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→Battle Companies
The 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Companies are known as '''Battle Companies''', as they generally form the main battle force deployed for engagements. These are highly flexible formations that are the principle fighting forces of the Chapter. Each Company is led by a [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]] with two supporting [[Space Marine Lieutenant|Lieutenant]]s. Support staff includes a [[Chaplain]], [[Apothecary]], [[Company Champion]], and [[Company Ancient]]. [[Company Veteran]]s support the senior staff and consist of the most experienced and peerless warriors of the Company. In times of war the Battle Company may also be accompanied by one or more [[Librarian]]s and and [[Techmarine]]s. In addition to their command duties, each Company Captain also has a number of titles and duties. Examples include the 2nd Company Captain holding the title of the [[Master of the Watch]], the 4th as the [[Master of the Fleet]], and the 5th as the [[Master of the Marches]].{{Fn|20a}}
Each Battle Company principally has ten squads, six [[Battleline Squad|Battleline]], two [[Close Support Squad|Close Support]], and two [[Fire Support Squad|Fire Support]]. The Codex, however, makes provisions for there to be twenty squads, for when squads from the reserve companies are attached. Additionally a Company's squads can be split in two, forming combat squads. Each Company is in turn split into two demi-Companies, each led by a Lieutenant. The Companies go to war with their own arsenal of wargear and specialist equipment including [[Phobos Armour]], [[Gravis Armour]], [[Centurion Warsuit]]s, [[Invictor Walker|Invictor Warsuit]]s, [[Land Speeder]]s, [[Rhino]]s, [[Impulsor]]s, [[Razorback]]s, [[Space Marine Dreadnought|Dreadnought]]s, and [[Space Marine Bike|Bike]]s. An entire company can fight in stealth if there is enough Phobos Armour to equip them all. The Company Captain can request additional vehicle assets from the armoury in the form of Battle Tanks and aircraft.{{Fn|20a}}
Even the squads themselves can be broken down into a variety of roles should their Captain require it. Should 3 brothers be detached from their fire support squad to form an [[Eliminator Squad]], the remaining seven can be formed into a [[Hellblaster Squad]], pilot Invictor Warsuits, or fulfil a number of other roles including operating vehicles. Should the strength of a Battle Company be deemed insufficient, he will request support from one of the Reserve Companies, the formation of which depends on the mission. For instance, if he expects he will need fast-moving forces to rapidly secure ground or counter agile enemies, he will request Close Support Squads.