From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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A '''Command Squad''' is a specialized infantry unit for both the [[Space Marines]] and the [[Imperial Guard]], which typically accompanies high-ranking officers (such as Captains) into combat. They are tasked with protecting their commanding officer, and with spearheading whatever specialized combat missions he embarks on. ==Space Marines==A #redirect [[Space Marine]] Command Squad is usually formed around a [[Company]]'s [[Space Marine Captain|Captain]]. The exact makeup of the squadvaries depending on the Chapter or the Captain, but a typical [[Codex Astartes|Codex]] Squad is composed of:*A [[Space Marine Veteran Sergeant|Veteran Sergeant]] - Second in command to the Captain;*An [[Apothecary]] - equipped with a [[Narthecium]] and [[Reductor]];*A [[Company Standard Bearer]], or "Ancient" - charged with carrying the [[Company Banner]];*A [[Company Champion]] - an exceptional [[Close combat]] specialist, usually armed with a [[Power Weapon]] and [[Combat Shield]];*and two additional Marines, which are often armed with heavy ranged weapons<sup id="fn_1a_back">[[#fn_1a|[1a]]]</sup>. It is not uncommon for Space Marine Command Squads to be mounted on Space Marine Bikes if the commander they are guarding is mounted on one. The command squad may be outfitted with specialist gear such as melta bombs or storm shields, and may take a dedicated transport such as a Rhino or Razorback. Marines selected for a Command Squad are chosen not only for their combat skills, but also an equal measure of tactical and strategic aptitude. A Captain and his Command Squad inevitably go where the fighting is thickest in any battle, so only the luckiest and most experienced warriors survive more than a few battles - and those that do have proven themselves beyond all doubt, and are often nominated to succeed their Captain in the event of his death<sup id="fn_1a_back">[[#fn_1a|[1a]]]</sup>. ===Chapter Variations===The exact nature and title of a Command Squad varies between Chapters. Some examples include:*The '''Terrorblades''' of the [[Death Spectres]];*The '''Pyre Wardens''' of the [[Fire Lords]];*The '''Foeseekers''' of the [[Omega Marines]];*The '''Prognosticars''' of the [[Silver Skulls]];<sup id="fn_1a_back">[[#fn_1a|[1a]]]</sup>*The [[Wolf Guard]]s of the [[Space Wolves]]; ===Noteworthy Command Squads===*"The Lions of Macragge", [[Ultramarines]] Second Company, Captain [[Cato Sicarius]]<sup id="fn_1b_back">[[#fn_1b|[1b]]]</sup>*"The Swords of Calth", [[Ultramarines]] Fourth Company, Captain [[Uriel Ventris]]<sup id="fn_2a_back">[[#fn_2a|[2a]]]</sup> ==Imperial Guard==The [[Imperial Guard]] uses two types of Command Squad: Company Command Squads<sup id="fn_3a_back">[[#fn_3a|[3a]]]</sup> and Platoon Command Squads<sup id="fn_3c_back">[[#fn_3c|[3c]]]</sup>. ===Company Command Squads===A Company Command Squad accompanies the [[Imperial Guard Company|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<sup id="fn_3a_back">[[#fn_3a|[3a]]]</sup>. 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 [[medic]]s or vox-operators<sup id="fn_3a_back">[[#fn_3a|[3a]]]</sup>. In addition to the core command squad, a number of Regimental Advisors may be attached to the squad, depending on the combat mission, including<sup id="fn_3b_back">[[#fn_3b|[3b]]]</sup>:*[[Astropath]]s, 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 [[Lukas Alexander|General Alexander]] and up to five companions, including one or more [[Commissar]]s, [[Sanctioned Psyker]]s, [[Ministorum Priest]]s, or [[Kasrkin]] bodyguards<sup id="fn_4_back">[[#fn_4|[4]]]</sup>. ===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<sup id="fn_3c_back">[[#fn_3c|[3c]]]</sup>. 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<sup id="fn_3c_back">[[#fn_3c|[3c]]]</sup>. ==Sources== *<sup>1</sup>[[Codex: Space Marines (5th Edition)]]:**<span id="fn_1a">[[#fn_1a_back|1a]]: p. 55**<span id="fn_1b">[[#fn_1b_back|1b]]: p. 18*<sup>2</sup>[[Chapter's Due (Novel)]] by [[Graham McNeill]]:**<span id="fn_2a">[[#fn_2a_back|2a]]: Ch. 8, p. 106 (hardcover)*<sup>3</sup>[[Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition)]]:**<span id="fn_3a">[[#fn_3a_back|3a]]: p. 30**<span id="fn_3b">[[#fn_3b_back|3b]]: p. 31**<span id="fn_3c">[[#fn_3c_back|3c]]: p. 36*<span id="fn_4">[[#fn_4_back|4]]: [[Dawn of War: Dark Crusade]] {{SMInfantry}}[[Category:Troops (Space Marines)|*Command Squad]][[Category:Troops (Imperial Guard)]][[de:Kommandotrupp]]
