Space Marines get the glory, but the Imperium survives because of ordinary men and women with lasguns. This guide answers one question: what is the Astra Militarum, and what are its famous regiments?
The short answer
The Astra Militarum, still widely called the Imperial Guard, is the Imperium's main army. It is made up of countless regiments of normal human soldiers, backed by tanks and artillery. Individually they are fragile; together they are the largest fighting force in the galaxy.
How regiments are raised
Imperial worlds must pay a tithe, and part of that tithe is soldiers. Each world raises regiments from its own population and sends them off to fight wherever they are needed, often never to return home. Because regiments come from a single world, they carry that world's culture, climate and fighting style with them. That is why Guard armies look so varied.
Famous regiments at a glance
Here are some of the best-known regiments. The colour column is our own generic guide to their classic uniforms (base / shade / highlight). Uniforms vary between individual regiments, so treat these as starting points rather than rules.
| Regiment | Home world | Known for | Classic uniform colours (base / shade / highlight) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadian Shock Troops | Cadia, a fortress world guarding the Eye of Terror | Professional, adaptable soldiers; the 'standard' Guardsmen. Their world fell to Chaos, but Cadians fight on. | Green-khaki fatigues / brown wash / pale khaki edges, with darker green armour plates |
| Catachan Jungle Fighters | Catachan, a lethal jungle death world | Tough, muscular survival experts and ambushers | Olive green trousers / dark green wash / lighter green edges, with tanned skin and red or black bandanas |
| Valhallan Ice Warriors | Valhalla, a frozen world | Grim resilience in freezing conditions | Heavy greatcoats in grey-blue or white / blue-grey wash / pale highlights, with fur trim |
| Mordian Iron Guard | Mordian, a tidally locked hive world whose inhabited side lies in perpetual darkness | Iron discipline, drill and brightly coloured uniforms | Deep blue dress uniform / dark blue wash / lighter blue edges, with red and gold |
| Tallarn Desert Raiders | Tallarn, a desert world | Mobile raiders and desert survivors | Sand and cream robes / brown wash / pale cream highlights |
| Vostroyan Firstborn | Vostroya, an industrial world allied to the Adeptus Mechanicus | Every family gives its firstborn child to the Guard, as penance for refusing troops during the Horus Heresy | Red coats / dark red-brown wash / brighter red edges, with fur hats and brass |
| Death Korps of Krieg | Krieg, a poisoned wasteland | Siege and trench warfare, and a hunger to die for the Emperor | Grey-blue or dark greatcoats / dark wash / muted highlights, with gas masks |
Krieg's story is so grim it deserves its own article: read our guide to the Death Korps of Krieg.
Commissars: discipline at gunpoint
Every Guard army includes Commissars of the Officio Prefectus. Their job is to keep morale and discipline high, and they have the authority to execute soldiers, or even officers, for cowardice or incompetence. In the background they are also inspirational leaders who can rally a breaking line, which is why they are both feared and respected.
Elite and specialist troops
- Militarum Tempestus Scions: highly trained special forces deployed for critical missions.
- Kasrkin: the elite storm troopers of the Cadian regiments.
- Armoured regiments: the Guard is famous for its tanks, from the workhorse battle tank to super-heavy behemoths.
- Abhumans: ogryns (huge, strong and not very bright) and ratlings (small, sharp-eyed snipers) serve in auxiliary roles.
Why the Guard is a great hobby army
Because regiments come from every kind of world, you can invent your own with complete freedom. A frozen world, a swamp world, a hive city: each gives you a new uniform and new basing ideas. Guard armies are also ideal for conversions, since swapping heads, arms and gear between kits makes each regiment feel unique. Our kitbashing guide for beginners is a good place to start.
Tips for painting a Guard regiment
- Pick a limited palette. One uniform colour, one armour colour and one accent are enough. Real armies look uniform.
- Batch paint. Infantry squads are large, so paint ten models one colour at a time.
- Match tanks to infantry. Using the armour colour from your troops on your vehicles makes the whole army look like one force.
Common beginner questions
Is it called the Astra Militarum or the Imperial Guard?
Both. Astra Militarum is the official High Gothic name; Imperial Guard is the older, more familiar name that most fans still use.
Do Guardsmen ever go home?
Rarely. Regiments are usually sent wherever they are needed and kept in service for as long as they survive.
Can I invent my own regiment?
Yes, and most Guard players do. A regiment needs only a home world, a uniform and a fighting style.
Quick summary
- The Astra Militarum is the Imperium's vast army of ordinary human soldiers.
- Regiments come from single worlds and reflect their home world's culture and climate.
- Commissars enforce discipline; Scions, Kasrkin and tanks provide the punch.
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Warhammer 40,000 and the names of all associated armies, characters, races, vehicles, units and places are trademarks of Games Workshop Limited, used here without permission and solely to identify the subject. This is an unofficial fan guide.