A Human operative is shown speaking with a Sullustan informant
Operatives were spies tasked with the duty of supplying a group with intelligence, tools, or resources. While the term might apply to specialized combat units, certain operatives were non-fighters, relying on covertness or trickery to get inside a target location. Some operatives were involved in support roles or were employed by companies that provided ships or weaponry. Operatives were utilized by the Rebel Alliance, the Galactic Empire, the Sith Empire, and the Hutts across numerous worlds.
During the time of the Great Galactic War and the Cold War that came after it, around 3653 BBY, the designation "operative" was applied to a particular type of Imperial Agent. These operatives were in service to the newly invigorated Sith Empire and possessed combat skills. They were distinguished by their use of blaster rifles and energy blades, along with stealth field generators.
Following the Battle of Ralltiir, where Alliance soldiers under the command of Commander Luke Skywalker took part in defending the world against the Empire, a significant portion of the population of Ralltiir felt a sense of obligation to the Rebellion and became operatives.
On Kashyyyk, Imperial forces made use of hunters who located Wookiee slaves who had escaped and disclosed their whereabouts. The Empire and the Trandoshans provided substantial payment for such details. Conversely, after the Empire's takeover of Kashyyyk, the Alliance engaged merchants to buy Wookiee slaves for the purpose of freeing them.
In the MMO video game Star Wars: The Old Republic, the operative serves as an advanced class for the Imperial agent class. This advanced class is characterized by its proficiency with blaster rifles, stealth tactics, energy blades, and the ability to inflict rapid bursts of damage during combat. The equivalent archetype within the Republic is the scoundrel.