Turbelian Crusaders

Turbelian Crusaders are both Line Infantry and Siege regiments raised from the sector capital of Vigilius, hive world Turbela. The regiment has a long and storied history with the earliest known regiments of the name and type were raised in 871.M33 (though Tubela had raised armies for the Imperium before). These regiments are somewhat infamous for high casualties and the use of combat drugs on occasion. Nonetheless, the Turbelian Crusaders serve as the backbone of many of the Astra Militarum armies in Vigilius.

Recruiting
On Turbela, each hive follows similar, but slightly different versions of the Imperial creed. Regular holy wars over these differences occurs between the hives, with the priest kings that rule these hives raising armies to attack each other. When these wars aren't happening, crusades to purge the underhives happen, also requiring the raising of small armies. What most outside of sector command don't realize is that these wars and purges are secretly encouraged so as to provide a good quality recruits for the Astra Militarum regiments raised for the Imperial tithe. Should not enough quality soldiers be among these men and women for the regiments, the rest will usually be drawn from hive gangs.

One of the other reasons for this method of raising solders in this fashion, is that not only will the soldiers already have experience in combat and crossing the hazardous terrain between hive cities, but many will have shown the discipline and initiative needed to qualify for officer training. Most drawn from the holy wars will be drawn and placed directly into roles pre-determined for them based on the skills demonstrated, from officers to medic to gunners, saving considerable time on training.

When the potential recruits are all examined and quantified, those who show greater skill and higher likelihood of long term survival are sent to join the siege regiments with better access to higher quality weapons and armor. Those who don't show these qualities are pressed into the line infantry regiments and only given basic equipment and training. Most recruits drawn from hive gangs are sent into the line infantry due to being less disciplined.