6,905
edits
Changes
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
no edit summary
}}
Officially designated as ''probitors'', they are more commonly called whiteshields, as well as ''cadets'', ''probationers'' or ''gun babies''. Whiteshields are the sons fathered by Guardsmen during their posting and raised within the regiment.{{Fn|1}} In the case of [[Cadian]] regiments, Whiteshields are instead members of their Cadia's Youth Armies.{{Fn|2}} As they are not yet considered true Guardsmen, Whiteshields do not wear unit insignia - the only markings they are allowed to wear are blank white badges as well the white helmet stripe that distinguish them. Severe disciplinary action may be given to those who decorate their uniform with badges or slogans, being seen as impudent presumption by those who have actually earned the right to be proper warriors.
Imperial Guard Regiments are generally posted to combat zones far from their homeworlds, and it is rarely practical to recruit from the homeworlds to replace casualties. Typically replenishment consists of folding in other shattered regiments together to bring them up to full strength. However, regiments that are left to garrison a world they have conquered by [[Right of Settlement]] instead gain recruits by drafting the sons of the regiment's Guardsmen when they come of age. Children fathered by Guardsmen are usually brought up within the regiment, immersing them in its culture and traditions. Early in their lives they perform menial and support duties which would otherwise eat into the regiment's fighting strength. However, as they grow older, combat training takes up more and more of their time until they are deemed ready for their first battle.{{Fn|1}}
Passing from Whiteshield to Guardsman is seen not simply as a promotion, but a changing point in a recruit's life. Only those who have distinguished themselves in battle are allowed to become guardsmen. Some regiments simply require that a whiteshield participate in battle without giving way to fear, while others require them to draw or collect a trophy of war from a foe, be it a banner or even a piece of a slain enemy. They are afterwards considered adults and given the right to wear the regimental symbols on their uniform, and are formally inducted into the Imperial Guard. More important are the unofficial rituals unique to each regiment and culture, which can include tattoos or further tests of courage such as receiving a ritual scar without a cry of pain.{{Fn|1}} Perhaps now reflecting on how lucky they were to survive, the fanatical drive to prove themselves cools and gives way to prudent experience and a more cautious will to survive now that they have earned the right to be guardsmen.{{Fn|1}}
The tradition of Whiteshields is over ten millenia old, going back as far as the [[Imperial Army]] of the [[Great Crusade]]. The [[Primarch]] [[Leman Russ (Primarch)| Leman Russ]] spoke favorably of them, having fielded them in support of his own [[Space Wolves]] during campaigns.
{{QuoteBox
|width = 50em
}}
===Cadian Whiteshields===
In the case of [[Cadian]] regiments, Whiteshields are instead members of their Cadia's Youth Armies.{{Fn|2}} They join the Youth Armies at the age of sixteen, however even prior to this all cadians by that age are trained from childhood in the usage of weapons, hand to hand training, vehicle and chemical warfare drills. By the time they are prepared to join, they are eager and rearing for their first battle. Cadian High Command does not carelessly fling these young troops into battle, nor are they offered any special consideration. Instead they fight alongside their older and more experienced comrades. It is estimated that up to half of these inductees survive to claim the rank of guardsman.{{Fn|3}}
==Notable Whiteshields==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 Compendium]], pgs. 41 & 44 — ''Rough Riders and Whiteshields''
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]], pg. 32
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Astra Militarum (6th Edition)]] - (Digital EPUB) ''Raising the Tithe''
[[Category:Troops (Astra Militarum)]]
[[de:Rekrut]]
