Whiteshields, also known as Conscript Platoons, are Imperial Guard units consisting of either normal Imperial citizens, with little or no military training, conscripted into service, or newly recruited Imperial Guardsmen/women, who have not yet received their formal training. Whiteshield units are typically formed out of necessity, when fresh bodies are needed for the battlefield. Unlike the standard Imperial Guardsman/woman, Whiteshields do not wear regimental insignias or heraldry; instead, they have a simple white stripe painted on their helmets to identify their position within the regiment.
