The 71st Elite Mechanized Assault Group was outfitted with dark gray century tanks—compact assault vessels consisting of a TIE fighter cockpit linked between two large tank treads. Unofficially called TIE crawlers, these were equipped to deliver greater damage to enemy units. Modifications included greater defenses and additional layers of armor plating, though at the expense of target accuracy and shield strength. As such, their century tanks were considered the units' pride. The 71st Elite was therefore able to withstand greater enemy fire on the front lines than the stock century tanks of the 88th Mechanized Assault Group.
The 71st Elite Mechanized Assault Group was in existence since at least 0 BBY.
During the Imperial Civil War in the wake of the Galactic Empire's dissolution in 4 ABY, an unidentified faction of the fallen Empire used the 71st Elite's century tanks to lead other ground assault forces on strikes against enemy facilities.
An 71st Elite Mechanized century tank miniature labeled as a "TIE Crawler"—another name for the compact assault vehicle—was featured in the Ground Assault expansion of the Star Wars PocketModel TCG, released November 14, 2007.
Although the 71st Elite Mechanized Unit was mentioned to be part of the Imperial Remnant on the card, the Imperial Remnant technically didn't exist until 12 ABY, with its formation marking the end of the Imperial Civil War that it was mentioned to have participated in.
- Star Wars PocketModel TCG — Ground Assault
- Star Wars: Imperial Handbook: A Commander's Guide