Post by Ty on Jul 24, 2009 14:44:03 GMT -5
ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Troopers): The ODST are an elite group of UNSC Marines that specialize in special warfare tactics. Their method of infiltration by orbital drop allows them to conduct missions against targets that other conventional forces cannot approach undetected. They normally perform highly specialized, small scale, high-risk operations such as: Long Range Reconnaissance, Direct Action, Unconventional Warfare, Counter-Terrorism Operations, Counter-Contraband Operations, and Personnel and Special Equipment Recovery/Capture.
ODSTs are recruited from the Special Operations Groups of all the nations and colonies of the Unified Earth Government. Since the first group of “handpicked volunteers” was activated, these shock troopers have been conducting orbital drops ever since. As such, its entrance requirements serve as a third layer of screening upon two more, where applicants would have theoretically failed to pass. Recruits would, therefore, already have extensive experience in conducting the types of high-risk missions that the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers typically perform, which is only supplemented by the additional training. Companies are usually comprised of six-to-eight Combat Teams, with each containing ten-to-fourteen Operators, each of whom has a specific function, able to excel at specific mission-sets while still retaining the flexibility to deal with any situation. While they are not a part of the UNSC's conventional forces, such as infantryman from the Army or Marines, they do conduct joint operations; and tend to be "force multipliers" - increasing the effectiveness, willingness, and morale of those they fight alongside.
Unlike some conventional forces, the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers has absolutely no age or gender bias, on the condition that the candidate meets the physical and mental requirements they are guaranteed the opportunity to train for selection into the unit.
Spartans: The Spartans are completely human, though enhanced in such ways they they can hardly be considered that. A Spartan is drafted at the age of six, and taken to be trained for several years just as a full grown adult would be trained in the military. Even from this age the Spartans are naturally gifted among humans, possessing greater traits in every way. This is furthered after their military training by giving them biological augmentations which enhance them even further. They are given augmentations which: Make their bones almost unbreakable due to a high density augmentation, have boosted muscles density and strength, have boosted perception in color and at night, and have noticeably decreased reaction time.
As if all of the augmentations weren't enough, all Spartans are outfitted with a powerful exoskeleton armor known as MJOLNIR. This suit links directly to the Spartans neural interface, further increasing all their reaction time, allowing them to move in the blink of an eye. It also further enhances the users strength and speed. The suit automatically monitors all health readings, shield readings, and weapon readings, not to mention has a built in motion sensor. It has a slot for an A.I. as well, which if purchased, can further increase all reaction times. Without the A.I. Spartan reaction time is measured at twenty milliseconds...with the A.I. it is almost instantaneous.
On top of all this, the armor features a built in energy shielding system, which can sustain much heavier fire than the armor could alone. Without the shielding the armor can only withstand a few blasts before being penetrated. It has a built in, self-regenerating biofoam dispenser which injects into the user and fills in wounds, causing extreme pain as they fill, but healing the user over time. It is also pressure sealed, allowing the user to breath even when in space, and the entire armor has built in magnetic plating which can be used to attack various things to, from weapons, to ammo and grenades. The armor weighs around 1000 pounds, but surprisingly, it can float in water. The armor has a feature to change its density, which can be activated by the user, but is automatically activated upon the user going unconscious or dying to prevent them from sinking and having to walk their way out. Finally, the suit features a lock-down mode, which is to prevent the user from taking heavy damage from a long fall and such. The suit locks up completely, not allowing movement until it is deactivated.
