Led by the irrepressible Colonel-Commissar Ibram Gaunt, the Tanith First and Only are a reconnaissance regiment without peer in the Astra Militarum. So named for being the only survivors of their ill-fated homeworld, the soldiers who became known as Gaunt's Ghosts are expert woodsmen marked by their distinctive camouflage cloaks, which allow them to perform feats of incredible stealth worthy of their moniker.

The Astra Militarum is a vast fighting formation and for its operations to go smoothly a substantial command structure is needed. Company Commanders are escorted by a hand-picked retinue of battle-scarred veterans who support their leader in the field. Depending on the situation, they can either lead the charge into the enemy or form the immovable centre of the Astra Militarum line.

Though much of an infantry regiment is made up of rank-and-file Guardsmen, those soldiers with an affinity for bulky and more complicated weaponry are often gathered together within a dedicated heavy weapons company. Individual squads are then assigned to other companies as platoon-support units, where they bolster the battle line and provide close fire support.

Imperial Guard platoons are made up of several ten-man squads. In the face of the enemy the serried ranks of the Imperial Guard are trained to stand firm and respond with a steady aim. When sergeants bellow the rank and file obey; backs stiffen and lasguns level with the foe. Opponents charging at Imperial Guard positions must first survive a blazing hail of lasfire, a fusillade that can stem the tide of all but the most determined assault.

A single super-heavy tank is a dominant presence in an Astra Militarum battle line. As it ploughs inexorably forward it lays down a wide path of destruction. Enemy ranks shatter long before it reaches their position, and those unlucky few who are able to maintain their defensive formations are ground to paste under the slab-like plates of its tracks. The Baneblade is the most common variant of super-heavy tank. Its primary weapon – the fearsome baneblade cannon – is capable of delivering apocalyptic bombardments at a terrifying range.