Tactical Squad

A Tactical Squad is a Squad of Space Marines who are tactically flexible in combat. Having previously served as Assault and Devastator Marines, Tactical Marines have experience in both heavy weapons and close quarters combat, and are thus ideal for any type of combat situation. Traditionally, Tactical Marines are armed with bolters, for ranged combat and a boltpistol and combat blade (what humans would consider a short sword, but in Astartes hands is more like a knife) for close combat. Some members will be armed with specialist weapons like a Flamer, Heavy Bolter, or Missile Launcher. The squad's Brother-Sergeant will usually be armed with a Power or Chainsword.

Tactical Squads form the backbone of Space Marine Chapters. Under a Codex-complaint Chapter, the four battle companies (2nd through 5th) will be composed of six tactical squads, while two of the reserve companies (6th and 7th) will be composed entirely of Tactical Marines who train in bikes and land speeders. Among the Space Wolves, the role of Tactical Marine is filled by the Grey Hunters, Wolves who have been promoted out of the Blood Claws and show a degree of skill at controlling the inner wolf. Among the Black Templars, the role of Tactical Marines are held by Initiates, those who have received their Black Carapace and have been assigned to oversee the training of a Neophyte.