Sergeant (Space Marine)

"The deeds of one bold warrior can alter the course of a battle. I have four such men under my command, and our every deed changes the shape of the galaxy."

- Sergeant Daegon Incursa, Invaders Chapter

A Sergeant is an Astartes noncommissioned officer who commands each squad of the 10 companies in a standard Space Marine Chapter that follows that dictates of the Codex Astartes. Sergeants are selected from hardened veteran that have survived and thrived through several decades, or even centuries, of hard and brutal campaigning. It is essential that a Space Marine Squad is led by a canny and daring individual capable of reading the battle for opportunity, and it is quite common for squad Sergeants to be seconded from the elite 1st Company. This is to ensure that the mainstay of the Chapter's battle forces are led by the most experienced of its warriors.

History
A Sergeant, is an honoured rank amongst the Space Marines, awarded for recognition for those that have proven their mettle in the heat of battle time-and-again. These select individuals are singled out and awarded the title of Sergeant the privilege of leading a Squadron of battle-brothers into the fires of war. Sergeants undergo additional special training in leadership and tactics. Additionally, they are the leaders primarily responsible for executing a the Chapter's mission and for training their squad members so that they are prepared to execute their missions at a moment's notice. In battle, a Sergeant has the option to use a variety of weapons in battle, most Sergeants opting for a Bolt Pistol and Chainsword. The Sergeant may have fought enough battles to qualify as a Veteran. Such Veterans are often promoted to special command duties or transferred to the vaunted ranks of their Chapter's elite 1st Company.

Such is the experience wielded by the Sergeants of Tactical Squads that their seniority and authority is second only to that of their Company Captain. It is not unusual for a senior Sergeant to be given command over several other squads at the battle's onset, allowing the Captain to focus his strategic and tactical acumen on a particular area of the conflict rather than dissipating it across the battlefront. Should the Captain be slain or otherwise eliminated, command of the strike force automatically and seamlessly passes to the most senior Tactical Sergeant. Only a foolish enemy would think this to their advantage however -- any shortfall in experience a Sergeant has in comparison to his fallen Captain is more than made up for by the newfound determination to avenge his fallen commander.

Appearance
Traditionally, in Codex Chapters, a Sergeant's badge of rank is a red skull displayed on their left shoulder pad and a red helmet. Veteran Sergeants have a red helmet with a white stripe running front to back along the centre of the helm. Veterancy may also be indicated by an Imperial Laurel honour marking or a painted on white laurel.

Wargear

 * Power Armour
 * Bolt Pistol
 * [Frag Grenade]]