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{{AstraMilitarumPortal}}
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The '''squad''' is the most basic fighting unit of the [[Imperial Guard]].
 
The '''squad''' is the most basic fighting unit of the [[Imperial Guard]].
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[[Image:Guardsman.jpg|thumb|right|Guardsman, [[Cadian Shock Troopers|Cadian 412th Shock Troops]]]]
 
[[Image:Guardsman.jpg|thumb|right|Guardsman, [[Cadian Shock Troopers|Cadian 412th Shock Troops]]]]
 
==Types of Imperial Guard Squads==
 
==Types of Imperial Guard Squads==
===Armoured Fist Squad===
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===Infantry Squad===
A common name used to refer to mechanised infantry, an Armoured Fist unit is one which goes into battle mounted in [[Chimera]]s and form the bulk of fully mechanised regiments.  Their equipment is often the same as other squads but have superior speed and tactical flexibility compared to their footslogging counterpartsThey also tend to have a higher attrition rate as they are most often used against targets for which their armoured transport is vital to successIt is quite common for individual Armoured Fist squads to be attached to non-mechanised infantry regiments to provide additional fast-moving support.{{Fn|1c}}
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[[Image:Cadian Shock Troopers Squad.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Two infantry squads of [[Cadian Shock Troopers]].]]
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The backbone of the Imperial Guard, infantry squads typically consists of a [[Imperial Guard Sergeant|Sergeant]] and nine [[Guardsmen]].  However, as with the countless billions of Guardsmen within the Imperial Guard, infantry squads from different [[regiment]]s can vary greatly between each other in tactics, training, equipment and other areasAbout the only piece of gear universally common to almost every one of them is the ubiquitous [[Lasgun]].{{Fn|1a}} Besides the Lasgun the most common load-out for the typical infantry squad includes [[Flak Armour]], some type of [[Close Combat Weapon]] and [[Frag Grenade]]s for each GuardsmanOften a Guardsman will be given a [[Vox-caster]] for better communication with other units, while another will carry a squad support weapon, such as a [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Flamer]], [[Grenade Launcher]], [[Plasma Gun]] or [[Meltagun]].  In some infantry squads two of the Guardsmen will form a heavy weapons teams.{{Fn|1e}}
  
===Command Squad===
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In some regiments each infantry squad is further divided into two five-man '''fire teams''', which allows the squad to divide if necessary and affords it greater flexibility in combat.  An '''Assistant Squad Leader''' (normally a [[Corporal]] or other [[Imperial Guard Hierarchy|non-commissioned officer]]) is usually detailed to take command if the leader is killed or incapacitated, or leads the second fire-team if the squad splits into two.{{Fn|2}}
{{main|Imperial Guard Command Squad}}
 
Command squads form the headquarters unit for many larger Imperial Guard fighting formations.
 
  
 
===Heavy Weapons Squad===
 
===Heavy Weapons Squad===
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[[Image:HWT-LK-Cadian.jpg|thumb|right|Heavy Weapon Squad Guardsmen operating a [[Lascannon]] ]]
 
Heavy weapons squads are given responsibility for their regiment's heaviest weapons and bolster the main battle line by providing close fire support.  A heavy weapon squad is made up of three heavy weapons teams, each of which is composed of a gunner and loader, for six Guardsmen and three heavy weapons.  These squads are further classified under one of three roles:{{Fn|1b}}
 
Heavy weapons squads are given responsibility for their regiment's heaviest weapons and bolster the main battle line by providing close fire support.  A heavy weapon squad is made up of three heavy weapons teams, each of which is composed of a gunner and loader, for six Guardsmen and three heavy weapons.  These squads are further classified under one of three roles:{{Fn|1b}}
 
*'''Fire Support Squads''': Armed with [[Heavy Bolter]]s or [[Autocannon]]s, these squads can suppress enemy infantry and neutralize light vehicles.
 
*'''Fire Support Squads''': Armed with [[Heavy Bolter]]s or [[Autocannon]]s, these squads can suppress enemy infantry and neutralize light vehicles.
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*'''Mortar Support Squads''': Armed with [[Mortars]], these squads are primarily used for long-range suppression or harassing fire.
 
*'''Mortar Support Squads''': Armed with [[Mortars]], these squads are primarily used for long-range suppression or harassing fire.
 
Their other equipment includes personal gear such as [[Flak armour]], a [[Close Combat Weapon]], [[Lasgun]] and [[Frag Grenade]]s.{{Fn|1e}}
 
Their other equipment includes personal gear such as [[Flak armour]], a [[Close Combat Weapon]], [[Lasgun]] and [[Frag Grenade]]s.{{Fn|1e}}
 
===Infantry Squad===
 
[[Image:Cadian_Shock_Troopers_Squad.jpg |thumb|right|300px|Two infantry squads of [[Cadian Shock Troopers]]]]
 
The backbone of the Imperial Guard, infantry squads consist of a [[Imperial Guard Sergeant|Sergeant]] and nine [[Guardsmen]].  As with the countless billions of Guardsmen within the Imperial Guard, infantry squads from different [[regiment]]s can vary greatly with each other in tactics, training, equipment and other areas.  About the only piece of gear universally common to almost every one of them is the ubiquitous [[Lasgun]].{{Fn|1a}} Besides the Lasgun the most common load-out for the typical infantry squad includes [[Flak Armour]], some type of [[Close Combat Weapon]] and [[Frag Grenade]]s for each Guardsman.  Often a Guardsman will be given a [[Vox-caster]] for better communication with other units, while another will carry a squad support weapon, such as a [[Sniper Rifle]], [[Flamer]], [[Grenade Launcher]], [[Plasma Gun]] or [[Meltagun]].  In some infantry squads two of the Guardsmen will form a heavy weapons teams.{{Fn|1e}}
 
 
In some regiments each infantry squad is further divided into two 5-man '''fire teams''', which allows the squad to divide if necessary and affords it greater flexibility in combat.  An '''Assistant Squad Leader''' (usually a [[Corporal]] or other [[Imperial Guard Hierarchy|non-commissioned officer]]) is usually detailed to take command if the leader is killed or incapacitated, or leads the second fire-team if the squad splits into two.{{Fn|2a}}
 
  
 
===Special Weapons Squad===
 
===Special Weapons Squad===
 
Many regiments maintain six-man squads of specialists armed and trained in a variety of roles, categorized under the catch-all term of special weapons squads.  Some are [[Imperial Guard Sniper|sniper]] squads, working in three two-man teams of sniper and spotter with the former armed with [[Sniper Rifle]]s for taking out enemy commanders.  Others are combat engineer teams, meant to clear trenches and destroy enemy fortifications with [[Demolition Charge]]s, [[Flamer]]s, [[Plasma Gun]]s, [[Meltagun]]s and [[Grenade Launcher]]s.  These squads will often be attached to other [[platoon]]s to provide them with their expertise.{{Fn|1b}}
 
Many regiments maintain six-man squads of specialists armed and trained in a variety of roles, categorized under the catch-all term of special weapons squads.  Some are [[Imperial Guard Sniper|sniper]] squads, working in three two-man teams of sniper and spotter with the former armed with [[Sniper Rifle]]s for taking out enemy commanders.  Others are combat engineer teams, meant to clear trenches and destroy enemy fortifications with [[Demolition Charge]]s, [[Flamer]]s, [[Plasma Gun]]s, [[Meltagun]]s and [[Grenade Launcher]]s.  These squads will often be attached to other [[platoon]]s to provide them with their expertise.{{Fn|1b}}
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===Armoured Fist Squad===
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A common name used to refer to mechanised infantry, an Armoured Fist squad goes into battle mounted in a [[Chimera]] and forms the bulk of fully mechanised regiments.  Their equipment is often the same as other squads but the addition of an armoured transport gives them superior speed and tactical flexibility compared to their footslogging counterparts.  They also tend to have a higher attrition rate as they are most often used against targets for which their Chimera is vital to success.  It is quite common for individual Armoured Fist squads to be attached to non-mechanised infantry regiments to provide additional fast-moving support.{{Fn|1c}}
  
 
===Veteran Squad===
 
===Veteran Squad===
These special squads of [[Hardened Veteran]]s are not so much a formal unit type as they are the result of attrition.  Often the only survivors of their parent company or even regiment, they are usually attached to other, newly-formed, regiments in order to pass on their hard-won skills to the new recruits.  They are given greater freedom of operation than other squads and access to a wider array of equipment as well, along with whatever they can loot from the battlefield or otherwise "borrow" from other friendly units.{{Fn|1d}}  Compared to normal infantry squads they tend to carry a greater number of squad support weapon including [[grenade launcher]]s, [[flamer]]s, [[sniper rifle]]s, [[plasma gun]]s, [[meltagun]]s and even a [[Heavy Flamer]]. Some are organised as [[grenadier]]s and wear [[carapace armour]] for additional protection, while others operate as forward sentries and equip themselves with [[camo-cloak]]s and snare mines.  Still others specialise in demolition and carry a disturbing amount of explosives in the form of [[melta bomb]]s and [[demolition charge]]s.{{Fn|1e}}
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These special squads of [[Hardened Veteran]]s are not so much a formal unit type as they are the result of attrition.  Often the only survivors of their parent company or even regiment, they are usually attached to other, newly-formed regiments in order to pass on their hard-won skills to the new recruits.  They are given greater freedom of operation than other squads and access to a wider array of equipment as well, along with whatever they can loot from the battlefield or otherwise "borrow" from other friendly units.{{Fn|1d}}  Compared to normal infantry squads they tend to carry a greater number of squad support weapon including [[grenade launcher]]s, [[flamer]]s, [[sniper rifle]]s, [[plasma gun]]s, [[meltagun]]s and even a [[Heavy Flamer]]. Some are organised as [[grenadier]]s and wear [[carapace armour]] for additional protection, while others operate as forward sentries and equip themselves with [[camo-cloak]]s and snare mines.  Still others specialise in demolition and carry a disturbing amount of explosives in the form of [[melta bomb]]s and [[demolition charge]]s. The [[Catachan Jungle Fighters]] do not contain Hardened Veterans as elite troops, instead their standard soldiers are considered to be the equivalent, having grown up and survived on the galaxy's deadliest planet.{{Fn|1e}}{{Fn|3}}
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===Command Squad===
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{{main|Imperial Guard Command Squad}}
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Command squads form the headquarters unit for many larger Imperial Guard fighting formations.
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
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**{{Endn|1d}}: Pg. 40
 
**{{Endn|1d}}: Pg. 40
 
**{{Endn|1e}}: Pg. 97
 
**{{Endn|1e}}: Pg. 97
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium]] - [[Caves of Ice (Novel)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]]
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*{{Endn|2}}: [[Caves of Ice (Novel)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]] - [[Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium (Omnibus)]], Chapter 6, pg. 354, fn. 3
**{{Endn|2a}}: Chapter 6, p. 354, fn. 3
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*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Catachan (3rd Edition)]]
 
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{{IGInfantry}}
[[Category: Imperial Guard and PDFs]]
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[[Category:Troops (Astra Militarum)]]

Revision as of 15:10, 11 January 2018

The squad is the most basic fighting unit of the Imperial Guard.

Types of Imperial Guard Squads

Infantry Squad

Two infantry squads of Cadian Shock Troopers.

The backbone of the Imperial Guard, infantry squads typically consists of a Sergeant and nine Guardsmen. However, as with the countless billions of Guardsmen within the Imperial Guard, infantry squads from different regiments can vary greatly between each other in tactics, training, equipment and other areas. About the only piece of gear universally common to almost every one of them is the ubiquitous Lasgun.[1a] Besides the Lasgun the most common load-out for the typical infantry squad includes Flak Armour, some type of Close Combat Weapon and Frag Grenades for each Guardsman. Often a Guardsman will be given a Vox-caster for better communication with other units, while another will carry a squad support weapon, such as a Sniper Rifle, Flamer, Grenade Launcher, Plasma Gun or Meltagun. In some infantry squads two of the Guardsmen will form a heavy weapons teams.[1e]

In some regiments each infantry squad is further divided into two five-man fire teams, which allows the squad to divide if necessary and affords it greater flexibility in combat. An Assistant Squad Leader (normally a Corporal or other non-commissioned officer) is usually detailed to take command if the leader is killed or incapacitated, or leads the second fire-team if the squad splits into two.[2]

Heavy Weapons Squad

Heavy Weapon Squad Guardsmen operating a Lascannon

Heavy weapons squads are given responsibility for their regiment's heaviest weapons and bolster the main battle line by providing close fire support. A heavy weapon squad is made up of three heavy weapons teams, each of which is composed of a gunner and loader, for six Guardsmen and three heavy weapons. These squads are further classified under one of three roles:[1b]

  • Fire Support Squads: Armed with Heavy Bolters or Autocannons, these squads can suppress enemy infantry and neutralize light vehicles.
  • Anti-Tank Support Squads: Armed with Lascannons or Missile Launchers, these squads are principally used to kill enemy armour or similar high-priority targets.
  • Mortar Support Squads: Armed with Mortars, these squads are primarily used for long-range suppression or harassing fire.

Their other equipment includes personal gear such as Flak armour, a Close Combat Weapon, Lasgun and Frag Grenades.[1e]

Special Weapons Squad

Many regiments maintain six-man squads of specialists armed and trained in a variety of roles, categorized under the catch-all term of special weapons squads. Some are sniper squads, working in three two-man teams of sniper and spotter with the former armed with Sniper Rifles for taking out enemy commanders. Others are combat engineer teams, meant to clear trenches and destroy enemy fortifications with Demolition Charges, Flamers, Plasma Guns, Meltaguns and Grenade Launchers. These squads will often be attached to other platoons to provide them with their expertise.[1b]

Armoured Fist Squad

A common name used to refer to mechanised infantry, an Armoured Fist squad goes into battle mounted in a Chimera and forms the bulk of fully mechanised regiments. Their equipment is often the same as other squads but the addition of an armoured transport gives them superior speed and tactical flexibility compared to their footslogging counterparts. They also tend to have a higher attrition rate as they are most often used against targets for which their Chimera is vital to success. It is quite common for individual Armoured Fist squads to be attached to non-mechanised infantry regiments to provide additional fast-moving support.[1c]

Veteran Squad

These special squads of Hardened Veterans are not so much a formal unit type as they are the result of attrition. Often the only survivors of their parent company or even regiment, they are usually attached to other, newly-formed regiments in order to pass on their hard-won skills to the new recruits. They are given greater freedom of operation than other squads and access to a wider array of equipment as well, along with whatever they can loot from the battlefield or otherwise "borrow" from other friendly units.[1d] Compared to normal infantry squads they tend to carry a greater number of squad support weapon including grenade launchers, flamers, sniper rifles, plasma guns, meltaguns and even a Heavy Flamer. Some are organised as grenadiers and wear carapace armour for additional protection, while others operate as forward sentries and equip themselves with camo-cloaks and snare mines. Still others specialise in demolition and carry a disturbing amount of explosives in the form of melta bombs and demolition charges. The Catachan Jungle Fighters do not contain Hardened Veterans as elite troops, instead their standard soldiers are considered to be the equivalent, having grown up and survived on the galaxy's deadliest planet.[1e][3]

Command Squad

Command squads form the headquarters unit for many larger Imperial Guard fighting formations.

Sources


Imperial Guard Infantry
Command Company Command SquadPlatoon Command SquadScion Command SquadTank CommanderRegimental AdvisorsCommissarPrimaris PsykerTech-priest EnginseerPriest
Specialists Master of OrdnanceBreacherScoutMedicVox-OperatorWeapons SpecialistSharpshooterOperator
Troops Infantry SquadHeavy Weapons SquadSpecial Weapons SquadArmoured Fist SquadVeteran SquadScions SquadCanidsPenal Legion TroopersOgryn SquadRatling SquadPsyker Battle SquadRough Rider SquadField Ordnance BatteryJump TrooperH-Grade Combat Servitor