Changes

'''Guardsman''' is the generic term for any member of the [[Imperial Guard]], regardless of rank,{{Fn|2}} but is also synonymous with the [[Imperial Guard Hierarchy|lowest enlisted rank]] of '''Trooper'''.{{Fn|4}} There are untold billions upon billions of Guardsmen in service, such that even the [[Departmento Munitorum]] has no idea of the true number of Guardsmen in existence.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|3a}} It has been remarked that if the entirety of the Astra Militarum would form up into a column, it would stretch from [[Terra]] to [[Armageddon]].{{Fn|18}} Every year, trillions of new recruits are [[Tithe|tithedtithe]] d into the Guard.{{Fn|17}} These are normal men and women of the [[Imperium]], called upon to serve the [[God-Emperor of Mankind]] and protect His realm against all threats. That they do so against a [[galaxy]] full of [[Daemon|eldritch horrors]], foul [[xenos]] and other nameless terrors is a heroic testament to their courage.{{Fn|5a}}

As a broad generalization, guardsmen are typically supplied to the [[Departmento Munitorum]] as a 1/10th of a world or system's [[Planetary Defense Force]] (PDF). Governors are expected, on pain of death, to raise and maintain a large enough PDF at any given time such that they are able to meet both a set quota of recruits while also maintaining enough forces to defend their realm. It is also a capital offense if these recruits are not supplied with appropriate uniforms, equipment, training, or if they possess [[mutant| insufficient genetic purity]]. Thus typically, guard recruits are often supplied as the best among a PDF.{{fn|24}}

'''Standard Bearers''' are Guardsmen who due to battlefield gallantry have been rewarded with the honour of holding the [[Company Standard (Guard)|Company]] or [[Regimental Standard]]. Typically operating out of [[Company Command Squad]]s, the Standard Bearer serves as a reminder for the rest of the Company to fight with duty and honorhonour.{{Fn|5f}}

The only standard piece equipment each Guardsman is guaranteed to receive is the [[Lasgun]], and even then some will go into battle without one. Not even a standard uniform exists within the Guard, each Guardsman equipped according to the traditions and resources available to their parent regiment.{{Fn|5d}} The basic equipment loadout issued by the Departmento Munitorum includes the lasgun with six [[Lasgun#Lasgun Ammunition|power packs]], enough for a minimum of 2000 shots, a [[close combat weapon]], usually a bayonet, [[frag grenade]]s, a [[laspistol]] and basic necessities like four days-[[Combat Ration Pack|ration packs]], toiletry articles and other items used on the trip to the battlefield. All in all, the standard equipment loadout weighs 25kg25 kg, not including special issue items unique to some regiments like the [[Vitrian Dragoons|Vitrian]] reflective armour.{{Fn|19}}

*{{Endn|22}}: [[Magic: The Gathering's Universes Beyond Warhammer 40,000]]
- ''Soldier Token''*{{Endn|23}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War - Soulstorm]] - Commander Screen: Honor Honour Guard List