Clone gunner
A clone tank gunner is shown here, operating an AV-7 Antivehicle Cannon.
Clone gunners, sometimes referred to as clone tank gunners, were a specific type of clone troopers. They fought for the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars. Their role was to serve as gunners on various vehicles, warships, and heavy artillery cannons belonging to the Galactic Republic.
General Information
All clone troopers received training in the operation of large weaponry, such as artillery and starship turbolasers. However, some were hand-picked to undergo specialized training in this area. These individuals underwent training to become experts in this field, engaging adversaries from afar. One of the most challenging lessons for these recruits was unlearning the instinct to maintain sustained fire, as it could reveal their location. While advantageous for clone troopers in general combat, clone gunners had to overcome this habit to maximize their effectiveness.
Regarding their gear, they often carried a DC-17 blaster pistol for close-quarters combat, though they were most frequently seen operating heavy weapon emplacements. These troopers were equipped with modified Phase I clone armor featuring grey and tan markings on the helmet, along with added chest plate armor. The helmet was designed with noise insulation, and their armor was reinforced to provide better protection from the recoil generated by the cannons they operated. These soldiers were commonly seen using AV-7 Antivehicle Cannons, the main cannon on AT-TEs, and the heavy repeating blaster found on Juggernaut tanks.
Historical Context
These clones were conceived and developed on the planet of Kamino, which they regarded as their "homeworld," and they pledged their loyalty to the Galactic Republic. Clone gunners participated in numerous Republic campaigns, including the Battle of Christophsis, the Battle of Teth, the Battle of Bothawui, the Battle of Ryloth, the First Battle of Felucia, the Battle of Devaron, the Second Battle of Geonosis, and the Battle of Saleucami, among others.