Warhammer 40K: Astra Militarum Ranks
Ever wonder where are Guardman fall in the pecking order (hint: the bottom)? Now Games Workshop shows exactly how far down they are.
The Astra Militarum Ranks are a bit of an amalgamation of real world ranks from various armed services around the real world. Plus they have a few more thrown in for Sci-fi reasons. Today, GW has the ranks listed out from the top to bottom.
“To know your betters is a practical and spiritual imperative. Whenever challenged, failure to accurately list the ranks, designations, and titles of those who command your very life and death is a grievous offence – one punishable to the fullest extent of the Imperium’s considerable wrath.
To aid you in this simplest of memory exercises, and to commemorate the latest victories of the reigning Lord Solar, we’ve compiled a simple and straightforward primer of command ranks.”
The Imperial Guard Hierarchy is a bit confusing sometimes. That’s mostly because there are so many worlds out there and they might name the same rank something unique to their planet. But this list is the most basic version of that list.
There have also been other charts that previously illustrated the Command Hierarchy. Here was a list from the 3rd Edition, 2nd Codex of the Imperial Guard. It illustrates the General Staff which is the umbrella structure that does the planning above the Regimental Command level.
Keep in mind the General Staff also incorporates the ranks of General to Lieutenant. This can be a little confusing as there are various Generals, Lords, and Lord Generals to keep track of. The good news for the humble Guardsmen at the bottom of the ladder the just need to follow orders from anyone above them.
The image from the WarCom site does bring up a few valid questions. For starters (or may Astartes) where do Space Marines fit in the mix? I’m pretty sure a Space Marine Sergeant is going to be higher ranking than a Astra Militarum Captain. But I’m sure they both take orders from someone even higher ranking.
That also makes me wonder how the Adeptus Mechanicus fit into the command structure. I’m willing to bet all these officers (or office equivents) get together before a battle to make plans and have their uh…”discussions” with each other. And then they go back to their respective army and relay those orders. If nothing else, I bet that helps keep the vox channels clear. Space Marines don’t need to hear the sounds of all the Guardsmen’s screams in their comms afterall…
Anyhow, one last thing to remember about Astra Militarum Ranks is that orders can NEVER contradict.
“Should the Warmaster’s order contradict an order from another direct superior, refer again to the Command Structure – every order from an officer above your rank is true and absolute. Contradiction is impossible. “
See? Perfect harmony. Good ol’Command Structures. Crystal clear and perfect in every way…
Now I’m starting to understand how all those Rejects ended up in prison due to insubordination.
