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| + | {{Era|UNSC}} |
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| − | [[ru:Ударные_войска_орбитального_десантирования]] |
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| + | {{align|center|''This article is about the special forces group. For more, see [[ODST|Orbital Drop Shock Trooper (disambiguation)]].''}} |
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| − | [[Category:UNSC Special Forces]] |
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| + | {{Infobox Military Unit |
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| + | |unit_name=Orbital Drop Shock Troopers |
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| + | |image=[[File:ODST Crest.png|300px]] |
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| + | |country=[[Unified Earth Government]] |
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| + | |allegiance=[[United Nations Space Command]] |
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| + | |branch=[[UNSC Marine Corps]] |
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| + | |type= |
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| + | |role=Special Operations<br>Orbital Infantry |
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| + | |size= |
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| + | |command_structure= |
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| + | |garrison= |
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| + | |garrison_label= |
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| + | |nickname=Helljumpers |
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| + | |patron= |
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| + | |motto=''Feet first into hell!''<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' - ''page 65''</ref> |
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| + | |colors= |
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| + | |colors_label= |
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| + | |march= |
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| + | |mascot= |
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| + | |anniversaries= |
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| + | |equipment=*[[ODST battle armor]] |
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| + | *[[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle]]s |
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| + | *[[:Category:Human Weapons|UNSC Special Operations weapons]] |
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| + | *[[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance]] |
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| + | |weapons= |
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| + | |equipment_label=Equipment |
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| + | |battles= |
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| + | *[[Insurrection|The Insurrection]] |
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| + | *[[Human-Covenant war]] |
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| + | *[[Timeline#Post-war era|Post war era]] |
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| + | |decorations= |
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| + | |battle_honors= |
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| + | |commander1= |
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| + | |commander1_label= |
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| + | |commander2= |
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| + | |commander2_label= |
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| + | |commander3= |
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| + | |commander3_label= |
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| + | |notable_commanders= |
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| + | *[[Colonel|COL.]] [[Felicia Sanderson]] |
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| + | *[[Lieutenant Colonel|LT. COL.]] [[Aboim]] |
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| + | *[[Major (UNSC)|MAJ.]] [[Antonio Silva]] |
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| + | *MAJ [[Faison]] |
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| + | *[[First Lieutenant|1st LT]] [[Melissa McKay]] |
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| + | *[[Gunnery Sergeant|GYSGT]] [[Edward Buck]] |
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| + | *[[Master Sergeant|MSGT]] [[Marcus P. Stacker|Marcus Stacker]] |
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| + | *[[Captain|CAPT.]] [[Veronica Dare]] |
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| + | }} |
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| + | {{BigQuote|Most of the crew - not to mention your fellow jarheads - will be leaving the ship in lifeboats. They'll ride to the surface in air conditioned comfort, sipping wine, and nibbling on appetizers. Not you, however. Oh no, you're going to leave the ''Pillar of Autumn'' in a different method. Tell me boys and girls… how will you leave?|Major Antonio Silva, aboard {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}.}} |
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| + | {{BigQuote|We go feet first, sir!|Shock Trooper's response.}} |
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| + | The '''Orbital Drop Shock Troopers''' ('''ODST''') are a special operations capable organization of the UNSC Marine Corps that specialize in orbital-dropped [[Wikipedia:Shock troops|shock infantry]] and special warfare tactics. The ODSTs are one of the primary Special Operations units of the [[United Nations Space Command]], and is under the supervision of [[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Warfare Command]].<ref name="bungie.net odst" /> ODST primary HQ is located at [[Kenosha]], [[Mars]].<ref name="universeodst" /> |
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| − | : '''Major Antonio Silva''': "''Most of the crew—not to mention your fellow jarheads—will be leaving the ship in lifeboats. They'll ride to the surface in air-conditioned comfort, sipping wine, and nibbling on appetizers. Not you, however. Oh no, you're going to leave the Pillar of Autumn in a different method. Tell me boys and girls... how will you leave?''" |
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| − | : '''Shock Troopers''': "''We go feet first, sir!''" |
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| − | : — Major Antonio Silva rousing his battalion aboard the ''Pillar of Autumn'' |
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| + | ==History== |
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| − | The '''Orbital Drop Shock Troopers''' ('''ODST'''), informally referred to as '''Helljumpers''', are an elite special operations component of the UNSC Marine Corps and the Corps' rapid reaction force specialized in transorbital support interdiction tactics. One of the primary special operations forces of the United Nations Space Command, the ODST are under the administrative and operational control of Naval Special Weapons. The organization is headquartered in the Martian city of Kenosha, Tanais. Its primary training facilities were located on Reach prior to the glassing of the planet. |
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| + | [[File:Odstsinpelican.jpg|thumb|ODST's in the back of a pelican.]] |
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| + | ===Origins=== |
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| + | While the concept of dropping human soldiers from orbit had been around since the mid 21st century, the first iterations of the ODST weren't established until [[2129]].<ref name="universeodst">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/odst '''Halo Waypoint:''' ''Universe - Factions - ODST'']</ref> One of the names for these iterations were the "Drop Jet Platoons."<ref>'''[[Halo Encyclopedia]]''' - ''page 58''</ref> Officially, the Orbital Drop Shock Trooper came into being in [[2163]].<ref name="universeodst" /> |
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| + | At the conclusion of the [[Rainforest Wars]] and the [[Jovian Moons campaign]], the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers were a fully established force and participated in every high risk operation during those conflicts. However, the conclusion of these conflicts in 2170, along with the signing of the [[Callisto Treaty]] and the subsequent years that followed, the ODSTs saw little action as more political, and more important issues such as overpopulation and famine and a massive military with no purpose gripped the postwar nations of [[Earth]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia''' - ''page 42''</ref> |
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| − | == Contents == |
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| + | The first major combat re-emergence of the ODSTs occurred in [[2490]] during the beginnings of the civil conflict between the UEG and the [[Insurrection]]. Using the [[ORION Project|ORIONs]] as exemplary models, the reputation of the ODSTs, as well as their training, was restored and enhanced as time passed. In the years leading up to [[2525]], the ODSTs would once again conduct high risk operations against the Insurrectionists, to either stop the enemy before they could carry out attacks against supporters and officials of the Earth Government or to cut off major suppliers to the Insurrectionists. |
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| − | * 1Roles and operations |
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| − | * 2History |
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| − | ** 2.1Origins and Interplanetary War |
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| − | ** 2.2Insurrection |
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| − | ** 2.3Human-Covenant War |
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| − | ** 2.4Battle of Earth and Fall of the Covenant |
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| − | ** 2.5Post-war |
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| − | * 3Organization |
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| − | * 4Personnel |
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| − | ** 4.1Training |
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| − | ** 4.2Psychology |
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| − | * 5Equipment |
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| − | ** 5.1Battle dress uniform |
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| − | ** 5.2Drop pod |
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| − | * 6Gameplay |
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| − | ** 6.1''Halo Wars'' |
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| − | ** 6.2''Halo Wars 2'' |
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| − | * 7Trivia |
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| − | * 8Gallery |
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| − | * 9List of appearances |
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| − | * 10Notes |
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| − | * 11Sources |
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| + | ===Human-Covenant war=== |
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| − | == Roles and operations[edit] == |
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| + | {{Main|Human-Covenant war}} |
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| + | ====Early War==== |
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| + | [[File:1203444357 Halo3s2 odst photo 01 md.jpg|thumb|An ODST in combat.]] |
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| + | On [[2525#November|November 1, 2525]], the UNSC moved into a full alert status after the devastating and horrifying [[First Battle of Harvest|first contact]] with the [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] at [[Harvest]]; this marked a change in objectives for the ODSTs, who up until that point had been fighting the [[Insurrectionist]]s. As humanity's military turned to meet the threat of the Covenant, divisions of ODSTs prepared to participate in the most critical engagements in the war and also to conduct the riskiest missions in the history of mankind. The [[Battle of Hat Yai]] marked one of the first deployments of ODSTs against Covenant ground forces. Although the planet was lost in the ensuing conflict, fortunately, the ODSTs were successfully extracted before the UNSC retreated. In 2526, ODST's were dropped onto [[Circinius IV]] to assist in the [[Battle of Circinius IV|defense]] of the planet, but all were lost over the course of the battle. |
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| + | Not long after the [[Harvest Campaign]], the ODSTs participated in the [[Battle of Arcadia]] where they assisted [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine forces]] and SPARTAN-II [[Red Team]] in defending the [[Pirth City|capital city]] from Covenant ground forces, thus allowing the evacuation of the civilian population. Having successfully kept Covenant forces from occupying the city, the Corps began launching multiple assaults on the Covenant's bases of operations to reclaim the planet. Several ODST battalions joined {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}{{'}}s rescue operation after retaking the planet and soon participated in the [[Battle of Shield 0459]]. |
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| − | : "''We had a damn hard job, and we did it better than anyone.''" |
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| − | : — Spartan Edward Buck, a former Shock Trooper, referring to the ODST. |
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| + | Following the enactment of the [[United Nations Space Command Emergency Priority Order 098831A-1|Cole Protocol]] in [[2535]], ODST combat teams were tasked with boarding commercial and private vessels and purging their navigation databases. During one of these routine operations, a group of ODSTs aboard {{UNSCShip|Midsummer Night}} were captured and taken to [[The Rubble]]. They, in conjunction with SPARTAN-II [[Gray Team]], would later [[Battle of Metisette|defeat]] a [[Kig-Yar]] plan to trick the inhabitants of the Rubble out of their navigation data, which could compromise the location of Earth. |
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| − | Serving as the rapid reaction force of the UNSC Marine Corps, Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are distinguished by their unconventional method of deployment, known as "transorbital support interdiction", in which the troopers are dropped to the surface of a world aboard small, purpose-built deployment vehicles. This allows them to conduct a variety of missions against targets that more conventional forces cannot approach undetected. ODSTs—trained for any kind of landing operation—expect to arrive at a world with hellish conditions, only to enter incredibly difficult combat zones. ODST deployment via SOEIVs is often considered more effective than dropship deployment, as it allows for a spacecraft to make a quick pass over a world and deploy hundreds of ODSTs in SOEIVs in rapid succession. Additionally, since ODSTs are deployed separately, rather than together in one ship, the casualty rate of SOEIV deployment is lower than that of conventional dropship deployment. |
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| + | ====Late War==== |
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| − | Each ODST combat team specializes in a particular mission set, though they are expected to be flexible enough to adapt to any given situation. ODSTs are known for their unusual methods of insertion, dropping from orbit onto terrestrial environments. Often landing behind enemy lines, ODSTs are sometimes ordered to eliminate enemy units and clear a landing zone for the wave of troops that follow. ODSTs also operate as the primary special forces raiding unit of the Marines, deployed to tip the scales in a close battle, raid enemy bases, capture strategically valuable points, and eliminate high-value targets. Similar to their infantry counterparts, the ODSTs maintain units of varying strength aboard many UNSC vessels and installations. ODSTs may also occasionally serve as military police for UNSC installations. |
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| + | As the Covenant-Human war progressed, the ODSTs would go on to participate in many engagements; among these were the [[Battle of Jericho VII]], an [[The Babysitter|assassination mission]] on [[Heian]], the [[Battle of Skopje]], the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], the [[Battle of New Jerusalem]], the [[Battle of Tribute]], and the [[Battle of Ariel]]. The numerous campaigns and operations in which the ODSTs participated throughout the long war all pale in comparison to the [[Fall of Reach]] in [[2552]], during which countless ODSTs lost their lives defending strategic locations on the planet. |
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| + | [[File:HALO-3-ODST-Commission-l.jpg|thumb|196px]] |
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| − | The ODST perform highly specialized, small-scale, high-risk operations including the following: |
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| + | ====Reach==== |
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| − | * '''Deep ground surveillance''' ('''DGS''') and '''long range reconnaissance''': Patrols in small groups, in uniform, usually far behind the enemy lines. While direct ground surveillance units may direct air or artillery strikes against enemy positions, they strive to be unobserved, and have only self-defense, not direct action, capability. Groups engaging in surveillance deep behind enemy lines, are commonly known as Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols. |
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| + | During the initial invasion of Reach, a large contingent of 3,200 ODSTs participated in the [[Battle of Viery]], assisting the [[UNSC Army]] in repelling the Covenant forces from the planet. Throughout the course of the battle, the UNSC formed joint forces to combat against the overwhelming Covenant forces. Some time during the event, several battalions were stationed on {{UNSCShip|Pillar of Autumn}}. As the planet fell to the Covenant onslaught, the vessel made a blind Slipspace jump away from the [[Epsilon Eridani system]], discovering the long-abandoned [[Installation 04]]. During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], shock troopers led by [[Major]] Antonio Silva and [[First Lieutenant]] [[Melissa McKay]], operated as a guerrilla force by conducting hit-and-run operations against the forces of the Covenant's [[Fleet of Particular Justice]].<ref name="flood">'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''' - ''page ??''</ref> |
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| − | * '''Direct action''' ('''DA'''): Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover, or damage designated targets. Direct action differs from conventional offensive actions in the level of physical and political risk, operational techniques, and the degree of discriminate and precise use of force to achieve specific objectives. |
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| − | * '''Unconventional warfare''': Military and paramilitary operations, normally of long duration, predominantly conducted by indigenous or surrogate forces who are organized, trained, equipped, supported, and directed in varying degrees by an external source. It includes guerrilla warfare and other direct offensive, low visibility, covert, or clandestine operations, as well as the indirect activities of subversion, sabotage, intelligence gathering, escape and evasion. |
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| − | * '''Counter-terrorism operations''': The response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed. |
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| − | * '''Counter-contraband operations''': Missions undertaking the recapturing of smuggled/stolen goods. |
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| − | * '''Personnel and special equipment recovery/capture''': The recovery/medical treatment of friendly personnel in combat environments, as well as the capability of capturing high valued individuals and any equipment. |
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| − | == |
+ | ====Earth==== |
| + | Fresh from the disastrous loss of Reach, the ODSTs participated in the most significant battle of the entire war: the [[Battle of Earth]]. The battle began on [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]], when the [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration]] led by the [[Prophet of Regret]] jumped into the Sol System. ODST combat teams, along with the Marines, began engaging Covenant forces on the Orbital Defense Platforms ''[[Cairo Station|Cairo]]'', ''[[Athens Station|Athens]]'', and ''[[Malta Station|Malta]]''. Despite the ODSTs' valiant efforts, ''Malta'' and ''Athens'' were destroyed. As the Covenant ship carrying the Prophet of Regret landed over the African city [[New Mombasa]], teams of ODSTs were deployed over the city from orbit in an attempt to board the carrier. Before the teams could reach the target, however, the carrier jumped into slipspace. Only [[Alpha-Nine]] managed to safely land in the city to carryout the retrieval of the [[Superintendent]]'s data. |
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| + | After Regret's unexpected retreat from New Mombasa, members of the [[7th Shock Troops Battalion]] would later drop from {{UNSCShip|In Amber Clad}} onto [[Installation 05]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05]] in an effort to kill the Prophet of Regret.<ref>'''Halo 2''' - Level: ''[[Delta Halo (level)|Delta Halo]]''</ref> Most of these troopers would perish during the initial firefights against the Covenant, and only a few would escape back to Earth with [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] to lead a resistance against the Covenant occupation forces.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''' - Level: ''[[The Great Journey]]''</ref> |
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| − | === Origins and Interplanetary War[edit] === |
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| + | Overall, the defense of Earth was one of the largest campaigns the ODSTs fought in during the entire war. The fighting spread across the globe and in space as the [[Fleet of Furious Redemption]] and the [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[truth's fleet|own fleet]] attacked the remnants of the Orbital Defense Grid. The fleets soon deployed troops throughout the continents of [[North America]], [[South America]], [[Europe]] and [[Asia]]. The [[Battle of Cleveland]] is one example of the ODSTs' participation during the war on Earth. Two ODSTs from the [[2nd Shock Troops Battalion]] fought alongside a detachment of Marines in the [[Battle of Sector Six]].<ref>'''Halo 3''' - Promotional Material: ''[[Halo: Last One Standing]]''</ref> Troopers [[T. Rymann]] and [[S. Hartley]] were tasked with calculating the crash site of John-117 on Earth, while a Marine battalion was tasked with defending a narrow corridor between Covenant and UNSC forces in [[Islamic Republic of Pakistan|Pakistan]]. Bravo-21 and numerous Marines were killed in the clash, while Bravo-22 was injured along with some of the other surviving Marines. Their actions successfully allowed [[UNSC High Command|HIGHCOM]] to track and locate the Spartan. |
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| − | : ''Main article: Interplanetary War'' |
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| + | [[File:ODST Engaged in Combat.jpg|thumb|An ODST squad.]] |
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| − | The idea of inserting highly trained troops behind enemy lines from high altitudes has its roots in the paratroopers of 20th and 21st century fame, who dropped frequently behind enemy lines to capture strategically important targets in anticipation for a larger advance by more conventional and numerous military forces. Although they were only marginally successful, they proved the concept of paratroops as useful and effective in large-scale warfare. |
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| + | ====Installation 00==== |
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| − | The United Nations created the first iterations of the ODST deployment concept in 2129; these early incarnations were occasionally referred to as '''Drop Jet Platoons'''. The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers in their current form saw their advent in 2163 with the formation of the UNSC Marine Corps and the UNSC itself from Earth's disparate national military forces. That year also saw the first historic first extraterrestrial deployment of UNSC Marines in the Mars Campaign against the neo-communist Koslovics. The conclusion of the Interplanetary War in 2170, along with the signing of the Callisto Treaty and the subsequent years that followed, the ODST saw little action as more political, and more important issues such as overpopulation and famine and a massive military with no purpose gripped the postwar nations of Earth. |
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| + | After the opening of the [[The Artifact|Artifact]] in November of 2552, the 11th Marine Force Reconnaissance/ODST, stationed aboard {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, fought alongside [[John-117]], during [[Battle of Installation 00|Operation: BLIND FAITH]].<ref name="encyclopedia">'''Halo Encyclopedia''' - ''page 56-57''</ref> Men and women from this battalion were also some of the first [[human]]s to travel outside the [[Milky Way galaxy]], during the [[Battle of Installation 00]].<ref name="h3ark" /> One such assault happened during a mission to destroy numerous Covenant [[Type-27 Anti-Aircraft Cannon]]s overlooking a desert. These AA guns were destroyed by the ODSTs, allowing {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}} to successfully land near the [[Cartographer|Cartographer building]].<ref name="h3ark" /> During the [[Battle of the Citadel|last battle]] of the Ark campaign - the last battle of the war - ODSTs were again airlifted into combat. This time, they punched holes in Covenant armor and artillery positions to allow John-117 and [[Thel 'Vadam]] to eliminate the Prophet of Truth.<ref>'''Halo 3''' - Level: ''[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]''</ref> |
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| − | === |
+ | ===Post-war=== |
| + | {{Expand-Section}} |
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| − | A UNSC propaganda poster depicting an ODST on display at Corbulo Academy of Military Science in 2526. |
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| + | ==Duties== |
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| − | : ''Main article: Insurrection'' |
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| + | [[File:H5G HTT-S2 ODST.jpg|200px|right|thumb|ODSTs in action.]] |
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| + | The ODSTs perform highly specialized, small scale, high-risk operations including:<ref name="bungie.net odst">[http://www.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''The Halo 3: ODST Field Guide'']</ref> |
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| + | *'''Deep Ground Surveillance or Long Range Reconnaissance''': Patrols in small groups, in uniform, usually far behind the enemy lines. While DGS units may direct air or artillery strikes against enemy positions, they strive to be unobserved, and have only self-defense, not DA, capability. Groups engaging in surveillance deep behind enemy lines, are commonly known as "[[wikipedia:LRRP|Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols]]" or LRRP's. |
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| + | *'''Direct Action''': Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover, or damage designated targets. Direct action differs from conventional offensive actions in the level of physical and political risk, operational techniques, and the degree of discriminate and precise use of force to achieve specific objectives. |
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| + | *'''Unconventional Warfare''': Military and paramilitary operations, normally of long duration, predominantly conducted by indigenous or surrogate forces who are organized, trained, equipped, supported, and directed in varying degrees by an external source. It includes guerrilla warfare and other direct offensive, low visibility, covert, or clandestine operations, as well as the indirect activities of subversion, sabotage, intelligence gathering, escape and evasion. |
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| + | *'''Counter-Terrorism Operations''': The response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed. |
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| + | *'''Counter-Contraband Operations''': Missions undertaking the recapturing of smuggled/stolen goods. |
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| + | *'''Personnel and Special Equipment Recovery/Capture''': The recovery/medical treatment of friendly personnel in combat environments, as well as the capability of capturing high valued individuals and any equipment. |
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| + | ==Branches== |
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| − | The first major combat re-emergence of the ODSTs occurred in 2490 during the beginnings of the civil conflict between the Unified Earth Government and the Insurrectionists. Using the members of the ORION Project as exemplary models, the reputation of the ODST, as well as their training, was restored and enhanced as time passed. For the years leading up to 2525, the ODST conducted high-risk operations against the Insurrectionists, to either stop the enemy before they could carry out attacks against supporters, and officials of the Unified Earth Government or to cut off major suppliers to the Insurrectionists. |
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| + | *[[ODST Special Purpose Forces]] |
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| + | **[[ODST Air Assault]] |
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| + | ==Assets== |
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| − | The ODSTs' 10th Shock Troops Battalion was deployed to Jericho VII for over 131 days to put down local insurgent forces. Shortly after, the unit was sent to Arcadia to deal with Insurrectionist activity. In 2526, the battalion was deployed to Andesia to eliminate Insurrectionist strongholds on the planet. During the deployment, several members of the unit were killed by insurgent forces. |
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| + | ===Uniform=== |
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| + | ====Battle Dress Uniform==== |
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| + | {{Main|ODST battle armor}} |
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| + | [[File:H2A_CinematicRender_ODST.jpg|right|100px|Cinematic render of an ODST for ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.]] |
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| + | The ODST Battle Dress Uniform is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODSTs - the armor is vacuum-rated, capable of extravehicular activity for fifteen minutes. The ODST BDU has been in use for well over 50 years by the 105th, and remains untouched by its ability to protect its wearer during the toughest operations.{{fact}} The ODST helmet is standard for Helljumpers. In 2535 the [[Mjolnir Powered Assault Armor/AA variant|MJOLNIR/AA]] entered service as a less venerable helmet from the regular ODST Helmet. |
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| + | ===Armament=== |
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| − | === Human-Covenant War[edit] === |
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| + | ====Infantry==== |
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| + | Due to their Special Operations status, Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are equipped with most of the weaponry used throughout the UNSC, regardless of branch of service. While not given the same level of resources as the SPARTANs, they are able to complete missions considered too dangerous for normal infantry, using whatever weapons that are available. Specialized weaponry used by the ODST are suppressed weapons, primarily the [[M7S Caseless Submachine Gun]] and the [[M6C/SOCOM]]. |
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| + | ====Vehicles==== |
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| − | : ''Main article: Human-Covenant War''The ODST squad, Alpha-Five, during the Battle of Mombasa. |
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| + | =====Human Entry Vehicles===== |
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| − | On November 1, 2525, the UNSC moved to full alert status after the devastating first contact with the Covenant at Harvest; this marked a change in objectives for the ODST, who up until that point had been fighting the Insurrectionists. As humanity's military turned to meet the threat of the Covenant, divisions of ODSTs prepared to participate in the most critical engagements in the war and also to conduct the riskiest missions in the history of mankind. In April 2526, the Corbulo Academy of Military Science on Circinius IV came under attack by Covenant forces. ODSTs were deployed directly onto the campus to reinforce the already-present Marine garrison. But by the time Spartan-IIs John-117, Kelly-087, and Frederic-104 arrived, the deployed ODSTs, along with the entire academy's staff, students (save for four survivors), and garrison were slaughtered. |
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| + | {{Main|Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle}} |
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| + | The Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle (abbreviated SOEIV) is a tear-drop shaped pod made of [[Titanium-A armor|Titanium-A]], [[Lead Foil]] and coated with ceramic skin. The SOEIV is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODSTs and is known for its risks and intense heat which has garner the ODST nickname Helljumpers. |
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| + | =====Armed Assault Boats===== |
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| − | The Battle of Hat Yai marked one of the first deployments of ODSTs against Covenant ground forces; although the planet was lost in the ensuing conflict, the ODSTs were successfully extracted before the UNSC retreated. Not long after the Harvest campaign, the ODST participated in the Battle of Arcadia, where they assisted Marine forces and SPARTAN-II Red Team in defending the capital city from Covenant ground forces, thus allowing the evacuation of the civilian population. Having successfully kept Covenant forces from occupying the city, the Corps began launching multiple assaults on the Covenant's bases of operations to reclaim the planet. Several ODST platoons joined UNSC ''Spirit of Fire''<nowiki/>'s rescue operation after retaking the planet and soon participated in the Battle of the Etran Harborage. |
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| + | {{Main|Armed Assault Boat}} |
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| − | ODSTs during the Battle of Earth. |
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| + | Armed Assault Boats were aircraft used by the [[UNSC Navy]] and Marine Corps, to deploy troopers for air assaults. However, the armed assault boats proved to be ineffective, taking heavy fire once within ground firing range and were also very slow. At some point they were replaced by the SOEIV.<ref name="flood" /> |
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| − | Following the enactment of the Cole Protocol in 2535, ODST combat teams were tasked with boarding commercial and private vessels and purging their navigation databases. During one of these routine operations, a group of ODSTs aboard the ''UNSC Midsummer Night'' were captured and taken to the Rubble. They, in conjunction with SPARTAN-II Gray Team, would later defeat a Kig-Yar plan to trick the inhabitants of the Rubble out of their navigation data, which could compromise the location of Earth. As the Human-Covenant War progressed, the ODST would participate in many engagements; among these were the Battle of Jericho VII, an assassination mission on Heian, the Battle of Skopje, the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV, the Battle of New Jerusalem, the Battle of Tribute, and the Battle of Ariel. The numerous campaigns and operations in which the ODST participated throughout the long war all pale in comparison to the Fall of Reach in 2552, during which countless ODSTs lost their lives defending strategic locations on the planet. |
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| + | ===Subordinates=== |
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| − | During the initial invasion of Reach, a large contingent of ODSTs participated in the Battle of Viery, assisting the Army in repelling the Covenant forces from the planet. Throughout the course of the battle, the UNSC formed joint-forces to combat against the overwhelming Covenant forces. Some time during the event, several battalions were stationed on ''UNSC Pillar of Autumn''. As the planet fell to the Covenant onslaught, the vessel made a blind slipspace jump away from the Epsilon Eridani system, discovering the long-abandoned Installation 04. During the Battle of Installation 04, shock troopers led by Major Antonio Silva and First Lieutenant Melissa McKay, operated as a guerrilla force by conducting hit-and-run operations against the forces of the Covenant's Fleet of Particular Justice. |
||
| + | ====Personnel==== |
||
| + | [[File:Halo3-550x308.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An ODST getting a hair cut before going to basic training.]] |
||
| + | The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are one of many Special Operations Forces in the UNSC Defense Force. The ODSTs are under the exclusive operational authority of the Naval Special Warfare Command/Naval Special Weapons. Their methods of operation allow them to conduct missions against targets that more conventional forces cannot approach undetected. ODSTs are recruited from all three services (UNSC Marine Corps, Army, and Navy)<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 82-83''</ref> and from the Special Operations Groups of every nation of the [[Unified Earth Government]] and are a strictly all volunteer fighting force. Potential ODSTs are selected because of their performance in their chosen MOS; every ODST candidate is a veteran from another Special Operations outfit and therefore has already gone through at least two layers of screening and months of intense training — not counting the years of training received before volunteering for the ODSTs. There are no age or gender restrictions — as long as the candidate meets the physical and mental requirements they are guaranteed the opportunity to try out for the ODSTs. Once in the ODSTs, a candidate's training continues - its entrance requirements serve as a third layer of screening upon two more, where applicants would have theoretically failed to pass. Candidates would, therefore, already have extensive experience in conducting the types of high-risk missions that the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers typically perform. |
||
| + | =====List===== |
||
| − | === Battle of Earth and Fall of the Covenant[edit] === |
||
| + | The status of each trooper is in accordance with their last known appearance. |
||
| − | T. Rymann and S. Hartley at Sector Six in the Pakistan-Afghanistan border region. |
||
| − | Following the disastrous loss of Reach and their massive casualties during the Battle of Installation 04 - where all but one of the troopers deployed were killed in action, either on the ring itself or aboard the Flood-infested Covenant cruiser ''Truth and Reconciliation'' when it was destroyed by First Lieutenant Melissa McKay to contain the outbreak - the ODST participated in the most significant battle of the entire war: the Battle of Earth. The battle began on October 20, 2552, when a smaller-than-expected Covenant fleet led by the Prophet of Regret jumped into the Solar System. ODST combat teams, along with the Marines, began engaging Covenant forces on the Orbital Defense Platforms ''Cairo'', ''Athens'', and ''Malta''. Despite the ODSTs' valiant efforts, ''Malta'' and ''Athens'' were destroyed. As the Covenant ship carrying the Prophet of Regret landed over the African mega-city of Mombasa, teams of ODSTs were deployed over the city from orbit in an attempt to board the carrier; before the teams could reach the target, however, the carrier jumped into Slipspace. Only a single squad managed to safely land in the city to carry out the retrieval of the Superintendent's data. |
||
| + | {{scroll box |
||
| − | After Regret's unexpected retreat from New Mombasa, members of the 7th Shock Troops Battalion would later drop from the ''In Amber Clad'' onto Installation 05 during the operation to capture the Prophet of Regret. Most of these troopers would perish during the initial firefights against the Covenant, and only a few would escape back to Earth with Lieutenant Commander Miranda Keyes to lead a resistance against the Covenant occupation forces. |
||
| + | |'''Field Grade Officers''' |
||
| + | *[[Felicia Sanderson|Colonel Felicia Sanderson]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Teller|Colonel Teller]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Antonio Silva|Major Antonio Silva]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Faison|Major Faison]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Sedavian|Major Sedavian]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | '''Company Grade Officers''' |
||
| − | Overall, the defense of Earth was one of the largest campaigns the ODST fought in during the entire war. The fighting spread across the globe and in space as the Fleet of Furious Redemption and the Prophet of Truth's own fleet attacked the remnants of the Orbital Defense Grid. The fleets soon deployed troops throughout the continents of North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The Battle of Cleveland is one example of the ODSTs' participation during the war on Earth. Two ODSTs from the 2nd Shock Troops Battalion fought alongside a detachment of Marines in the Battle of Sector Six. Troopers T. Rymann and S. Hartley were tasked with calculating the crash site of John-117 on Earth, while a Marine battalion was tasked with defending a narrow corridor between Covenant and UNSC forces in Pakistan. Bravo-21 and numerous Marines were killed in the clash, while Bravo-22 was injured along with some of the other surviving Marines. Their actions successfully allowed HIGHCOM to track and locate the Spartan. |
||
| + | *[[Canfield|First Lieutenant Canfield]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Melissa McKay|First Lieutenant Melissa McKay]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Dalu|Second Lieutenant Dalu]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Oros|Second Lieutenant Oros]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Sarah Palmer|Lieutenant Sarah Palmer]]: '''Transferred to [[SPARTAN-IV program]]''' |
||
| + | '''Staff Non-Commissioned Officers''' |
||
| − | After the opening of the Portal in November 2552, the 11th Marine Force Reconnaissance/ODST, stationed aboard the UNSC ''Forward Unto Dawn'', fought alongside Spartan John-117, during Operation: BLIND FAITH. Men and women from this battalion were also some of the first humans to travel outside the Milky Way Galaxy, during the Battle of Installation 00. One such assault happened during a mission to destroy numerous Covenant anti-aircraft artillery platforms overlooking a desert. These AA guns were destroyed by the ODSTs, allowing the ''UNSC Forward Unto Dawn'' to successfully land near the Cartographer building. During the last battle of the Ark campaign—the last battle of the war—ODSTs were again airlifted into combat. This time, they punched holes in Covenant armor and artillery positions to allow John-117 and the Arbiter to eliminate the Prophet of Truth. After the battle, the surviving ODSTs were taken back to Earth aboard the Sangheili flagship ''Shadow of Intent''. |
||
| + | *[[Tink Carter|First Sergeant Tink Carter]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Frost|Master Sergeant Frost]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Cortez|Master Sergeant Cortez]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Lister (Marine)|Master Sergeant Lister]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Edward Buck|Gunnery Sergeant Edward Buck]]: '''Transferred to [[SPARTAN-IV program]]'''<ref name="NB">''[[Halo: New Blood]]''</ref> |
||
| + | *[[Marcus P. Stacker|Master Sergeant Marcus P. Stacker]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Waller|Gunnery Sergeant Waller]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | '''Non-Commissioned Officers''' |
||
| − | === Post-war[edit] === |
||
| + | *[[K. Stark|Staff Sergeant K. Stark]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| − | Sunray 1-1 squad fighting the Banished during the Second Ark Conflict. |
||
| + | *[[Michael Baird|Sergeant Michael Baird]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| − | Some ODSTs were recruited into the SPARTAN-IV program after the war ended, prompting the development of a MJOLNIR (GEN2) variant of the ODST BDU. The ODSTs remain an active military unit, with the 3rd Helljumper Platoon participating in the Battle of Draetheus V against Merg Vol's Covenant in 2554. In 2555, a small fireteam pulled from ODST squad Alpha-Nine participated in a mission at an unknown United Rebel Front facility on the moon Talitsa. There was a battalion of ODSTs aboard the UNSC ''Infinity'' as of 2558. |
||
| + | *[[Corly|Sergeant Corly]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[["Doc" Valdez|Hospital Corpsman Second Class "Doc" Valdez]]: '''MIA''' |
||
| + | *[[O'Reilly|Sergeant O'Reilly]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Parker|Sergeant Parker]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Locklear|Corporal Locklear]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Taylor H. Miles|Corporal Taylor "Dutch" Miles]]: '''Retired'''<ref name="NB"/> |
||
| + | '''Enlisted Men''' |
||
| − | The ODST's 9th Shock Troops Battalion aboard UNSC ''Spirit of Fire'' saw action against the Banished, an anti-Covenant mercenary organization, during the Second Ark Conflict in the spring of 2559. The ODST squad Sunray 1-1, the command element of Boomerang Company under the command of Major Vaughan, managed to prevent Banished forces led by the Mgalekgolo pair known as Colony from gaining control over Forerunner Despair-class fighter, which they planned to use against the ''Spirit of Fire''. Later on, Sunray 1-1 participated in numerous operations in the most hostile, Banished-occupied areas of Installation 00, terminating some of the most valuable of the Banished commanders. |
||
| + | *[[Kojo Agu|Lance Corporal Kojo "Romeo" Agu]]: '''Transfered to [[SPARTAN-IV program]]'''<ref name="NB"/> |
||
| + | *[[Jones (Another Day at the Beach)|Lance Corporal Jones]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Jones (Marine)|Lance Corporal "Snaky" Jones]]: '''MIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Rookie|Lance Corporal "Rookie"]]: '''KIA'''<ref name="NB"/> |
||
| + | *[[Michael Crespo|Private First Class Michael "Mickey" Crespo]]: '''Under Arrest'''<ref name="NB"/> |
||
| + | *[[Chips Dubbo|Private First Class Chips Dubbo]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Hosky|Private First Class Hosky]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Suzuki|Private First Class Suzuki]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Butkus|Private Butkus]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Jones (Another Day at the Beach)|Private Jones]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[O'Brien (Another Day at the Beach)|Private O'Brien]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Marie Postly|Private Marie Postly]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Rodriquez|Private Rodriquez]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Satha|Private Satha]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Walpole|Private Walpole]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | '''Unknown Ranks''' |
||
| − | == Organization[edit] == |
||
| + | *[[Adams]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Al-Thani]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Amey]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Anthony Petrosky]]: '''Retired''' |
||
| + | *[[Baruti Komen]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Brimley]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Cadmon Lasky]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Campbell (ODST)|Campbell]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Carlo Hoya]]: '''Transferred to [[SPARTAN-IV program]]''' |
||
| + | *[[Charleston]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Checkman]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Coady]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Dale (ODST)|Dale]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Dawkins]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Devesh Bhasin]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Dobey]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Gomez (ODST)|Gomez]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Gretchen]]: '''WIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Higgins]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Joe]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Jones (The Cole Protocol)|Jones]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Kiko]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Langston]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Mason]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Michaels]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Murphy (ODST)|Murphy]]: '''MIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Mutuku]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[O'Brien (The Babysitter)|O'Brien]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Orrin]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Paul DeMarco]]: '''Transferred to [[SPARTAN-IV program]]''' |
||
| + | *[[Rahud]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[S. Hartley]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Samrat]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Sita]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Svensdottir]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[T. Rymann]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Tarkov]]: '''Active''' |
||
| + | *[[Gage Yevgenny]]: '''KIA''' |
||
| + | *[[Yutrzenika]]: '''KIA'''}} |
||
| + | ====Units==== |
||
| − | : ''Main article: List of Orbital Drop Shock Trooper units'' |
||
| + | {{Main|List of UNSC Military Units}} |
||
| + | [[File:7thODSTunitpatch.PNG|right|thumb|200px|The unit insignia of the 7th Battalion.]] |
||
| + | ODST units are not embedded within conventional UNSC forces; they do however participate in joint operations, and tend to be force multipliers - increasing the effectiveness and morale of those they fight alongside. ODST combat teams usually consist of six to eight ODST Troopers - with each combat team specializing in a particular mission set, but they are expected to be flexible enough to adapt to any given situation. These combat teams however can vary from company to company. Each combat team also consists of ten to fourteen operators, each of whom has a specific function on the team.<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16271 ''The Guide to the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers - Bungie Weekly Update 11/21/2008'']</ref> ODSTs are known for their unusual methods of insertion, dropping from orbit onto terrestrial environments. Similar to their ground-based counterparts, the ODSTs maintain units of varying strength aboard many UNSC vessels and Installations. |
||
| + | =====List===== |
||
| − | Under the operational authority of the Naval Special Weapons division of UNSC Special Forces, the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are a special operations unit of the UNSC Marine Corps. Though ODST units are not embedded within conventional UNSC forces, they do participate in joint operations and tend to be force multipliers, increasing the effectiveness, willingness, and morale of those they fight alongside. There is at least four divisions of Orbital Drop Shock Troopers, with the 105th Shock Troops Division being the most notable, as well as the 65th Shock Troops Division. The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers also maintain ODST Special Purpose Forces, a subset of ODSTs with additional training and equipment that enable them to operate in unique and challenging environments; among these are the Air Assault units, (nicknamed "Bullfrogs") who are trained as urban warfare specialists. |
||
| + | *[[105th Shock Troops Division|105th Marine Expeditionary Unit [SOC]/ODST]]<ref name="encyclopedia" /> |
||
| + | **[[2nd Shock Troops Battalion]] |
||
| + | **[[7th Shock Troops Battalion]] |
||
| + | ***[[First Platoon (ODST)|First Platoon]] |
||
| + | **[[10th Shock Troops Battalion]] |
||
| + | **[[Unidentified Shock Trooper Team]] |
||
| + | *[[11th Marine Force Reconnaissance/ODST]] |
||
| + | *[[65th Shock Troops Division]] |
||
| + | **[[Alpha-Nine]] |
||
| + | *[[340th ODST Combat Training Unit|340th Orbital Drop Shock Trooper Combat Training Unit]] |
||
| + | *[[19th Shock Troops Battalion]] |
||
| + | *[[22nd Shock Troops Battalion]] |
||
| + | *[[11th Shock Troops Battalion]] |
||
| + | *[[Gamma-Six]]<ref name="NB" /> |
||
| + | *[[105th Drop Jet Platoon]] |
||
| + | *[[Bullfrogs]] |
||
| + | *[[9th Shock Troops Battalion]] |
||
| + | **[[Boomerang Company]] |
||
| + | ***[[Sunray 1-1]] |
||
| + | ==Gameplay== |
||
| − | The number of ODST combat teams varies from company to company, but it generally consists of six to eight, with each combat team specializing in a particular mission-set. Every ODST combat team consists of anywhere between ten and fourteen members, each one having a specific skill or function on the team. ODSTs are also organized into fireteams of six to eight personnel each. Though every team and every individual is expected to particularly excel in their given skills and assigned mission-sets, they are expected to be flexible enough to adapt to any given situation. Every ODST unit's equipment is tailored for a specific mission and task, with each operator being proficient with a wide range of weapons, sensors, and mobility systems optimized for hazardous and difficult environments. |
||
| + | The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are a playable unit in ''[[Halo Wars]]''. They are available in a few missions of the Campaign but are only available as the final upgrade for the Marine unit in Skirmish Mode if the player chose [[James Cutter|Captain Cutter]] as their hero unit. In the ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' Firefight level, [[Installation 04 (Firefight map)|Installation 04]], some ODSTs are found on top of the [[Forerunner]] signal tower. If an ODST is transformed into a Flood Combat Form, their armor will become that of a Marine Battle Dress Uniform. This is because the game engine does not have any code to transform the ODST into an ODST Combat Form. |
||
| + | ==Trivia== |
||
| − | == Personnel[edit] == |
||
| + | *The ODSTs have their own [[Helljumper's anthem|anthem]]. |
||
| − | ''See here for a list of ODST personnel.'' |
||
| + | *The ODSTs were heavily influenced by the novel ''[http://starshiptroopers.wikia.com/wiki/Starship_Troopers_(novel) Starship Troopers]''. |
||
| + | *The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers have been referred to by [[Bungie]] as a futuristic successor to the [[Wikipedia:Marine Force Recon|American Marine Force Recon]] and the [[Wikipedia:Special Air Service|British Special Air Service]].<ref>[http://www.gameplayer.com.au/gp_documents/090224HaloODST.aspx '''Gameplayer''': ''Halo 3: ODST Exclusive Developer Interview'']</ref> |
||
| + | [[File:ODSTlogothing.jpg|200px|right|thumb|The Chinese "混" character patch on an ODST's body armor.]] |
||
| + | *On the right side of an ODST's body armor is a Chinese character which, when translated, means roughly "complete badass," a reference to the ODSTs' hardcore attitude. Putting these symbols together spells the Chinese word "混蛋," which translates to "asshole." |
||
| + | *In ''[[Halo: Uprising]]'', when the ODSTs drop off the Hornets, they use a sort of cable they keep inside their belt, much like modern day armed forces off of a helicopter. |
||
| + | *Aboard the carrier {{UNSCShip|Atlas}}, John-117 had a confrontational moment with four ODSTs in the ship's gym. John had removed a pin from the weights at the bench press, and forgot to put it back. The ODSTs walked into the gym and went straight to the bench press. The weights fell and almost crushed one of the soldiers' feet. A fight ensued and John killed three of the ODSTs and severely injured the other. Ever since then, relations between the [[SPARTAN-II Program|Spartans]] and the ODSTs have been tensed and uneasy.<ref name="flood" /><ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''' - ''page ??''</ref> However, this does not seem to stop them from working to their utmost efficiency during the Fall of Reach,<ref name="exodus">'''Halo: Reach''' - ''Exodus''</ref><ref name="package">'''Halo: Reach''' - ''The Package''</ref> Battle of Installation 05<ref name="h2delta">'''Halo 2''' - ''Delta Halo''</ref> and Battle of Installation 00.<ref name="h3ark">'''Halo 3''' - ''The Ark''</ref> |
||
| + | *Interestingly, in some special dialogue cases, ODSTs (particularly the Rookie) are called "imps" by Covenant members similar to how Spartans are known as "demons" among the Covenant. |
||
| + | *Strangely enough, the ODSTs in ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' are seen using standard-issue UNSC Army weapons, instead of ones normally used by Marines, the branch that the ODSTs belong to. The reason for this is unknown, though it is most likely for gameplay purposes. An in-continuity explanation could be that the ODSTs borrowed weapons from the army due to lack of supplies or maybe losing their own weapons in battle. |
||
| + | *[[Jacob Keyes|Captain Jacob Keyes]] had an ODST tattoo stenciled into his arm, given to him after he saved the lives of many ODSTs during a routine mission on the ''[[Finnegan's Wake]]''. |
||
| + | *It is strange that in ''Halo: Reach'', the silver visor has a reference to ODSTs, as the blue visor more accurately replicates them. |
||
| + | *The shoulder pads of ODSTs in ''Halo 3'' appear slightly different than the ones in ''Halo 3: ODST''. |
||
| + | *In ''Halo: Reach'' the ODSTs follow Army rank structure, and use Army weapons, there is a small likely-hood that there is an Army ODST unit. |
||
| + | *Buck in ''Halo: Reach'' shares the flashlight attachment on his helmet which all ODSTs have in ''Halo: Reach''. The attachment resembles the one on Mickey's helmet from ''Halo 3: ODST''. |
||
| + | *The ODSTs in ''Halo Wars 2'' speak with a British accent. |
||
| + | ==Gallery== |
||
| − | : "''Feet First into Hell.''" |
||
| + | ===Concept art=== |
||
| − | : — The ODST motto |
||
| + | <gallery widths="150" spacing="small"> |
||
| + | ODST concept.jpg|ODST Concept Armour. |
||
| + | halo-3-odst-2.jpg|Concept art of the ODSTs. |
||
| + | Halo3-ODST_ENVConcept-06.jpg|Concept art of a lone ODST in [[New Mombasa]]. |
||
| + | Halo3-ODST CharConcept-02.jpg|Concept art of an ODST. |
||
| + | CP1.jpg|A concept art of an ODST. |
||
| + | ih_odst04b02.jpg|Concept art of an ODST walking. |
||
| + | ih_odst man02c.jpg|Concept art of an ODST evacuating from New Mombasa. |
||
| + | odst_b12.jpg|Concept art of an ODST with a Battle Rifle. |
||
| + | ODSTconcept1.jpg|More ODST artwork. |
||
| + | ODST_HD.png|ODST concept art. |
||
| + | ImagesCATL0IP5.jpg|Concept of ODST armor. |
||
| + | </gallery> |
||
| + | ===Renders=== |
||
| − | A strictly volunteer force, the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are recruited from special operations units in the UNSC Marine Corps, UNSC Army, UNSC Air Force, and UNSC Navy; they are also drawn from the special operations groups of all UEG member nations' standing militaries. The rigorous selection standards and the high level of bravery required to join the organization helps ensure the ODST are one of humanity's most elite military formations, second only to the Spartans. |
||
| + | <gallery widths="150" spacing="small"> |
||
| + | ImagesCAXLH78J.jpg|A render of an ODST. |
||
| + | H4 ODST Armor.png|ODST armor permutation in ''Halo 4'', part of the Infinity Armor Pack. |
||
| + | HTI Delta ODST.jpg|An ODST armor permutation from ''Halo: Reach''. |
||
| + | </gallery> |
||
| + | ===Screenshots=== |
||
| − | Potential ODSTs are selected because of their performance in their chosen Military Occupational Specialty; because every ODST candidate is a veteran from another special operations outfit they have already gone through at least two layers of screening and months of intense training—not counting the years of training received before volunteering for the ODST. There are no age or gender restrictions as long as the candidate meets the physical and mental requirements they are guaranteed the opportunity to try out for the ODST. Once in the ODST a candidate's training continues—its entrance requirements serve as a third layer of screening upon two more, where applicants would have theoretically failed to pass. Candidates would therefore already have extensive experience in conducting the types of high-risk missions that the ODSTs typically perform. |
||
| + | {{Scroll box|<gallery widths="150" spacing="small"> |
||
| + | File:Trouble.jpg|An ODST faces an enraged [[Jiralhanae]]. |
||
| + | File:ODST Fast roping.png|ODSTs dropping into [[Cleveland]]. |
||
| + | File:Helljumpers One-Cropped.png|Taylor "Dutch" Miles during the Battle of Ariel. |
||
| + | File:T.Rymarr.jpg|T. Rymann engages Jiralhanae during the Battle of Sector Six. |
||
| + | File:Mobassa ODST.jpg|An ODST fireteam in the streets of Mombasa. |
||
| + | File:Hevstohalo05.jpg|Shock Troopers descending in their SOEIVs over Installation 05. |
||
| + | File:Helljumper Squad.jpg|An ODST fireteam in action. |
||
| + | File:ODST Patrol.jpg|A team of ODSTs deployed on Installation 00 alongside John-117. |
||
| + | File:unsc_odst.gif|An ODST fireteam in Halo Wars. |
||
| + | File:HaloReach - ODST.jpg|Three ODSTs near [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] [[Sword Base]] on Reach. |
||
| + | reach_1840061_Full.jpg|A team of [[Bullfrogs]] during the Fall of Reach. |
||
| + | File:ODSTwithBuck.jpg|Two ODSTs being evacuated from New Alexandria by Gunnery Sergeant Buck. |
||
| + | reach_8960046_Full.jpg|ODST's taking on a Brute Minor. |
||
| + | reach_8960023_Full.jpg|ODST's covering each other. |
||
| + | ODST.jpg|An ODST from the Halo 3: ODST Live Action Trailer. |
||
| + | BullfrogODST.jpg|A Bullfrog ODST in New Alexandria. |
||
| + | Reach 1840207 Full.jpg|An ODST in the level [[Exodus]]. |
||
| + | reach_3714345_Medium.jpg|One of the Bullfrogs. |
||
| + | O_D_S_T.jpg|An ODST soldier fighting on [[Installation 00|the Ark]]. |
||
| + | ODST2011.jpg|ODST soldier in ''Halo 2''. |
||
| + | ODST 55.jpg|ODST in Halo 3. |
||
| + | ODST snipers.jpg|An ODST sniper on the Ark. |
||
| + | odstatcity.jpg|An ODST walks dark city streets. |
||
| + | ODSTTA.jpg|An ODST with a BR55HB SR Battle Rifle. |
||
| + | ODST drop pod.jpg|ODST Drop Pod. |
||
| + | File:GySgtBuck.jpg|Gunnery Sergeant Buck, an ODST who fought during both the Fall of Reach and the Battle of Mombasa. |
||
| + | Reach_ODST_.jpg|An ODST during The Fall of Reach. |
||
| + | Reach_ODST_Exodus_1.jpg|An ODST with Jetpack at New Alexandria's cargo port. |
||
| + | H2A DeltaHalo4.jpg|ODSTs on the surface of [[Installation 05]] in a pre-released ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''. |
||
| + | HW2 Cinematic-OfficialTrailer33.png|ODSTs in ''Halo Wars 2'' |
||
| + | </gallery>}} |
||
| − | === |
+ | ===Other Images=== |
| + | <gallery widths="150" spacing="small"> |
||
| − | A drill instructor yelling at ODST recruits. |
||
| + | ODST_chars_1600_1200.jpg|The ODST squad in ''Halo 3: ODST''. |
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| − | Orbital Drop Shock Troopers receive months of intense training, outside the training they had originally received from their previous line of duty. For three weeks, to get all personnel physically fit, ODST candidates may endure daily runs, push-ups, and numerous obstacle courses. These obstacle courses include training simulations with slush, artificial snow, and live-fire simulated battles. Candidates are trained to crawl for miles through environments with barbed wire, rubble, and destroyed buildings as drill instructors fire rounds mere inches above the trainees' heads. Additionally, trainees practice jumping from high positions to prepare for transorbital drops. The rigorous training process also serves as an opportunity for candidates—those who prove unfit to become an ODST—to drop out of the program or they are removed from the training by an instructor. These candidates are Returned to Unit (RTU), meaning that they are sent back to their previous unit and post. |
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| + | ODSTavatar-body.png|The ''[[Halo Waypoint]]'' avatar award ODST. |
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| + | File:Isaac-Hannaford-Halo-Manual8.jpg|ODST in action. |
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| + | </gallery> |
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| + | ==Appearances== |
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| − | Following the three weeks of physical training, the next portion of ODST training is squad tactics, in which teamwork is a priority. In one example, remaining candidates are to don a full set of ODST training gear and are given weapons loaded with tactical training rounds (TTR), and are then dropped off at the base of a mountain. Candidates are then ordered to reach the peak of the mountain; the drill instructor accompanies them. Drill instructors may occasionally shoot trainees in the leg with a pistol loaded with TTRs, which essentially causes paralysis in the leg. Any candidates that are not quick enough to pick up speed are shot in the other leg, forcing them to crawl the rest of the way. This training simulation may be ran several times with added difficulties, such as trainers serving as opponents armed with TTR-loaded weapons. Some trainees would have to serve as distractions to give their peers the opportunity to eliminate their opponents. |
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| + | {{Appearances|Halo 2|Another Day at the Beach|Halo 2: Anniversary|Halo 3|Halo 3: ODST|Halo Wars|Halo: Reach|Halo: The Fall of Reach|Halo: The Flood|Halo: First Strike|Halo: The Cole Protocol|Halo: Helljumper|Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe|Halo: Landfall|We Are ODST|Halo Legends|Halo: Glasslands|Halo: The Thursday War|Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn|Halo: Initiation|Halo: Mortal Dictata|Halo: New Blood|Halo Wars 2}} |
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| + | ==Sources== |
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| − | After squad tactics, ODST candidates are given tactical training. The trainees are assembled into fireteams and are then given the same challenges that they had experienced in the squad tactics training; the fireteams work together individually to attempt to reach the peak of the mountain. After the fireteams are individually trained for a period of time, squad tactics is reintegrated back into the candidates' training. Two fireteams work together to reach the top of the mountain, with each fireteam providing support and suppression against opponents for the other. |
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| + | {{Ref/SourceList}} |
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| + | {{UNSC Organizations}} |
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| + | [[ru:Ударные_войска_орбитального_десантирования]] |
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| − | The ODSTs have their own dedicated training unit, the 340th ODST Combat Training Unit, used for training UNSC special forces personnel in a realistic combat environment. |
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| + | [[Category:UNSC Special Forces]] |
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| − | |||
| − | === Psychology[edit] === |
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| − | Tarkov and other ODSTs holding an improvised combat zone funeral. |
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| − | Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are famous among those of the United Nations Space Command for their tenacity in combat. The wide diversity of individuals who serve as ODSTs occasionally leads to cultural barriers; it was considered to be part of their "curious charm". The dangerous method in which ODSTs are deployed often leads to the creation of an important distinguishing psychological characteristic commonly displayed among their ranks. Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are very proud of their accomplishments and skills. Many ODSTs believe they uphold a "commando's state-of-mind", meaning that they can do anything with the right attitude. Among their peers, ODSTs are often jovial and almost carefree. However, when an ODST is around someone who is not a member of the organization, they often become stoic, overtly unfriendly, and have a complete absence of any expression, though they still often remain relaxed. Many individuals have confidence that the ODST can do nearly anything they are tasked to do, no matter the difficulty of the assignment. Being Returned to Unit (RTU)—not successfully completing ODST training—is considered highly humiliating, to the point that it makes death seem like a "minor embarrassment" in comparison. |
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| − | |||
| − | ODST officers lead from the front and command their troops with acts of bravery and combat proficiency, as most ODSTs are not impressed by authority wielded without competence, nor are they cowed by threats of administrative punishment. UNSC Insertion Protocols dictate that the commanding officer's SOEIV should accelerate after an ODST unit is deployed, thus placing it before the rest of the unit's drop pods. This is due to the strongly held belief—among the ODSTs—that officers should lead their troopers into battle, rather than follow. It is also held that officers should be willing to do anything they would ask their subordinates to do, and should expose themselves to the same level of danger as their troopers. Leaders among ODST ranks who can successfully control their subordinates are often rare to find and highly valued, yet the high degrees of danger that ODSTs are exposed to on their missions mean the life expectancy for ODST officers is demoralizingly short. Though they accept the grim statistics, ODSTs are immensely proud of the fact that most of their officers rose from within the ranks, inspired by the heroism and sacrifice of preceding officers, and willing to serve despite the dangers they often face. ODSTs occasionally give tattoos of the kanji symbol for either "bastard" or "bad ass"—as the meaning differs depending on who is asked—to officers they greatly respect. Allegedly, should the tattooed individual reveal their mark to any ODST, the ODST would unhesitatingly aid that person. |
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| − | |||
| − | Orbital Drop Shock Troopers—especially those from the 105th Shock Troops Division—have a somewhat rough relationship with members of the SPARTAN-II program. Due to the fierce pride found in many ODSTs and their inferiority compared to the elite Spartan supersoldiers, most Shock Troopers have some form of resentment toward the Spartan-IIs. Former ODST Edward Buck remarked that he once considered the Spartan-IIs to be "''glory-hungry bullet catchers''". This one-sided rivalry likely originated on April 22, 2525, when members of the 105th were involved in a fight with the fourteen-year-old Spartan John-117, resulting in two ODST deaths and two severe injuries. |
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| − | |||
| − | == Equipment[edit] == |
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| − | |||
| − | === Battle dress uniform[edit] === |
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| − | |||
| − | : ''Main article: ODST armor''Kojo Agu, donning the Sharpshooter variant of the ODST armor. |
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| − | The ODST battle dress uniform is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODSTs—the armor is vacuum-rated and capable of extra-vehicular activity for fifteen minutes. The helmet, a derivative of the standard-issue CH252 helmet, is equipped with modern communications gear, a heads-up display, and motion trackers. The helmet is also issued with Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance, a proprietary integrated data management system that provides its users with navigational data, access to certain infrastructure systems, and allows them to store mission content. |
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| − | |||
| − | Manufactured by Misriah Armory, the ODST armor incorporates titanium composites for armor plating to give the user added protection. The armor includes a heating and cooling system that has the capabilities to match the infrared signature of the current local weather. There is several editions and variants of the armor with mission-specific functions. |
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| − | |||
| − | === Drop pod[edit] === |
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| − | |||
| − | : ''Main article: Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle'' |
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| − | |||
| − | The Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle (SOEIV) is a teardrop-shaped drop pod protected with a ceramic skin coating. It is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODST and is known for its risks and intense heat which has garnered 105th ODST Division the nickname "Helljumpers". While most combat deployments are made by means of ordinary dropships, the SOEIV was designed as a more efficient method of orbital deployment for high-risk operations. Often deployed from orbiting spacecraft or space stations, SOEIVs are equipped with its occupant's weapons, ammunition, and other supplies. Upon landing, each ODST is responsible for removing the supplies from their SOEIV and bringing it to their unit's temporary base. |
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| − | |||
| − | == Gameplay[edit] == |
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| − | |||
| − | === ''Halo Wars''[edit] === |
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| − | In ''Halo Wars'', the ODSTs are available as an upgrade to the Marine unit, and are unique to Captain Cutter as a Super Unit. They are equipped with M90 Shotguns. |
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| − | |||
| − | === ''Halo Wars 2''[edit] === |
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| − | In ''Halo Wars 2'', ODSTs are listed as an Elite Infantry unit and are deployed three squads at a time via orbital drop, with each squad having four SOEIV pods. If the ODST drop lands near enemy infantry, they will be stunned temporarily and take damage. They are available exclusively in the main campaign, OPERATION: SPEARBREAKER, and if the player picks Captain Cutter as a leader in multiplayer. Their main loadout is an M7S SMG equipped with a laser sight. ODSTs are more durable than regular Marines and are a good all-rounder unit. They can only be deployed with the ODST drop leader power. |
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| − | |||
| − | * Info: Elite Infantry, good all-rounder. |
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| − | * Cost: 600 Supplies, 12 Population. |
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| − | |||
| − | ODSTs (Sunray 1-1) |
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| − | |||
| − | * Info: Hero Unit |
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| − | |||
| − | Sunray 1-1 is a Hero Unit for ODSTs. It is equipped with an EMP Charge as its hero ability, which can disable and damage any mechanical units. |
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| − | |||
| − | : ''This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it''. |
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| − | |||
| − | == Trivia[edit] == |
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| − | {| class="article-table" |
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| − | !Language |
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| − | !Equivalent |
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| − | |- |
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| − | |'''French''' |
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| − | |Official names: |
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| − | ''Troupes de Choc Aéroportées Orbitales'' (''TCAO'') in the ''Halo'' novels and on ''Halo Legends''<nowiki/>' back cover. |
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| − | |||
| − | ''Astrocommandos'' (''ASCO'') in ''Halo 3'', ''Halo Wars'', ''Halo 3: ODST'', ''Halo: Reach'', ''Halo 4'' and ''Halo 5: Guardians''. |
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| − | |||
| − | ''Troupe d'assaut orbitale'' on ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki/>'s cover. |
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| − | |||
| − | ''ODST'' in ''Halo Legends: The Babysitter''. |
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| − | |||
| − | Nicknames: |
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| − | |||
| − | ''Sauteurs de l'enfer'' in ''Halo Wars''. |
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| − | |||
| − | ''Hell Jumpers'' in ''Halo 3: ODST''<nowiki/>'s manual and ''Halo Legends: The Babysitter''. |
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| − | |- |
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| − | |'''Spanish''' |
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| − | |''Soldados de Choque de Descenso Orbital'' |
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| − | |- |
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| − | |'''German''' |
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| − | |Full name: ''Orbitalen Absprung-Schocktruppen'' |
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| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | Acronym: ''OAST'' |
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| − | |} |
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| − | {| class="article-table" |
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| − | | |
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| − | |Browse more images in this article's gallery page. |
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| − | |} |
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| − | |||
| − | * The ODST were heavily influenced by the Mobile Infantry from Robert A. Heinlein's seminal novel ''Starship Troopers'', which popularized the use of drop pods in science fiction. The ODST's tradition of officers deploying before enlisted personnel is also inspired by the Mobile Infantry. |
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| − | * If an ODST is transformed into a Flood combat form in ''Halo 3'' his armor will become that of a regular Marine. This is because no model for an ODST combat form exists in the game's files. |
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| − | * During development of ''Halo 2'', Eric Trautmann and Brannon Boren argued for the inclusion of ODSTs in the game, despite Bungie questioning their recognizability to fans and the in-universe role they served. |
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Revision as of 18:14, 10 January 2021
This article is about the special forces group. For more, see Orbital Drop Shock Trooper (disambiguation).
|
Most of the crew - not to mention your fellow jarheads - will be leaving the ship in lifeboats. They'll ride to the surface in air conditioned comfort, sipping wine, and nibbling on appetizers. Not you, however. Oh no, you're going to leave the Pillar of Autumn in a different method. Tell me boys and girls… how will you leave?
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— Major Antonio Silva, aboard UNSC Pillar of Autumn.
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We go feet first, sir!
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— Shock Trooper's response.
The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers (ODST) are a special operations capable organization of the UNSC Marine Corps that specialize in orbital-dropped shock infantry and special warfare tactics. The ODSTs are one of the primary Special Operations units of the United Nations Space Command, and is under the supervision of Naval Special Warfare Command.[2] ODST primary HQ is located at Kenosha, Mars.[3]
History
ODST's in the back of a pelican.
Origins
While the concept of dropping human soldiers from orbit had been around since the mid 21st century, the first iterations of the ODST weren't established until 2129.[3] One of the names for these iterations were the "Drop Jet Platoons."[4] Officially, the Orbital Drop Shock Trooper came into being in 2163.[3]
At the conclusion of the Rainforest Wars and the Jovian Moons campaign, the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers were a fully established force and participated in every high risk operation during those conflicts. However, the conclusion of these conflicts in 2170, along with the signing of the Callisto Treaty and the subsequent years that followed, the ODSTs saw little action as more political, and more important issues such as overpopulation and famine and a massive military with no purpose gripped the postwar nations of Earth.[5]
The first major combat re-emergence of the ODSTs occurred in 2490 during the beginnings of the civil conflict between the UEG and the Insurrection. Using the ORIONs as exemplary models, the reputation of the ODSTs, as well as their training, was restored and enhanced as time passed. In the years leading up to 2525, the ODSTs would once again conduct high risk operations against the Insurrectionists, to either stop the enemy before they could carry out attacks against supporters and officials of the Earth Government or to cut off major suppliers to the Insurrectionists.
Human-Covenant war
- Main article: Human-Covenant war
Early War
An ODST in combat.
On November 1, 2525, the UNSC moved into a full alert status after the devastating and horrifying first contact with the Covenant at Harvest; this marked a change in objectives for the ODSTs, who up until that point had been fighting the Insurrectionists. As humanity's military turned to meet the threat of the Covenant, divisions of ODSTs prepared to participate in the most critical engagements in the war and also to conduct the riskiest missions in the history of mankind. The Battle of Hat Yai marked one of the first deployments of ODSTs against Covenant ground forces. Although the planet was lost in the ensuing conflict, fortunately, the ODSTs were successfully extracted before the UNSC retreated. In 2526, ODST's were dropped onto Circinius IV to assist in the defense of the planet, but all were lost over the course of the battle.
Not long after the Harvest Campaign, the ODSTs participated in the Battle of Arcadia where they assisted Marine forces and SPARTAN-II Red Team in defending the capital city from Covenant ground forces, thus allowing the evacuation of the civilian population. Having successfully kept Covenant forces from occupying the city, the Corps began launching multiple assaults on the Covenant's bases of operations to reclaim the planet. Several ODST battalions joined UNSC Spirit of Fire's rescue operation after retaking the planet and soon participated in the Battle of Shield 0459.
Following the enactment of the Cole Protocol in 2535, ODST combat teams were tasked with boarding commercial and private vessels and purging their navigation databases. During one of these routine operations, a group of ODSTs aboard UNSC Midsummer Night were captured and taken to The Rubble. They, in conjunction with SPARTAN-II Gray Team, would later defeat a Kig-Yar plan to trick the inhabitants of the Rubble out of their navigation data, which could compromise the location of Earth.
Late War
As the Covenant-Human war progressed, the ODSTs would go on to participate in many engagements; among these were the Battle of Jericho VII, an assassination mission on Heian, the Battle of Skopje, the Battle of Sigma Octanus IV, the Battle of New Jerusalem, the Battle of Tribute, and the Battle of Ariel. The numerous campaigns and operations in which the ODSTs participated throughout the long war all pale in comparison to the Fall of Reach in 2552, during which countless ODSTs lost their lives defending strategic locations on the planet.
Reach
During the initial invasion of Reach, a large contingent of 3,200 ODSTs participated in the Battle of Viery, assisting the UNSC Army in repelling the Covenant forces from the planet. Throughout the course of the battle, the UNSC formed joint forces to combat against the overwhelming Covenant forces. Some time during the event, several battalions were stationed on UNSC Pillar of Autumn. As the planet fell to the Covenant onslaught, the vessel made a blind Slipspace jump away from the Epsilon Eridani system, discovering the long-abandoned Installation 04. During the Battle of Installation 04, shock troopers led by Major Antonio Silva and First Lieutenant Melissa McKay, operated as a guerrilla force by conducting hit-and-run operations against the forces of the Covenant's Fleet of Particular Justice.[6]
Earth
Fresh from the disastrous loss of Reach, the ODSTs participated in the most significant battle of the entire war: the Battle of Earth. The battle began on October 20, 2552, when the Fleet of Sacred Consecration led by the Prophet of Regret jumped into the Sol System. ODST combat teams, along with the Marines, began engaging Covenant forces on the Orbital Defense Platforms Cairo, Athens, and Malta. Despite the ODSTs' valiant efforts, Malta and Athens were destroyed. As the Covenant ship carrying the Prophet of Regret landed over the African city New Mombasa, teams of ODSTs were deployed over the city from orbit in an attempt to board the carrier. Before the teams could reach the target, however, the carrier jumped into slipspace. Only Alpha-Nine managed to safely land in the city to carryout the retrieval of the Superintendent's data.
After Regret's unexpected retreat from New Mombasa, members of the 7th Shock Troops Battalion would later drop from UNSC In Amber Clad onto Installation 05 during the Battle of Installation 05 in an effort to kill the Prophet of Regret.[7] Most of these troopers would perish during the initial firefights against the Covenant, and only a few would escape back to Earth with Lieutenant Commander Miranda Keyes to lead a resistance against the Covenant occupation forces.[8]
Overall, the defense of Earth was one of the largest campaigns the ODSTs fought in during the entire war. The fighting spread across the globe and in space as the Fleet of Furious Redemption and the Prophet of Truth's own fleet attacked the remnants of the Orbital Defense Grid. The fleets soon deployed troops throughout the continents of North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The Battle of Cleveland is one example of the ODSTs' participation during the war on Earth. Two ODSTs from the 2nd Shock Troops Battalion fought alongside a detachment of Marines in the Battle of Sector Six.[9] Troopers T. Rymann and S. Hartley were tasked with calculating the crash site of John-117 on Earth, while a Marine battalion was tasked with defending a narrow corridor between Covenant and UNSC forces in Pakistan. Bravo-21 and numerous Marines were killed in the clash, while Bravo-22 was injured along with some of the other surviving Marines. Their actions successfully allowed HIGHCOM to track and locate the Spartan.
An ODST squad.
Installation 00
After the opening of the Artifact in November of 2552, the 11th Marine Force Reconnaissance/ODST, stationed aboard UNSC Forward Unto Dawn, fought alongside John-117, during Operation: BLIND FAITH.[10] Men and women from this battalion were also some of the first humans to travel outside the Milky Way galaxy, during the Battle of Installation 00.[11] One such assault happened during a mission to destroy numerous Covenant Type-27 Anti-Aircraft Cannons overlooking a desert. These AA guns were destroyed by the ODSTs, allowing UNSC Forward Unto Dawn to successfully land near the Cartographer building.[11] During the last battle of the Ark campaign - the last battle of the war - ODSTs were again airlifted into combat. This time, they punched holes in Covenant armor and artillery positions to allow John-117 and Thel 'Vadam to eliminate the Prophet of Truth.[12]
Post-war
 |
Duties
ODSTs in action.
The ODSTs perform highly specialized, small scale, high-risk operations including:[2]
- Deep Ground Surveillance or Long Range Reconnaissance: Patrols in small groups, in uniform, usually far behind the enemy lines. While DGS units may direct air or artillery strikes against enemy positions, they strive to be unobserved, and have only self-defense, not DA, capability. Groups engaging in surveillance deep behind enemy lines, are commonly known as "Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols" or LRRP's.
- Direct Action: Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover, or damage designated targets. Direct action differs from conventional offensive actions in the level of physical and political risk, operational techniques, and the degree of discriminate and precise use of force to achieve specific objectives.
- Unconventional Warfare: Military and paramilitary operations, normally of long duration, predominantly conducted by indigenous or surrogate forces who are organized, trained, equipped, supported, and directed in varying degrees by an external source. It includes guerrilla warfare and other direct offensive, low visibility, covert, or clandestine operations, as well as the indirect activities of subversion, sabotage, intelligence gathering, escape and evasion.
- Counter-Terrorism Operations: The response to terrorist threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.
- Counter-Contraband Operations: Missions undertaking the recapturing of smuggled/stolen goods.
- Personnel and Special Equipment Recovery/Capture: The recovery/medical treatment of friendly personnel in combat environments, as well as the capability of capturing high valued individuals and any equipment.
Branches
Assets
Uniform
Battle Dress Uniform
- Main article: ODST battle armor
The ODST Battle Dress Uniform is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODSTs - the armor is vacuum-rated, capable of extravehicular activity for fifteen minutes. The ODST BDU has been in use for well over 50 years by the 105th, and remains untouched by its ability to protect its wearer during the toughest operations.[citation needed] The ODST helmet is standard for Helljumpers. In 2535 the MJOLNIR/AA entered service as a less venerable helmet from the regular ODST Helmet.
Armament
Infantry
Due to their Special Operations status, Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are equipped with most of the weaponry used throughout the UNSC, regardless of branch of service. While not given the same level of resources as the SPARTANs, they are able to complete missions considered too dangerous for normal infantry, using whatever weapons that are available. Specialized weaponry used by the ODST are suppressed weapons, primarily the M7S Caseless Submachine Gun and the M6C/SOCOM.
Vehicles
Human Entry Vehicles
- Main article: Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle
The Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle (abbreviated SOEIV) is a tear-drop shaped pod made of Titanium-A, Lead Foil and coated with ceramic skin. The SOEIV is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODSTs and is known for its risks and intense heat which has garner the ODST nickname Helljumpers.
Armed Assault Boats
- Main article: Armed Assault Boat
Armed Assault Boats were aircraft used by the UNSC Navy and Marine Corps, to deploy troopers for air assaults. However, the armed assault boats proved to be ineffective, taking heavy fire once within ground firing range and were also very slow. At some point they were replaced by the SOEIV.[6]
Subordinates
Personnel
An ODST getting a hair cut before going to basic training.
The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are one of many Special Operations Forces in the UNSC Defense Force. The ODSTs are under the exclusive operational authority of the Naval Special Warfare Command/Naval Special Weapons. Their methods of operation allow them to conduct missions against targets that more conventional forces cannot approach undetected. ODSTs are recruited from all three services (UNSC Marine Corps, Army, and Navy)[13] and from the Special Operations Groups of every nation of the Unified Earth Government and are a strictly all volunteer fighting force. Potential ODSTs are selected because of their performance in their chosen MOS; every ODST candidate is a veteran from another Special Operations outfit and therefore has already gone through at least two layers of screening and months of intense training — not counting the years of training received before volunteering for the ODSTs. There are no age or gender restrictions — as long as the candidate meets the physical and mental requirements they are guaranteed the opportunity to try out for the ODSTs. Once in the ODSTs, a candidate's training continues - its entrance requirements serve as a third layer of screening upon two more, where applicants would have theoretically failed to pass. Candidates would, therefore, already have extensive experience in conducting the types of high-risk missions that the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers typically perform.
List
The status of each trooper is in accordance with their last known appearance.
Units
- Main article: List of UNSC Military Units
The unit insignia of the 7th Battalion.
ODST units are not embedded within conventional UNSC forces; they do however participate in joint operations, and tend to be force multipliers - increasing the effectiveness and morale of those they fight alongside. ODST combat teams usually consist of six to eight ODST Troopers - with each combat team specializing in a particular mission set, but they are expected to be flexible enough to adapt to any given situation. These combat teams however can vary from company to company. Each combat team also consists of ten to fourteen operators, each of whom has a specific function on the team.[15] ODSTs are known for their unusual methods of insertion, dropping from orbit onto terrestrial environments. Similar to their ground-based counterparts, the ODSTs maintain units of varying strength aboard many UNSC vessels and Installations.
List
- 105th Marine Expeditionary Unit [SOC]/ODST[10]
- 11th Marine Force Reconnaissance/ODST
- 65th Shock Troops Division
- 340th Orbital Drop Shock Trooper Combat Training Unit
- 19th Shock Troops Battalion
- 22nd Shock Troops Battalion
- 11th Shock Troops Battalion
- Gamma-Six[14]
- 105th Drop Jet Platoon
- Bullfrogs
- 9th Shock Troops Battalion
Gameplay
The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are a playable unit in Halo Wars. They are available in a few missions of the Campaign but are only available as the final upgrade for the Marine unit in Skirmish Mode if the player chose Captain Cutter as their hero unit. In the Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary Firefight level, Installation 04, some ODSTs are found on top of the Forerunner signal tower. If an ODST is transformed into a Flood Combat Form, their armor will become that of a Marine Battle Dress Uniform. This is because the game engine does not have any code to transform the ODST into an ODST Combat Form.
Trivia
- The ODSTs have their own anthem.
- The ODSTs were heavily influenced by the novel Starship Troopers.
- The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers have been referred to by Bungie as a futuristic successor to the American Marine Force Recon and the British Special Air Service.[16]
The Chinese "混" character patch on an ODST's body armor.
- On the right side of an ODST's body armor is a Chinese character which, when translated, means roughly "complete badass," a reference to the ODSTs' hardcore attitude. Putting these symbols together spells the Chinese word "混蛋," which translates to "asshole."
- In Halo: Uprising, when the ODSTs drop off the Hornets, they use a sort of cable they keep inside their belt, much like modern day armed forces off of a helicopter.
- Aboard the carrier UNSC Atlas, John-117 had a confrontational moment with four ODSTs in the ship's gym. John had removed a pin from the weights at the bench press, and forgot to put it back. The ODSTs walked into the gym and went straight to the bench press. The weights fell and almost crushed one of the soldiers' feet. A fight ensued and John killed three of the ODSTs and severely injured the other. Ever since then, relations between the Spartans and the ODSTs have been tensed and uneasy.[6][17] However, this does not seem to stop them from working to their utmost efficiency during the Fall of Reach,[18][19] Battle of Installation 05[20] and Battle of Installation 00.[11]
- Interestingly, in some special dialogue cases, ODSTs (particularly the Rookie) are called "imps" by Covenant members similar to how Spartans are known as "demons" among the Covenant.
- Strangely enough, the ODSTs in Halo: Reach are seen using standard-issue UNSC Army weapons, instead of ones normally used by Marines, the branch that the ODSTs belong to. The reason for this is unknown, though it is most likely for gameplay purposes. An in-continuity explanation could be that the ODSTs borrowed weapons from the army due to lack of supplies or maybe losing their own weapons in battle.
- Captain Jacob Keyes had an ODST tattoo stenciled into his arm, given to him after he saved the lives of many ODSTs during a routine mission on the Finnegan's Wake.
- It is strange that in Halo: Reach, the silver visor has a reference to ODSTs, as the blue visor more accurately replicates them.
- The shoulder pads of ODSTs in Halo 3 appear slightly different than the ones in Halo 3: ODST.
- In Halo: Reach the ODSTs follow Army rank structure, and use Army weapons, there is a small likely-hood that there is an Army ODST unit.
- Buck in Halo: Reach shares the flashlight attachment on his helmet which all ODSTs have in Halo: Reach. The attachment resembles the one on Mickey's helmet from Halo 3: ODST.
- The ODSTs in Halo Wars 2 speak with a British accent.
Gallery
Concept art
ODST Concept Armour.
Concept art of the ODSTs.
Concept art of a lone ODST in New Mombasa.
Concept art of an ODST.
A concept art of an ODST.
Concept art of an ODST walking.
Concept art of an ODST evacuating from New Mombasa.
Concept art of an ODST with a Battle Rifle.
More ODST artwork.
ODST concept art.
Concept of ODST armor.
Renders
A render of an ODST.
ODST armor permutation in Halo 4, part of the Infinity Armor Pack.
An ODST armor permutation from Halo: Reach.
Screenshots
 An ODST faces an enraged Jiralhanae.  ODSTs dropping into Cleveland.  Taylor "Dutch" Miles during the Battle of Ariel.  T. Rymann engages Jiralhanae during the Battle of Sector Six.  An ODST fireteam in the streets of Mombasa.  Shock Troopers descending in their SOEIVs over Installation 05.  An ODST fireteam in action.  A team of ODSTs deployed on Installation 00 alongside John-117.  An ODST fireteam in Halo Wars.  Three ODSTs near ONI Sword Base on Reach.  A team of Bullfrogs during the Fall of Reach.  Two ODSTs being evacuated from New Alexandria by Gunnery Sergeant Buck.  ODST's taking on a Brute Minor.  ODST's covering each other.  An ODST from the Halo 3: ODST Live Action Trailer.  A Bullfrog ODST in New Alexandria.  An ODST in the level Exodus.  One of the Bullfrogs.  An ODST soldier fighting on the Ark.  ODST soldier in Halo 2.  ODST in Halo 3.  An ODST sniper on the Ark.  An ODST walks dark city streets.  An ODST with a BR55HB SR Battle Rifle.  ODST Drop Pod.  Gunnery Sergeant Buck, an ODST who fought during both the Fall of Reach and the Battle of Mombasa.  An ODST during The Fall of Reach.  An ODST with Jetpack at New Alexandria's cargo port.  ODSTs on the surface of Installation 05 in a pre-released Halo 2: Anniversary.  ODSTs in Halo Wars 2 |
Other Images
Appearances
Sources
- ↑ Halo: The Fall of Reach - page 65
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Bungie.net: The Halo 3: ODST Field Guide
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Halo Waypoint: Universe - Factions - ODST
- ↑ Halo Encyclopedia - page 58
- ↑ Halo Encyclopedia - page 42
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Halo: The Flood - page ??
- ↑ Halo 2 - Level: Delta Halo
- ↑ Halo 2 - Level: The Great Journey
- ↑ Halo 3 - Promotional Material: Halo: Last One Standing
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Halo Encyclopedia - page 56-57
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Halo 3 - The Ark
- ↑ Halo 3 - Level: The Covenant
- ↑ Halo: Glasslands, pages 82-83
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 14.5 Halo: New Blood
- ↑ The Guide to the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers - Bungie Weekly Update 11/21/2008
- ↑ Gameplayer: Halo 3: ODST Exclusive Developer Interview
- ↑ Halo: The Fall of Reach - page ??
- ↑ Halo: Reach - Exodus
- ↑ Halo: Reach - The Package
- ↑ Halo 2 - Delta Halo
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