The Provisionally Prepared is a specific and unique formation within the Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) faction in Warhammer 40,000. The Astra Militarum represents the massive, unrelenting human armies of the Imperium of Man, the backbone of its military might, composed of countless soldiers, tanks, and artillery that are thrown into battle in the service of the Emperor. While the Astra Militarum lacks the superhuman abilities of Space Marines, their strength lies in sheer numbers, discipline, and the ability to endure overwhelming adversity.
Overview of the Provisionally Prepared:
The Provisionally Prepared is a formation that focuses on quick mobilization and improvised combat readiness. It is typically used in situations where the Astra Militarum must act with limited resources and time, responding rapidly to the demands of war. The soldiers and commanders of the Provisionally Prepared force are usually gritty, resourceful, and able to adapt on the fly, turning even the most unprepared or seemingly hopeless circumstances into a deadly fighting force.
This formation symbolizes the resilience and pragmatism of the Astra Militarum, showing that even when resources are scarce, the Imperium’s soldiers will fight until their last breath, using whatever they have available to them. They are not given time for full-scale preparations but must take the initiative and make do with what they have.
Key Characteristics:
Adaptable Combat Tactics: The Provisionally Prepared formation emphasizes adaptability, as the soldiers are trained to fight in any environment with limited supplies. They may not always have the most advanced or extensive weaponry, but they make up for this with tactical ingenuity and their sheer will to survive.
Rapid Mobilization: This formation is typically called upon when a force needs to respond quickly to an emerging threat. Units are rapidly assembled and deployed with whatever equipment and personnel are available, leading to a force that might be thrown into battle with hasty organization but still possesses the tenacity to succeed.
Improvised Equipment: Soldiers in the Provisionally Prepared formation may not have access to the most specialized gear or the latest technology, but they often make do with the equipment at hand. This could mean relying on standard infantry weapons, makeshift tanks, or field modifications to their gear to compensate for their lack of preparation.
Resourcefulness and Initiative: Soldiers in this formation are trained to be resourceful, thinking on their feet and utilizing their surroundings and the limited equipment they have to full effect. They can scavenge for supplies, adapt their vehicles and weapons in the field, and use guerrilla tactics to strike at the enemy where they are most vulnerable.
Low Morale but High Resilience: While the troops in the Provisionally Prepared formation may be exhausted, undersupplied, or even demoralized by the lack of resources, their resilience and determination to fulfill their duty to the Emperor mean they can push through seemingly insurmountable challenges. In battle, this leads to a gritty and determined force that is difficult to suppress entirely, even if it appears ragtag or haphazard.
Units in the Provisionally Prepared Formation:
The units in the Provisionally Prepared formation reflect the improvised nature of the force, relying heavily on the core Astra Militarum units, but with a few possible modifications based on the need for rapid deployment. Some typical units might include:
Infantry Squads: The backbone of any Astra Militarum force, these squads of guardsmen are likely to be the most numerous unit in the formation. With their lasguns, grenades, and improvised equipment, they are capable of fighting against both infantry and light vehicles. Their resilience and ability to endure constant attrition make them the ideal force in an improvised battle scenario.
Sentinels: Often used as scouting units or light skirmishers, Sentinels are versatile walkers that can be quickly deployed in a Provisionally Prepared force. Their speed and mobility make them excellent for rapid response, and they can be outfitted with different weapons based on the tactical situation. Although they are often lightly armored, their flexibility allows them to take on a variety of roles.
Chimeras: The Chimera is the main transport vehicle of the Astra Militarum, and while this formation may not have access to the most elite or advanced tanks, these armored transports are often used to quickly mobilize troops into battle. Chimeras are equipped with multi-lasers or heavy bolters, making them a useful tool for rapid infantry support.
Leman Russ Battle Tanks: If the situation allows, Leman Russ tanks may be included in the formation. While a Provisionally Prepared force may lack the heavy tanks typically assigned to specialized regiments, a few Leman Russ battle tanks could be deployed to provide the heavier fire support necessary to punch through enemy lines. The Battle Cannon, plasma cannons, and heavy bolters make them an intimidating presence on the battlefield.
Artillery and Field Guns: While not always available in large numbers, the Provisionally Prepared force may still deploy field guns such as Basilisks or Colossus Bombard artillery pieces if they are part of the immediate assets available. These pieces are used to provide long-range bombardment to soften up enemy positions before the main assault.
Combat Doctrine:
The Provisionally Prepared formation’s combat doctrine revolves around improvised tactics and adaptive strategies:
- Speed and Surprise: Units are quickly mobilized and deployed in response to emerging threats. Speed and the ability to surprise the enemy are critical, and Astra Militarum forces in this formation will often hit the enemy with a swift initial assault or ambush.
- Adaptation to Changing Circumstances: With limited preparation, Astra Militarum forces must rely on the ability of their commanders to quickly adapt to the battlefield, utilizing guerrilla tactics, field repairs, and the environment to their advantage.
- Brutal Attrition: The lack of heavy support might make this formation vulnerable in prolonged engagements. However, the Provisionally Prepared force is designed to grind down the enemy over time, relying on overwhelming numbers and resourcefulness to wear down foes bit by bit.
- Utilizing Local Resources: Often operating in hostile or unfamiliar environments, the Provisionally Prepared formation is adept at scavenging and requisitioning supplies, sometimes modifying their weapons or vehicles to overcome the odds.
Conclusion:
The Provisionally Prepared formation exemplifies the resilience and resourcefulness of the Astra Militarum in desperate situations. These soldiers may not have the luxury of preparation or high-tech weaponry, but their determination, rapid adaptability, and will to fight make them a force to be reckoned with, even in the most improvised and unfavorable conditions. Whether in response to an emergency or a sudden enemy offensive, the Provisionally Prepared Astra Militarum units embody the spirit of humanity’s endless defiance against the darkness that threatens the Imperium.