In the grim dark future of the 41^st millennium (now the 42^nd in current lore) the enhanced super soldiers of the Space Marines are the most famous defenders of the Imperium of Man. However, it is actually the billions of human soldiers of the Astra Militarum who are the ones fighting the vast majority of battles across the stars. There are literally too many regiments to count who all hail from different worlds and carry with them their own culture. The most famous of these would be the Cadians or the Cadian Shock Troops as they are sometimes known. The regiments of Cadia naturally originate from the fortress world of Cadia which is completely dedicated to militarization. Or rather, was. Located directly next to the Eye of Terror, Cadia withstood attack after attack by the forces of Chaos for 10,000 years. This culminated in the planet itself being destroyed during the 13^th Black Crusade and cutting off half of the galaxy. That is a tale for another day however.

The Cadians are the model by which all other regiments are judged and compared to. Before Cadia was destroyed every person on the planet who was physically able was indoctrinated into the military lifestyle. By 14 every able bodied person is serving in junior regiments and training for their eventual and inevitable full military service. Even now, with the physical planet gone, the culture of the Cadians lives on as the fleetborne armies continue to serve and reinforce other worlds. A famous saying among the Astra Militarum is that “the planet broke before the Guard did!” Even with their home world gone, Cadians likely remain the most numerous of Astra Militarum forces.

Now, breaking character for a bit. On the tabletop, Cadians are the most commonly depicted regiment of the Astra Militarum. The majority of what you find when searching for Imperial Guard models is going to be based on Cadians. In universe this is further explained by Cadians being so respected and so famous that even regiments from all over the Imperium began copying their general dress and patterns. When someone pictures the Guard, they are most likely picturing Cadians.

Have a great day fellow Avocados and remember, Cadia stands!