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{{Status|Canon}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{disambig header|the special forces group|other articles including "ODST"|ODST (disambiguation)}}
{{Center|''This article is about the special forces group. For more, see [[ODST (disambiguation)]].''}}
{{Military infobox
{{Military infobox
|name=Orbital Drop Shock Troopers
|name=Orbital Drop Shock Troopers
|image=[[File:ODST Crest.png|70px]]<br>The emblem of the ODSTs
|image=[[File:ODST Crest.png|70px]]<br>The emblem of the ODSTs
[[File:ODSTs.png|300px]]<br>Two standard variants of ODST armor
[[File:ODSTs.png|300px]]<br>Two standard variants of ODST armor
|affiliation=[[Unified Earth Government]]{{Ref/Site|Id=FG|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 ODST : Field Guide - ODST|D=25|M=05|Y=2013|LocalArchive=Archive:Bungie.net/Halo 3: ODST: Field Guide#Intel}}
|affiliation=[[Unified Earth Government]]<ref name="FG">[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/odst/guide.aspx '''Bungie.net''': ''ODST Field Guide'']</ref>
|branch=*[[UNSC Marine Corps]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/odst '''Halo Waypoint''': ''ODST'']</ref>
|branch=*[[UNSC Marine Corps]]<ref name="universe">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/odst '''Halo Waypoint''': ''ODST'']</ref>
*<small>''Authority of:''</small><br>[[UNSC Navy]]
*<small>''Authority of:''</small><br>[[UNSC Navy]]
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|formed-title=Formed
|formed-title=Formed
|size=At least four [[division]]s<ref name="fs104">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 104'' (2003); ''page 130'' (2010)</ref>
|size=At least four [[division]]s<ref name="fs104">'''[[Halo: First Strike]]''', ''page 104'' (2003); ''page 130'' (2010)</ref>
|nicknames=Helljumpers{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}}
|nicknames=
*Helljumpers{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}}
*Coffin-worms (among Sangheili) {{Ref/Book=Halo: The Thursday War}}
|notable-title=Notable commanders
|notable-title=Notable commanders
|notable=*[[Colonel]] [[Audrey Lasky]]<ref name="corbulo">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/corbulo-academy '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Corbulo Academy of Military Science'']</ref>
|notable=*[[Colonel]] [[Audrey Lasky]]<ref name="corbulo">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/locations/corbulo-academy '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Corbulo Academy of Military Science'']</ref>
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{{Quote|multi=yes|q1=Most of the crew—not to mention your fellow jarheads—will be leaving the ship in lifeboats. They'll ride to the surface in air-conditioned comfort, sipping wine, and nibbling on appetizers. Not you, however. Oh no, you're going to leave the Pillar of Autumn in a different method. Tell me boys and girls... how will you leave?|Major Antonio Silva|q2=We go feet first, sir!|Shock Troopers|[[Antonio Silva|Major Antonio Silva]] rousing his [[battalion]] aboard the ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]]''<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 37'' (2010)</ref>}}
{{Quote|multi=yes|q1=Most of the crew—not to mention your fellow jarheads—will be leaving the ship in lifeboats. They'll ride to the surface in air-conditioned comfort, sipping wine, and nibbling on appetizers. Not you, however. Oh no, you're going to leave the Pillar of Autumn in a different method. Tell me boys and girls... how will you leave?|Major Antonio Silva|q2=We go feet first, sir!|Shock Troopers|[[Antonio Silva|Major Antonio Silva]] rousing his [[battalion]] aboard the ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]]''<ref>'''[[Halo: The Flood]]''', ''page 37'' (2010)</ref>}}


The '''Orbital Drop Shock Troopers''' ('''ODST'''),{{Ref/Note|The plural form, when referring to the organization, is "ODST". However, individuals or small groups of troopers are addressed as "ODSTs".}} informally referred to as '''Helljumpers''',<ref name="log odst">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', ''[[Phoenix Logs]] - ODSTs''</ref>{{Ref/Note|The first usage of the name "Helljumpers" in ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'' (Chapter 7) specifies it as the nickname of the [[105th Shock Troops Division]]. In most media (including a later reference in ''The Fall of Reach'' and the subsequent novels ''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' and ''[[Halo: First Strike]]''), it is repeatedly used to refer to the ODST as a whole.}} are an elite [[UNSC Special Forces|special operations]]{{Ref/Reuse|log odst}}<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', Chapter 27, ''page 248'' (2001 paperback)</ref> component of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and the Corps' rapid reaction force specialized in [[Drop pod|transorbital support interdiction]] tactics.{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}} One of the primary special operations forces of the [[United Nations Space Command]], the ODST are under the administrative and operational control of [[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Weapons]].{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 131''</ref> The organization is headquartered in the [[Mars|Martian]] city of [[Kenosha]], [[Tanais]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Its primary training facilities were located on [[Reach]] prior to the [[glassing]] of the planet.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=intel&cid=24020 '''Bungie.net''': ''CAA Factbook excerpt'']</ref>
The '''Orbital Drop Shock Troopers''' ('''ODST'''),{{Ref/Note|The plural form, when referring to the organization, is "ODST". However, individuals or small groups of troopers are addressed as "ODSTs".}} informally referred to as '''Helljumpers''',<ref name="log odst">'''[[Halo Wars 2]]''', ''[[Phoenix Logs]] - ODSTs''</ref>{{Ref/Note|The first usage of the name "Helljumpers" in ''Halo: The Fall of Reach'' (Chapter 7) specifies it as the nickname of the [[105th Shock Troops Division]]. In most media (including a later reference in ''The Fall of Reach'' and the subsequent novels ''[[Halo: The Flood]]'' and ''[[Halo: First Strike]]''), it is repeatedly used to refer to the ODST as a whole.}} are an elite [[UNSC Special Forces|special operations]]{{Ref/Reuse|log odst}}<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', Chapter 27, ''page 248'' (2001 paperback)</ref> component of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and the Corps' rapid reaction force specialized in [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|transorbital support interdiction]] tactics.{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}} One of the primary special operations forces of the [[United Nations Space Command]], the ODST are under the administrative and operational control of [[UNSC Special Forces|Naval Special Weapons]].{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}<ref name="EVG">'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', ''page 131''</ref> The organization is headquartered in the [[Mars|Martian]] city of [[Kenosha]], [[Tanais]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Its primary training facilities were located on [[Reach]] prior to the [[glassing]] of the planet.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/projects/reach/article.aspx?ucc=intel&cid=24020 '''Bungie.net''': ''CAA Factbook excerpt'']</ref>


==Roles and operations==
==Roles and operations==
{{Quote|We had a damn hard job, and we did it better than anyone.|Spartan [[Edward Buck]], a former Shock Trooper, referring to the ODST.<ref name="nb6">'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''', ''pages 6-7'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}
{{Quote|We had a damn hard job, and we did it better than anyone.|Spartan [[Edward Buck]], a former Shock Trooper, referring to the ODST.<ref name="nb6">'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''', ''pages 6-7'' (Google Play edition)</ref>}}


Serving as the rapid reaction force of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]],{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}}<ref name="HE58">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''pages 58-63'' (2011)</ref> Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are distinguished by their unconventional method of deployment, known as "transorbital support interdiction",{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} in which the troopers are dropped to the surface of a world aboard small, purpose-built [[drop pod|deployment vehicles]]. This allows them to conduct a variety of missions against targets that more conventional forces cannot approach undetected.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}} ODSTs—trained for any kind of landing operation—expect to arrive at a world with hellish conditions, only to enter incredibly difficult combat zones.{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}} ODST deployment via SOEIVs is often considered more effective than [[dropship]] deployment, as it allows for a spacecraft to make a quick pass over a world and deploy hundreds of ODSTs in SOEIVs in rapid succession. Additionally, since ODSTs are deployed separately, rather than together in one ship, the casualty rate of SOEIV deployment is lower than that of conventional dropship deployment.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/unsc-droppods '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Drop Pods'']</ref>
Serving as the rapid reaction force of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]],{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}}<ref name="HE58">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''pages 58-63'' (2011)</ref> Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are distinguished by their unconventional method of deployment, known as "transorbital support interdiction",{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} in which the troopers are dropped to the surface of a world aboard small, purpose-built [[Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle|deployment vehicles]]. This allows them to conduct a variety of missions against targets that more conventional forces cannot approach undetected.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}} ODSTs—trained for any kind of landing operation—expect to arrive at a world with hellish conditions, only to enter incredibly difficult combat zones.{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}} ODST deployment via SOEIVs is often considered more effective than [[dropship]] deployment, as it allows for a spacecraft to make a quick pass over a world and deploy hundreds of ODSTs in SOEIVs in rapid succession. Additionally, since ODSTs are deployed separately, rather than together in one ship, the casualty rate of SOEIV deployment is lower than that of conventional dropship deployment.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/tech/unsc-droppods '''Halo Waypoint''': ''UNSC Drop Pods'']</ref>


Each ODST [[combat team]] specializes in a particular mission set, though they are expected to be flexible enough to adapt to any given situation. ODSTs are known for their unusual methods of insertion, dropping from orbit onto terrestrial environments.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}} Often landing behind enemy lines, ODSTs are sometimes ordered to eliminate enemy units and clear a [[landing zone]] for the wave of troops that follow.{{Ref/Reuse|nb6}} ODSTs also operate as the primary special forces raiding unit of the Marines, deployed to tip the scales in a close battle, raid enemy bases, capture strategically valuable points, and eliminate high-value targets.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - THE ART OF WAR(S)'']</ref> Similar to their infantry counterparts, the ODSTs maintain units of varying strength aboard many UNSC vessels and installations.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}} ODSTs may also occasionally serve as [[military police]] for UNSC installations.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 282'' (2010)</ref>
Each ODST [[combat team]] specializes in a particular mission set, though they are expected to be flexible enough to adapt to any given situation. ODSTs are known for their unusual methods of insertion, dropping from orbit onto terrestrial environments.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}} Often landing behind enemy lines, ODSTs are sometimes ordered to eliminate enemy units and clear a [[landing zone]] for the wave of troops that follow.{{Ref/Reuse|nb6}} ODSTs also operate as the primary special forces raiding unit of the Marines, deployed to tip the scales in a close battle, raid enemy bases, capture strategically valuable points, and eliminate high-value targets.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/the-art-of-war-s '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Canon Fodder - THE ART OF WAR(S)'']</ref> Similar to their infantry counterparts, the ODSTs maintain units of varying strength aboard many UNSC vessels and installations.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}} ODSTs may also occasionally serve as [[military police]] for UNSC installations.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]''', ''page 282'' (2010)</ref>


The ODSTs perform highly specialized, small-scale, high-risk operations including the following:{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
The ODST perform highly specialized, small-scale, high-risk operations including the following:{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}
   
   
*'''Deep ground surveillance''' ('''DGS''') and '''long range reconnaissance''': Patrols in small groups, in uniform, usually far behind the enemy lines. While direct ground surveillance units may direct air or artillery strikes against enemy positions, they strive to be unobserved, and have only self-defense, not direct action, capability. Groups engaging in surveillance deep behind enemy lines, are commonly known as [[Wikipedia:LRRP|Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols]].{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}
*'''Deep ground surveillance''' ('''DGS''') and '''long range reconnaissance''': Patrols in small groups, in uniform, usually far behind the enemy lines. While direct ground surveillance units may direct air or artillery strikes against enemy positions, they strive to be unobserved, and have only self-defense, not direct action, capability. Groups engaging in surveillance deep behind enemy lines, are commonly known as [[Wikipedia:LRRP|Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols]].{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}
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On [[2525#November|November 1, 2525]], the UNSC moved to full alert status after the devastating [[First Battle of Harvest|first contact]] with the [[Covenant]] at [[Harvest]]; this marked a change in objectives for the ODST, who up until that point had been fighting the Insurrectionists.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 94''</ref> As humanity's military turned to meet the threat of the Covenant, divisions of ODSTs prepared to participate in the most critical engagements in the war and also to conduct the riskiest missions in the history of mankind. In [[2526|April 2526]], the [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] on [[Circinius IV]] came under attack by Covenant forces. ODSTs were deployed directly onto the campus to reinforce the already-present Marine garrison. But by the time [[Spartan-II]]s [[John-117]], [[Kelly-087]], and [[Frederic-104]] arrived, the deployed ODSTs, along with the entire academy's staff, students ([[Thomas Lasky|save]] [[Chyler Silva|for]] [[Michael Sullivan|four]] [[April Orenski|survivors]]), and garrison were slaughtered.{{Ref/Reuse|fud3}}
On [[2525#November|November 1, 2525]], the UNSC moved to full alert status after the devastating [[First Battle of Harvest|first contact]] with the [[Covenant]] at [[Harvest]]; this marked a change in objectives for the ODST, who up until that point had been fighting the Insurrectionists.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 94''</ref> As humanity's military turned to meet the threat of the Covenant, divisions of ODSTs prepared to participate in the most critical engagements in the war and also to conduct the riskiest missions in the history of mankind. In [[2526|April 2526]], the [[Corbulo Academy of Military Science]] on [[Circinius IV]] came under attack by Covenant forces. ODSTs were deployed directly onto the campus to reinforce the already-present Marine garrison. But by the time [[Spartan-II]]s [[John-117]], [[Kelly-087]], and [[Frederic-104]] arrived, the deployed ODSTs, along with the entire academy's staff, students ([[Thomas Lasky|save]] [[Chyler Silva|for]] [[Michael Sullivan|four]] [[April Orenski|survivors]]), and garrison were slaughtered.{{Ref/Reuse|fud3}}


The [[Battle of Hat Yai]] marked one of the first deployments of ODSTs against Covenant ground forces; although the planet was lost in the ensuing conflict, the ODSTs were successfully extracted before the UNSC retreated.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Dirt", ''pages 127-129''</ref> Not long after the [[Harvest campaign]], the ODST participated in the [[Battle of Arcadia]], where they assisted [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine forces]] and SPARTAN-II [[Red Team]] in defending the [[Pirth City|capital city]] from Covenant ground forces, thus allowing the evacuation of the civilian population. Having successfully kept Covenant forces from occupying the city, the Corps began launching multiple assaults on the Covenant's bases of operations to reclaim the planet. Several ODST platoons joined {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}<nowiki>'</nowiki>s rescue operation after retaking the planet and soon participated in the [[Battle of Trove]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]'''</ref>
The [[Battle of Hat Yai]] marked one of the first deployments of ODSTs against Covenant ground forces; although the planet was lost in the ensuing conflict, the ODSTs were successfully extracted before the UNSC retreated.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Dirt", ''pages 127-129''</ref> Not long after the [[Harvest campaign]], the ODST participated in the [[Battle of Arcadia]], where they assisted [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marine forces]] and SPARTAN-II [[Red Team]] in defending the [[Pirth City|capital city]] from Covenant ground forces, thus allowing the evacuation of the civilian population. Having successfully kept Covenant forces from occupying the city, the Corps began launching multiple assaults on the Covenant's bases of operations to reclaim the planet. Several ODST platoons joined {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}}<nowiki>'</nowiki>s rescue operation after retaking the planet and soon participated in the [[Battle of the Etran Harborage]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars]]'''</ref>


[[File:HLC battle for earth.png|thumb|250px|ODSTs during the [[Battle of Earth]].]]
[[File:HLC battle for earth.png|thumb|250px|ODSTs during the [[Battle of Earth]].]]
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===Battle for Earth and Fall of the Covenant===
===Battle for Earth and Fall of the Covenant===
[[File:Rymann and Hartley.jpg|thumb|200px|[[T. Rymann]] and [[S. Hartley]] at [[Sector Six]] in the [[Pakistan]]-Afghanistan border region.]]
[[File:Rymann and Hartley.jpg|thumb|200px|[[T. Rymann]] and [[S. Hartley]] at [[Sector Six]] in the [[Pakistan]]-Afghanistan border region.]]
Following the disastrous loss of Reach and their massive casualties during the [[Battle of Installation 04]] - where all but [[Locklear|one]] of the troopers deployed were killed in action,{{Ref/Novel|Novel=Halo: First Strike}} either on the ring itself or aboard the [[Flood]]-infested [[Ket-pattern battlecruiser|Covenant cruiser]] ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' when it was destroyed by [[First Lieutenant]] [[Melissa McKay]] to contain the outbreak{{Ref/Novel|Id=flood332|Novel=Halo: The Flood|Page=332}} - the ODST participated in the most significant battle of the entire war: the [[Battle for Earth]].{{Ref/Site|Id=bwu11|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16271|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Bungie Weekly Update: 11/21/08|D=13|M=10|Y=2014}} The battle began on [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]], when a [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration|smaller-than-expected Covenant fleet]] led by the [[Prophet of Regret]] jumped into the Solar System.{{Ref/Level|Id=H2CS|Game=Halo 2|Level=Cairo Station}} ODST combat teams, along with the Marines, began engaging Covenant forces on the Orbital Defense Platforms ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo]]'', ''[[Athens Station|Athens]]'', and ''[[Malta Station|Malta]]''. Despite the ODSTs' valiant efforts, ''Malta'' and ''Athens'' were destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=H2CS}} As the [[Solemn Penance|Covenant ship]] carrying the Prophet of Regret landed over the African mega-city of [[Mombasa]], teams of ODSTs were deployed over the city from orbit in [[Operation: BUMRUSH|an attempt to board the carrier]]; before the teams could reach the target, however, the [[CAS-class assault carrier|carrier]] jumped into Slipspace. Only [[Alpha-Nine|a single squad]] managed to safely land in the city to carry out the retrieval of the [[Superintendent]]'s data.{{Ref/Level|Id=H3RDrop|Game=Halo 3: ODST|Level=Prepare To Drop}}
Following the disastrous loss of Reach and their massive casualties during the [[Battle of Installation 04]] - where all but [[Locklear|one]] of the troopers deployed were killed in action,{{Ref/Novel|Novel=Halo: First Strike}} either on the ring itself or aboard the [[Flood]]-infested [[CCS-class battlecruiser|Covenant cruiser]] ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' when it was destroyed by [[First Lieutenant]] [[Melissa McKay]] to contain the outbreak{{Ref/Novel|Id=flood332|Novel=Halo: The Flood|Page=332}} - the ODST participated in the most significant battle of the entire war: the [[Battle for Earth]].<ref name="bwu11">[http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&cid=16271 '''halo.bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 11/21/08'']</ref> The battle began on [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]], when a [[Fleet of Sacred Consecration|smaller-than-expected Covenant fleet]] led by the [[Prophet of Regret]] jumped into the Solar System.{{Ref/Level|Id=H2CS|Game=Halo 2|Level=Cairo Station}} ODST combat teams, along with the Marines, began engaging Covenant forces on the Orbital Defense Platforms ''[[Cairo Station (station)|Cairo]]'', ''[[Athens Station|Athens]]'', and ''[[Malta Station|Malta]]''. Despite the ODSTs' valiant efforts, ''Malta'' and ''Athens'' were destroyed.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=H2CS}} As the [[Solemn Penance|Covenant ship]] carrying the Prophet of Regret landed over the African mega-city of [[Mombasa]], teams of ODSTs were deployed over the city from orbit in [[Operation: BUMRUSH|an attempt to board the carrier]]; before the teams could reach the target, however, the [[CAS-class assault carrier|carrier]] jumped into Slipspace. Only [[Alpha-Nine|a single squad]] managed to safely land in the city to carry out the retrieval of the [[Superintendent]]'s data.{{Ref/Level|Id=H3RDrop|Game=Halo 3: ODST|Level=Prepare To Drop}}


After Regret's unexpected retreat from New Mombasa, members of the [[7th Shock Troops Battalion]] would later drop from the ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]'' onto [[Installation 05]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05|operation]] to capture the Prophet of Regret. Most of these troopers would perish during the initial firefights against the Covenant, and only a few would escape back to [[Earth]] with [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] to lead a resistance against the Covenant occupation forces.{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3ark}}
After Regret's unexpected retreat from New Mombasa, members of the [[7th Shock Troops Battalion]] would later drop from the ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad|In Amber Clad]]'' onto [[Installation 05]] during the [[Battle of Installation 05|operation]] to capture the Prophet of Regret. Most of these troopers would perish during the initial firefights against the Covenant, and only a few would escape back to [[Earth]] with [[Commander]] [[Miranda Keyes]] to lead a resistance against the Covenant occupation forces.{{Ref/Reuse|TGJ}}{{Ref/Reuse|h3ark}}
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Overall, the defense of Earth was one of the largest campaigns the ODST fought in during the entire war. The fighting spread across the globe and in space as newly-arrived [[Covenant fleet]]s of [[warship]]s scattered the Orbital Defense Grid.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=goo204}} The fleets deployed troops throughout the continents of [[North America]], [[South America]], [[Europe]] and [[Wikipedia:Asia|Asia]] and a multitude of other locations, including many parts of the [[Sol system]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo204|Halo: Ghosts of Onyx|Page=204-205}}{{Ref/Generic|Id=lootcrate2|Heading=[[Halo Legendary Crate]]|Subheading=[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]}} The [[Battle of Cleveland]] is one example of the ODSTs' participation during the war on Earth.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HUI2|Comic=Halo: Uprising|Issue=[[Halo: Uprising Issue 2|2]]}} On [[2552#November|November 17, 2552]] after the orbital defense grid was almost completely overwhelmed by [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Truth's fleet|own massive loyalist armada]] and too much of UNSC planetside forces was overrun during the same day,{{Ref/Level|Id=H3CN|Game=Halo 3|Level=Crow's Nest}}{{Ref/Level|Id=TGJ|Game=Halo 2|Level=[[The Great Journey (level)|The Great Journey]]}} two ODSTs from the [[2nd Shock Troops Battalion]] fought alongside a detachment of Marines in the [[Battle of Sector Six]].{{Ref/Film|Id=arms|Film=Halo: Landfall|Story=[[Halo: Arms Race|Arms Race]]}} Troopers [[T. Rymann]] and [[S. Hartley]] were tasked with calculating the crash site of John-117 on Earth, while a Marine battalion was tasked with defending a narrow corridor between Covenant and UNSC forces in [[Pakistan]].{{Ref/Film|Id=combat|Film=Halo: Landfall|Story=[[Halo: Combat|Combat]]}} Bravo-21 and numerous [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] were killed in the clash, while Bravo-22 was injured along with some of the other surviving Marines. Their actions successfully allowed [[UNSC High Command|HIGHCOM]] to track and locate the Spartan.{{Ref/Film|Id=lastone|Film=Halo: Landfall|Story=[[Halo: Last One Standing|Last One Standing]]}}
Overall, the defense of Earth was one of the largest campaigns the ODST fought in during the entire war. The fighting spread across the globe and in space as newly-arrived [[Covenant fleet]]s of [[warship]]s scattered the Orbital Defense Grid.{{Ref/Reuse|Id=goo204}} The fleets deployed troops throughout the continents of [[North America]], [[South America]], [[Europe]] and [[Wikipedia:Asia|Asia]] and a multitude of other locations, including many parts of the [[Sol system]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=goo204|Halo: Ghosts of Onyx|Page=204-205}}{{Ref/Generic|Id=lootcrate2|Heading=[[Halo Legendary Crate]]|Subheading=[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #2]]}} The [[Battle of Cleveland]] is one example of the ODSTs' participation during the war on Earth.{{Ref/Comic|Id=HUI2|Comic=Halo: Uprising|Issue=[[Halo: Uprising Issue 2|2]]}} On [[2552#November|November 17, 2552]] after the orbital defense grid was almost completely overwhelmed by [[Prophet of Truth]]'s [[Truth's fleet|own massive loyalist armada]] and too much of UNSC planetside forces was overrun during the same day,{{Ref/Level|Id=H3CN|Game=Halo 3|Level=Crow's Nest}}{{Ref/Level|Id=TGJ|Game=Halo 2|Level=[[The Great Journey (level)|The Great Journey]]}} two ODSTs from the [[2nd Shock Troops Battalion]] fought alongside a detachment of Marines in the [[Battle of Sector Six]].{{Ref/Film|Id=arms|Film=Halo: Landfall|Story=[[Halo: Arms Race|Arms Race]]}} Troopers [[T. Rymann]] and [[S. Hartley]] were tasked with calculating the crash site of John-117 on Earth, while a Marine battalion was tasked with defending a narrow corridor between Covenant and UNSC forces in [[Pakistan]].{{Ref/Film|Id=combat|Film=Halo: Landfall|Story=[[Halo: Combat|Combat]]}} Bravo-21 and numerous [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]] were killed in the clash, while Bravo-22 was injured along with some of the other surviving Marines. Their actions successfully allowed [[UNSC High Command|HIGHCOM]] to track and locate the Spartan.{{Ref/Film|Id=lastone|Film=Halo: Landfall|Story=[[Halo: Last One Standing|Last One Standing]]}}


After the opening of [[Portal at Voi|the Portal]] on November 17, 2552, the [[11th Marine Force Reconnaissance/ODST]], stationed aboard the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, fought alongside Spartan [[John-117]], during [[Human-Covenant War#Arrival of the Flood and Sangheili/human victory|Operation: BLIND FAITH]].<ref name="encyclopedia">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''Chapter 2, pages 56/57''</ref> Men and women from this battalion were also some of the first modern [[human]]s to travel outside the [[Milky Way|Milky Way Galaxy]], during the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Reuse|h3ark}} One such assault happened during a mission to destroy numerous Covenant [[Skar'wa-pattern Mantis|anti-aircraft artillery platforms]] overlooking a desert. These AA guns were destroyed by the ODSTs, allowing the ''[[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn]]'' to successfully land near the [[Cartographer|Cartographer building]].{{Ref/Level|Id=h3ark|Game=Halo 3|Level=The Ark}} During the [[Battle of the Citadel|last battle]] of the Ark campaign—the last battle of the war—ODSTs were again airlifted into combat. This time, they punched holes in Covenant armor and artillery positions to allow John-117 and the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] to eliminate the [[Prophet of Truth]].{{Ref/Level|Id=TheCovenant|Game=Halo 3|Level=[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]}} After the battle, the surviving ODSTs were taken back to Earth aboard the [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili]] [[flagship]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''.{{Ref/Level|Id=Halo|Game=Halo 3|Level=[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]}}
After the opening of [[Portal at Voi|the Portal]] on November 17, 2552, the [[11th Marine Force Reconnaissance/ODST]], stationed aboard the {{UNSCShip|Forward Unto Dawn}}, fought alongside Spartan [[John-117]], during [[Human-Covenant War#Arrival of the Flood and Sangheili/human victory|Operation: BLIND FAITH]].<ref name="encyclopedia">'''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]''', ''Chapter 2, pages 56/57''</ref> Men and women from this battalion were also some of the first modern [[human]]s to travel outside the [[Milky Way|Milky Way Galaxy]], during the [[Battle of Installation 00]].{{Ref/Reuse|h3ark}} One such assault happened during a mission to destroy numerous Covenant [[Anti-Aircraft Battery|anti-aircraft artillery platforms]] overlooking a desert. These AA guns were destroyed by the ODSTs, allowing the ''[[UNSC Forward Unto Dawn]]'' to successfully land near the [[Cartographer|Cartographer building]].{{Ref/Level|Id=h3ark|Game=Halo 3|Level=The Ark}} During the [[Battle of the Citadel|last battle]] of the Ark campaign—the last battle of the war—ODSTs were again airlifted into combat. This time, they punched holes in Covenant armor and artillery positions to allow John-117 and the [[Thel 'Vadam|Arbiter]] to eliminate the [[Prophet of Truth]].{{Ref/Level|Id=TheCovenant|Game=Halo 3|Level=[[The Covenant (level)|The Covenant]]}} After the battle, the surviving ODSTs were taken back to Earth aboard the [[Fleet of Retribution|Sangheili]] [[flagship]] ''[[Shadow of Intent]]''.{{Ref/Level|Id=Halo|Game=Halo 3|Level=[[Halo (Halo 3 level)|Halo]]}}
{{Clear}}
{{Clear}}


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Some ODSTs were recruited into the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] after the war ended, prompting the development of a [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR (GEN2)]] [[ODST armor#MJOLNIR GEN2 variant|variant]] of the ODST BDU.<ref>[http://worthplaying.com/article/2013/7/6/news/89850/ '''Worthplaying''' ''Halo 4 (X360) Champions Bundle To Add New Maps, Mode, Skins, Armor, Bonus Upgrades'']</ref> The ODSTs remain an active military unit, with the [[3rd Platoon|3rd Helljumper Platoon]] participating in the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] against [[Merg Vol's Covenant]] in [[2554]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Mission 11: Descend from the Perch|Descend from the Perch]]''</ref> In [[2555]], a small fireteam pulled from ODST squad [[Alpha-Nine]] participated in a mission at an unknown [[United Rebel Front]] facility on the moon [[Talitsa]].<ref name="New Blood">'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''', ''Chapter 18''</ref> There was a battalion of ODSTs aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} as of [[2558]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''Issue #3''</ref>
Some ODSTs were recruited into the [[SPARTAN-IV program]] after the war ended, prompting the development of a [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|MJOLNIR (GEN2)]] [[ODST armor#MJOLNIR GEN2 variant|variant]] of the ODST BDU.<ref>[http://worthplaying.com/article/2013/7/6/news/89850/ '''Worthplaying''' ''Halo 4 (X360) Champions Bundle To Add New Maps, Mode, Skins, Armor, Bonus Upgrades'']</ref> The ODSTs remain an active military unit, with the [[3rd Platoon|3rd Helljumper Platoon]] participating in the [[Battle of Draetheus V]] against [[Merg Vol's Covenant]] in [[2554]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''', ''[[Mission 11: Descend from the Perch|Descend from the Perch]]''</ref> In [[2555]], a small fireteam pulled from ODST squad [[Alpha-Nine]] participated in a mission at an unknown [[United Rebel Front]] facility on the moon [[Talitsa]].<ref name="New Blood">'''[[Halo: New Blood]]''', ''Chapter 18''</ref> There was a battalion of ODSTs aboard the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} as of [[2558]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Escalation]]''', ''Issue #3''</ref>


The ODST's [[9th Shock Troops Battalion]] aboard {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} saw action against the [[Banished]], an anti-Covenant mercenary organization, during the [[Second Ark Conflict]] in the spring of [[2559]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref> The ODST squad [[Sunray 1-1]], the command element of [[Boomerang Company]] under the command of [[Major]] [[Elijah Vaughan]], [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER|managed to prevent]] Banished forces led by the [[Mgalekgolo]] pair known as [[Colony]] from gaining control over Forerunner [[Despair-class fighter]], which they planned to use against the ''Spirit of Fire''.<ref name="Not on My Watch">'''Halo Wars 2''', campaign level ''[[Not on My Watch]]''</ref> Later on, Sunray 1-1 participated in numerous operations in the most hostile, Banished-occupied areas of Installation 00, terminating some of the most valuable of the Banished commanders.<ref name="CF100">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/sweet-centennial '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder #100: Sweet Centennial'']</ref>
The ODST's [[9th Shock Troops Battalion]] aboard {{UNSCShip|Spirit of Fire}} saw action against the [[Banished]], an anti-Covenant mercenary organization, during the [[Second Ark Conflict]] in the spring of [[2559]].<ref>'''[[Halo Wars 2]]'''</ref> The ODST squad [[Sunray 1-1]], the command element of [[Boomerang Company]] under the command of [[Major]] [[Vaughan]], [[Operation: SPEARBREAKER|managed to prevent]] Banished forces led by the [[Mgalekgolo]] pair known as [[Colony]] from gaining control over Forerunner [[Despair-class fighter]], which they planned to use against the ''Spirit of Fire''.<ref name="Not on My Watch">'''Halo Wars 2''', campaign level ''[[Not on My Watch]]''</ref> Later on, Sunray 1-1 participated in numerous operations in the most hostile, Banished-occupied areas of Installation 00, terminating some of the most valuable of the Banished commanders.<ref name="CF100">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/sweet-centennial '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Canon Fodder #100: Sweet Centennial'']</ref>
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{{clear}}


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Potential ODSTs are selected because of their performance in their chosen [[Military Occupational Specialty]]; because every ODST candidate is a veteran from another special operations outfit they have already gone through at least two layers of screening and months of intense training—not counting the years of training received before volunteering for the ODST. There are no age or gender restrictions as long as the candidate meets the physical and mental requirements they are guaranteed the opportunity to try out for the ODST. Once in the ODST a candidate's training continues—its entrance requirements serve as a third layer of screening upon two more, where applicants would have theoretically failed to pass. Candidates would therefore already have extensive experience in conducting the types of high-risk missions that the ODSTs typically perform.{{Ref/Reuse|bwu11}}
Potential ODSTs are selected because of their performance in their chosen [[Military Occupational Specialty]]; because every ODST candidate is a veteran from another special operations outfit they have already gone through at least two layers of screening and months of intense training—not counting the years of training received before volunteering for the ODST. There are no age or gender restrictions as long as the candidate meets the physical and mental requirements they are guaranteed the opportunity to try out for the ODST. Once in the ODST a candidate's training continues—its entrance requirements serve as a third layer of screening upon two more, where applicants would have theoretically failed to pass. Candidates would therefore already have extensive experience in conducting the types of high-risk missions that the ODSTs typically perform.{{Ref/Reuse|bwu11}}
After the [[Human-Covenant War]], some ODSTs that could become [[SPARTAN-IV program|SPARTAN-IV]]s were recruited by UNSC, in some cases even after the ODST in question had retired. [[Edward Buck]], one of the ODSTs, was recruited by [[Jun-A266]] along with the rest of the [[Alpha-Nine]] during active service, while [[Taylor Miles]] and [[Gretchen Ketola]] were recruited from retirement.{{Citation needed}}


===Training===
===Training===
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The ODSTs have their own dedicated training unit, the [[340th ODST Combat Training Unit]], used for training UNSC special forces personnel in a realistic combat environment.<ref name="JRH2EODST">[[Joyride Studios/Halo 2 Exclusives#ODST|''Joyride'', ODST (Halo Graphic Novel Limited Edition Exclusive)]]</ref>
The ODSTs have their own dedicated training unit, the [[340th ODST Combat Training Unit]], used for training UNSC special forces personnel in a realistic combat environment.<ref name="JRH2EODST">[[Joyride Studios/Halo 2 Exclusives#ODST|''Joyride'', ODST (Halo Graphic Novel Limited Edition Exclusive)]]</ref>
ODSTs with the potential to become part of Special Warfare were assigned based on their capabilities. [[Morgan Kinsano]], one of the ODSTs, was reassigned to the [[Special Tactics and Equipment Group]] as [[Hellbringers]], leading the [[Firestorm Battle Group]], a dedicated ODST Special Tactics and Equipment Group specialized in anti-infantry battle.{{Citation needed}}


===Psychology===
===Psychology===
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===Drop pod===
===Drop pod===
{{Main|Drop pod}}
{{Main|Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle}}
The ODSTs' iconic deployment method is the [[drop pod]] - a teardrop-shaped vehicle protected with a ceramic skin coating.{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}} It is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODST and is known for its risks and intense heat which has garnered 105th ODST Division the nickname "Helljumpers". While most combat deployments are made by means of ordinary [[dropship]]s, the drop pod was designed as a more efficient method of orbital deployment for high-risk operations.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 35'' (2003); ''page 39'' (2010)</ref> Often deployed from orbiting spacecraft or [[space station]]s, drop pods are equipped with its occupant's weapons, ammunition, and other supplies. Upon landing, each ODST is responsible for removing the supplies from their SOEIV and bringing it to their unit's temporary base.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}
The Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle (SOEIV) is a teardrop-shaped [[drop pod]] protected with a ceramic skin coating.{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}} It is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODST and is known for its risks and intense heat which has garnered 105th ODST Division the nickname "Helljumpers". While most combat deployments are made by means of ordinary [[dropship]]s, the SOEIV was designed as a more efficient method of orbital deployment for high-risk operations.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', ''page 35'' (2003); ''page 39'' (2010)</ref> Often deployed from orbiting spacecraft or [[space station]]s, SOEIVs are equipped with its occupant's weapons, ammunition, and other supplies. Upon landing, each ODST is responsible for removing the supplies from their SOEIV and bringing it to their unit's temporary base.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}


==Gameplay==
==Gameplay==
{{Main|ODST (NPC)|ODST (player character)}}
===''Halo Wars''===
===''Halo Wars''===
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the ODSTs are available as an upgrade to the [[UNSC Marine Corps#Halo Wars|Marine unit]], and are unique to [[James Cutter|Captain Cutter]] as a Super Unit. They are equipped with M90 Shotguns.
In ''[[Halo Wars]]'', the ODSTs are available as an upgrade to the [[UNSC Marine Corps#Halo Wars|Marine unit]], and are unique to [[James Cutter|Captain Cutter]] as a Super Unit. They are equipped with M90 Shotguns.
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{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of ODSTs}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of ODSTs}}
*The ODST were heavily influenced by the [[Wikipedia:Mobile Infantry (Starship Troopers)|Mobile Infantry]] from Robert A. Heinlein's seminal novel ''[[wikipedia:Starship Troopers|Starship Troopers]]'', which popularized the use of drop pods in science fiction. The ODST's tradition of officers deploying before enlisted personnel is also inspired by the Mobile Infantry.  
*The ODST were heavily influenced by the [[Wikipedia:Mobile Infantry (Starship Troopers)|Mobile Infantry]] from Robert A. Heinlein's seminal novel ''[[wikipedia:Starship Troopers|Starship Troopers]]'', which popularized the use of drop pods in science fiction. The ODST's tradition of officers deploying before enlisted personnel is also inspired by the Mobile Infantry.  
*If an ODST is transformed into a [[Flood combat form]] in ''Halo 3'' his armor will become that of a regular Marine. This is because no model for an ODST combat form exists in the game's files. If a player character dies in a Floodfight mode in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' on ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'', their body can be reanimated by the Flood. Like in Halo 3, it will use a regular human attacker model, although with a unique dark coloration, reminiscent of ODST's signature camouflage pattern.
*If an ODST is transformed into a [[Flood combat form]] in ''Halo 3'' his armor will become that of a regular Marine. This is because no model for an ODST combat form exists in the game's files. However, ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' contains a Floodfight mode on ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' where a special model of the Flood-Infected ODST now makes an appearance.
*During development of ''[[Halo 2]]'', [[Eric Trautmann]] and [[Brannon Boren]] argued for the inclusion of ODSTs in the game, despite Bungie questioning their recognizability to fans and the in-universe role they served.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbhoNpcXZ_k '''The Sci Fi Show''': ''Episode 005: DC Reboot/Eric Trautmann'']</ref>
*During development of ''[[Halo 2]]'', [[Eric Trautmann]] and [[Brannon Boren]] argued for the inclusion of ODSTs in the game, despite Bungie questioning their recognizability to fans and the in-universe role they served.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbhoNpcXZ_k '''The Sci Fi Show''': ''Episode 005: DC Reboot/Eric Trautmann'']</ref>


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*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR21|HSoR|Chapter=21}}
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR21|HSoR|Chapter=21}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo Infinite]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Saturn Devouring His Son]]''
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}


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