Difference between revisions of "Imperial Guard Hierarchy"
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The '''Hierarchy of the Imperial Guard''' is complex, but not so much that it cannot be understood; the main issues of confusion arise from the sheer variety of terminology employed by the [[Imperial Guard|Guard]] and the lack of uniform standardisation across units. | The '''Hierarchy of the Imperial Guard''' is complex, but not so much that it cannot be understood; the main issues of confusion arise from the sheer variety of terminology employed by the [[Imperial Guard|Guard]] and the lack of uniform standardisation across units. | ||
| − | For example, in [[Tallarn Desert Raiders|Tallarn]] [[Imperial Guard Regiment|regiments]], the rank of '''[[Sergeant]]''' is also known as '''Duf'adar''' | + | For example, in [[Tallarn Desert Raiders|Tallarn]] [[Imperial Guard Regiment|regiments]], the rank of '''[[Sergeant]]''' is also known as '''Duf'adar'''{{Fn|1}}, and the size and composition of a typical Tallarn [[Imperial Guard Company|company]] is unlikely to match that of a company of, for instance, the [[Tanith First and Only|Tanith 1st]]. |
Bearing this in mind, the ranks and responsibilities of the Imperial Guard are outlined below. | Bearing this in mind, the ranks and responsibilities of the Imperial Guard are outlined below. | ||
==Organisation== | ==Organisation== | ||
| − | The Imperial Guard are ultimately controlled by the masters of the [[Departmento Munitorum]], who themselves are members of the [[High Lords of Terra]]. The relevant High Lords in this case are the Chancellor of the Estate Imperium, the Master of the Administratum and perhaps most importantly, the '''Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard'''. Subordinate to him are the '''Lord Commanders''' of each of the five [[Segmentum|Segmentae]] of the Imperium, ultimately in charge of all military operations in his own Segmentum. Accordingly there are Lords Commander ''Solar'', ''Pacificus'', ''Tempestus'', ''Obscurus'' and ''Ultima''. | + | The Imperial Guard are ultimately controlled by the masters of the [[Departmento Munitorum]], who themselves are members of the [[High Lords of Terra]]. The relevant High Lords in this case are the Chancellor of the Estate Imperium, the Master of the Administratum and perhaps most importantly, the '''Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard'''. Subordinate to him are the '''Lord Commanders''' of each of the five [[Segmentum|Segmentae]] of the Imperium, ultimately in charge of all military operations in his own Segmentum. Accordingly there are Lords Commander ''Solar'', ''Pacificus'', ''Tempestus'', ''Obscurus'' and ''Ultima''.{{Fn|2a}} |
| − | An unusual command rank outside the normal promotions ladder is that of '''Warmaster''', the commander of [[Crusade|Crusades]]. This rank is not reachable by any conventional means and is only bestowed by agreement of the High Lords themselves. It is unlikely that more than one Warmaster would exist at any one time in the entire Imperium and many centuries may pass without anyone holding this exalted position. | + | An unusual command rank outside the normal promotions ladder is that of '''Warmaster''', the commander of [[Crusade|Crusades]]. This rank is not reachable by any conventional means and is only bestowed by agreement of the High Lords themselves. It is unlikely that more than one Warmaster would exist at any one time in the entire Imperium and many centuries may pass without anyone holding this exalted position.{{Fn|3}} |
| − | The highest 'conventional' rank reachable in the Guard is that of '''Lord General Militant''' (or equivalent), the highest rank above the General Staff corps and one which brings with it command of armies of almost limitless number. The General Staff itself is a highly striated and decentralised formation, with its officers present in every major (and many minor) battle theatre in the Imperium. There are many variations of General Officer rank, but by nature an Imperial Guard '''General''' is likely to command battlegroups of multi-regiment force. Regimental Officers are normally holders of the rank of '''Colonel''', with each regiment's officer corps split into various senior, junior and non-commissioned positions. | + | The highest 'conventional' rank reachable in the Guard is that of '''Lord General Militant''' (or equivalent), the highest rank above the General Staff corps and one which brings with it command of armies of almost limitless number. The General Staff itself is a highly striated and decentralised formation, with its officers present in every major (and many minor) battle theatre in the Imperium. There are many variations of General Officer rank, but by nature an Imperial Guard '''General''' is likely to command battlegroups of multi-regiment force. Regimental Officers are normally holders of the rank of '''Colonel''', with each regiment's officer corps split into various senior, junior and non-commissioned positions.{{Fn|3}} |
Operating in parallel to this command tree is that of the other Imperial organisations the Guard comes into contact with, principally that of the [[Commissariat]]. Commissars are integral parts of the Imperial Guard command echelons, with every regiment having at least one Commissar attached to it, and likely more. Commissars are also normally included in any General Staff grouping. For details of the Commisariat and its own ranking-structure, see the following article: | Operating in parallel to this command tree is that of the other Imperial organisations the Guard comes into contact with, principally that of the [[Commissariat]]. Commissars are integral parts of the Imperial Guard command echelons, with every regiment having at least one Commissar attached to it, and likely more. Commissars are also normally included in any General Staff grouping. For details of the Commisariat and its own ranking-structure, see the following article: | ||
| Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
==High Command== | ==High Command== | ||
| − | At its highest level the Imperial Guard is commanded by the Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard, a member of the High Lords of Terra. The wishes of the High Lords are passed from the Lord Commander Militant to his subordinates, the Lord Commanders Segmentum, who notionally control the actions of the Imperial Guard within their Segmentum. In practice, however, the immense difficulties involved in exercising command-and-control over such distances means that actual direction of Guard forces is orchestrated by officers lower down the command tree. | + | At its highest level the Imperial Guard is commanded by the Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard, a member of the High Lords of Terra. The wishes of the High Lords are passed from the Lord Commander Militant to his subordinates, the Lord Commanders Segmentum, who notionally control the actions of the Imperial Guard within their Segmentum. In practice, however, the immense difficulties involved in exercising command-and-control over such distances means that actual direction of Guard forces is orchestrated by officers lower down the command tree.{{Fn|2}} |
| − | *[[Lord Commander Militant|Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard]]: This is the highest rank of the strategic staff of the Departmento Munitorum. A powerful official, he is often appointed to a position on the [[High Lords of Terra]], the governing body of the Imperium. | + | *[[Lord Commander Militant|Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard]]: This is the highest rank of the strategic staff of the Departmento Munitorum. A powerful official, he is often appointed to a position on the [[High Lords of Terra]], the governing body of the Imperium.{{Fn|4}} |
| − | *[[Lord Commander]]: A subordinate strategic rank, five [[Lord Commander]]s are each responsible for the Guard forces in each of the Imperium's segmentums. | + | *[[Lord Commander]]: A subordinate strategic rank, five [[Lord Commander]]s are each responsible for the Guard forces in each of the Imperium's segmentums.{{Fn|2a}} |
*[[Warmaster]]: Warmasters are created when a Crusade is being planned and resources from multiple [[sector|sectors]] are needed. The rank is not available unless granted by the [[High Lords of Terra]]. | *[[Warmaster]]: Warmasters are created when a Crusade is being planned and resources from multiple [[sector|sectors]] are needed. The rank is not available unless granted by the [[High Lords of Terra]]. | ||
*[[Lord General Militant]]: the highest conventional field rank in the Imperial Guard. They are in charge of whole battlegroups of Imperial Guard regiments and are assigned to their combat theatres by the Departmento Munitorum. | *[[Lord General Militant]]: the highest conventional field rank in the Imperial Guard. They are in charge of whole battlegroups of Imperial Guard regiments and are assigned to their combat theatres by the Departmento Munitorum. | ||
==General Staff== | ==General Staff== | ||
| − | The General Staff of the Imperial Guard is not a coherent organisation; the term is principally used to describe all officers who serve in the command echelons above those of regimental level. Most commanding officers in the staff category carry some form of General's rank, but more junior officers can also be found in the General Staff; they are drawn from regiments to act as aides and administrative assistants. They do not exercise individual authority and merely act as conduits between their superiors and other officers. A position common in the General Staff is that of '''Imperial Tactician''', a non-command rank that nevertheless is vital. Trained staff officers, Tacticians help to devise and organise battle plans and strategy. | + | The General Staff of the Imperial Guard is not a coherent organisation; the term is principally used to describe all officers who serve in the command echelons above those of regimental level. Most commanding officers in the staff category carry some form of General's rank, but more junior officers can also be found in the General Staff; they are drawn from regiments to act as aides and administrative assistants. They do not exercise individual authority and merely act as conduits between their superiors and other officers. A position common in the General Staff is that of '''Imperial Tactician''', a non-command rank that nevertheless is vital. Trained staff officers, Tacticians help to devise and organise battle plans and strategy.{{Fn|5}} |
| − | *[[Lord General]]: The highest rank available inside the General Staff, and one with a multitude of official designations. This position is also known as '''Lord Marshal''', '''Captain-General''' and also '''Lord Castellan'''. | + | *[[Lord General]]: The highest rank available inside the General Staff, and one with a multitude of official designations. This position is also known as '''Lord Marshal''', '''Captain-General''' and also '''Lord Castellan'''.{{Fn|2}} |
*[[General]]: A staff officer normally responsible for leading a multi-regiment battlegroup. | *[[General]]: A staff officer normally responsible for leading a multi-regiment battlegroup. | ||
| Line 41: | Line 41: | ||
*[[Colonel]]: Typically the commanding officer of a regiment. | *[[Colonel]]: Typically the commanding officer of a regiment. | ||
| − | *[[Major]]: The second-in-command of a regiment | + | *[[Major]]: The second-in-command of a regiment{{Fn|5}}. This rank (or equivalent) does not appear particularly universal. |
| − | *[[Imperial Guard Captain|Captain]]: Combat Unit commander, they are the most common regimental senior officers. | + | *[[Imperial Guard Captain|Captain]]: Combat Unit commander, they are the most common regimental senior officers.{{Fn|3}} |
| − | *[[Lieutenant]]: The most junior officer on the battlefield commanding Imperial Guard forces. They are generally thought as platoon leaders | + | *[[Lieutenant]]: The most junior officer on the battlefield commanding Imperial Guard forces. They are generally thought as platoon leaders{{Fn|3}} |
===Non-Commissioned Officers=== | ===Non-Commissioned Officers=== | ||
| Line 56: | Line 56: | ||
*[[Conscript]] | *[[Conscript]] | ||
| − | =Sources= | + | ==Sources== |
| − | * | + | *{{Endn|1}}: [[Desert Raiders (Novel)]] by [[Lucien Soulban]] |
| − | * | + | *{{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition)]] |
| − | ** | + | **{{Endn|2a}}: Page 7 |
| − | ** | + | **{{Endn|2b}}: Page 22 |
| − | ** | + | **{{Endn|2c}}: Page 13 |
| − | * | + | *{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]] |
| − | * | + | *{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex Imperialis]] |
| − | * | + | *{{Endn|5}}: [[Gaunt's Ghosts (Novel Series)]] by [[Dan Abnett]] |
| − | * | + | |
| − | * | + | ===Uncited=== |
| − | * | + | *[[False Gods (Novel)]] by [[Graham McNeill]] |
| − | * | + | *[[Dawn of War II: Retribution]] |
| − | * | + | *[[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War]] |
| − | * | + | *[[13th Legion (Novel)]] by [[Gav Thorpe]] |
| − | ** | + | *[[Ciaphas Cain (Novel Series)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]] |
| − | ** | + | *[[The Achilus Assault]] |
| − | * | + | **a: pgs. 21-23 |
| + | **b: pg. 133 | ||
| + | *[[Wolf's Honour (Novel)]] by [[Lee Lightner]] | ||
{{IGInfantry}} | {{IGInfantry}} | ||
Revision as of 19:25, 13 July 2012
| Imperial Guard and PDFs | Vehicles - Weapons - Wargear - Hierarchy - Regiments - Psychic Powers | ||||
- See also: Imperial Navy Hierarchy
The Hierarchy of the Imperial Guard is complex, but not so much that it cannot be understood; the main issues of confusion arise from the sheer variety of terminology employed by the Guard and the lack of uniform standardisation across units.
For example, in Tallarn regiments, the rank of Sergeant is also known as Duf'adar[1], and the size and composition of a typical Tallarn company is unlikely to match that of a company of, for instance, the Tanith 1st.
Bearing this in mind, the ranks and responsibilities of the Imperial Guard are outlined below.
Contents
Organisation
The Imperial Guard are ultimately controlled by the masters of the Departmento Munitorum, who themselves are members of the High Lords of Terra. The relevant High Lords in this case are the Chancellor of the Estate Imperium, the Master of the Administratum and perhaps most importantly, the Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard. Subordinate to him are the Lord Commanders of each of the five Segmentae of the Imperium, ultimately in charge of all military operations in his own Segmentum. Accordingly there are Lords Commander Solar, Pacificus, Tempestus, Obscurus and Ultima.[2a]
An unusual command rank outside the normal promotions ladder is that of Warmaster, the commander of Crusades. This rank is not reachable by any conventional means and is only bestowed by agreement of the High Lords themselves. It is unlikely that more than one Warmaster would exist at any one time in the entire Imperium and many centuries may pass without anyone holding this exalted position.[3]
The highest 'conventional' rank reachable in the Guard is that of Lord General Militant (or equivalent), the highest rank above the General Staff corps and one which brings with it command of armies of almost limitless number. The General Staff itself is a highly striated and decentralised formation, with its officers present in every major (and many minor) battle theatre in the Imperium. There are many variations of General Officer rank, but by nature an Imperial Guard General is likely to command battlegroups of multi-regiment force. Regimental Officers are normally holders of the rank of Colonel, with each regiment's officer corps split into various senior, junior and non-commissioned positions.[3]
Operating in parallel to this command tree is that of the other Imperial organisations the Guard comes into contact with, principally that of the Commissariat. Commissars are integral parts of the Imperial Guard command echelons, with every regiment having at least one Commissar attached to it, and likely more. Commissars are also normally included in any General Staff grouping. For details of the Commisariat and its own ranking-structure, see the following article:
High Command
At its highest level the Imperial Guard is commanded by the Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard, a member of the High Lords of Terra. The wishes of the High Lords are passed from the Lord Commander Militant to his subordinates, the Lord Commanders Segmentum, who notionally control the actions of the Imperial Guard within their Segmentum. In practice, however, the immense difficulties involved in exercising command-and-control over such distances means that actual direction of Guard forces is orchestrated by officers lower down the command tree.[2]
- Lord Commander Militant of the Imperial Guard: This is the highest rank of the strategic staff of the Departmento Munitorum. A powerful official, he is often appointed to a position on the High Lords of Terra, the governing body of the Imperium.[4]
- Lord Commander: A subordinate strategic rank, five Lord Commanders are each responsible for the Guard forces in each of the Imperium's segmentums.[2a]
- Warmaster: Warmasters are created when a Crusade is being planned and resources from multiple sectors are needed. The rank is not available unless granted by the High Lords of Terra.
- Lord General Militant: the highest conventional field rank in the Imperial Guard. They are in charge of whole battlegroups of Imperial Guard regiments and are assigned to their combat theatres by the Departmento Munitorum.
General Staff
The General Staff of the Imperial Guard is not a coherent organisation; the term is principally used to describe all officers who serve in the command echelons above those of regimental level. Most commanding officers in the staff category carry some form of General's rank, but more junior officers can also be found in the General Staff; they are drawn from regiments to act as aides and administrative assistants. They do not exercise individual authority and merely act as conduits between their superiors and other officers. A position common in the General Staff is that of Imperial Tactician, a non-command rank that nevertheless is vital. Trained staff officers, Tacticians help to devise and organise battle plans and strategy.[5]
- Lord General: The highest rank available inside the General Staff, and one with a multitude of official designations. This position is also known as Lord Marshal, Captain-General and also Lord Castellan.[2]
- General: A staff officer normally responsible for leading a multi-regiment battlegroup.
Regimental Officers
According to the Tactica Imperium, regimental leaders range in rank from Colonel to Lieutenant. In practice however, the individual regiments making up the vast Imperial Guard are drawn from so many different human worlds, and in turn, many different cultures, that between different regiments the actual name given to an officer rank can vary heavily.
Regimental officers hail from the same world as the troops they command, assuming officer rank at the initial formation of the regiment. Prior to this, they may have held positions of leadership within the Planetary Defence Force from which members of the regiment may have been drawn. In some cases, such as when a regiment is formed from a hive world gang, officers are the former leaders of the gang. A guardsman's loyalty is naturally to the colonel of his regiment and the other regimental officers, who all have a common world of origin. Regimental officers are advised not to throw the lives of their men away with impunity; those who needlessly sacrifice the men under their command are likely to end up in the Penal Legions.
- Colonel: Typically the commanding officer of a regiment.
- Major: The second-in-command of a regiment[5]. This rank (or equivalent) does not appear particularly universal.
- Captain: Combat Unit commander, they are the most common regimental senior officers.[3]
- Lieutenant: The most junior officer on the battlefield commanding Imperial Guard forces. They are generally thought as platoon leaders[3]
Non-Commissioned Officers
Sergeants, Corporals and other NCO ranks act as small unit commanders, as well as providing almost constant oversight of the main body of Guardsmen within a regiment. They carry out any tasks assigned to them by their officers and are essential to the running of the regiment.
Guardsman
The standard troopers of the Imperial Guard perform a large variety of roles which are explored in depth in the following articles:
Sources
- 1: Desert Raiders (Novel) by Lucien Soulban
- 2: Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition)
- 3: Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)
- 4: Codex Imperialis
- 5: Gaunt's Ghosts (Novel Series) by Dan Abnett
Uncited
- False Gods (Novel) by Graham McNeill
- Dawn of War II: Retribution
- Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War
- 13th Legion (Novel) by Gav Thorpe
- Ciaphas Cain (Novel Series) by Sandy Mitchell
- The Achilus Assault
- a: pgs. 21-23
- b: pg. 133
- Wolf's Honour (Novel) by Lee Lightner
| 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 |
