These reckless cadets are eager to prove their courage and earn the title of "Guardsman". To them, this is more than a simple promotion, it is considered a rite of passage for many amongst the Probitors, marking their entry into adulthood, particularly if they are Cadians who have spent their entire lives preparing to enter the military service of the Imperium. Whiteshields continue to perform menial and support duties, but combat training takes up an increasing proportion of their time until they are judged ready for action. Finally, they get a chance to prove their mettle in combat and to demonstrate that they are worthy of becoming true soldiers of the God-Emperor.