In Rites of Battle, the Second-In-Command Valorous Deed grants Command Skill as an advanced skill, but a tactical marine begins with command as a trained advanced skill. So, as I read it, a tactical marine does not gain as much from this deed as others who do not begin with the command skill.

Is this correct? Should a tactical marine start with command +10 if he chooses this deed? There are several deeds in Rites of Battle that allow a +10 modifier if the starting character already has the skill. Orpheus Salient: Ghost Ships Deed and Strike Team Specialist Deed are examples of a Skill going to +10 if the character already possesses the skill. Perhaps Command was specifically left out because it has such an impact on Cohesion?

I have a player making a case that his character, who is starting as a Tactical Marine, should be allowed to have Command +10 if he takes this Deed. Thoughts?

I would say let him have the +10. There are several things in the main book and RoB that seem to offer bonuses that overlap and washout to be nothingness. Not something you want when you are spending XP for something and get only a partial benefit. Plus, the Deeds dont count towards getting to Rank 2.

I don't see a problem with it giving him +10.
But on th eother hand I would tell him that once it's second in command he will not be the Squad leader. If he wants to be squad leader he should not take a deed that states him being only second in command.

That alone would explain why the TacMarine is not mentioned. It doesn't make sense if a Tac with command +10 is not sqad leader.

Umbranus said:

You really haven't read what the Second-in-Command Deed is supposed to represent, have you? The character is a Sergeant in his home Chapter, and when coming to Deathwatch he may very well be second-in-command to the local Deathwatch Captain from the beginning, or he might be just another member of the team. The Deed is what you have done, not what you're capable of being/becoming.