ARC Troopers vs. Republic Commandos
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) was a vast and diverse military force unlike any the galaxy had seen before. Cloned from the notorious bounty hunter, Jango Fett, the clone army was highly trained and equipped with cutting edge technology and weapons to combat the droid armies of the Separatist Alliance. This was especially the case for the elite units deployed across the galaxy. Foremost among these units were the Advanced Recon Commando (ARC Trooper), and the Republic Commandos. While they were both considered "special forces" within the Republic's army, their roles, training, weapons, and armor were considerably different from one another. Here we will be examining the background, equipment, and strengths of these troopers and some of their most notable engagements in the Clone Wars.
The major difference between ARC troopers and their commando counterparts is the selection process. While commandos were bred for their roles and train within their squad from birth, ARC troopers were pulled from the rank and file of the clone army. The selection process often happened directly after a clone cadet finished basic training, but could actually happen at any time to bolster a battalion’s forces or to recognize proficiency in combat. Standard clone troopers who were selected for ARC status would rotate back to Kamino and receive advanced training and upgraded armor. This improved armor included a shoulder pauldron and a blast-dampening kama. ARC troopers utilized similar weaponry to the rank and file trooper, including the rifle and carbine version of the DC-15. They may also be equipped with more cutting edge weaponry including a pair of DC-17 hand blasters, and the DC-15x sniper rifle.
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Having been promoted from within the military's ranks, ARC troopers were primarily attached to established battalions to assist in priority objectives, and act as executive officers to the company commanders and the Jedi generals. Trained in leading their clone brothers into combat and in unconventional tactics, ARC troopers were instrumental in securing key objectives and leading their battalions to victory. They played pivotal roles in numerous campaigns, fighting for elite groups such as the 501st Legion on inhospitable worlds like Umbara, and executing daring POW rescues at the Citadel. During the Invasion of Kamino, the Rancor Battalion fought valiantly to defend their homeworld. Leading the defense, ARC trooper and clone commander Colt was killed in action by Asajj Ventress, Dooku's assassin and apprentice. ARC troopers Blitz and Havok also participated in the battle, defending the cloning facility from AQ series aqua-droids.
While the ARC troopers were drawn from the main force of the GAR, Republic Commandos were trained from birth to work as an independent unit. While they were occasionally used for frontal assault on fixed positions, such as under the command of Mace Windu during the First Battle of Geonosis, they were much more adept at stealth, sabotage, and flanking operations. Typically assigned to squads consisting of four members, commandos were each encouraged to specialize in combat areas that would prove advantageous against enemies of the Republic. These talents included sabotage, computer slicing, demolition, and piloting. Each highly specialized and combat proficient commando served an invaluable role in their squad.
These top notch units were far rarer than ARC troopers and were often given less than desirable or "black ops" assignments. These included political assassinations and shock and awe campaigns against local Separatist populations. Equipped with the greatest weapons and armor the Republic had to outfit its soldiers, the Republic commandos were highly sought after by Republic generals and feared by Separatist officers. Their Katarn class battle armor provided maximum protection from enemy fire and explosives, as well as saving the commando in the event of a nasty fall or shuttle crash. Republic commandos also trained with the experimental DC-17m Interchangeable Weapons System, which allowed a single rifle, with the addition of a few components, to operate as a sniper rifle or a grenade launcher. Their grenade launcher, while useful against infantry, was primarily utilized as an anti-armor attachment. Commandos were given the toughest of assignments, including eliminating Geonosian leadership during the Battle of Geonosis, and leading the assault on Sarrish. The Battle of Sarrish would result in devastating losses to Republic forces, and the massacre of Foxtrot Group, a commando squad led by Captain Gregor, the sole survivor of the commandos.
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Source(s): Wookieepedia