The Cadian Shock Troops are the Astra Militarum’s most famous regiments, raised on the fortress world of Cadia until its destruction. Their discipline and adaptability made them the model for Imperial Guard regiments across the galaxy, and their mantra ‘Cadia Stands’ still echoes in every war zone.
What are the cadian shock troops?
They’re regiments of the Astra Militarum, originally from the fortress world of Cadia at the edge of the Eye of Terror. Cadia was the Imperium’s first line of defence against Chaos incursions, so the entire population was militarised to some degree.
Cadians see warfare as their natural state. Their society revolves around military service, and they’re known for discipline, marksmanship, and tactical flexibility. Many commanders request them specifically because they can handle anything from trench warfare to armoured assaults.
- Homeworld: Cadia (destroyed)
- Sub-units: Kasrkin, Whiteshields, Spectres
- Specialties: discipline, marksmanship, regimental organisation
Why they matter
The Cadians are widely regarded as some of the best troops in the Imperium, short of the Space Marines themselves. Their reputation is so strong that other worlds copy their equipment, force organisation, and methods of war.
Even after Cadia was destroyed, the Cadians kept fighting. Veteran survivors and scattered regiments now fight even harder, and whole generations are born, raised, and trained en route to war zones. The mantra ‘Cadia Stands’ lives on because, as long as one Cadian soldier fights, Cadia isn’t truly gone.
Recruitment and training
Cadian society spurns weakness. Refusal to serve isn’t accepted, and embracing hatred of the enemy is seen as a necessary virtue for survival. Soldiers from other worlds can be inducted into their ranks if they can withstand Cadian training.
Because they’ve been deployed across the galaxy for most of their lives, Cadians draw on an immense breadth of skills. The most gifted Cadian officers use that accumulated knowledge to great effect, and many have gone on to high-ranking positions within the wider Imperial Guard.
Notable engagements and relics
The Cadians fought in the Black Crusades and countless other war zones. Their homeworld’s destruction during the 13th Black Crusade was a defining moment, but their regiments continue to serve across the galaxy.
They have their own relics, and notable regiments and individuals have made names for themselves. The Kasrkin are their elite shock troops, while the Whiteshields are young recruits. The Spectres are another specialised sub-unit.
- Kasrkin: elite Cadian shock troops
- Whiteshields: young Cadian recruits
- Spectres: specialised Cadian sub-unit
Key facts
- The Cadian Shock Troops are Astra Militarum regiments from the fortress world of Cadia.
- Cadia was destroyed, but the Cadians continue to fight across the galaxy.
- They’re known for discipline, marksmanship, and tactical adaptability.
- Their motto, ‘Cadia Stands’, is still used by their regiments.
- Many other Imperial Guard regiments copy their equipment and organisation.
- Sub-units include the Kasrkin, Whiteshields, and Spectres.
FAQ
What happened to the Cadian Shock Troops after Cadia was destroyed?
They kept fighting. Veteran survivors and regiments scattered across the galaxy now fight even more doggedly, and new generations are trained en route to war zones. The mantra ‘Cadia Stands’ remains their rallying cry.
Why are the Cadian Shock Troops so respected?
They’re renowned for their discipline, reliability, and adaptability, and they’re often considered the best troops in the Imperium outside the Space Marines. Many other worlds base their own regiments on the Cadian model.
What are the Kasrkin?
The Kasrkin are the elite shock troops of the Cadian Shock Troops, often used for the most dangerous missions. They’re a sub-unit within the broader Cadian military structure.