A Brief Overview

Founding
From PDF to Imperial Guard
Organization
Equipment
Combat Doctrine
Battle Cry

“The air was filled with smoke, explosions, alien skiffs, splinter shards and dark lance bolts. To my right, I could see wreckage of at least 3 alien skimmers on the ramparts of the fortified outpost. I feared that we have arrived too late, that our brothers from Brandenburg had all been slain. Then, slicing through the din of battle, I heard a familiar rousing cry – ‘For Brandenburg! For Das Kaiser! For the Reich-Imperium!’ – and I could hardly believe my eyes. Men in field grey uniforms arose from the outpost’s rear trenches and charged with fixed bayonets! The charge struck home amongst the alien who had taken the forward trenches, and what Eldar weren’t slain by cold steel and las-fire fled pell-mell back over the ramparts. Truly, the soldiery of the Brandenburgers are what brings honour and glory to the Imperium, and makes me proud to be counted among the ranks of the Imperial Guard.”

– Lieutenant Krensky, Vanquisher commander, Sovetskii Corporate Guard,
on the actions of Kompanie III, 6^th Schutzen Regiment at the defence of Partha-1, Balau Prime

Amongst the countless regiments of the Imperial Guard, the Brandenburg Rifle Regiments – or Schutzen, in their dialect – stand out as prime examples of Imperial might. Though not as numerous as their better-known comrades from Cadia, Tallarn and Mordia, Brandenburg Schutzen units have truly made their mark wherever they have been deployed. Of the 2,178 Schutzen regiments of Brandenburg, the most famous is perhaps the 6^th Schutzen Regiment, which have been operating in the Balau Sector with much distinction.

Founding

The 6^th Schutzen Regiment’s official founding date is 2504967.M36, as part of the first raisings of 10 PDF regiments from the then newly-liberated Brandenburg agri-system. Unofficially, the regiment can actually trace its history back to pre-Imperium times, though no records exist to support this theory.

The 6^th Schutzen, and indeed all Brandenburger PDF regiments, were confined to planetary defence for two millennia. Primary activities revolved around training, manoeuvres, parades and assisting the Arbites in riot-control operations, though they were few and far between.

Things started to change in early-M38, when the 6^th Schutzen, along with the 4^th and 5^th, were shipped to quell a localized rebellion in the nearby Andalus system. Although the Brandenburgers performed with distinction and returned home glorious after a 5-year campaign, they remained PDF units, and as such did not have access to much of the Imperial armoury.

From PDF to Imperial Guard

The discovery of rich ferrite and promethium deposits in the Brandenburg system in mid-M38 changed forever the role of the planet and system within the Imperium. Within a few decades, industrial wealth came to Brandenburg as mining, refining, processing and manufacturing began to bear fruit.

This wealth brought on a re-classification of Brandenburg, and increased its Imperial tithe obligations. As part of this re-classification, Brandenburg was now required to supply Imperial Guard regiments.

Thus it was that on 0112999.M38, all regiments of Brandenburg’s standing army were elevated to and re-equipped as Imperial Guard regiments. The Kriegsmarine was formed as the planetary fleet defence, part of the Imperial Navy, but equipped and manned by Brandenburgers. The richness of the planet itself meant that manufactorums were built on and around Brandenburg, churning out everything from lasguns to Leman Russ tanks to Mars-class battlecruisers, which were not only used for Brandenburg units, but also exported to other systems.

In early-M39, Brandenburg Imperial Guard regiments, operating as Divisions, took part in numerous minor Imperial crusades throughout the galaxy. This included the cleansing of Tzcheck and the annexation of Veinnae. In late-M39, Brandenburg took part in its first major crusade in the Wokark Sector, contributing over 20 tank and infantry divisions alongside troops of the Sovetskii Imperial Guard. The 6^th Schutzen was at the forefront of all these crusades and performed with much valour. In the Workark campaign alone in which the regiment suffered 70% losses, the 6^th Schutzen was honoured with 2,956 citations, which included 915 Iron Cross 2^nd Class, 132 Iron Cross 1^st Class, and 57 higher decorations.

In M40, 6^th Schutzen was transferred to 7^th Panzer (Tank) Division and despatched to fight in the Great Europa Crusade. It was at this time that the division earned its nickname "Ghost Division" because of its ghost-like ability to seek out and destroy the forces of Chaos where the enemy least expected it. Lightning speed, concentration of force, rapid deployment and ferocious assault were the hallmarks of this division. This was in fact a new style of warfare which the Brandenburgers developed and mastered during this crusade.

The 6^th Schutzen remains within 7^th Panzer Division to this day, and have been operating within the Balau System for the past 15 years. Of particular note is the successful partnership of Kompanie III (3^rd Company) of 6^th Schutzen Regiment and Kompanie IV of 7^th Panzer Regiment, who fight together as Kampfgruppe Von Lannes.

Organization

The 6^th Schutzen Regiment largely follows standard Brandenburg Imperial Guard organization. The regiment has a nominal strength of 1,000 men, divided into 1 HQ, 1 depot and 8 line companies. Note that this nominal strength is usually expanded during wartime. 6^th Schutzen currently operates in the field with 1,017 effectives.

Like all Brandenburg Imperial Guard Regiments, the 6^th Schutzen is nominally led by an honorary regimental colonel, or Inhaber (proprietor). The current Inhaber is Archduke Karl of Berlinus Prime, the capital of Brandenburg.

The 6^th Schutzen is led in battle by Oberst (colonel) A.B. Ramsteinn. The Oberst is assisted by 5 staff. Second-in-command falls to Oberstleutnant (lieutenant colonel) J. Knoop, who also commands Kompanie I. Next in line is Oberstwachtmeister (major) G. Kriess, who also commands Kompanie II. Kompanie III-VIII are each commanded by a Hauptmann (captain).

Each Kompanie is further divided into 6 Zug (platoons) – 1 HQ, 4 Schutzen and 1 Schwerer. Each Zug is nominally commanded by an Oberleutnant (first-lieutenant), although in practice, a platoon commanded by a Feldwebel (sergeant) is not uncommon.

Note that while this organization is adhered to in general, variations can be found among different companies, whose captains customize their commands to suit localized battlefield needs.

For example, Kompanie III has only 3 rifle platoons. Its extended operations within a Panzer Division meant that it needed to be more mobile than most other companies. For this reason, its HQ and 4^th platoon have been converted to Panzergrenadier (armoured infantry), and ride into battle in Chimera APCs.

In battle, the 6th Schutzen Regiment is accompanied by 2 Reich Konsular (Commissars) of the Brandenburg Commissariat. This practice is standard in all Brandenburg Imperial Guard regiments. One Reich Konsular is assigned to the Oberst, whilst the other is usually assigned to the regiment’s hardest-fighting Kompanie. This serves to boost morale both on the battlefield, and in official communiqués at home.

Equipment

By and large, the 6^th Schutzen is equipped along the lines of standard Imperial Guard regiments. The standard-issue infantry weapon is the Stu944, the Brandenburger version of the standard Imperial Guard lasgun. However, veteran Brandenburg units like the 6^th Schutzen still employ the older KAR898 lasgun en masse. It is reported that these older lasguns are far more robust and accurate then the newer versions. Panzergrenadier units are also known to prefer the MP940 for its shorter barrel length, which are less cumbersome within the confines of a Chimera.

Platoon heavy support weapons are also Brandenburger versions of standard Imperial Guard issue. This being said, the MG942 heavy bolter, while physically identical to standard Guard heavy bolters, is actually superior due to the high standards of craftsmanship and machine-shop discipline evident in Brandenburg manufactorums. Another fine example of the results of superior Brandenburg industry is the PAK940 75mm anti-tank lascannon. Again, while physically identical to standard-issue Imperial Guard lascannons, the PAK940 boasts better accuracy, superior armor penetration and a higher rate of fire.

Note that due to the fluid style of Schutzen battlefield tactics, platoon heavy support weapons are usually restricted to the command section and perhaps one other squad in the platoon. The other squads are equipped with assault support weapons such as meltaguns and flamers to allow for rapid movement. The exception to this practice is the Kompanie Schwerer Zug, whose primary role it is to provide heavy fire support. In Kompanie III, 6^th Schutzen Regiment, the Schwerer Zug is detailed with anti-tank duty, and all its squads are equipped with the PAK940 lascannon.

Like all Brandenburger Schutzen regiments, campaign uniform and kit are patterned after Cadian regiments. This was a direct result of the first foundings of the Brandenburger PDF, which were equipped and trained by Cadian officers and sub-alterns. Interestingly, it is not uncommon for veteran units that have been on extended campaign, like the 6^th Schutzen, to stock and issue different generations of uniform and kit to their men. Thus, in Kompanie III, Zug 1 and 3 are issued with M918 pattern kit, with the distinctive ridged helmet, while Zug 2, which is largely made up of replacements, is equipped with the M936 pattern kit. It is expected that further reinforcements will be equipped with the newer M940 pattern kit with improved helmet and flak armor.

Schutzen dress uniform is patterned after Mordian examples, this being deemed most suitable. It is interesting to note that the senior Feldwebel in the company HQ and platoon Command sections often wear an abbreviated version of dress uniform into battle. This tradition is probably borne in homage of the exploits of the famous martyr Feldwebel Raizan, a hero of the Andalus campaign.

Brandenburger Schutzen regiments allow commissioned officers wide breadth when it comes to uniforms. Although standard Cadia-pattern uniforms are readily issued, officers as junior as Oberleutnants are generally allowed to wear personally-tailored uniforms, upon approval of the regimental quartermaster’s office.

Combat doctrine

All Brandenburger Schutzen regiments are highly skilled in fire and maneuver tactics. The typical veteran Schutzen Kompanie is more likely to advance rather than remain in the static fire positions commonly associated with Imperial Guard units.

This penchant for maneuver is reflected in platoon support weapons choice, where assault weapons are preferred over heavy weapons. Typically, Schutzen platoons would advance steadily forward under the fire support of platoon weapons and attached armor. In some cases, as in Kompanie III of 6^th Schutzen Regiment, it is not surprising when Schutzen platoons outflank enemy positions – on foot!

Of all 8 line companies of the 6^th Schutzen, Kompanie III is perhaps the most aggressive and invariably brings the fight to the enemy. The emphasis on maneuver is heightened further by the fact the company operates hand-in-hand with the tanks of Kompanie IV, 7^th Panzer Regiment and other armored units of 7^th Panzer Division.

Hauptmann Edward Schaeffer, commander of Kompanie III, exemplifies this doctrine by equipping himself with an ancient power sword and an equally antique plasma pistol, both being family heirlooms reflective of the ancient martial tradition of the Schaeffer spyre house of Berlinus Prime. His company HQ section are armed with pistols, swords and flamers. Often times, Hauptmann Schaeffer can be seen at the forefront of a battle leading his HQ and Panzergrenadiers into the assault, company banners flying, and supporting Chimeras and Hellhound spitting death to the enemy.

The penchant for close assault aside, Hauptmann Schaeffer is also gifted in the art of combined arms. Kampfpanzer (battle-tanks) from the 7^th Panzer Division fight side by side with Schutzen troopers in perfectly orchestrated fire and maneuver. Kompanie III typically enjoys the armored support of tanks and vehicles such as the Leman Russ, the Demolisher, the Basilisk and the Hellhound.

Battle cry

“For Brandenburg! For das Kaiser! For the million-year Reich-Imperium!”

“For Brandenburg! For the Emperor!”