In a world full of aliens, demons, and genetically modified super soldiers, humans seem almost boring – and weak. But the Imperium in Warhammer 40,000 is not just made up of cannon fodder. Many of the best fighters of the Emperor teach every enemy to fear… and every friend.
The Imperium of Man is the largest faction in Warhammer 40,000 at present. It occupies most systems and worlds in the known galaxy and likely has the largest strength in numbers, excluding the Tyranid Legion.
As is common in many science fiction works, humans in Warhammer 40,000 draw their strength from their numbers. They are neither technologically advanced – after all, artificial intelligence is banned – nor do they have any biological traits that would make them naturally stronger than orcs or even Necrons.
However, they do not simply overwhelm their enemies with sheer numbers. The Imperium has several institutions and organizations that not only provide considerable combat power but also the best fighters that humans can muster.
This is how we have ranked: In this list, you will not only find large armies like the Astra Militarum or the Navis Imperialis, which impress with sheer troop strength. We present organizations here that pose a genuine threat, not only to enemies but also to humans themselves.
The ranking takes into account both the permissions that each organization has, such as the ability to request an Exterminatus that can wipe out entire worlds, as well as how well trained their members are. We focus strictly on humans; transhuman beings such as Space Marines are excluded.
Rank 6: The Officio Prefectus and its Commissars
The Commissariat, or in High Gothic: the Officio Prefectus, trains some of the most feared officers of the Imperium: Commissars. These men and women, often depicted with coats and commissar hats, are the personification of morality and discipline.
Although they are generally only equipped with a pistol and a sword, Commissars are among the most dangerous soldiers in a unit. They ensure that the imperial troops fire at the enemy and do so until the last man. They leave the soldiers with a choice: die in battle against the enemy or by the hand of the Commissar.
Almost every unit of the Astra Militarum has a Commissar assigned to maintain discipline and can even take command in case the current superior proves ineffective.
Since the Officio Prefectus belongs to the Departmento Munitorum, they are directly subordinated to the Adeptus Administratus and thus not part of the hierarchy of the Astra Militarum. This allows Commissars significantly more freedom and authority over the troops than most officers of the Guard possess.
