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Vanguard Space Marine

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Space Wolves Vanguard Space Marine

Vanguards are Primaris Space Marines that are ruthless killers trained in covert operation. They operate behind enemy lines as saboteurs, assassins, and infiltrators.[1]

Overview

Vanguard Space Marines are elite reconnaissance troops trained to operate without support across the deadliest frontiers of the galaxy. Ranging far ahead of the main battleline, they slip deep into hostile territory and prosecute a full-spectrum campaign against the enemy. Every component of the enemy is sabotaged and dismantled: communications are cut off, supplies are demolished, and morale is sapped by psychological terror strikes. When the enemies are on their knees, the Vanguard Space Marines emerge from the shadows to perform the killing strike. Vanguard Space Marines prove no less devastating when fighting in concert with conventional battleline troops.

First deployed on the designs of Roboute Guilliman during the Indomitus Crusade, each of the "great" Space Marine Chapters now possess their own Vanguard complement. So impressed was Guilliman with the performance of Vanguard troops that he made a number of amendments to the Codex Astartes to better accommodate them into Space Marine ranks. These new amendments see most of the great Chapters typically operating around 100 Vanguard Space Marines attached to the 10th Scout Company. These troops fall under the command of a Captain known as the Master of Reconnaissance, who is in turn supported by two Space Marine Lieutenants that have displayed an aptitude for covert operations. Even chapters that are not codex-compliant, such as the Space Wolves and Black Templars, maintain a standing formation of Vanguard Space Marines.[2]

In the years since their introduction, Vanguard Space Marines have proven vital in reclaiming worlds lost within the Dark Imperium.[2]

Space Marine formations composed entirely of Vanguards are known as Vanguard Spearheads. They have the express goal of stealthy penetrating deep into enemy territory to sabotage supplies, cause mayhem, and assassinate high-priority targets[5]. Vanguard Task Forces are another formation that can be used.[6]

Recruitment & Training

No matter their role, all Primaris Space Marines are trained and indoctrinated in Vanguard tactics and can don patterns of Mk. X Power Armour. In addition, during their time in a Chapter's Scout Company, all Space Marines are fully trained in using Vanguard armour variants and associated wargear. Battle-Brothers from a Chapter's reserve companies may be temporarily seconded to the Battle Companies as Vanguard Space Marines, taking on the colours and markings of their new company for the duration of their service.[2]

Due to their extended time behind enemy lines, Vanguard Space Marines are drilled heavily in the art of survival and self-sufficiency and have their own corps of medical specialists trained by the Apothecarion.

Equipment

Vanguard Space Marines operate a variety of equipment all geared towards stealth and covert operations. They don the stealthy Phobos Pattern or in the case of Suppressor Squads Omnis Pattern variants of the Mk.X Power Armour. They wield specialized weaponry such as Instigator Bolt Carbines, Occulus Bolt Carbines, and Accelerator Autocannons. Other specialized equipment includes Omni-Scramblers and Cameleoline Camo-Cloaks.[2]

Vanguard Spearhead formations are given access to specialized equipment, such as Morbidus Bolts, Saboteur Explosive Packs, Marksman Target-Trackers and the relic Armour Umbral.[5]

Vanguard Troops & Vehicles

Vanguard Heraldry

Chapters known to operate Vanguard Units

Notable Vanguard Space Marines

Images

Sources


Primaris Space Marine Forces
Command CaptainLieutenantChapter AncientBladeguard AncientCompany AncientChapter ChampionCompany Champion
Specialists Librarian (Vanguard Librarian) • Apothecary (Helix Adept) • Chaplain (Judicar) • Techmarine
Veterans Bladeguard VeteransCompany VeteransVeteran IntercessorsVeteran Assault Intercessors
Battleline Intercessor Squad (Heavy Intercessor) • Infiltrator Squad
Close Support Assault Intercessor SquadJump Pack Intercessor SquadInceptor SquadReiver SquadIncursor Squad
Fire Support Hellblaster SquadEradicator SquadAggressor SquadEliminator SquadSuppressor SquadDesolation SquadInfernus SquadFirestrike Servo-turretHammerfall Bunker
Walkers & Vehicles Redemptor Dreadnought (BrutalisBallistus) • Outrider BikeInvaderInvictorImpulsorGladiatorRepulsorRepulsor ExecutionerStorm SpeederAstraeus
Aircraft OverlordDrop Pod