolute numeracy provides the Guard with its main power; their ability to deploy in numbers that, eventually, result in victory. Attacking in seemingly endless influxes across battle-zones, charging forth under the cover of massive barrages and delivering massed [[lasgun]] volleys, in the Guard the individual [[Human]] soldier may appear a lost thing, almost forgotten. Yet the actions of these anonymous soldiers daily decide the fate of worlds. In times of crisis the Imperial Guard will call upon their deadliest of soldiers, whether they are the Imperium's famed [[Storm Troopers]] or the regimental elite [[Kasrkin]] and [[Grenadiers]].{{Fn|1}}
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|-
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|align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Image:Astra Militarum Symbol.png|80px]]
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|-
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|'''Parent Agency'''
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Adeptus Administratum]]
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|-
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|'''Headquarters'''
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Terra]]
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|-
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|'''Leader'''
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|[[Lord Commander Militant]]
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|-
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|'''Established'''
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|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:95%;font:95%"|Post-[[Horus Heresy]], [[M31]] (preceded by [[Imperial Army]])
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|}
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[[Image:IGArtCodex.jpg|thumb|right|420px|The Astra Militarum{{Fn|10c}}]]
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The '''Astra Militarum''', commonly known in [[Low Gothic]] as '''Imperial Guard''', is the primary fighting force of the [[Imperium of Man]], so numerous in size that even the [[Departmento Munitorum]] cannot place a figure on the number of [[Guardsmen]] under arms at any one time; the lists of new recruits and toll of casualties can run into the millions in a single day.{{Fn|1}}
 +
 
 +
It would be unfeasible trying to put any exact number on the strength of the Guard; however, it is believed that there must be many billions of Guardsmen, divided into millions of [[regiment]]s. This absolute numeracy provides the Guard with its main power; their ability to deploy in numbers that, eventually, result in victory. Attacking in seemingly endless influxes across battle-zones, charging forth under the cover of massive barrages and delivering massed [[lasgun]] volleys, in the Guard the individual [[Human]] soldier may appear a lost thing, almost forgotten. Yet the actions of these anonymous soldiers daily decide the fate of worlds. In times of crisis the Imperial Guard will call upon their deadliest of soldiers, whether they are the Imperium's famed [[Storm Troopers]] or the regimental elite [[Kasrkin]] and [[Death Korps Grenadiers]].{{Fn|1}}
  
 
The Guard forms the very backbone of the Imperium; without it, Mankind would surely perish. Whilst regular Guardsmen are hardly the equals of [[Space Marines]], fighting neither with the advantages of genetic enhancement or the most powerful personal weaponry, the Guard possesses the courage and the manpower to face and annihilate the enemies of the [[Emperor]] across the galaxy.{{Fn|2a}}
 
The Guard forms the very backbone of the Imperium; without it, Mankind would surely perish. Whilst regular Guardsmen are hardly the equals of [[Space Marines]], fighting neither with the advantages of genetic enhancement or the most powerful personal weaponry, the Guard possesses the courage and the manpower to face and annihilate the enemies of the [[Emperor]] across the galaxy.{{Fn|2a}}
  
== Origins of the Astra Militarum==
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==Origins of the Astra Militarum==
 
{{Main|Imperial Army}}
 
{{Main|Imperial Army}}
The Astra Militarum, as the standing Human armed force of the Imperium, can trace its origin back to the days of the [[Great Crusade]], several millennia ago, when it was a somewhat different organisation known as the [[Imperial Army]]. Following the events of the [[Horus Heresy]], however, the Imperial Army was split into two organisations; the Astra Militarum, and the [[Imperial Navy]]. This was done to prevent the possibility of large-scale rebellions occurring again, as the new regulations ensured that the link between fleet and army was severed.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2b}}
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The Astra Militarum, as the standing Human armed force of the Imperium, can trace its origin back to the days of the [[Great Crusade]], several millennia ago, when it was a somewhat different organisation known as the [[Imperial Army]]. Following the events of the [[Horus Heresy]], however, the Imperial Army was split into two organisations; the Astra Militarum, and the [[Imperial Navy]]. This was done to prevent the possibility of large-scale rebellions occurring again, as the new regulations ensured that the link between fleet and army was severed.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2b}}
  
 
Since then, the Imperial Guard has endured the vast majority of the fighting in the Imperium's wars. Defending all fronts simultaneously, the Astra Militarum has crushed rebellions and alien empires alike.{{Fn|1b}}
 
Since then, the Imperial Guard has endured the vast majority of the fighting in the Imperium's wars. Defending all fronts simultaneously, the Astra Militarum has crushed rebellions and alien empires alike.{{Fn|1b}}
  
 
==Astra Militarum Structure==
 
==Astra Militarum Structure==
[[Image:AMStructure.jpg|thumb|right|320px|Astra Militarum structure]]
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[[Image:AMStructure.jpg|thumb|right|320px|Astra Militarum administrative structure{{Fn|10}}]]
 
{{Main|Astra Militarum Hierarchy}}
 
{{Main|Astra Militarum Hierarchy}}
  
 
The Astra Militarum has numerous subdivisions, most notable of which are the [[Militarum Vendorum]], [[Militarum Ordinatus]], [[Militarum Auxilla]], [[Militarum Tempestus]], and [[Militarum Regimentos]]. In turn, the Astra Militarum is overseen by the [[Departmento Munitorum]]'s [[Officio Prefectus]] (also known as the '''Commissariat''').{{Fn|10}}
 
The Astra Militarum has numerous subdivisions, most notable of which are the [[Militarum Vendorum]], [[Militarum Ordinatus]], [[Militarum Auxilla]], [[Militarum Tempestus]], and [[Militarum Regimentos]]. In turn, the Astra Militarum is overseen by the [[Departmento Munitorum]]'s [[Officio Prefectus]] (also known as the '''Commissariat''').{{Fn|10}}
  
The Astra Militarum's fighting forces are organised into largely autonomous [[regiment]]s. These regiments are raised by the worlds of the Imperium that have been classified as fit for such a purpose. These regiments can be sent anywhere in the galaxy, potentially serving in designated combat-zones for years at a time{{Fn|1}}It is not considered likely that any Guardsman will return to their world of origin; a fading memory of home is considered one of the average Guardsman's most constant companions.{{Fn|4}}
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The Astra Militarum's fighting forces are organised into largely autonomous [[regiment]]s. These regiments are raised by the worlds of the Imperium that have been classified as fit for such a purpose. These regiments can be sent anywhere in the galaxy, potentially serving in designated combat-zones for years at a time.{{Fn|1}} It is not considered likely that any Guardsman will return to their world of origin; a fading memory of home is considered one of the average Guardsman's most constant companions.{{Fn|4}}
 
[[Image:IGHierarchy.jpg|thumb|right|Command Structure of the Astra Militarum{{Fn|3}}]]
 
[[Image:IGHierarchy.jpg|thumb|right|Command Structure of the Astra Militarum{{Fn|3}}]]
Whilst individual regiments are commanded by their own officers, when regiments are combined together to form a battlegroup, overall command is often placed with a general staff specifically created for the purpose by the [[Departmento Munitorum]].{{Fn|3}} Such [[officer]]s and [[Imperial Tactician|tacticians]] are highly trained in their esoteric art of commanding from the rear, and often stand in stark contrast to regimental commanders at the front, who more often than not lead by example.{{Fn|1}}
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Whilst individual regiments are commanded by their own officers, when regiments are combined together to form a battlegroup, overall command is often placed with a [[General Staff]] specifically created for the purpose by the [[Departmento Munitorum]].{{Fn|3}} Such [[officer]]s and [[Imperial Tactician|tacticians]] are highly trained in their esoteric art of commanding from the rear, and often stand in stark contrast to regimental commanders at the front, who more often than not lead by example.{{Fn|1}}
  
 
===Command Structure===
 
===Command Structure===
 
{{Main|Departmento Munitorum}}
 
{{Main|Departmento Munitorum}}
The Astra Militarum is ultimately run by the Departmento Munitorum, who have three seats on the council of the [[High Lords of Terra]]. It provides all the supplies, equipment, training, and also some of the representatives sent to worlds with an Astra Militarum presence. While they do not directly control the prosecution of Imperial military strategy, they have devolved power to different sections of the Imperium, at the planetary level, [[subsector]] level and [[sector]] level. Each world compares the threat posed to them against a previously defined threat-level and if it is deemed dangerous enough, the threat is passed to the subsector level and troops from surrounding worlds may be mobilised. If the threat increases further a full scale request to the sector level can see hundreds of worlds mobilising and converging on one system or group of systems.{{Fn|3}}  
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{{Main|General Staff}}
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The Astra Militarum is ultimately run by the Departmento Munitorum, who have three seats on the council of the [[High Lords of Terra]]. It provides all the supplies, equipment, training, and also some of the representatives sent to worlds with an Astra Militarum presence. While they do not directly control the prosecution of Imperial military strategy, they have devolved power to different sections of the Imperium, at the planetary level, [[subsector]] level and [[sector]] level. Each world compares the threat posed to them against a previously defined threat-level and if it is deemed dangerous enough, the threat is passed to the subsector level and troops from surrounding worlds may be mobilised. If the threat increases further a full scale request to the sector level can see hundreds of worlds mobilising and converging on one system or group of systems.{{Fn|3}}  
  
 
However this process is notoriously slow and inefficient due to the size and scope of the Imperium and its bureaucracy. A plea for aid may not be acted on for months, years, or even decades. As a result, cries for reinforcements can go unheeded for eons and fleets often arrive to find that the planet they were sent to aid has long since been destroyed.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2c}}
 
However this process is notoriously slow and inefficient due to the size and scope of the Imperium and its bureaucracy. A plea for aid may not be acted on for months, years, or even decades. As a result, cries for reinforcements can go unheeded for eons and fleets often arrive to find that the planet they were sent to aid has long since been destroyed.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2c}}
  
 
===Regimental Structure===
 
===Regimental Structure===
[[File:Guard trench.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Troops of the Astra Militarum]]
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[[File:Guard trench.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Troops of the Astra Militarum{{cite this}}]]
 
{{Main|Astra Militarum Regiment}}
 
{{Main|Astra Militarum Regiment}}
The regiment is the primary unit of the Astra Militarum. Recruited from a single planet at a single raising, it is founded as a complete entity, complete with its own officer, supply, and support cadres. It should be noted however, that like most everything else in the Guard, the precise details of even these essential elements can vary widely from world to world. Whilst the majority of the regiment, even the non-combatant personnel, will come from their founding world, the [[Commissar]]s assigned to it are always off-worlders.{{Fn|3}}
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The regiment is the primary unit of the Astra Militarum. Recruited from a single planet at a single raising, it is founded as a complete entity, complete with its own officer, supply, and support cadres. It should be noted however, that like most everything else in the Guard, the precise details of even these essential elements can vary widely from world to world. Whilst the majority of the regiment, even the non-combatant personnel, will come from their founding world, the [[Commissar]]s assigned to it are always off-worlders.{{Fn|3}}
  
After being raised, the regiment is shipped to its posting; they receive their training during the voyage. Their posting can be directly into the heart of a warzone, or it may be to garrison or outpost duty.
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After being raised, the regiment is shipped to its posting; they receive their training during the voyage. Their posting can be directly into the heart of a warzone, or it may be to garrison or outpost duty.{{Cite this}}
  
An Astra Militarum regiment is essentially a temporary unit, unlike the Space Marine [[chapter]]s. After being formed they normally receive no further reinforcements. It is rarely practical for regiments to receive new recruits from their [[homeworld]]s to replace casualties, mainly due to the immense distances between a regiment's homeworld and its posting. The costs, risks, and time-lag difficulties involved in transporting relatively few soldiers to reinforce their brethren rarely justify themselves, especially when alternate and more efficient means of reinforcement tend to exist. If on garrison or outpost duty, an Astra Militarum regiment may be able to recruit from the local population. If on active combat duty, two or more under-strength regiments may be merged together in order to create a new regiment at full strength.{{Fn|5}} This can result in regiments being bolstered by troopers from their own homeworld, such as in the case of the [[Valhallan 597th Ice Warriors]]{{Fn|6}}, or can result in a true mongrel unit, with the Guardsmen included coming from several different worlds (such as the [[Tanith First and Only]]).{{Fn|7}}
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An Astra Militarum regiment is essentially a temporary unit, unlike the Space Marine [[chapter]]s. After being formed they normally receive no further reinforcements. It is rarely practical for regiments to receive new recruits from their [[homeworld]]s to replace casualties, mainly due to the immense distances between a regiment's homeworld and its posting. The costs, risks, and time-lag difficulties involved in transporting relatively few soldiers to reinforce their brethren rarely justify themselves, especially when alternate and more efficient means of reinforcement tend to exist. If on garrison or outpost duty, an Astra Militarum regiment may be able to recruit from the local population. If on active combat duty, two or more under-strength regiments may be merged together in order to create a new regiment at full strength.{{Fn|5}} This can result in regiments being bolstered by troopers from their own homeworld, such as in the case of the [[Valhallan 597th Ice Warriors]]{{Fn|6}}, or can result in a true mongrel unit, with the Guardsmen included coming from several different worlds (such as the [[Tanith First and Only]]).{{Fn|7}}
  
If any regiment survives for long enough, it can eventually receive reinforcement from children born to the Guardsmen who have been raised inside the regiment and can normally be expected to join it upon reaching the required age. These new recruits, officially designated as "probiters", but more commonly called [[Whiteshield]]s, are formed into their own platoons where they receive their latter combat training by taking part in actual combat, until they are ready to join the regiment as Guardsmen proper.{{Fn|5}}
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If any regiment survives for long enough, it can eventually receive reinforcement from children born to the Guardsmen who have been raised inside the regiment and can normally be expected to join it upon reaching the required age. These new recruits, officially designated as "probiters", but more commonly called [[Whiteshield]]s, are formed into their own platoons where they receive their latter combat training by taking part in actual combat, until they are ready to join the regiment as Guardsmen proper.{{Fn|5}}
  
 
One known notable exception to this reinforcement rule is that of [[Vostroyan Firstborn]] regiments; due to the peculiar background of the [[Vostroya]]ns, their Guard regiments are reinforced in the field by new recruits sent out by their homeworld, despite the difficulties involved.{{Fn|8}}
 
One known notable exception to this reinforcement rule is that of [[Vostroyan Firstborn]] regiments; due to the peculiar background of the [[Vostroya]]ns, their Guard regiments are reinforced in the field by new recruits sent out by their homeworld, despite the difficulties involved.{{Fn|8}}
  
When reinforcement does not occur, for whatever reason, regiments may find themselves gradually depleted through casualties until they are destroyed in battle or mustered out for meritorious service. The former incidence is much more likely to occur than the latter.{{Fn|5}}
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When reinforcement does not occur, for whatever reason, regiments may find themselves gradually depleted through casualties until they are destroyed in battle or mustered out for meritorious service. The former incidence is much more likely to occur than the latter.{{Fn|5}}
  
 
===The Regiments of the Astra Militarum===
 
===The Regiments of the Astra Militarum===
 
{{Main|Regiments of the Astra Militarum}}
 
{{Main|Regiments of the Astra Militarum}}
[[Image:IGCommandersArt.jpg|thumb|right|Imperial Guard Commanders analyze a battlefield]]
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[[Image:IGCommandersArt.jpg|thumb|right|Imperial Guard Commanders analyze a battlefield{{Fn|10a}}]]
There are countless thousands of regiments spread throughout the galaxy. Some are garrisoning worlds, others are part of campaigns or crusades and some have even been forgotten about by the Departmento Munitorum and [[Administratum]]. As such there has never been and never will be an absolutely complete list of regiments available for combat.
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There are countless thousands of regiments spread throughout the galaxy. Some are garrisoning worlds, others are part of campaigns or crusades and some have even been forgotten about by the Departmento Munitorum and [[Administratum]]. As such there has never been and never will be an absolutely complete list of regiments available for combat.{{citethis}}
  
 
Some of the most notable regiments include:
 
Some of the most notable regiments include:
*[[Armageddon Steel Legion]]
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*[[Armageddon Steel Legion]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Attilan Rough Riders]]
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*[[Attilan Rough Riders]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Cadian Shock Troopers]]
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*[[Cadian Shock Troopers]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Catachan Jungle Fighters]]
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*[[Catachan Jungle Fighters]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Death Korps of Krieg]]
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*[[Death Korps of Krieg]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Elysian Drop Troops]]
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*[[Elysian Drop Troops]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Mordian Iron Guard]]
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*[[Mordian Iron Guard]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Tallarn Desert Raiders]]
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*[[Tallarn Desert Raiders]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Tanith First and Only]]
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*[[Tanith First and Only]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Valhallan Ice Warriors]]
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*[[Valhallan Ice Warriors]]{{Fn|10b}}
*[[Vostroyan Firstborn]]
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*[[Vostroyan Firstborn]]{{Fn|10b}}
  
Other, lesser known, regiments are:
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Other, lesser known, regiments are:  
*[[13th Penal Legion]]
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*[[13th Penal Legion]]{{Fn|2d}}
*[[Anthonian Tunnel Rats]]
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*[[Athonian Tunnel Rats]]{{Fn|13a}}
*[[Faeburn Vanquishers]]
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*[[Faeburn Vanquishers]]{{Fn|13a}}
*[[Harakoni Warhawks]]
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*[[Harakoni Warhawks]]{{Fn|2d}}
*[[Indigan Praefects]]
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*[[Indigan Praefects]]{{Fn|13a}}
*[[Kanak Skull Takers]]
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*[[Kanak Skull Takers]]{{Fn|3a}}
*[[Mordant Acid Dogs]]
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*[[Mordant Acid Dogs]]{{Fn|13a}}
*[[Miasman Redcowls]]
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*[[Miasman Redcowls]]{{Fn|13a}}
*[[Praetorian Guard]]
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*[[Praetorian Guard]]{{Fn|14}}
*[[Savlar Chem Dogs]]
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*[[Savlar Chem Dogs]]{{Fn|3a}}
*[[Terrax Guard]]
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*[[Terrax Guard]]{{Fn|3a}}
*[[Truskan Snowhounds]]
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*[[Truskan Snowhounds]]{{Fn|13a}}
*[[Ventrillian Nobles]]
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*[[Ventrillian Nobles]]{{Fn|13a}}
*[[Vresh Grenadiers]]
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*[[Vresh Grenadiers]]{{Fn|13a}}
  
 
===Heroes of the Astra Militarum===
 
===Heroes of the Astra Militarum===
[[Image:IGDeployments8th.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Imperial Guard deployments across the Galaxy]]
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[[Image:IGDeployments8th.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Imperial Guard deployments across the Galaxy{{Fn|13d}}]]
Certain members of regiments have become famous throughout a region, or sometimes the entire Imperium. They are often the officers or commanders rather than individual guardsmen and they are remembered as saviours of humanity, seen spreading the light of the Emperor far and wide, or protecting it from the ravages of [[Xenos]], [[mutant]]s and heretics. Some of these figures are listed below.
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Certain members of regiments have become famous throughout a region, or sometimes the entire Imperium. They are often the officers or commanders rather than individual guardsmen and they are remembered as saviours of humanity, seen spreading the light of the Emperor far and wide, or protecting it from the ravages of [[Xenos]], [[mutant]]s and heretics. Some of these figures are listed below.{{citethis}}
  
*[[Lord Commander Solar]] [[Macharius (Character)|Macharius]]
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*[[Lord Commander Solar]] [[Macharius (Character)|Macharius]]{{Fn|2f}}
*[[Warmaster]] [[Macaroth]]
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*[[Lord Commander Solar]] [[Arcadian Leontus]]
*[[Warmaster]] [[Slaydo]]
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*[[Warmaster]] [[Macaroth]]{{Fn|17}}
*[[Lord Castellan]] [[Ursarkar E. Creed]]
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*[[Warmaster]] [[Slaydo]]{{Fn|17}}
*[[Commissar]] [[Sebastian Yarrick]]
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*[[Lord Castellan]] [[Ursarkar E. Creed]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Commissar]] [[Ciaphas Cain]]
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*[[Lord Castellan]] [[Ursula Creed]]
*[[Commissar#Colonel-Commissar|Colonel-Commissar]] [[Ibram Gaunt]]
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*[[Commissar]] [[Sebastian Yarrick]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Commander]] [[Kubrik Chenkov]]
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*[[Commissar]] [[Ciaphas Cain]]{{Fn|18}}
*[[Colonel]] [[Schaeffer]]
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*[[Commissar#Colonel-Commissar|Colonel-Commissar]] [[Ibram Gaunt]]{{Fn|17}}
*[[Colonel]] [[Straken|'Iron Hand' Straken]]
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*[[Commander]] [[Kubrik Chenkov]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Captain]] [[Al'rahem]]
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*[[Commissar]] [[Severina Raine]]
*[[Captain]] [[Mogul Kamir]]
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*[[Colonel]] [[Schaeffer]]{{Fn|2g}}
*[[Tank Commander]] [[Pask]]
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*[[Colonel]] [[Straken|'Iron Hand' Straken]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Harker]]
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*[[Imperial Guard Captain|Captain]] [[Al'rahem]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Sergeant]] [[Lukas Bastonne]]
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*[[Imperial Guard Captain|Captain]] [[Mogul Kamir]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Nork Deddog]] - [[Catachan Jungle Fighters|Catachan]] [[Ogryn]] commander and legendary bodyguard
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*[[Tank Commander]] [[Pask]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Sly Marbo]] - [[Catachan Jungle Fighters|Catachan]] sniper known as the One Man Army
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*[[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Harker]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Stumper Muckstart]] - [[Ratling]] sharpshooter
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*[[Colour Sergeant]] [[Jarran Kell]]{{Fn|2e}}
*[[Ollanius Pius]] - Patron saint of the Astra Militarum
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*[[Imperial Guard Sergeant|Sergeant]] [[Lukas Bastonne]]{{Fn|2e}}
 +
*[[Conscript]] [[Minka Lesk]]{{Fn|20}}
 +
*[[Nork Deddog]] - [[Catachan Jungle Fighters|Catachan]] [[Ogryn]] commander and legendary bodyguard{{Fn|2e}}
 +
*[[Sly Marbo]] - [[Catachan Jungle Fighters|Catachan]] sniper known as the One Man Army{{Fn|2e}}
 +
*[[Stumper Muckstart]] - [[Ratling]] sharpshooter{{Fn|12b}}
 +
*[[Ollanius Pius]] - Patron saint of the Astra Militarum{{Fn|19}}
  
 
==The Astra Militarum on the Field of Battle==
 
==The Astra Militarum on the Field of Battle==
 
{{Main|Astra Militarum Armoury}}
 
{{Main|Astra Militarum Armoury}}
[[Image:ImperialGuardCadians.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Astra Militarum - Cadian Shock Troops]]
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[[Image:ImperialGuardCadians.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Astra Militarum - Cadian Shock Troops{{Fn|3b}}]]
  
The Astra Militarum's countless regiments include all manner of infantry, cavalry - mechanised and mounted alike - artillery, and war engines. Each particular regiment is normally uniform in organisation inside itself, and often seem to specialise in one particular form of war. For instance, light infantry regiments can barely demonstrate any motorised transport and certainly possess no weapons that are not man-portable. In contrast, an artillery regiment contains little else. This ensures that the Imperial Guard are at their strongest when multiple regiments are massed together, and is itself another deliberate structure to ensure that large-scale rebellion by a military commander is difficult to organise.{{Fn|1}}
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The Astra Militarum's countless regiments include all manner of infantry, cavalry - mechanised and mounted alike - artillery, and war engines. Each particular regiment is normally uniform in organisation inside itself, and often seem to specialise in one particular form of war. For instance, light infantry regiments can barely demonstrate any motorised transport and certainly possess no weapons that are not man-portable. In contrast, an artillery regiment contains little else. This ensures that the Imperial Guard are at their strongest when multiple regiments are massed together, and is itself another deliberate structure to ensure that large-scale rebellion by a military commander is difficult to organise.{{Fn|1}}
  
The armoury of the Astra Militarum is vast and covers many aspects of the equipment necessary for the survival of a fighting force in many different environments. It ranges from portable [[Vox-caster]]s, communications units, to medals denoting promotion and excellence in battle.{{Fn|3}}
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The armoury of the Astra Militarum is vast and covers many aspects of the equipment necessary for the survival of a fighting force in many different environments. It ranges from portable [[Vox-caster]]s, communications units, to medals denoting promotion and excellence in battle.{{Fn|3}}
  
Despite the technological immensity that the Astra Militarum can deliver to the battlefield, the cold fact of the matter is that the most important resource of the Guard is the seemingly limitless number of bodies it can deploy to contest its objectives. It does not matter the number of casualties it may take to win a battle. The Imperial Guard will devote many thousands of men to overcome a small goal as the Space Marines would devote a few hundred. Obviously, a Guardsman could never possess the battle prowess of a Space Marine, but there are many millions of Guardsmen for just that one Space Marine.
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Despite the technological immensity that the Astra Militarum can deliver to the battlefield, the cold fact of the matter is that the most important resource of the Guard is the seemingly limitless number of bodies it can deploy to contest its objectives - each imperial world is obligated to make available for recruitment 10% of its armed forces per year, and armies may be gathered from a 10,000 light-year radius.{{Fn|11a}} It does not matter the number of casualties it may take to win a battle. The Imperial Guard will devote many thousands of men to overcome a small goal as the Space Marines would devote a few hundred. Obviously, a Guardsman could never possess the battle prowess of a Space Marine, but there are many millions of Guardsmen for just that one Space Marine.{{Cite this}}
  
==Heirlooms of the Astra Militarum==
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==Relics of the Astra Militarum==
Due to the organization of the Astra Militarum various wrolds and regiments have their own heirlooms, comparable to the heirlooms owned by each Space Marine Chapters. Nonetheless there are certain rare relics that ware worn or wielded by several different officers, commissars or other individuals of the Imperial Guard.
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Due to the organization of the Astra Militarum various wrolds and regiments have their own heirlooms, comparable to the heirlooms owned by each Space Marine Chapters. Nonetheless there are certain rare relics that ware worn or wielded by several different officers, commissars or other individuals of the Imperial Guard.{{Cite this}}
  
Famous heirloom are:
+
Famous heirlooms include:
*The [[Blade of Conquest]]
+
*The [[Blade of Conquest]]{{Fn|10d}}
*The [[Dagger of Tu'Sakh]]
+
*The [[Dagger of Tu'Sakh]]{{Fn|15}}
*The [[Deathmask of Ollanius]]
+
*The [[Deathmask of Ollanius]]{{Fn|10d}}
*The [[Emperor's Benediction]]
+
*The [[Emperor's Benediction]]{{Fn|10d}}
*[[Kurov's Aquila]]
+
*[[Kurov's Aquila]]{{Fn|10d}}
*The [[Laurels of Command]]
+
*The [[Laurels of Command]]{{Fn|10d}}
*The [[Tactical Auto-Reliquary of Tyberius]]
+
*The [[Tactical Auto-Reliquary of Tyberius]]{{Fn|10d}}
  
Regiment specific heirlooms are:
+
Regiment specific heirlooms include:
*The [[Armour of Graf Toschenko]] (Vostroya)
+
*The [[Armour of Graf Toschenko]] (Vostroya){{Fn|13b}}
*[[Celeritas]] (Cadia)
+
*[[Celeritas]] (Cadia){{Fn|16}}
*[[Claw of the Desert Tigers]] (Tallarn)
+
*[[Claw of the Desert Tigers]] (Tallarn){{Fn|13b}}
*The [[Iron Left]] (Cadia)
+
*The [[Iron Left]] (Cadia){{Fn|16}}
*[[Kabe's Herald]] (Cadia)
+
*[[Kabe's Herald]] (Cadia){{Fn|16}}
*[[Mamorph Tuskblade]] (Catachan)
+
*[[Mamorph Tuskblade]] (Catachan){{Fn|13b}}
*[[Order of the Iron Star of Mordian]] (Mordian)
+
*[[Order of the Iron Star of Mordian]] (Mordian){{Fn|13b}}
*[[Pietrov's MK 45]] (Valhalla)
+
*[[Pietrov's MK 45]] (Valhalla){{Fn|13b}}
*[[Relic of Lost Cadia]] (Cadia)
+
*[[Relic of Lost Cadia]] (Cadia){{cite this}}
*[[Skull Mask of Acheron]] (Armageddon)
+
*[[Skull Mask of Acheron]] (Armageddon){{Fn|13b}}
*The [[Standard of the Lost 113th]] (Cadia)
+
*The [[Standard of the Lost 113th]] (Cadia){{Fn|16}}
*[[Volkov's Cane]] (Cadia)
+
*[[Volkov's Cane]] (Cadia){{Fn|16}}
*[[Wrath of Cadia]] (Cadia)
+
*[[Wrath of Cadia]] (Cadia){{Fn|16}}
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
Line 149: Line 173:
 
*[[Ordo Tempestus]]
 
*[[Ordo Tempestus]]
  
 
+
==Sources==
 
{{cite}}
 
{{cite}}
 
==Sources==
 
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook]], {{Cite This}}
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 5th Edition Rulebook]], {{Cite This}}
 
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 6
 
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 6
Line 160: Line 182:
 
**{{Endn|2b}}: pg. 6
 
**{{Endn|2b}}: pg. 6
 
**{{Endn|2c}}: pg. 7
 
**{{Endn|2c}}: pg. 7
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]]
+
**{{Endn|2d}}: pgs. 25-27
*{{Endn|4}}: [[The Killing Ground (Novel)]] by [[Graham McNeill]], Chapter Twelve
+
**{{Endn|2e}}: pgs. 57-67
 +
**{{Endn|2f}}: pg. 13
 +
**{{Endn|2g}}: pg. 99
 +
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]]{{Cite This}}
 +
**{{Endn|3a}}: pgs. 60-61
 +
**{{Endn|3b}}: Cover
 +
*{{Endn|4}}: [[The Killing Ground (Novel)]], Chapter Twelve
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 Compendium]], pg. 44
 
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 Compendium]], pg. 44
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Ciaphas Cain (Novel Series)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]]
+
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Ciaphas Cain (Novel Series)]]{{Cite This}}
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Gaunt's Ghosts (Novel Series)]] by [[Dan Abnett]]
+
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Gaunt's Ghosts (Novel Series)]]{{Cite This}}
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Rebel Winter (Novel)]] by [[Steve Parker]], {{Cite This}}
+
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Rebel Winter (Novel)]], {{Cite This}}
 
*{{Endn|9}}: [[The Art of Warhammer 40,000]], pg. 72
 
*{{Endn|9}}: [[The Art of Warhammer 40,000]], pg. 72
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Codex: Astra Militarum]] - ''The Astra Militarum''
+
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Codex: Astra Militarum (6th Edition)]] - ''The Astra Militarum''
 +
**{{Endn|10a}}: ''Company Organization''
 +
**{{Endn|10b}}: ''Regiments of Distinction''
 +
**{{Endn|10c}}: ''In The Emperor's Name''
 +
**{{Endn|10d}}: ''Heirlooms of Conquest''
 +
*11: [[Imperial Munitorum Manual]]:
 +
**{{Endn|11a}}: pg. 14
 +
*12: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (2nd Edition)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|12a}}: pg. 7
 +
**{{Endn|12b}}: pg. 89
 +
*13: [[Codex: Astra Militarum (8th Edition)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|13a}}: pgs. 26-29
 +
**{{Endn|13b}}: pg. 139
 +
**{{Endn|13d}}: pg. 16
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [[The Thirteenth Black Crusade (Background Book)]], pg. 91
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2017/09/29/regimental-focus-armageddon-sep29gw-homepage-post-2/ Regimental Focus: Armageddon] (dead link)
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [[War Zone Damocles: Mont'ka]] pg. 167 - Heirlooms of Cadia
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [[First and Only (Novel)]] — [[The Founding (Omnibus)]], Part Five, Chapter One
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [[ For The Emperor (Novel)]] – Chapter 1
 +
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Realm of Chaos: The Lost and the Damned]], pg. 174
 +
*{{Endn|20}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/03/08/minka-lesk-charges-from-page-to-plastic-with-a-stunning-black-library-miniature/ Warhammer Community: Minka Lesk Charges From Page to Plastic With a Stunning Black Library Miniature (posted 8/3/2023)] (last accessed 8/3/2023)
 +
 
 
{{ImperiumOrg}}
 
{{ImperiumOrg}}
 +
 
[[Category:Astra Militarum and PDFs| ]]
 
[[Category:Astra Militarum and PDFs| ]]
 +
[[Category:Adeptus Terra]]
 +
[[Category:Imperial Armed Forces]]
 +
 
[[de:Imperiale Armee]]
 
[[de:Imperiale Armee]]
 
[[fr:Garde Impériale]]
 
[[fr:Garde Impériale]]

Latest revision as of 22:33, 15 March 2024

Targetdrone.gif Imperial Guard redirects here. For the novels, see Imperial Guard (Novel Series).
Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard)
Astra Militarum Symbol.png
Parent Agency Adeptus Administratum
Headquarters Terra
Leader Lord Commander Militant
Established Post-Horus Heresy, M31 (preceded by Imperial Army)
The Astra Militarum[10c]

The Astra Militarum, commonly known in Low Gothic as Imperial Guard, is the primary fighting force of the Imperium of Man, so numerous in size that even the Departmento Munitorum cannot place a figure on the number of Guardsmen under arms at any one time; the lists of new recruits and toll of casualties can run into the millions in a single day.[1]

It would be unfeasible trying to put any exact number on the strength of the Guard; however, it is believed that there must be many billions of Guardsmen, divided into millions of regiments. This absolute numeracy provides the Guard with its main power; their ability to deploy in numbers that, eventually, result in victory. Attacking in seemingly endless influxes across battle-zones, charging forth under the cover of massive barrages and delivering massed lasgun volleys, in the Guard the individual Human soldier may appear a lost thing, almost forgotten. Yet the actions of these anonymous soldiers daily decide the fate of worlds. In times of crisis the Imperial Guard will call upon their deadliest of soldiers, whether they are the Imperium's famed Storm Troopers or the regimental elite Kasrkin and Death Korps Grenadiers.[1]

The Guard forms the very backbone of the Imperium; without it, Mankind would surely perish. Whilst regular Guardsmen are hardly the equals of Space Marines, fighting neither with the advantages of genetic enhancement or the most powerful personal weaponry, the Guard possesses the courage and the manpower to face and annihilate the enemies of the Emperor across the galaxy.[2a]

Origins of the Astra Militarum

Main article: Imperial Army

The Astra Militarum, as the standing Human armed force of the Imperium, can trace its origin back to the days of the Great Crusade, several millennia ago, when it was a somewhat different organisation known as the Imperial Army. Following the events of the Horus Heresy, however, the Imperial Army was split into two organisations; the Astra Militarum, and the Imperial Navy. This was done to prevent the possibility of large-scale rebellions occurring again, as the new regulations ensured that the link between fleet and army was severed.[1a][2b]

Since then, the Imperial Guard has endured the vast majority of the fighting in the Imperium's wars. Defending all fronts simultaneously, the Astra Militarum has crushed rebellions and alien empires alike.[1b]

Astra Militarum Structure

Astra Militarum administrative structure[10]

The Astra Militarum has numerous subdivisions, most notable of which are the Militarum Vendorum, Militarum Ordinatus, Militarum Auxilla, Militarum Tempestus, and Militarum Regimentos. In turn, the Astra Militarum is overseen by the Departmento Munitorum's Officio Prefectus (also known as the Commissariat).[10]

The Astra Militarum's fighting forces are organised into largely autonomous regiments. These regiments are raised by the worlds of the Imperium that have been classified as fit for such a purpose. These regiments can be sent anywhere in the galaxy, potentially serving in designated combat-zones for years at a time.[1] It is not considered likely that any Guardsman will return to their world of origin; a fading memory of home is considered one of the average Guardsman's most constant companions.[4]

Command Structure of the Astra Militarum[3]

Whilst individual regiments are commanded by their own officers, when regiments are combined together to form a battlegroup, overall command is often placed with a General Staff specifically created for the purpose by the Departmento Munitorum.[3] Such officers and tacticians are highly trained in their esoteric art of commanding from the rear, and often stand in stark contrast to regimental commanders at the front, who more often than not lead by example.[1]

Command Structure

Main article: Departmento Munitorum
Main article: General Staff

The Astra Militarum is ultimately run by the Departmento Munitorum, who have three seats on the council of the High Lords of Terra. It provides all the supplies, equipment, training, and also some of the representatives sent to worlds with an Astra Militarum presence. While they do not directly control the prosecution of Imperial military strategy, they have devolved power to different sections of the Imperium, at the planetary level, subsector level and sector level. Each world compares the threat posed to them against a previously defined threat-level and if it is deemed dangerous enough, the threat is passed to the subsector level and troops from surrounding worlds may be mobilised. If the threat increases further a full scale request to the sector level can see hundreds of worlds mobilising and converging on one system or group of systems.[3]

However this process is notoriously slow and inefficient due to the size and scope of the Imperium and its bureaucracy. A plea for aid may not be acted on for months, years, or even decades. As a result, cries for reinforcements can go unheeded for eons and fleets often arrive to find that the planet they were sent to aid has long since been destroyed.[1a][2c]

Regimental Structure

Troops of the Astra Militarum[Needs Citation]

The regiment is the primary unit of the Astra Militarum. Recruited from a single planet at a single raising, it is founded as a complete entity, complete with its own officer, supply, and support cadres. It should be noted however, that like most everything else in the Guard, the precise details of even these essential elements can vary widely from world to world. Whilst the majority of the regiment, even the non-combatant personnel, will come from their founding world, the Commissars assigned to it are always off-worlders.[3]

After being raised, the regiment is shipped to its posting; they receive their training during the voyage. Their posting can be directly into the heart of a warzone, or it may be to garrison or outpost duty.[Needs Citation]

An Astra Militarum regiment is essentially a temporary unit, unlike the Space Marine chapters. After being formed they normally receive no further reinforcements. It is rarely practical for regiments to receive new recruits from their homeworlds to replace casualties, mainly due to the immense distances between a regiment's homeworld and its posting. The costs, risks, and time-lag difficulties involved in transporting relatively few soldiers to reinforce their brethren rarely justify themselves, especially when alternate and more efficient means of reinforcement tend to exist. If on garrison or outpost duty, an Astra Militarum regiment may be able to recruit from the local population. If on active combat duty, two or more under-strength regiments may be merged together in order to create a new regiment at full strength.[5] This can result in regiments being bolstered by troopers from their own homeworld, such as in the case of the Valhallan 597th Ice Warriors[6], or can result in a true mongrel unit, with the Guardsmen included coming from several different worlds (such as the Tanith First and Only).[7]

If any regiment survives for long enough, it can eventually receive reinforcement from children born to the Guardsmen who have been raised inside the regiment and can normally be expected to join it upon reaching the required age. These new recruits, officially designated as "probiters", but more commonly called Whiteshields, are formed into their own platoons where they receive their latter combat training by taking part in actual combat, until they are ready to join the regiment as Guardsmen proper.[5]

One known notable exception to this reinforcement rule is that of Vostroyan Firstborn regiments; due to the peculiar background of the Vostroyans, their Guard regiments are reinforced in the field by new recruits sent out by their homeworld, despite the difficulties involved.[8]

When reinforcement does not occur, for whatever reason, regiments may find themselves gradually depleted through casualties until they are destroyed in battle or mustered out for meritorious service. The former incidence is much more likely to occur than the latter.[5]

The Regiments of the Astra Militarum

Imperial Guard Commanders analyze a battlefield[10a]

There are countless thousands of regiments spread throughout the galaxy. Some are garrisoning worlds, others are part of campaigns or crusades and some have even been forgotten about by the Departmento Munitorum and Administratum. As such there has never been and never will be an absolutely complete list of regiments available for combat.[Needs Citation]

Some of the most notable regiments include:

Other, lesser known, regiments are:

Heroes of the Astra Militarum

Imperial Guard deployments across the Galaxy[13d]

Certain members of regiments have become famous throughout a region, or sometimes the entire Imperium. They are often the officers or commanders rather than individual guardsmen and they are remembered as saviours of humanity, seen spreading the light of the Emperor far and wide, or protecting it from the ravages of Xenos, mutants and heretics. Some of these figures are listed below.[Needs Citation]

The Astra Militarum on the Field of Battle

Astra Militarum - Cadian Shock Troops[3b]

The Astra Militarum's countless regiments include all manner of infantry, cavalry - mechanised and mounted alike - artillery, and war engines. Each particular regiment is normally uniform in organisation inside itself, and often seem to specialise in one particular form of war. For instance, light infantry regiments can barely demonstrate any motorised transport and certainly possess no weapons that are not man-portable. In contrast, an artillery regiment contains little else. This ensures that the Imperial Guard are at their strongest when multiple regiments are massed together, and is itself another deliberate structure to ensure that large-scale rebellion by a military commander is difficult to organise.[1]

The armoury of the Astra Militarum is vast and covers many aspects of the equipment necessary for the survival of a fighting force in many different environments. It ranges from portable Vox-casters, communications units, to medals denoting promotion and excellence in battle.[3]

Despite the technological immensity that the Astra Militarum can deliver to the battlefield, the cold fact of the matter is that the most important resource of the Guard is the seemingly limitless number of bodies it can deploy to contest its objectives - each imperial world is obligated to make available for recruitment 10% of its armed forces per year, and armies may be gathered from a 10,000 light-year radius.[11a] It does not matter the number of casualties it may take to win a battle. The Imperial Guard will devote many thousands of men to overcome a small goal as the Space Marines would devote a few hundred. Obviously, a Guardsman could never possess the battle prowess of a Space Marine, but there are many millions of Guardsmen for just that one Space Marine.[Needs Citation]

Relics of the Astra Militarum

Due to the organization of the Astra Militarum various wrolds and regiments have their own heirlooms, comparable to the heirlooms owned by each Space Marine Chapters. Nonetheless there are certain rare relics that ware worn or wielded by several different officers, commissars or other individuals of the Imperial Guard.[Needs Citation]

Famous heirlooms include:

Regiment specific heirlooms include:

See also

Sources


Modern Imperial Organizations
Adeptus Terra Adeptus Administratum (Adeptus AstartesDepartmento MunitorumAstra MilitarumOrdo TempestusImperial FleetImperial NavyMerchant FleetPraeses MercaturaNavis NobiliteOfficio AssassinorumEstate ImperiumTemplars PsykologisOfficio SabatorumOfficio MedicaeOfficio AgricultaeOfficio LogisticarumDepartmento ExactaAstra CartographicaLogis StrategosDepartmento ColoniaDepartmento ProcessiumDepartmento of Final ConsiderationDepartmento ContagioDepartmento GradioQuestio LogisticusRogue TradersImperial Commanders) • Adeptus Astra Telepathica (Sisters of SilenceLeague of Black ShipsScholastica Psykana) • Adeptus AstronomicaAdeptus ArbitesAdeptus CustodesQuestor Imperialis (House Guard) • Adeptus FidiciusSynopticon
Adeptus Mechanicus Cult MechanicusCollegia TitanicaLegiones SkitariiQuestor Mechanicus (House Guard) • Centurio OrdinatusOrdo ReductorLegio CyberneticaAuxilia MyrmidonPrefecture MagisteriumBasilikon AstraDivisio LinguisticaExploratorSect Missionarius MechanicusCollegiate ExtremisAstynomia
Adeptus Ministorum Holy SynodAdepta Sororitas (Sisters of Battle) • Schola ProgeniumMissionarius GalaxiaCreed TemporalFrateris Militia
Inquisition Ordo MalleusOrdo HereticusOrdo XenosOrdo Minoris