Star Wars provided a definitive structure for the clone army and the many different types of clones, courtesy of Captain Rex himself. Introduced in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the ClonesThe Grand Army of the Republic may consist of clones – but they are not all created equal. The Kaminoans genetically engineered certain clones with specific skills and abilities (most notably Clone Force 99), and trained different clones for specific ranks.
Mark Sunerak The secrets of the clone troopers Provides a definitive in-universe guide to the Clone Army, courtesy of Captain Rex, the narrator. As he noted, “Having clones with unique training areas helped to optimize our effectiveness in battle, no matter the terrain or the operation.“Here are the sub-groups of clones he identified.
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Clone Officers
Captain Rex was technically an ARC trooper, but he definitely counts as a clone officer as well. As he noted, “The Grand Army has multiple ranks of clone officers – Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Commander. Each had varying degrees of authority within their unit, but all clone officers reported to a Jedi general.“It is reasonable to assume that The autonomy increased as a clone commander rose through the ranks.
The example of Captain Rex is an informative one, as it shows the bond of trust that can develop between a clone officer and their Jedi. Rex became close friends with Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano, and it even seems likely that he knew about Anakin’s secret marriage to Padme Amidala; He certainly helped Anakin keep his meetings with Padmé secret Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 7. Rex often conducted missions without direct supervision.
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Advanced Recon Commandos
Advanced Recon Commandos (ARC Troopers) were soldiers who served with distinction on the battlefield. Potential ARC troopers are identified at an early stage of training in Camino, and are carefully monitored. ARC troopers received more intensive training, and were given better armor and equipment.
Captain Rex’s description of the ARC troopers conveys a remarkable sense of pride in this status. “ARC troopers were some of the best fighters to ever pick up a blaster rifle,” he insists. “It was the respect with the title that really made all the extra training worthwhile.” It wouldn’t be a surprise to learn that ARC troopers are among the most resistant to Order 66, with a stronger degree of independence.
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Clone Commandos
Clone commandos were even more elite, some chosen and some – such as the members of Clone Force 99 – deliberately engineered to possess unique skills and abilities that would help them operate in battle. Clone Commandos”Received enhanced training and increased armor that placed them in a level high above the normal trooper.” They are trained to work in small squads, with high degrees of independence.
“When the top-ranking troopers were called into action, you knew things were going to get serious,” Rex noted. He’s right; the clone commando units typically took on the most dangerous assignments, including infiltration missions. The example of Foxtrot Group suggests they suffered high casualty rates.
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Coruscant Guard
Most clone troopers served on the front lines, but some were chosen to serve in the galactic capital of Coruscant itself. The Coruscant Guard – also known as shock troopers – was responsible for protecting senators and diplomats. The shock troopers were no doubt carefully monitored by Palpatine himselfAnd he certainly used their reports as a source of information about possible political enemies.
The Coruscant Guard is sadly notable for its support of Order 66. As seen in The Mandalorian Season 3, the Coruscant Guard served as backup to the 501st during the attack on the Jedi Temple; The shock troopers watched for escaping Jedi, and hunted them down. They couldn’t catch Kellan Beck and Grogo
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Clone Gunners
All clone troopers are naturally trained in the use of standard weapons, but clone gunners receive additional training to operate advanced weapons, both on the ground and in combat vehicles. Standard gunners often operated turrets on starships and in vehicles such as the All Terrain Tactical Enforcers. Heavy gunners used blaster cannons, while sharpshooters were trained as snipers.
It is reasonable to assume that there is overlap between clone gunners and other types referenced here. As an example, Crosshair – although considered a clone commando – was undoubtedly a clone gunner. In this case, his genes were manipulated to make him one of the best marksmen among the clones.
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Clone Scout Troopers
Scout troopers are trained for important recon missions, and Rex singles them out as some of the most intelligent clones. “They also excelled in survival and combat even on the most unforgiving terrain,” he added. Their armor was lighter than that of normal clones, giving them an advantage in missions that required speed and stealth. Their best was found in the Advanced Recon Force.
Recon Force troopers are commonly found in all terrain reconnaissance transportsAnd they can be seen on many key missions in The Clone Wars. Mace Windu and Obi-Wan Kenobi have both worked with Recon Force Troopers on occasion, and Windu seems to have enjoyed the experience, perhaps suggesting the kind of missions he worked on with them. It would be interesting to see if their intelligence and independence meant they resisted Order 66 at a higher rate.
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Other specialist clone types
There were other clones that received specific training. This includes:
- Clone pilots – Trained to pilot vehicles both in space and in the air, the clones were bred with a high degree of spatial awareness and became particularly skilled in complex maneuvers.
- Artillery troopers – Clones trained to operate mortars.
- Cold assault troopers – Clones that are trained for specific cold environments.
- Flametroopers – Clones that are trained in the use of flamethrowers.
The Empire followed the same pattern when it formed the Stormtrooper Corp as part of Project War Mantle. Although most storm troopers wear standardized armor, others are given specific training and weapons. In particular, the flamethrowers remained, and it is amusing to note that both armies saw the need for specific groups that had operated.
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Shadows
Star Wars: The Bad Batch Introduce Shadows, a group of clones who were captured and brainwashed at Mount Tantis. Run by Doctor Hemlock, the facility was established under Palpatine and conducted many covert operations on his behalf – even initially attempting to unlock the secret of implanting midi-chlorians into clones, key to the Emperor’s resurrection plans. The Shadows were a useful side-project, and They appear to have been discontinued when Mount Tantis was shut down.
It is reasonable to assume that Hemlock chose candidates for the shadow project carefully, looking for skills that he found particularly useful. They are trained to work individually, with a high degree of independence and autonomy, but their brainwashing has been so strong they have an unbreakable loyalty to the Empire. Hemlock tried to turn Crosshairs into one of Star Wars‘ Shadows, but the mutant clone is able to resist the programming.