Imperial Guard Command Squad
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This article is about the Imperial Guard unit; for the Space Marine unit, see Space Marine Command Squad. |
A Command Squad is a specialized unit utilized by the Imperial Guard, which typically accompanies high-ranking officers into combat. They are tasked with protecting their commanding officer, and with spearheading whatever specialized combat missions he embarks on.
The Guard uses two types of Command Squad: Company Command Squads[1a] and Platoon Command Squads[1c].
Company Command Squads
A Company Command Squad accompanies the company's senior officer into combat, and its primary function is to direct the various units of the company in order to carry out the officer's orders[1a].
A typical Company Command Squad numbers five men, including the company officer. The Guardsmen who are selected to join the Command Squad are among the Company's most competent soldiers and have often displayed exceptional gallantry. Command Squad members can expect to receive additional training as specialised orderlies, such as medics or vox-operators[1a].
In addition to the core command squad, a number of Regimental Advisors may be attached to the squad, depending on the combat mission, including[1b]:
- Astropaths, to send and receive covert messages and perform limited divination;
- A Master of Ordnance, to coordinate with the regiment's artillery companies;
- An Officer of the Fleet to liase with air- and spaceborne units;
- Bodyguards.
The 1st Kronus Regiment typically deployed a Command Squad consisting of General Alexander and up to five companions, including one or more Commissars, Sanctioned Psykers, Ministorum Priests, or Kasrkin bodyguards[2].
Platoon Command Squads
A platoon command squad serves much the same function as a Company Squad, but at the platoon level: as advisors, orderlies and bodyguards for a platoon leader[1c].
The number of Platoon Command Squads in a regiment varies tremendously, as attrition is usually high among the lower ranks, and new officers and/or platoons are being constantly created[1c].