The Astra Militarum Commissar is a feared figure among their enemies but more importantly their own the troops, charged with enforcing discipline and loyalty through whatever means necessary. They are often political officers, tasked with ensuring that their soldiers remain loyal to the Imperium of Man and are willing to fight and die for the cause. The Commissar is typically armed with variations of pistols and a power weapon, and is a skilled warrior in their own right. They are also responsible for meting out punishment to those who fail in their duties, with execution being a common and swift punishment for cowardice or desertion. The Commissar's presence on the battlefield can be both inspiring and terrifying, as their unwavering dedication to the Imperium and brutal methods of discipline are well-known throughout the Warhammer 40k universe.