Guilliman's Strategic Choices: An Analysis of the Imperial Guard's Armament

Many have questioned why Lord Colonel General Ro'Matis Guilliman, the Primarch of Salamanders, does not focus more on improving the Imperial Guard's equipment. After all, in a setting as perilous as the Imperium's, shouldn't every advantage be utilized?

Why the Imperial Guard's Gear is Already Effective

Firstly, it is worth noting that the current gear of the Imperial Guard is quite effective. Most critically, they excel in logistics, with the lasgun being a prime example. A reliable weapon with nearly infinite ammo, the lasgun can be recharged almost anywhere and is a dream for any logistician. The lasgun's versatility also makes it invaluable, even functioning as a grenade in dire situations.

The Venerable Lasgun

As stated by Maor the Scarred Siege-Champion of the Scargivers, any legionnaire who scoffs at a lasgun has not faced a hundred of them charging across an open field. The lasgun is a weapon that can deliver devastating firepower. It has a strong kick but can still kill anything without armor, and enough of them can kill even armored enemies. The fast shot speed and blistering accuracy make aiming almost instant, allowing even novices to train into proficient users quickly.

Comparing Lasgun to Other Weapons

Another advantage of the lasgun is its cost efficiency. It costs far less than a bolter, which is crucial given the vast scale of the Imperial Guard. Furthermore, the lasgun's armor penetration capabilities are remarkable. While not as thick as space marine armor, it can often deflect powerful weapons and shrug off low-caliber shots. This is particularly beneficial in typical encounters faced by most Imperial Guard regiments.

Improvement vs. Cost Analysis

While there is certainly room for improvement, the cost analysis becomes a significant factor. Equipping the Imperial Guard with carapace armor could improve their survivability but would be too expensive compared to the current flak armor. Additionally, while advancements in lasgun technology might offer benefits, the Mechanicus (the Imperial technicians) are typically more focused on preservation than innovation.

Conclusion: Guilliman's Holistic Strategy

In conclusion, while the Imperial Guard could benefit from some upgrades, the current equipment serves them well in their immense and varied missions. Lord Guilliman's strategic choices reflect a careful balance between efficiency, cost, and effectiveness. A more nuanced understanding reveals a thoughtful approach to equipping a force as vast and varied as the Imperial Guard.