Imperial Guard Command Squad
The Imperial Guard 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 and Platoon Command Squads.
Company Command Squad[edit]
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. 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 specialized orderlies, such as medics or vox-operators.
A typical Company Command Squad includes a Vox-operator which receives specialist training with Guard communications equipment and often acts as an aide or adjutant to an officer. Some Vox-operators are referred to as Comms-Officers and appear to have some level of NCO authority despite being ranked as simple Guardsmen. The squad also includes a Medic which is equipped with some form of Medi-pack allowing him to patch up wounded fellow Guardsmen, a Medic is also a soldier, meaning he is as skilled at combat as any normal Guardsmen. Such battlefield medics can be referred to as Corpsman or even Orderly and do not typically rank as officers. Command Squad medics are not always true members of a regiment's medical staff, meaning they are not fully qualified Medical Officers (also known as Doctors and/or Surgeons). Such personnel often stay in the rear of the regiment, awaiting incoming casualties. There is also the Flag Bearer which is typically a veteran soldier; a standard-bearer who has the honour of carrying a Company or Regimental Standard and is used to signal and raise morale. The fourth guardsman is usually given a special weapon, such as a meltagun or flamer.
Platoon Command Squad[edit]
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. 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. Other than the difference in size, Platoon Command Squads are overall equipped and commanded with the same people.
Regimental Advisors[edit]
In addition to the core command squad, a number of Regimental Advisors may be attached to the squad, depending on the combat mission, including an Astropath to send and receive covert messages and performing 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 and plenty of Bodyguards.