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==Overview==
Every Imperial world has to provide one-tenth of its [[Planetary Defense Force]] for recruitment into the Imperial Guard. This happens in regular intervals and when required by circumstances. These recruits have to be of the highest quality and are usually recruited from the best PDF units. Regardless of their origin and after becoming a part of the Imperial Guard, these forces are all equally divided into regiments, consisting of several thousands soldiers.{{Fn|14}}
The root of this non-standardisation is the fact that every world which produces Imperial Guard regiments has its own martial traditions, practices and experiences, all combining together to dictate the manner in which that world's inhabitants choose to wage war. Despite this, it is possible to classify Imperial Guard regiments into different types by the nature of their equipment, training or battlefield role. An important point of similarity between regiments is also present in their organisation; each different regiment type is divided in a fairly similar manner within that classification.
Except in rare circumstances or within certain isolated sectors, true combined arms regiments are not normally raised within the Imperial Guard. Infantry Regiments are unlikely to contain much or any heavy artillery, while tank regiments contain little to no infantry. This was intentionally designed, as it prevents [[Traitor Guard|Traitor Regiments]] from having full arsenals should they turn against the [[Emperor]]. Thus success requires that many Regiments work together, and battlefield realities often necessitates interweaving numerous tactical operations and structures. In these scenarios, training of officers and personnel capable of operating outside of their specific Regiment's role is required, and there are several Imperial worlds that specialize in producing such soldiers. These types of personnel are keenly sought by campaign commanders.{{Fn|13a}}
Despite appearing inflexible at first-glance, Imperial Guard Regiments can be highly adaptable on the battlefield if properly led, deployed, and trained. "Combined Arms" forces are able to be organized by comprising several separate Regiments together during campaign should circumstances require it. Regiments preform together which each being a certain core role, with [[Cadian Shock Trooper]]s for instance often forming infantry "cores" alongside support squadrons of tanks and artillery. Such forces frequently also see the deployment of [[Abhuman]] auxiliaries such as [[Ogryn]]s and [[Ratling]]s.{{Fn|13a}} The Regiment is the basic building block for bigger formations, offering a wide variety of options and naming conventions. For example, nine Regiments could be combined into two Combat Commands or an Army Group with an Independent Armoured Brigade is required and has to be formed.{{Fn|14}} Regiments can also be sub-divided, most often into a number of [[Astra Militarum Company|Companies]]. These number between five and twenty-five, depending on the number of troopers in the Company itself and the quality of their equipment. Battalions are another common subdivision. They are often also called Brigades or other terms, depending on point of regimental origin. The Battalions are strictly administrative groupings, not used in combat engagements. To accomplish specific combat tasks, Regimental Battle Groups, Tasks Groups or Assault Groups may be formed, working alongside groups from other Regiments in a combined- or all-arms grouping.{{Fn|14}}
Should a Regiment survive a campaign, it is unlikely it will return to its homeworld. Instead, it will move to the next war zone. Attrition rates are rectified by amalgamating it with other regiments, and despite a few exceptions new recruits are rarely added to existing regiments. Instead, fresh recruits are put into newly raised forces. While Regiments of the same type and planetary origin are most often merged together to keep it at full strength, it is not unheard of to have two entirely different Regiments merged together. Such was the case when the [[Valhallan 611th Infantry]] was merged with the [[1082nd Recon Armoured Division]], creating the [[Voltan Recon Hussars]] whose infantry clung to the hulls of tanks. Besides doctrinal and training differences, such formations are also plagued by cultural and language barriers. Most commanders consider such regiments inefficient and wasteful but they nonetheless persist in order to quickly field large numbers of soldiers. However it is not always a failure, as was the case when the [[Catachan CLXXXII]] merged with the [[Elysian 90th]] to create the [[Prosan 314th]]. This new regiment proved itself adept at airmobile jungle warfare after being issued [[Valkyrie]]s during the [[Saikong Justification Wars]].{{Fn|13a}}
**{{Endn|13a}}: pg. 18
**{{Endn|13b}}: pg. 21
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Tactica Imperialis (Background Book)]], pg. 56
[[Category:Troops (Astra Militarum)]]
