The Vanguard advanced training program represented a specialized course of instruction within the Republic Special Forces Division of the Republic Military. Troopers participating in the Vanguard program focused their expertise on close-quarters weaponry, like blaster rifles, and protective technologies.
Within the Star Wars: The Old Republic massively multiplayer online video game, the vanguard serves as an advanced specialization for the trooper character class. This advanced class is characterized by its proficiency with blaster rifles, defensive shielding capabilities, and the ability to withstand significant damage during engagements. The Imperial equivalent to this combat role is the powertech.