Evisian Mechanized Grenadier

The Evisian Mechanized Grenadiers are a Imperial Guard regiment hailing from the Industrial-Hive World of Evis specializing in the combined use of infantry, artillery and armor. The regiment is known for its heavy and effective use of Chimera APCs (earning them the nickname 'Chimera Jockeys') and the close bond with other Evisian regiments. They were first formed to be deployed against a uprising on the Agri World of Chao in 748.M40.

Pre-Imperial Origins
The Mechanized Grenadiers have their roots in the deadly conflicts on Evis during the Age of Strife as their forerunners were government conscripts and civilian soldiers fighting the Rebellion. After the Age of Strife ended, the original forces were formed into a somewhat professional military and peacekeeping force. The Evisian preference for armored combat arose from both from the conflict where many non-combated vehicles were fitted with various things like cannons, machine guns, armor skirts, caterpillar treads and other modifications. The second reason was that in order to combat the already harsh conditions on the planet, plenty of vehicles were made to withstand the dust storms and large beasts that prowled Evis' wastelands.

The Chao Uprising
In 748.M40 a figure known as Borel Vic began rallying and training farmers on the Agri World of Chao, overthrowing the Planetary Government and declared independence from the Imperium of Man. The local PDF found itself outnumbered by the hordes of farmers and came under siege in their headquarters. They called for a relief force, but no sizable Imperial forces were nearby to assist. In response the Dempartmento Munitorum created the Evisian Mechanized Grenadiers, equipping them Leman Russ tanks, Basilisk artillery tanks and, most famously, numerous Chimera APCs. They were trained in combined arms tactics for three years and were sent off to Chao in 751.M40. The first combat the relief force saw was at the Wopot Landings, facing 150,103 militiamen armed with autoguns and improvised explosives. The opposition was wholly wiped out. From there the Guard blitzed through the immense grain fields and small villages, encountering moderate to token resistance. The PDF was nearly destroyed during the three year siege but insisted that they participate in the final push. Borel Vic was killed by a Guardsman's bayonet and Chao was brought back into the Imperial Fold.

After the liberation of Chao, the Evisian regiments were expanded greatly. By 770.M40, the number of Evisian regiments was 90.

Recruitment and Training
The Mechanized Grenadiers recruitment method is conscription and both males and females are eligible for the draft. Persons who currently serve time in one of the labor/prison camps will be granted freedom if they volunteer to five years in the Guard and survive. New recruits are given 6 weeks of basic training and a further 4 to 5 weeks for specialists. After completing training, a group of newly minted Grenadiers are assigned to a regiment. Penal volunteers are, as usual, separated into Penal Legions.

Uniform and Insignia
A enlisted man's uniforms consists of a Mk.IX plasteel helmet, typically worn with a helmet cover (field caps are also used), a gas mask that uses a singular, built-in filter that is kept in a carrying canister, a grey-colored flak armor vest (pauldrons can be attached on to the vest), a greatcoat usually colored green-brown or khaki, trousers of the same color and ankle boots worn with darkish-tan gaiters. Unit identification is provided by the regiment's number on the side of the helmet or on pauldrons. A NCO wears the same uniform but with a black chevron with a white outline and a black cuff band with white trim. Officers up to the rank of Major have peaked caps with red trim, a grey greatcoat with red piping and leather jackboots. These officers are identified by a black double chevrons with red outline and a black cuff band with red trim. Colonels and Generals wear the same outfit but with gold trim and parade cords.

Wargear
A typical Evisian infantryman's wargear is as follows:
 * M86 Evis Pattern Lasgun
 * 4 Lasgun Charge Packs
 * Bayonet/Combat Knife
 * 2 Fragmentation Grenades
 * Flak Armor
 * Gas Mask with Carrying Canister and Replacement Filters
 * Entrenching Tool
 * Rucksack
 * Mess Kit and Canteen
 * 1 Week's Rations
 * Bedroll
 * Identification Tags


 * Imperial Infantryman's Uplifting Primer

Other Wargear
The regiment utilizes heavy weapons teams when defending positions or in support of infantry when there is little armored support. They have access to lascannons, mortars, heavy bolters and missile launchers. Soldiers trained to handle and operate special weapons are usually attached to regular infantry or are formed into separate squads depending on the situation. The most common specialist weapons are flamers and melta guns, with plasma guns being less common. Other weapons available are las and bolt pistols, chainswords, backswords, grenade launchers and various grenades and explosives (example: Krak grenades).

Vehicles
The Evisian Mechanized Grenadiers operate multiple types of vehicles which are usually mixed with infantry but a handful of armored regiments do exist. The favorite vehicle in the regiment is the Chimera armored personnel carrier used to transport and deploy infantry while acting as armored support. Chimeras are equipped with multi-lasers or autocannons and with hull-mounted heavy bolters or heavy flamers. The back is up armored and track skirts are fitted to the sides. The Basilisk artillery tank is a standard in Evisian regiments, providing barrages of shells to halt attackers or protect advancing units. Leman Russ tanks are common, particularly the Demolisher, Conqueror, Executioner and Punisher variants along with rare Vanquishers. Macharius heavy tanks are used to fill the heavy support role, in place of the much rarer Baneblade.

Regimental Culture
The Mechanized Grenadiers are known to care greatly for their own as shown in their motto: "Strength Through Kinship". They share supplies between other Evisian regiments, send replacement vehicles or units and go as far to suffer unimaginable losses to protect their fellows. Cooperation with other Imperial Guard regiments and some Space Marine Chapters is encouraged as they view teamwork as key to victory.