Within the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars, the Advanced Recon Commandos, also referred to as Advanced Recon Clone troopers, or simply ARC troopers, represented a specialized elite class of clone trooper. Although their numbers were considerably smaller compared to the broader population of clones across the galaxy, their combat prowess positioned them among the most formidable warriors in the galaxy.
During the initial planning and creation of the clone army, Jango Fett and his Mandalorian military advisors pushed for the development of clones capable of undertaking clandestine operations that were too sensitive for standard clone units. To accomplish this objective, the Kaminoans refrained from applying standard behavioral modifications and instead augmented the genetic makeup of the prime clone's DNA to amplify their physical capabilities.
The Null Class ARC Troopers were the result of the initial attempt at genetic modification. Compared to the Jango template, this first generation of ARCs possessed greatly enhanced muscular development, intelligence, and independence. Of the twelve prototypes produced, only six endured the incubation phase. The survivors were quickly labeled as excessively independent and unpredictable, deemed "defective units," and slated for reconditioning, a euphemism used by the Kaminoans for execution. However, the arrival of Kal Skirata on Kamino changed their fate; the Mandalorian trainer was appalled to discover that the six young Nulls were scheduled for termination, and he intervened to take them under his wing. Skirata provided them with names and oversaw their martial and cultural education.
The Alpha class represented the second generation of ARCs. Following the perceived "failure" of the Nulls, the Alpha ARCs were trained to exhibit greater obedience compared to their prototype counterparts. In total, one hundred clones comprised the Alpha-class, and they received personalized training from Fett to become resilient, resourceful, and exceptionally dangerous combatants. While they were encouraged to think independently, they were also instilled with unwavering loyalty to the Republic and to support their future Jedi commanders above all else.
These clones underwent standard flash training and accelerated growth before being placed directly under the tutelage of Jango Fett. Under Fett's rigorous instruction, they learned to harness their fierce independence, inherent creativity, and physical superiority in conjunction with their training in advanced weaponry and vehicles, effectively transforming them into formidable one-man armies. Upon completion of their training, the Alpha-class ARC troopers were placed in stasis on Kamino until they were needed.
The early activation of the ARC troopers was triggered two months after the Battle of Geonosis by a Confederacy invasion of Kamino. As droid forces advanced on Tipoca City, Prime Minister Lama Su authorized the deployment of the Advanced Recon Commandos to critical areas across Kamino in a desperate attempt to safeguard the planet's vital cloning facilities. The ARCs collaborated with a contingent of Jedi to successfully repel the droid onslaught.
Following the First Battle of Kamino, the ARCs were integrated into various units within the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). As the ARCs integrated into the wider world, they began to develop distinct personalities as a result of their unaltered nature; some chose names for themselves, while others established relationships outside of the GAR. Once integrated, Advanced Recon Commandos operated as solo operatives or in small squads led by ARC captains, conducting independent missions or augmenting larger Grand Army of the Republic operations. A notable exception occurred after the Battle of Hypori, where a twenty-man ARC trooper team under the command of Captain Fordo engaged General Grievous in direct combat.
As the Clone Wars unfolded, the Republic secured victories in several key battles largely due to the contributions of the ARC troopers, most notably the Battle of Muunilinst, where the Muunilinst 10 neutralized Separatist defenses that were inflicting heavy casualties on Republic forces. Soon, as their reputation grew within the GAR and across the galaxy, the Advanced Recon Commandos consistently demonstrated why they were recognized as the elite soldiers of the Grand Army. The ARCs and Jango were nearly identical as perfect soldiers; in fact, Fordo, the leader of the Muunilinst 10, had adopted Jango Fett's signature blaster-spinning technique.
This training program was designed to provide clone trooper commanders with training comparable to that of the Alpha-class. This ARC training taught clone commanders to think more creatively and to develop their independence and tactical decision-making skills. They quickly rose to prominence as some of the most vocal and independent clones.
Soldiers such as Davijaan, Bacara, Cody, and Rex, while not genetically altered in the same way as the Alpha class, took part in this program and were able to incorporate some of the ARCs' individualized practices. This injected a new level of creativity into the Grand Army of the Republic's strategy.
It is important to distinguish between clone commanders of ARC designation who were trained by Alpha-17 and others and Alpha-class ARC troopers who attained the rank of "Commander" during the war.
During the conflict, the dwindling supply of ARCs and the increasing demand for their expertise in tactical missions prompted the GAR to seek clone troopers to fulfill their function. As early as 21 BBY, clone troopers who displayed extraordinary abilities could be promoted to ARC trooper status, even though they lacked the genetic enhancements of the Alpha and Null classes and had not undergone ARC training. Clone troopers Fives and Echo of the 501st Legion received the designation of ARC Trooper after their successful defense of Kamino. Clone trooper CC-8675 was also promoted to ARC Trooper because of his actions since the Battle of Geonosis. ARCs, including Fives and Colt, fought at the front as part of regular units.
Following the Clone Wars, all surviving Alpha-class ARCs within the Grand Army were given the choice of retirement or the opportunity to train their successors, the stormtroopers, sharing their combat expertise. The majority deserted during the final days of the Clone Wars, largely due to their individualism and the Imperial regime's disdain for the ARCs' independent spirit. However, those who remained contributed to the training of stormtroopers. Many went rogue, emulating Jango Fett by becoming bounty hunters and assassins. These included Maze, Muzzle, and Spar (who deserted during the war for political reasons). Some ARCs later joined the Alliance to Restore the Republic, and some adopted the Mandalorian culture of Fett. A number of ARC troopers were assigned to the Imperial Commando Special Unit for those who remained in Imperial service.
The Rail-class ARCs participated in the Kamino uprising by leading the secretly bred clone anti-Imperial troopers against the Imperial stormtroopers of the 501st Legion in an attempt to liberate Kamino from Imperial control. The anti-Imperial clones were ultimately defeated.
During the Imperial era, specialized stormtroopers known as shock troopers wore armor reminiscent of that used by ARC troopers. They were also equipped with DC-17 hand blasters.
ARC troopers were renowned for their unwavering independence, natural creativity, and physical superiority over other soldiers of their time. These qualities, combined with their training in advanced weaponry and vehicles, transformed them into formidable one-man armies. They often developed distinct personalities due to their unaltered nature; most gave themselves names, others formed relationships outside the GAR.
Their training as independent soldiers made them more likely to question orders. In one memorable incident on Ord Cestus, ARC trooper Alpha 98 (known as Nate and later as Jangotat) defied an order from his Jedi commander and gave his life to destroy a local group of despots.
ARC troopers possessed specialized training that enabled them to act instinctively. They likened it to the Jedi's use of the Force.
Many ARCs were deeply influenced by their trainer, Jango Fett, especially aspects of his Mandalorian culture, most notably Spar. Similarly, the Null-class ARCs were influenced by Kal Skirata, and all of them deserted the GAR for Mandalore after the war.
Some ARCs served in specialized roles, such as heavy gunner and pilot.
Although ARC troopers typically operated independently and rarely commanded troops directly, they generally held high ranks and authority over standard clone troopers. Alpha and Null class ARCs consistently maintained the officer color scheme of the Phase I clone trooper armor, as shown below.
- Yellow— Commander
- Red— Captain
- Blue— Lieutenant
- Green— Sergeant
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ARC commander: These ARC commanders were regular clone officer commanders who were specially trained by Alpha to foster greater independence, aggressiveness, and innovative thinking.
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ARC captain: These ARCs had authority over subordinate ARCs, commandos, and standard clone soldiers. When ARC trooper squads worked together, an ARC captain usually led them, serving under a Jedi General.
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ARC lieutenant: During the Clone Wars, this was the initial and most common ARC rank. Lieutenant ARC troopers participated in various battles, including the Battle of Muunilinst.
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ARC sergeant: The only known ARC sergeant was the highly independent Null ARC Trooper N-12 A'den. Despite his low rank, N-12 had considerable autonomy as an ARC trooper working in Clone Intelligence.
ARC troopers were proficient with a wide range of weapons and often used DC-17 hand blasters, WESTAR-M5 blaster rifle, DC-15A blaster rifle, DC-15S, heavy repeating blasters, or a DC-15x sniper rifle. Some carried specialized equipment, such as a miniature flamethrower, Z-6 rotary blaster cannon, PLX-1 portable missile launcher, or a reciprocating quad blaster. For grenades, they often used fragmentation grenades, reverse-polarity pulse grenades, electromagnetic pulse grenades, and ion grenades. They could also carry HX2 antipersonnel mines. They could also use ascension cables if need be for climbing. The bandolier on ARC troopers could carry extra equipment or ammunition. Some could carry commando recon droids, for scouting purposes.
Created early in the war, ARC troopers wore a more advanced and versatile version of the Phase I armor, along with command pauldrons and kamas. They often had a periscope rangefinder attachment on the right side of their helmets, similar to those on Mandalorian helmets.
While each mission profile required a different loadout, ARC troopers were commonly armed with the WESTAR-M5 blaster rifle, DC-15A blaster rifles, DC-17 hand blasters, and frag and reverse-polarity pulse grenades. When heavier firepower was required, ARCs donned specialized armor to bear the weight of reciprocating quad blasters, PLX-1 portable missile launchers, or Z-6 rotary blaster cannons. Many individual ARC Troopers also had bandoliers and pouches for extra equipment, such as EMP grenades and extra ammunition.
ARCs received training that gave them access to vehicles which usually required a specialized clone trooper to operate. To enhance ground range and mobility, ARCs made use of the BARC speeder, named for the Biker Advanced Recon Commandos who used it. For small squad operations, Advanced Recon Commando pilots could pilot LAAT/i gunships to drop units behind enemy lines. Advanced Recon Commando heavy gunners used larger weapons. ARC troopers were also known to use the AT-FRC Force Reconnaissance Walker, highly advanced walkers which were capable of camouflage, that were specifically made to be operated by the commandos.
- Null-class ARC troopers - The initial ARC Trooper class, with only six of the original twelve surviving.
- Alpha-class ARC troopers - The first successful class of 100 ARC Troopers.
- ARC Trooper Inductees - Standard clones inducted into the ARC ranks due to them showing exceptional capabilities.
- Rail-class ARC troopers - ARC Troopers who remained loyal to the Kaminoans rather than the Emperor.
According to Genndy Tartakovsky's commentary on the Star Wars: Clone Wars Volume Two DVD, Hasbro designed the ARC troopers.
In Star Wars: Battlefront, the ARC troopers (with in-game names) are the heavy weapons specialists. They are featured in the campaign's Geonosis mission. However, as the ARCs were in stasis at that time, they were not canonically present at the battle there.
In Star Wars: Battlefront II, the clone heavy assault troopers on Geonosis are depicted with the appearance of ARC troopers. As the ARCs were in stasis at that time, they were not canonically present at the battle there.
The term "ARC troopers" is incorrectly used in the novel The Cestus Deception, where it refers to a squad of clone commandos that are part of the novel's cast.