When asked about their favorite military unit in the Star Wars galaxy, fans of the franchise confidently name the clone troopers. With their participation in significant battles and the focus they received in the animated show Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the clone troopers have become iconic. Each clone trooper is equipped with specific training, armor sets, and weaponry tailored for various battle scenarios. Regardless of the task at hand, there is always a clone trooper unit prepared to face it head-on.
Among these specialized units are the clone commandos, often referred to as the Navy SEALs of the Grand Army of the Republic. Appearing in various Star Wars media, including TV shows, video games, and their own series of novels, the clone commandos have gained prominence. Their crucial role in both the clone army and imperial military makes their story one that everyone should at least learn a glimpse of.
What Are Republic Commandos?
The Republic commandos underwent the most rigorous battle training compared to all other units serving the Republic. These clone commandos, often likened to the elite ARC troopers, had a distinct purpose: operating in squads of four to fulfill missions that were beyond the capabilities of most other clones. While ARC troopers led and commanded fellow clone troopers in combat, the clone commandos were already deep within enemy lines, executing covert objectives requiring utmost stealth and precision.
The Delta Squad
In the realm of Star Wars Legends, clone commandos had a distinct path compared to commanders. While commanders were chosen from a group of pre-trained clones, commandos were carefully hand-picked at birth and embarked on a specialized training journey right from the beginning. The purpose behind this approach was to immerse them immediately into the demanding conditions they would encounter. These commandos received instruction from skilled Mandalorian warriors known for their stringent standards, ensuring their training was nothing short of exceptional.
The Delta Squad, an esteemed and adored clone commando squad in the Star Wars universe, holds a significant place in the hearts of fans. Their thrilling adventures were vividly portrayed in the renowned video game, Star Wars: Republic Commando. Led by Commandos Boss, Scorch, Fixer, and Sev, the Delta Squad engaged in combat during the early stages of the war, with a crucial objective of eliminating a prominent Separatist target. In their relentless pursuit, the Delta Squad not only succeeded in their assigned mission but also managed to obliterate a droid factory and weaken substantial Separatist forces. With their innate efficiency and the victory they achieved, the Delta Squad served as the catalyst for the war's commencement.
Later in the conflict, Delta Squad encountered themselves on the planet Kashyyyk. There, they embarked on a crucial mission to free Wookiee chieftain Tarfful from captivity and provide assistance to the local villages against hostile forces. As the battle reached its climax, and Republic forces attempted extraction, the clone commandos faced intense opposition, leading them to evacuate the area. Unfortunately, Sev was unable to join them, compelling Delta Squad to reluctantly leave their comrade behind. In the subsequent years, the squad was compelled to serve the newly established Empire following the implementation of Order 66.
The Omega Squad
The Omega Squad, a clone commando unit that fought alongside the Delta Squad, served in the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. Formed shortly after the conflict's onset, the team consisted of Commandos Niner, Fi, Atin, Dorman, and eventually Corr. Together, they were the remnants of previously annihilated squads. The squad frequently collaborated with Jedi Eitan Tur-Mukan throughout their missions.
When Order 66 was executed, the commandos showcased their heightened ability to think independently as the Omega Squad displayed hesitation in carrying out the order, ultimately opting to flee alongside their Jedi comrades. Following the culmination of the war, Atin and Corr successfully evaded the clutches of the Empire and sought refuge on Mandalore, while Niner and Dorman were unable to escape and consequently persisted in their duty under the newly established Galactic Empire.
Commando Gregor
Clone Commando Gregor, a beloved figure in the new Star Wars canon, was stumbled upon by a troupe of droids, led by R2-D2, on the planet Abafar. Initially plagued by amnesia, Gregor's true identity was eventually unearthed by his fellow droids and Republic Colonel Gascon. When the Separatist forces launched an assault, Gregor donned his trusty old armor once more and bravely fought alongside his comrades. Ultimately, in a remarkable act of selflessness, the clone commando seemingly sacrificed his own life to ensure the safe escape of his friends.
However, Gregor's journey on Abafar did not end in defeat. In the aftermath of Order 66 and the emergence of the Empire, Gregor was apprehended and compelled to aid in training the new generation of TK troopers, who were selected as replacements for the clones. Fortunately, Gregor was rescued by the heroic Bad Batch. Years later, when Ezra Bridger required assistance in reclaiming his home world of Lothal from the clutches of the Imperial forces, Gregor stood alongside Rex and Wolffe, fellow clones, to lend support. Tragically, Gregor fell in battle, just like numerous commandos who had fought valiantly for the Galactic Republic before him.