The military division of the Yuuzhan Vong was known as the warrior caste, a specific caste within their society.
Comprising the second largest segment of Yuuzhan Vong society, warriors underwent rigorous training from infancy to cultivate bravery, ferocity, and a complete lack of mercy in combat, both against perceived "infidels" and even amongst themselves. These warriors were, unsurprisingly, the most aggressive members of the Yuuzhan Vong castes, and also possessed an inflated sense of self-importance, often regarding other castes (especially the intendant caste) with disdain, a flaw that would eventually prove detrimental. This arrogance frequently led to challenges against their adversaries, with the refusal of such a challenge viewed as a profound dishonor upon the entire Yuuzhan Vong people.
Their primary function involved serving as dedicated foot soldiers, exhibiting unwavering loyalty to their leaders and deities. They suppressed any outward expression of pain, viewing outcomes like death or dismemberment as inconsequential; their sole focus was inflicting maximum damage upon their foes. In combat scenarios, warriors commonly sought to close the distance with their targets, engaging in close-quarters melee.
The concept of surrender was alien to the warrior caste, and retreat was equated with cowardice. Capture was met with immediate suicide, rather than bringing shame upon themselves or their Domain. Warriors recognized only victory or death as acceptable outcomes. They held courage and resistance in high regard, finding that challenging battles only fueled their intensity in combat.
As a tribute to Yun-Yammka, the Slayer and their revered patron, warriors would mutilate their bodies through sacrifices, scarring, and tattooing, demonstrating that their pain was a testament to their devotion. From the moment of their birth, warriors were instilled with the principles of fearlessness, mercilessness, and unquestioning obedience to their superiors.
The highest echelon within the warrior ranks was occupied by the Warmaster. Another distinguished group, known as the Hunters, were entrusted with missions that exceeded the capabilities of ordinary warriors. Select individuals from the Chazrach, possessing exceptional experience, were sometimes permitted to join the lower echelons of the warrior caste.
Following the failure of the Praetorite Vong to establish a presence within the galaxy, the warrior caste was deployed to reinforce the Praetorite Vong in their efforts to subdue the regions along the invasion corridor. Initially, these operations were commanded by Shedao Shai until his demise during the Battle of Ithor.
As the conflict intensified, Lando Calrissian's YVH 1 Battle Droids were programmed to emit a distinctive war cry: "We are machines! We are greater than the Yuuzhan Vong!" This statement served as a potent insult, given the Yuuzhan Vong's deep-seated aversion to technology and their xenophobic tendencies. Upon hearing this battle cry, the warriors would often descend into a state of uncontrollable rage, launching attacks against the droids.
The warrior caste's fanatical nature could be exploited to their disadvantage.
Admiral Gial Ackbar estimated that one-third of the warriors had perished within the first three years of combat.
In the aftermath of Shimrra's death, many warriors chose to end their own lives, while others sought refuge on Zonama Sekot. A century later, two warriors were stationed as guards, protecting the Master Shaper overseeing the Ossus Project and safeguarding Jedi artifacts from potential thieves.
- Supreme Overlord (acting as Commander-in-chief)
- Warmaster (Revered as the Fearsome One)
- Supreme Commander
- Commander
- Subcommander
- Subaltern
- Warrior
Additionally, certain unofficial ranks existed.