Heavy Weapons Specialists

Within the Alliance to Restore the Republic's Special Forces, Heavy Weapons Specialists represented a distinct military specialization. Every SpecForce division designated its 6th Regiment as a unit composed of Heavy Weapons Specialists. In essence, Heavy Weapons Specialists were responsible for managing SpecForce's inventory of heavy weapons, providing protective fire for fellow troops against enemy assets, including both aerial and ground-based vehicles, and augmenting the Alliance's offensive capabilities during assaults on enemy strongholds and installations. Heavy Weapons Specialists faced a higher rate of casualties compared to any other SpecForce branch, due to their training that stressed the absolute necessity of holding their positions regardless of the cost. Once a Heavy Weapons Specialist's location was compromised, they invariably became a primary target for enemy fire. Heavy Weapons Specialists prioritized defending their posts over self-preservation. This mentality resulted in two distinct categories of Heavy Weapons Specialists: seasoned veterans and high-priority targets. There was no middle ground. Furthermore, Heavy Weapons Specialists assigned to the Alliance Fleet were expected to step in and replace gunners who were incapacitated during combat scenarios.

Due to the profound dependence each gunner had on their unit comrades, Heavy Weapons Specialists fire teams developed exceptionally strong bonds. They demonstrated adaptability across various terrains and mission types, seamlessly bolstering Marines, Wilderness Fighters, and Urban Guerrillas as the situation demanded. Deploying a Heavy Weapons Specialist unit as a lone combat element was never considered. The high number of casualties sustained by Heavy Weapons Specialists kept their regiments smaller than others. Veteran Heavy Weapons Specialists were greatly admired by their fellow soldiers.

Team 19, a Marine platoon stationed aboard the Mon Calamari Star Cruiser Mantan Wanderer, included an attached Heavy Weapons Specialists squad, led by the Wookiee Sergeant Whumparrin.

Heavy Weapons Specialists were commonly athletic young individuals who participated in sports and cultivated their physical strength and conditioning. Possessing intelligence, they recognized the true nature of the Galactic Empire and eagerly joined the Alliance at their earliest opportunity. Their history of athletic training and substantial upper body strength led them to roles as SpecForces Heavy Weapons Specialists, as the weapons required considerable physical power to operate. They received training on a wide spectrum of heavy armaments, ranging from infantry support weapons to repeating blasters and capital ship weaponry. Following their time at drop camp, Heavy Weapons Specialists underwent further training on safe worlds, focusing on missile systems, heavy blasters, and artillery. Instruction in weapon maintenance and repair was provided, and they were assigned to a line ship for more advanced space weapon training, frequently working alongside Marines.

Heavy Weapons Specialists were known for their fearlessness, directness, and lack of subtlety. Their core belief centered on the idea that overwhelming firepower could resolve any military challenge, and they were determined to kill their adversaries before meeting the same fate. Fellow SpecForce members often referred to them as "gunners" or simply "HWSs."

Sergeant Whumparrin, a Wookiee Heavy Weapons Specialist, commanded a squad attached to Team 19. Having been rescued from slavery, Whumparrin's assignment as a Heavy Weapons Specialists was a practical decision, given his natural ability to carry heavy weaponry. He gained a formidable reputation among both his Alliance comrades and the Empire. The sight of a roaring Wookiee wielding a medium repeating blaster was an unforgettable experience for many.

The training regimen for Heavy Weapons Specialists prioritized combat skills and related competencies. They were proficient in handling blasters and operating a diverse range of heavy weapons, including repeating blasters, blaster artillery, vehicle-mounted weaponry, and missile systems. Instruction in the maintenance and repair of these weapons was also part of their training. Operating ship-mounted weapons was considered a secondary skill, as Heavy Weapons Specialists were expected to serve as reserve Fleet gunners if the situation demanded it. They also demonstrated proficiency in operating repulsorcraft. Possessing exceptional physical fitness and strength, they were capable brawlers in close-quarters combat. Heavy Weapons Specialists also received training in basic survival techniques, demolitions, and first aid procedures.

Each Heavy Weapons Specialist was equipped with a heavy weapon, with the specific type of weapon varying depending on the mission requirements. A blaster pistol and vibroknife were carried for close-range defense, and a comlink facilitated communication. Heavy Weapons Specialists had access to repeating blasters, infantry support weapons, missile systems, and other similar armaments. Flame Rifles were also included in their arsenal, while Vehicle Flamers were exclusively reserved for their use. All SpecForce artillery units were operated by Heavy Weapons Specialists.