Phase II clone trooper armor

Kaminoan armorsmiths were responsible for manufacturing the Phase II clone trooper armor. This armor, a step up from the Phase I clone trooper armor, could accommodate more specialized equipment. Consequently, its production cost was higher, amounting to 3,000 credits per suit, compared to the 2,000 credits for Phase I.

A key difference from Phase I was the absence of an internal life support system in Phase II, making an external respirator necessary when there was no breathable atmosphere or in a absence. To address this, Phase II helmets included an enhanced filtration system and were designed for improved comfort compared to Phase I helmets.

Similar to its predecessor, Phase II comprised form-fitting white plastoid plates worn over a black body glove. These armor plates offered improved vision for the wearer and were both lighter and stronger than those of Phase I. Despite its ability to withstand impacts, pressure, heat, and corrosive vapors, Phase II armor was susceptible to direct hits from laser blasts.

Midway through the galactic conflict known as the Clone Wars, the armorsmiths of Kamino developed the Phase II armor as an upgrade to the Phase I clone trooper armor. After being field-tested by Advanced Recon Commandos, it was rapidly distributed throughout the Grand Army of the Republic, with almost all clones adopting it by the war's end. Continuing the trend from Phase I, clones personalized their armor with unique markings and color schemes to indicate unit affiliation. This practice was encouraged by the Jedi Generals, who promoted individuality among the clone troopers. By the war's conclusion, nearly all clone troopers in the Republic Military had transitioned to the new armor.

Following the reorganized of the Galactic Republic into the Galactic Empire, the clone troopers, who became the first stormtroopers, initially retained the Phase II armor. The Empire enforced conformity among the clones through behavioral modification biochips, stripping their armor of its colorful markings and reverting it to all-white as they enforced the Empire's will. While the troops under their command wore blank white armor, Clone Officers Grey and Styles maintained the colors and markings on their gear. Captain Howzer, who showed greater free will than his subordinates, displayed teal markings on his armor.

Additionally, clone shock troopers were permitted to keep their red markings, signifying their membership in the Coruscant Guard, with Commander Fox retaining his uniquely colored armor. However, other officers mirrored their subordinates' colorless attire. Captain Wilco of the Serenno occupation force wore all-white armor, distinguishing himself only with a black pauldron and comlink. Commander Cody, previously known for his orange-marked armor as leader of the 212th Attack Battalion, adapted by changing the colors to Imperial gray.

Clone stormtroopers were still using Phase II armor as late as 15 BBY. When a squad of clone stormtroopers from the Venator-class Star Destroyer Strikefast were sent to apprehend the Chiss Mitth'raw'nuruodo, he killed one of them and used his armor to infiltrate the ship. Eventually, the Empire introduced a new armor set. Although large quantities of clone armor were stored away, it was still occasionally seen throughout the galaxy during the Imperial Era, utilized by bounty hunters and pirates who had scavenged the plates. The Empire continued to use Phase II armor for specialized [soldiers](/article/soldier], including some shock troopers during the Galactic Civil War.