Editing Orbital Drop Shock Troopers

{{Status|Canon}}

{{disambig header|the special forces group|other articles including "ODST"|ODST (disambiguation)}}

{{Military infobox

|image=[[File:ODST Crest.png|70px]]<br>The emblem of the ODSTs

[[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}}

|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]]

**[[Naval Special Warfare Command]]{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}{{Ref/Reuse|EVG}}

|nicknames=Helljumpers{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}}

|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>

*Colonel [[Kennedy Mehaffey]]{{Ref/Reuse|corbulo}}

*Colonel [[Felicia Sanderson]]

*[[Major]] [[Antonio Silva]]

*[[First Lieutenant]] [[Melissa McKay]]

*[[Gunnery Sergeant]] [[Edward Buck]]

*Colonel [[Marmon Crowther]]

{{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>

==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>}}

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>

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}}

*'''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}}

*'''Direct action''' ('''DA'''): Short-duration strikes and other small-scale offensive actions conducted as a special operation in hostile, denied, or politically sensitive environments and which employ specialized military capabilities to seize, destroy, capture, exploit, recover, or damage designated targets. Direct action differs from conventional offensive actions in the level of physical and political risk, operational techniques, and the degree of discriminate and precise use of force to achieve specific objectives.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}

*'''Unconventional warfare''': Military and paramilitary operations, normally of long duration, predominantly conducted by indigenous or surrogate forces who are organized, trained, equipped, supported, and directed in varying degrees by an external source. It includes guerrilla warfare and other direct offensive, low visibility, covert, or clandestine operations, as well as the indirect activities of subversion, sabotage, intelligence gathering, escape and evasion.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}

*'''Counter-terrorism operations''': The response to [[terrorist]] threats and/or acts, both real and imputed.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}

*'''Counter-contraband operations''': Missions undertaking the recapturing of smuggled/stolen goods.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}

*'''Personnel and special equipment recovery/capture''': The recovery/medical treatment of friendly personnel in combat environments, as well as the capability of capturing high valued individuals and any equipment.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}

The idea of inserting highly trained troops behind enemy lines from high altitudes has its roots in the [[Wikipedia:Paratrooper|paratroopers]] of [[Wikipedia:20th century|20th]] and [[Wikipedia:21st century|21st century]] fame, who dropped frequently behind enemy lines to capture strategically important targets in anticipation for a larger advance by more conventional and numerous military forces. Although they were only marginally successful, they proved the concept of paratroops as useful and effective in large-scale warfare.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}<ref name="oldwaypoint">'''[[Halo Waypoint]]''': ''Drop Pod'' (defunct, backup link on [https://web.archive.org/web/20110325090504/http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/related/gallery/drop-pod/a37c6831-12e9-4a63-b546-08aeff5bfdc8 Archive.org])</ref>

The [[United Nations]] created the first iterations of the ODST deployment concept in [[2129]];{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} these early incarnations were occasionally referred to as '''Drop Jet Platoons'''.{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}} The Orbital Drop Shock Troopers in their current form saw their advent in [[2163]] with the formation of the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and the UNSC itself from [[Earth]]'s disparate national military forces.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}<ref>[http://halostory.bungie.org/oconnor_mclees_080508.html '''Halo.bungie.org''': ''Frank O'Connor/Robt McLees Interview - August 2008'']</ref> That year also saw the first historic first extraterrestrial deployment of UNSC Marines in the [[Mars Campaign]] against the [[Communism|neo-communist]] [[Koslovics]]. The conclusion of the [[Interplanetary War]] in [[2170]], along with the signing of the [[Callisto Treaty]] and the subsequent years that followed, the ODST saw little action as more political, and more important issues such as overpopulation and famine and a massive military with no purpose gripped the postwar nations of [[Earth]].<ref name="enc">'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''page 42''</ref>

The first major combat re-emergence of the ODSTs occurred in [[2490]] during the beginnings of the civil conflict between the [[Unified Earth Government]] and the [[Insurrectionist]]s. Using the members of the [[ORION Project]] as exemplary models,<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', ''[[Data pads|Data pad 11]]''</ref> the reputation of the ODST, as well as their training, was restored and enhanced as time passed. For the years leading up to [[2525]], the ODST conducted high-risk operations against the Insurrectionists, to either stop the enemy before they could carry out attacks against supporters, and officials of the Unified Earth Government or to cut off major suppliers to the Insurrectionists.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

The ODSTs' [[10th Shock Troops Battalion]] was deployed to [[Jericho VII]] for over 131 days to put down local insurgent forces.<ref>'''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''', ''Part 1''</ref> Shortly after, the unit was sent to [[Arcadia]] to deal with Insurrectionist activity.<ref>'''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''', ''Part 2''</ref> In [[2526]], the battalion was deployed to [[Andesia]] to eliminate Insurrectionist strongholds on the planet. During the deployment, several members of the unit were killed by insurgent forces.<ref name="fud3">'''Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn''', ''Part 3''</ref>

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>

[[File:HLC battle for earth.png|thumb|250px|ODSTs during the [[Battle of Earth]].]]

Following the enactment of the [[Cole Protocol]] in [[2535]], ODST combat teams were tasked with boarding commercial and private vessels and purging their navigation databases.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''pages 31-35''</ref> During one of these routine operations, a group of ODSTs aboard the ''[[UNSC Midsummer Night]]'' were captured and taken to the [[Rubble]]. They, in conjunction with SPARTAN-II [[Gray Team]], would later [[Battle of Metisette|defeat]] a [[Kig-Yar]] plan to trick the inhabitants of the Rubble out of their navigation data, which could compromise the location of Earth.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''pages 312-317''</ref> As the Human-Covenant War progressed, the ODST would participate in many engagements; among these were the [[Battle of Jericho VII]],<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''page 6'' (2001); ''page 20'' (2010)</ref> an [[Raid on Heian|assassination mission]] on [[Heian]],<ref>'''[[Halo Legends]]''', ''[[The Babysitter]]''</ref> the [[Battle of Skopje]],<ref>'''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''', "[[Dirt]]", ''page 171''</ref> the [[Battle of Sigma Octanus IV]], the [[Battle of New Jerusalem]], the [[Battle of Tribute]],<ref name="interview">'''[[Halo 3: ODST Pre-mission Evaluation]]'''</ref> and the [[Battle of Ariel]].<ref>'''[[Halo: Helljumper]]'''</ref> The numerous campaigns and operations in which the ODST participated throughout the long war all pale in comparison to the [[Fall of Reach]] in [[2552]], during which countless ODSTs lost their lives defending strategic locations on the planet.<ref name="tots">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level, ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref>

During the initial invasion of Reach, a large contingent of ODSTs participated in the [[Battle of Viery]], assisting the Army in repelling the Covenant forces from the planet. Throughout the course of the battle, the UNSC formed joint-forces to combat against the overwhelming Covenant forces.{{Ref/Reuse|tots}} Some time during the event, several battalions were stationed on ''[[UNSC Pillar of Autumn]]''. As the planet fell to the Covenant onslaught, the vessel made a blind slipspace jump away from the [[Epsilon Eridani]] system, discovering the long-abandoned [[Installation 04]]. During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], shock troopers led by [[Major]] [[Antonio Silva]] and [[First Lieutenant]] [[Melissa McKay]], operated as a guerrilla force by conducting hit-and-run operations against the forces of the Covenant's [[Fleet of Particular Justice]].<ref name="flood">'''Halo: The Flood'''</ref>

===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.]]

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}}

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}}

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]]}}

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>

''See [[:Category:Orbital Drop Shock Trooper units|here]] for a list of ODST units.''

 

The number of ODST [[combat team]]s varies from [[company]] to company, but it generally consists of six to eight, with each combat team specializing in a particular mission-set. Every ODST combat team consists of anywhere between ten and fourteen members, each one having a specific skill or function on the team.{{Ref/Reuse|bwu11}} ODSTs are also organized into [[fireteam]]s of six to eight personnel each.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Though every team and every individual is expected to particularly excel in their given skills and assigned mission-sets, they are expected to be flexible enough to adapt to any given situation.{{Ref/Reuse|bwu11}} Every ODST unit's equipment is tailored for a specific mission and task, with each operator being proficient with a wide range of weapons, sensors, and mobility systems optimized for hazardous and difficult environments.{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}}

A strictly volunteer force, the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are recruited from [[special operations]] units in the [[UNSC Marine Corps]], [[UNSC Army]], [[UNSC Air Force]], and [[UNSC Navy]]; they are also drawn from the special operations groups of all UEG member nations' standing militaries.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}<ref name="gl82">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''pages 82-83''</ref> The rigorous selection standards and the high level of bravery required to join the organization helps ensure the ODST are one of humanity's most elite military formations,{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}} second only to the [[SPARTAN programs|Spartans]].{{Ref/Reuse|universe}}

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}}

 

Orbital Drop Shock Troopers receive months of intense training, outside the training they had originally received from their previous line of duty.{{Ref/Reuse|bwu11}} For three weeks, to get all personnel physically fit, ODST candidates may endure daily runs, push-ups, and numerous obstacle courses. These obstacle courses include training simulations with slush, artificial snow, and live-fire simulated battles. Candidates are trained to crawl for miles through environments with barbed wire, rubble, and destroyed buildings as [[drill instructor]]s fire rounds mere inches above the trainees' heads.<ref name="he119">'''Halo: Evolutions''', "Dirt", ''pages 119-123''</ref> Additionally, trainees practice jumping from high positions to prepare for transorbital drops.<ref name="life">'''[[The Life]]'''</ref> The rigorous training process also serves as an opportunity for candidates—those who prove unfit to become an ODST—to drop out of the program{{Ref/Reuse|he119}} or they are removed from the training by an instructor. These candidates are Returned to Unit (RTU), meaning that they are sent back to their previous unit and post.<ref name="gl66">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 66''</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}}

[[File:Tunnel.png|thumb|250px|left|[[Tarkov]] and other ODSTs holding an improvised combat zone funeral.]]

Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are famous among those of the [[United Nations Space Command]] for their tenacity in combat.<ref>'''Halo: First Strike''', ''pages 66-68'' (2010)</ref> The wide diversity of individuals who serve as ODSTs occasionally leads to cultural barriers; it was considered to be part of their "curious charm".{{Ref/Reuse|gl82}} The dangerous method in which ODSTs are deployed often leads to the creation of an important distinguishing psychological characteristic commonly displayed among their ranks.{{Ref/Reuse|universe}} Orbital Drop Shock Troopers are very proud of their accomplishments and skills. Many ODSTs believe they uphold a "commando's state-of-mind", meaning that they can do anything with the right attitude.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 69''</ref> Among their peers, ODSTs are often jovial and almost carefree. However, when an ODST is around someone who is not a member of the organization, they often become stoic, overtly unfriendly, and have a complete absence of any expression, though they still often remain relaxed. Many individuals have confidence that the ODST can do nearly anything they are tasked to do, no matter the difficulty of the assignment.{{Ref/Reuse|gl82}} Being Returned to Unit (RTU)—not successfully completing ODST training—is considered highly humiliating, to the point that it makes death seem like a "minor embarrassment" in comparison.{{Ref/Reuse|gl66}}

ODST officers lead from the front and command their troops with acts of bravery and combat proficiency, as most ODSTs are not impressed by authority wielded without competence, nor are they cowed by threats of administrative punishment.{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}} [[UNSC Insertion Protocols]] dictate that the [[commanding officer]]'s SOEIV should accelerate after an ODST unit is deployed, thus placing it before the rest of the unit's drop pods. This is due to the strongly held belief—among the ODSTs—that officers should lead their troopers into battle, rather than follow. It is also held that officers should be willing to do anything they would ask their subordinates to do, and should expose themselves to the same level of danger as their troopers.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}} Leaders among ODST ranks who can successfully control their subordinates are often rare to find and highly valued, yet the high degrees of danger that ODSTs are exposed to on their missions mean the life expectancy for ODST officers is demoralizingly short. Though they accept the grim statistics, ODSTs are immensely proud of the fact that most of their officers rose from within the ranks, inspired by the heroism and sacrifice of preceding officers, and willing to serve despite the dangers they often face.{{Ref/Reuse|logofwar}} ODSTs occasionally give [[tattoo]]s of the kanji symbol for either "bastard" or "bad ass"—as the meaning differs depending on who is asked—to officers they greatly respect. Allegedly, should the tattooed individual reveal their mark to any ODST, the ODST would unhesitatingly aid that person.<ref>'''[[Halo: The Cole Protocol]]''', ''page 105''</ref>

Orbital Drop Shock Troopers—especially those from the [[105th Shock Troops Division]]—have a somewhat rough relationship with members of the [[SPARTAN-II program]]. Due to the fierce pride found in many ODSTs and their inferiority compared to the elite Spartan supersoldiers, most Shock Troopers have some form of resentment toward the Spartan-IIs.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 89''</ref> Former ODST [[Edward Buck]] remarked that he once considered the Spartan-IIs to be "''glory-hungry bullet catchers''".{{Ref/Reuse|nb6}} This one-sided rivalry likely originated on [[2525#April|April 22, 2525]], when members of the 105th were involved in a fight with the fourteen-year-old Spartan [[John-117]], resulting in two ODST deaths and two severe injuries.<ref>'''Halo: The Fall of Reach''', ''pages 65-67''</ref>

[[File:Romeo with SRS99D.png|thumb|250px|[[Kojo Agu]], donning the Sharpshooter variant of the ODST armor.]]

The ODST battle dress uniform is the signature piece of equipment used by the ODSTs—the armor is [[Vacuum suit|vacuum-rated]] and capable of [[extra-vehicular activity]] for fifteen minutes.<ref>'''Halo: The Cole Protocol''', ''page 56''</ref> The helmet, a derivative of the standard-issue [[CH252 helmet]], is equipped with modern communications gear, a [[heads-up display]], and [[motion tracker]]s.{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}} The helmet is also issued with [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance]], a proprietary integrated data management system that provides its users with navigational data, access to certain infrastructure systems, and allows them to store mission content.{{Ref/Reuse|FG}}

Manufactured by [[Misriah Armory]],<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', ODST helmet in-game model</ref> the ODST armor incorporates [[titanium]] composites for armor plating to give the user added protection.<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]''', ''page 13''</ref> The armor includes a heating and cooling system that has the capabilities to match the infrared signature of the current local weather. There is several editions and variants of the armor with mission-specific functions.{{Ref/Reuse|HE58}}

===Drop pod===

{{Main|Drop pod}}

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 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.

*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>

File:Waypoint - ODST emblem.png|Another version of the ODST crest.

File:H2-Concept-Earth-MOUT.jpg|Concept art of ODSTs fighting alongside [[John-117]] in [[New Mombasa]] for ''[[Halo 2]]''.

File:Trouble.jpg|Concept art of an ODST facing an enraged [[Jiralhanae]].

File:H2-ODST-Squad.jpg|An ODST fireteam in the streets of Mombasa.

File:Halo2 - SFPelican.jpg|Nine ODSTs in a D77-TC Pelican dropship.

File:H2-ODST-BattleRifle.png|An ODST wielding a BR55 Battle Rifle on Delta Halo in ''Halo 2''.

File:Hevstohalo05.jpg|Shock Troopers descending in their SOEIVs over Installation 05.

File:T.Rymarr.jpg|thumb|250px|left|[[T. Rymann]] engages a Jiralhanae during the [[Battle of Sector Six]] in ''[[Halo: Landfall]]''.

File:ODST Fast roping.png|ODSTs dropping into a Covenant prison camp in [[Cleveland]] in ''[[Halo: Uprising]]''.

File:ODST Patrol.jpg|A team of ODSTs deployed on Installation 00 alongside John-117 in ''Halo 3''.

File:HWunit ODST.png|An ODST fireteam in ''[[Halo Wars]]''.

File:Halo3 ODST-Rookie.jpg|The Rookie in the streets of New Mombasa in ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''.

File:Halo3 ODST-Rookie.png|The Rookie standing at arms.

File:HaloReach - ODST.jpg|Three ODSTs outside ONI [[Sword Base]] on Reach in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.

File:reach_1840061_Full.jpg|A team of [[Bullfrogs]] during the [[Raid on New Alexandria]].

File:ODSTwithBuck.jpg|Two ODSTs get ready to board Gunnery Sergeant Buck's [[UH-144 Falcon]] in [[New Alexandria (location)|New Alexandria]].

File:Halo Initiation.jpg|The former ODST [[Sarah Palmer]] fighting several [[Sangheili]] on the cover of ''[[Halo: Initiation]] Issue 1''.

File:H2A - ODST model.jpg|A render of an ODST for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.

File:TanODST.jpg|An ODST on Installation 05 in an early build of ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.

File:H2A-AnotherDay1.jpg|ODSTs led by [[Marcus Stacker]] in Old Mombasa.

File:H2A - HEVs over Delta Halo.jpg|An entire contingent of ODSTs deploy onto Installation 05 from the ''[[UNSC In Amber Clad]]'' in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.

File:H2A-ODSTs.png|ODSTs in the stone structures of Installation 05.

File:H2A-ODSTRockets.png|An ODST with an M41 rocket launcher on Installation 05.

File:HE18-Tanaka&ODSTs.png|ODSTs and [[Holly Tanaka|Sergeant Tanaka]] on [[Cleyell]] in [[2556]] in ''[[Halo: Escalation]]''.

File:H5G_ODST_Concept_1.jpg|Concept art of an ODST for ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.

File:H5G_ODST_Concept_2.jpg|Concept art of an ODST for ''Halo 5: Guardians''.

File:H5G_ODST_Concept_3.jpg|Concept art of an ODST for ''Halo 5: Guardians''.

File:H5G_ODST_Concept_4.jpg|Concept art of an ODST for ''Halo 5: Guardians''.

*''[[Halo 3: ODST Pre-mission Evaluation]]''

**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}

*''[[Halo Wars 2]]''

*''[[Halo: Envoy]]''

*''[[Halo: Retribution]]'' {{Mo}}

*''[[Halo: Legacy of Onyx]]'' {{Mo}}

*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''

*''[[Halo: Bad Blood]]''

*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''

*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''

*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''{{Ref/Novel|Id=SOR21|HSoR|Chapter=21}}

==Notes==

{{Ref/Notes}}

{{Ref/Sources|2}}