Editing UNSC Army

{{Status|Canon}}
{{Military infobox
|image=[[File:UNSC_Army_Logo.svg|100px|class=invert-dark]]<br>The [[Symbols of the UNSC|logo of the Army]]
[[File:UNSC Attack.jpg|300px]]<br>Army forces charging the [[Covenant]] during the [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]]
|formed=
|affiliation=[[File:Halo Waypoint - UEG.jpg|25px]] [[Unified Earth Government]]
|branch=[[UNSC Armed Forces]]
|type=
|role= Ground Combat
|size=
|nicknames=
|battles= *[[Battle of Alluvion|Alluvion]]
*[[Battle of Actium|Actium]]
*[[Battle of Fumirole|Fumirole]] 
*[[Fall of Reach|Reach]]
**[[Battle at Szurdok Ridge|Szurdok Ridge]]
**[[Siege of New Alexandria|New Alexandria]]
**[[Battle of Aszod|Aszod]]
*[[Battle of New Jerusalem|New Jerusalem]]
*[[Battle of Earth|Earth]]
**[[Battle of Mombasa|1st Mombasa]]
*[[Defense of Mars|Mars]]
*[[Battle of Draetheus V|Draetheus V]]
*[[Requiem Campaign|2nd Requiem]]
|commanders=*[[General|GEN]] [[Crystal Speakman]]
*[[General|GEN]] [[Nicolas Strauss]]
*[[Colonel|COL]] [[James Ackerson]]
*[[Colonel|COL]] [[Urban Holland]]
*[[Colonel|COL]] [[Akono Menteith]]
}}
The '''UNSC Army''' is a branch of the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces, and is primarily responsible for land-based military operations under the direction of the [[Unified Ground Command]] alongside the [[UNSC Marine Corps]] and other land-based forces. Unlike the Marine Corps, which is typically deployed in expeditionary operations across the galaxy in conjunction with the [[UNSC Navy]], the Army is primarily implemented in ground combat operations and garrison duties, serving as a major part of the UNSC Defense Force alongside the [[UNSC Air Force]].<ref name="interview">[http://halostory.bungie.org/oconnor_mclees_080108.html '''Halo.bungie.org:''' ''Interview with Frank O'Connor and Robert McLees'']</ref> 

==Mission and roles==
{{Quote|Provide forces for sustained terrestrial combat operations and civil works.|The Army's official mission statement.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFMArmy}}}}
The official mission of the UNSC Army is to provide the majority of logistical support and reserve soldiers who fight in [[Planetary warfare|ground campaigns]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Army|Enc22|Page=61}}{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFMArmy|OSFM|Page=133-135}} The Army's collateral functions are defined as;
*Conducting civil works that have strategic application, including projects for improvement of navigation and follow-on [[terraforming]].{{Ref/Reuse|OSFMArmy}}
*Development of doctrine, procedures and equipment that are of common interest to the Air Force and Marine Corps.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFMArmy}}
*Organisation and training of civil defense units (colloquially "[[Colonial Militia|militias]]"){{Ref/Reuse|OSFMArmy}}
*Providing forces for joint aerospace and space operations, in accordance with UNSC doctrines.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFMArmy}}

Overall, the Army is tasked with the defence of [[Unified Earth Government]] [[Human colonies|colony worlds]] and the long-term occupation of enemy territory. As such, it is tasked with training, organising, equipping and maintaining amphibious, land, and airborne forces capable of carrying out this mission.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22UNSC|Enc22|Page=53}} Despite being a primarily military force, the Army has additional peacetime roles of providing engineers, technicians, builders, and designers on civil and public works projects and the support of other UNSC deployments.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFMArmy}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22UNSC}}

==History==
===''Domus Diaspora''===
{{Main|Domus Diaspora}}
The UNSC Army was formed by at least the latter years of the ''Domus Diaspora''.{{Ref/Site|Id=cuttingroomlore|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-cutting-room-lore|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Cutting Room Lore|D=26|M=7|Y=2022}}

===Insurrection===
{{Main|Insurrection}}
The UNSC Army operated in the Insurrection, at least until the early years of [[Operation: TREBUCHET]].{{Ref/Reuse|cuttingroomlore}}

===Human-Covenant War===
{{Main|Human-Covenant War}}
Army forces mounted an unsuccessful defense of the planet [[Alluvion]] during the Covenant's [[Battle for Alluvion|invasion]] in late [[2542]], ending when the Covenant [[Glassing|glassed]] the planet.<ref>''Halo: Escalation'', Issue 7</ref> In [[2545|May 2545]], the Army's [[53rd Armored Division]], commanded by [[Colonel]] [[Akono Menteith]],  defended the human colony of [[Actium]] during the Covenant's [[Battle of Actium|invasion]] of the planet. At the end of the campaign, 12,000 soldiers of the 53rd took part in a massive assault on a trio of Covenant staging grounds. Though these attacks succeeded, the 53rd was ultimately annihilated and Actium was subsequently glassed.<ref>[http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/detail/c2ada678e9ce4db99ce91864070bd198/herocourage '''Halo Waypoint''', ''Hero - Courage'']</ref>

In 2551, various Army units participated in the [[Defense of Concord]].{{Ref/Site|Id=S2StoryHub|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/halo-infinite-lone-wolves-intel|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo Infinite - Lone Wolves Intel|D=03|M=11|Y=2022|LocalArchive=Halo Infinite Story & Intel}}{{Ref/Novel|Halo: Winter Contention}} On [[2552#April|April 22, 2552]], UNSC Army personnel supported [[SPARTAN programs|SPARTAN]] [[Noble Team]] in [[Battle of Fumirole]] against [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] forces.{{Ref/Generic|Deliver Hope}}

====Epsilon Eridani====
Between [[2552#July|July 23]] and [[2552#August|August 30, 2552]], thousands of Army personnel defended the fortress world [[Reach]] during the Covenant's [[Fall of Reach|invasion of the planet]].{{Ref/Reuse|reach}} Trooper fireteams dispatched by [[Colonel]] [[Urban Holland]] initiated first contact with the Covenant at the UNSC [[Visegrád Relay|communications relay]] at [[Visegrád]] on the night of July 23.{{Ref/Generic|Patrol}}{{Ref/Level|HR|[[Noble Actual]]}}{{Ref/Level|HR|[[Winter Contingency]]}} On July 26, Army troopers stationed near the [[Office of Naval Intelligence]]'s [[Sword Base]], with ''crucial'' assistance from SPARTAN Noble Team, defended against Covenant attackers.{{Ref/Level|HR|[[ONI: Sword Base]]}} Following these early engagements, Army personnel continued to combat the Covenant's advance invasion force for several weeks. On August 12, three Army [[brigade]]s served as part of a large [[Order of battle (Viery, Reach)|joint UNSC force]] during the battle for the [[Viery Territory]]. Part of this force was used to eliminate a series of Covenant [[deployment spire]]s during the [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge]].{{Ref/Level|HR|[[Tip of the Spear]]}} Two days later, UNSC Army [[pilot]]s joined Noble Six in [[Operation: UPPER CUT]], flying [[FSS-1000 Sabre]] fighters to help disable and board the ''[[Ardent Prayer]]''.{{Ref/Book|Id=ardent|HWF|Page=76-77}} Shortly after, a much larger Covenant fleet arrived at Reach.{{Ref/Level|Id=lnos|HR|[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]}} By August 23, Army forces had attempted to break the Covenant's [[Siege of New Alexandria|siege of]] [[New Alexandria (location)|New Alexandria]] for some time. With the assistance of [[SPARTAN-B312]], they were able to evacuate most of the civilians and military personnel from the city, though some stragglers remained.{{Ref/Level|Id=Exodus|HR|[[Exodus]]}}{{Ref/Level|HR|[[New Alexandria]]}} On August 29 and 30, the few Army personnel remaining on the [[Eposz]] continent attempted to rally at the area's [[Asźod ship breaking yards|ship-breaking facilities]], which served as the only evacuation area left on the continent. There, they engaged in a [[Battle of Asźod|large-scale battle]] against the Covenant, who had arrived on Reach in force and had begun [[glassing]] the area. Most of the convoys on the way to the evacuation zone were destroyed by the Covenant.{{Ref/Level|HR|[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]}}

Contemporary with the Fall of Reach, Army forces participated in the [[Battle of Tribute]] and the [[Battle of New Jerusalem]].<ref>[http://halo.xbox.com/en-us/intel/featured/gallery/dmr/c0dfea7c-87fa-4224-82ff-c44d93b73f03 '''Halo Waypoint''', ''DMR'']</ref>

====Sol====
During the [[Battle of Earth]] on [[2552#October|October 20, 2552]], an Army convoy was sent to [[New Mombasa]] to aid the Marines and civilians stationed there; the unit was destroyed in the attempt.<ref>'''Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe''', "Palace Hotel", ''page 356''</ref> Later, during the [[Defense of Mars|defense]] of [[Mars]], [[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]] led Army personnel against Covenant forces led by the [[Jiralhanae]] commander [[Lepidus]].<ref>'''Halo: Uprising''', ''[[Halo: Uprising Issue 1|Issue One]]''</ref>

Curiously, the Army was the only military branch in the UNSC not invited to the [[Hillside memorial]] ceremony at the end of the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 411''</ref>

===Post-Covenant war conflicts===
{{Main|Post-Covenant War conflicts}}
[[File:Battle at Red Slate.png|thumb|250px|UNSC Scorpion tanks engage Merg Vol's Covenant faction during the [[Battle of Draetheus V]].]]
The UNSC Army has continued to expand its role in the defense of humanity's interests in the postwar era, and served with distinction against the resurgent [[Covenant remnants]] in the 2550s. On an undetermined date, the UNSC Army aided the Marine Corps in combating [[Merg Vol's Covenant|Covenant forces]] [[Battle of Draetheus V|occupying]] the colony world of [[Draetheus V]], playing a part in the UNSC's eventual victory but sustaining huge losses in the process.

In [[2557]], Army personnel were deployed to [[Installation 03]] to secure a [[Composer]]'s excavation and extraction by {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFMOC8cak0k '''The Sprint''': ''Season 3 - Episode 5'']</ref>

In [[2558|February 2558]], Army personnel attached to the {{UNSCShip|Infinity}} were deployed to the [[Forerunner]] [[shield world]] known as [[Requiem]]. Along with Navy, Marine Corps, and Spartan assets, they were to [[Requiem campaign|secure beachheads]] and to prevent the [[Jul 'Mdama's Covenant|Covenant]] from establishing bases near the UNSC's forward line.<ref>'''[[Spartan Ops]]''': [[S1/Departure/Land Grab|''S1E1 - Land Grab'']]</ref>

==Organization==
During the era prior to the destruction of the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC Army was divided into a number of special local command forces termed [[Army Component Command]]s. Each Army Component Command was based out of an assigned colony world, with given Army units administratively under the control of these commands. As the war escalated and colonies were increasingly [[Glassing|destroyed]], many Component Commands were "temporarily" disestablished and replaced by working groups on [[Reach]] and [[Earth]] that instead managed Army units via [[sector]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Army}}

Operational authority of Army assets is assigned to the [[Unified Ground Command]] - one of the two major [[United Nations Space Command#Combatant commands|combatant commands]] of the UNSC and charged with carrying out terrestrial and close-orbit missions. In practice, NAVCOM and its space-based brother [[UNSC Naval Command|NAVCOM]] then form joint task forces assigned to one of the four [[Central Command]]s (or CENTCOMs), which are then charged with protecting that specific region of human space.{{Ref/Book|Id=OSFMUNICOM|OSFM|Page=122-123}}

Overall, the Army is divided into regular, [[UNSC Army Reserve|reserve]], and [[UNSC Army Security Forces|security]] forces. UNSC Army Reserve troops are trained and equipped similarly to other Army forces, but they are faced with missions more oriented towards garrison and support on existing colonies, with their personnel generally working and training on a part-time basis and returning into civilian life until called upon in an emergency. Army Security Forces act as a [[military police]] force with duties extending into colonial occupation, overseeing reconstruction and acting as [[law enforcement]] for civilians. Army Security Forces are rarely deployed in the [[Inner Colonies]], instead seeing most of their action in the [[Outer Colonies]] alongside [[CAA Marshals]] and other peacekeeping forces.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Army}}

The Army additionally maintains a number of more specialised internal branches. These include the responsibility for maintaining maritime "wet navy" forces on select colonies, and dedicated special forces, organised under [[Unified Special Warfare Command]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Army}}

===Structure===
The UNSC Army is divided into a number of component commands, each based out of a given colony world - though some were replaced by sector-level working groups based on Reach and Earth due to the scale of glassing attacks during the Great War. The Army maintains a number of [[division]]s,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22UNSC}} with specialisations including:
*Airborne divisions{{Ref/Game|Id=Quotes|HSA|[[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|quotes]]}}
*Infantry divisions{{Ref/Reuse|Quotes}}
*Armored divisions{{Ref/Generic|[[Heroes Never Die]]|Detail=Courage}}

In practice, the Army forms joint-task forces alongside other UNICOM and NAVCOM assets in their assigned CENTCOM region, with a [[Major General]] tasked with oversight of such units.{{Ref/Reuse|OSFMUNICOM}}

===Special operations forces===
The Army's special operations fall under the authority of UNICOM's [[Special Warfare Command]] (SPECWARCOM). While most [[SPARTAN programs|Spartans]] have been historically operated by [[Naval Special Weapons]], some Spartan units are known to have served within UNICOM's special forces. The most notable of these units is [[NOBLE Team]], which served under [[Special Warfare Group Three]].<ref name="reach">'''Halo: Reach'''</ref><ref name="voc">[http://carnage.bungie.org/haloforum/halo.forum.pl?read=1085710 '''halo.bungie.org''': ''Re: Just checked out the Essential Visual Guide'']</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]''', pages ''29, 62, 101, 103-105, 130, 139, 165''</ref> [[UNSC Army Pathfinders|Pathfinder units]] are also known to exist, and are known to utilise the Torchbearer [[Visual Intelligence System, Reconnaissance|VISR]] and the FC-I configuration of Air Assault helmet.<ref>''Halo 5: Guardians'', Torchbearer VISR description</ref>{{Ref/Game|Id=AA|HR|Armor customization (Halo: Reach)|Armory|Detail=Air Assault - FC-I Helmet Description|Quote=Command network module-Improved; external hardened uplink. A favorite of Pathfinder units.}}

The UNSC Army operates [[UNSC Army Rangers|Ranger units]] who serve as advance scouts on occupied human worlds, conducting counterinsurgency missions and organizing resistance groups.<ref name=OSFM134>'''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''' p. 134</ref> Prior to the development of [[SPARTAN-IV program|Spartan-IVs]], Rangers were exclusively recruited into ONI Section 3 [[Delta-6 Division]] as non-augmented personnel to conduct operations outside the capacity of conventional warfighters.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Army}}

===Infantry===
The majority of the UNSC Army's infantry force is made up of riflemen, who are often supported by heavy weapon infantry. Army Fire Support Teams are specialized units which assist standard infantry and are allocated as part of their battalion's offensive or defensive plans, providing overwatch and combating heavy enemy forces.{{Ref/Site|Id=CUSummer|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/community-update-summer-red-summer-blue|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Community Update - Summer Red, Summer Blue|D=30|M=10|Y=2020}}

===Airborne===
The UNSC Army maintains an unknown number of [[UNSC Army airborne|airborne infantry]] units<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', ''Armory'' - MJOLNIR/AA variant description: ''"Entered service in 2535; the MJOLNIR/AA variant is exclusive to Army airborne units."''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo: The Essential Visual Guide]]'''</ref> such as the 6th Airborne Division.<ref>'''Halo: Spartan Assault''', ''[[Halo: Spartan Assault/Quotes|Quotes]]:'' "Knowing that monster firing a Battle Rifle at you used to be Kevin from 2nd Platoon is just creepy. That could be me."
—Specialist Archibald Berger, 6th Airborne Division, UNSC Army</ref>

===Divers===
The Army has combat divers between their ranks. By 2558, these divers began to adopt [[MAKO-class Mjolnir]]'s helmet.<ref name="H5 Armory">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''' ''- Armory description''</ref>

==Personnel==
''See [[:Category:UNSC Army personnel|here]] for a list of Army personnel.''
[[File:Halo Reach - UNSC Army Infantryman (Standing).png|thumb|150px|A UNSC Army trooper.]]
The personnel of the UNSC Army are described as well-trained, disciplined, and motivated men and women.{{Ref/Site|Id=CUSummer|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/community-update-summer-red-summer-blue|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Community Update - Summer Red, Summer Blue|D=30|M=10|Y=2020}} Service people hold ranks, which are divided between officers and enlisted. The rank structure of the UNSC Army is based around that of the [[Wikipedia:US Army|United States Army]]. For a list of ranks within the Army, see [[UNSC rank structure]].

UNSC Army personnel wear distinctive uniforms. The [[UNSC Army Dress Uniform|dress uniform]] is worn outside combat,<ref>'''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'''</ref> while [[UNSC Army Battle Dress Uniform|battledress]] is worn in combat.<ref>'''[[Halo Reach]]'''</ref> The  Battle Dress Uniform incorporates many modular components shared by other branches of the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces, including the [[CH252 Helmet|CH252 combat helmet]]. UNSC Army pilots employ grey flight suits.{{Ref/Reuse|ardent}}{{Ref/Reuse|lnos}}

The [[ENIGMA-class Mjolnir|Enigma]] helmet was originally developed and intended for use by the Army's [[tank]] crews, though these helmets were ultimately co-opted by [[Spartan Operations]] personnel.{{Ref/Game|Id=HI|HINF|Armor customization (Halo Infinite)|Armor Hall|Detail=Enigma - Helmet Description|Quote=The ENIGMA was intended for use by Army tank crews, but the Spartans have acquired most of these helmets, as its state-of-the-art vehicle cyberlink is an invaluable resource.}}

As a part of UNICOM, the Army utilises the [[UNSC rank structure|standardised rank structure]] maintained by that organisation. Thanks to the usage of [[artificial intelligence]], the Army (alongside all other UNSC ground forces) has comparatively little administrative overhead or bureaucracy - with most routine tasks handled by AI automation. This allows the Army to maintain a much higher "tooth to tail" ratio of fighting troops to support personnel than historical military forces.{{Ref/Book|OSFM|Page=142-143}}
{{:UNSC rank structure/UNICOM}}

====Officers====
UNSC Army ground forces are led by their commanding officers. Often seasoned and battle-hardened veterans, UNSC officers are trained to maintain a calm demeanor, inspire their men, and deliver a sound tactical perspective while on the battlefield. They also ensure that combined-arms operations are carried out efficiently and safely by controlling the unit's shard of the [[UNSC battle network]].{{Ref/Reuse|CUSummer}}

====Infantry====
The core fighting units of the Army consist of riflemen, who are equipped with a wide variety of small arms. When available, they can also be reinforced with heavy weapon units.{{Ref/Reuse|CUSummer}} Army [[Fire Support Team]]s are allocated as part of their battalion's offensive or defensive strategies. In defensive operations, they provide overwatching support-by-fire, while on the offense they engage enemy vehicles and heavy infantry, as such, their loadout is usually tailored to their mission, terrain, and expected enemy composition.{{Ref/Reuse|CUSummer}}

Along with their Marine counterparts, UNSC Army infantry played a pivotal role in humanity's fight against the Covenant hegemony,{{Ref/Reuse|CUSummer}} engaging the enemy in small arms combat, and often in close proximity.{{Ref/Reuse|Exodus}} Their tenacity during combat was one of the major factors that decided humanity's continued survival against the overwhelming technological and numerical advantage of the Covenant.{{Ref/Reuse|CUSummer}}

==Equipment==
[[File:UNSC Army variations.png|thumb|250px|Several armor variants and weapons used by the UNSC Army.]]
===Infantry weapons===
UNSC Army doctrine emphasises rapid advances and high volumes of fire to suppress opposing forces and break through enemy lines. Infantry riflemen make heavy use of [[assault rifle]]s, with the Army traditionally preferring the [[MA37 assault rifle|MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System]] over the [[MA5 series]] used by the Marine Corps. In more recent years, the Army has switched its forces over to the [[MA40 assault rifle|MA40 model]], with a number of broad but subtle improvements over the MA37.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Weapons|Enc22|Section=Human Weapons|Page=162-185}} The Army additionally fields limited numbers of [[MA5D assault rifle]]s, with the Army's preferred configuration being those fitted with a [[recon sight]].{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Recon AR Description|Quote=Assault Rifle with Recon Sight. UNSC Army configuration with quick-acquisition sights for mid-range engagements.}} Some second-line Army units additionally employed the [[HMG-38 heavy machine gun|HMG-38 "Monitor Rifle"]] configuration, though it proved unpopular with troops due to its unreliability and cumbersome nature.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Weapons}}

The Army prefers to use the [[M392 DMR|M392 designated marksman rifle]] for medium-range suppression, which has been replaced in all other branches of service by the [[BR55 battle rifle]]. DMRs were commonly used by Army scouts and squad marksmen since [[2512]], and still remain in service with the branch's sharpshooters  due to the weapon's reliability and use of standard [[7.62x51mm|7.62×51mm M118 FMJ-AP]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Weapons}}{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/dmr|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=DMR|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}} However, by [[2558]], the [[BR85 battle rifle]] equipped with the [[COG sight]] was undergoing final Army SPECWARCOM trials.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=COG Battle Rifle Description|Quote=Battle Rifle with COG. Army SPECWARCOM configuration currently undergoing final evaluation.}}

The [[M6G magnum]] has traditionally reigned as the standard sidearm adopted by the Army (with the Marine Corps instead preferring the [[M6G2 magnum|M6G2 variant]]). However, following the end of the Human-Covenant War, all branches of the UNSC switched to the [[M6H magnum|M6H]] and [[M6H2 magnum]]s - with this adoption finished by the year [[2555]].{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Weapons}}{{Ref/Site|URL=http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/intel/inteldetail/348c4827-e10c-49a4-89ef-1c365af8689f/magnum|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Halo 4 Interactive Guide - Weapons: Magnum|D=01|M=05|Y=2013|LocalArchive=Halo 4 Interactive Guide#UNSC Weapons}}{{Ref/Book|H4EVG|Page=64}} The Army is the only branch of the UNSC to make use of the [[M6J/C carbine|M6J carbine variant]] of the M6 series.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/projects/halo3/content.aspx?link=h3pistol|Site=Bungie.net|Page=The M6G Pistol|D=24|M=01|Y=2021|LocalArchive=Machines, Materiel and Munitions from the Human-Covenant Conflict, 2525 - Present/M6G}}


Snipers operate the [[SRS99-AM sniper rifle]] for long-range suppression and anti-matériel operations. The [[M319 grenade launcher|M319 Individual Grenade Launcher]] is used for medium-range suppression and anti-fortification duties while the [[M45E shotgun|M45E Tactical Shotgun]] is used for close-quarters combat. The Army also operates the [[M9 fragmentation grenade|M9 High-Explosive Dual-Purpose Grenade]]. Anti-armor fire is provided by the [[M41 rocket launcher]] and the [[M6/V Spartan Laser|Model 6V Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle]] [[directed energy weapon]].{{Ref/Reuse|reach}} Around [[2558#October|October 2558]], the M41 SPNKR was phased out in favour of the cheaper, lighter [[M57 Pilum]].{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/weapons/rocket-launcher|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Rocket Launcher|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}}{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Weapons}}

The [[M247H machine gun|M247H Heavy Machine Gun]] was adopted by the UNSC army following its successful use in the backbone of [[Colonial Military Authority]] heavy weapons teams.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Weapons}}

===Vehicles===
The Army's standard vehicle is the [[M12 Force Application Vehicle|M12 "Warthog" Force Application Vehicle]], which is used for armored patrols and personnel mobility. The M12 FAV is produced in several variants. The most common of these variants is the [[M12 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle]], which is armed with an [[M41 Light Anti-Aircraft Gun]]. Light anti-vehicle and anti-aircraft support is provided by the [[M12R Light Anti-Armor Vehicle]], which features an [[M79 Multiple Launch Rocket System]]. The [[M12G1 Gauss Warthog|M12G1 Light Anti-Armor Vehicle]], sporting an [[M68B Gauss cannon]], serves as the primary anti-armour Warthog configuration in the Army.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Weapons}} The Army makes use of a number of armoured personnel carriers for combat operations. These include the [[M650 Mastodon]] and [[M88 Bison]].{{Ref/Site|Id=CFKnowScope|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/news/know-scope|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Know-Scope|D=30|M=07|Y=2021}}{{Ref/Game|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Mastodon}}{{Ref/Game|HW2|Phoenix Logs|Detail=Bison}} This role is supplemented by the [[M15 Razorback|M15 "Razorback" Light Tactical Vehicle]], which replaced the use of the [[M831 Troop Transport Warthog]] in Army service. The [[M9 Wolverine]] is used for heavier tactical air defence.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Vehicles}}

The Army favours the use of the [[M274R Mongoose|M247R]] Mongoose,{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Vehicles}} though select units of the [[M290 Mongoose|M290]] are also used. These include the "Urban" Mongoose, which are commonly used for scouting and light target interdiction.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Urban Mongoose Description|Quote=Rugged utility vehicle used by UNSC Army scouts and Air Force security patrols. Improved Mongoose with upgraded armor.}} Army scouts also employ the [[M290-M Gungoose]], in the Urban and Woodland variants.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Urban Gungoose Description|Quote=Armed Mongoose deployed by Army scouts and Spartan long-range recon teams. Improved Gungoose with upgraded armor.}}{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Woodland Gungoose Description|Quote=Army reconnaissance units appreciate the mobility and firepower afforded by the Gungoose, particularly in remote colonies that lack road systems of any kind. Improved Gungoose with extra armor.}}{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Vehicles|Enc22|Page=134-161}}

For heavy engagements, the Army operates the [[M808 Main Battle Tank]], which is armed with an [[M512 Smooth Bore High Velocity Cannon]] and an [[M247T Medium Machine Gun]], though by 2558 the Army was utilising the [[M820 Scorpion]], with units expected to fight insurrection forces in urban environments provided the "Urban" tactical upgrade for their tanks.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Urban Scorpion Description|Quote=Support package for the Scorpion now being rolled out to Army and Marine Corps units expected to deploy against Insurrection forces in urban areas. Improved Scorpion with upgraded armor.}} The Army retained [[M850 Grizzly]] units for planetary defense, following the Human-Covenant War.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/grizzly|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Grizzly|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}} From between the latter years of the ''Domus Diaspora'' and the early years of Operation: TREBUCHET, the Army operated the [[M700 Viper]].{{Ref/Reuse|cuttingroomlore}}

The Army also makes use of the [[HRUNTING/YGGDRASIL Mark IX Mantis|Mantis]], with the Army and Marine Corps upgrading their Mantis units by themselves.{{Ref/Game|H5G|List of REQ cards|REQ card|Detail=Urban Mantis Description|Quote=The UNSC Army and Marine Corps continue to upgrade their Mantis units while work continues on a new model with modular hardpoints. Improved Mantis with upgraded armor.}}

===Aviation===
The [[UH-144 Falcon]] is the iconic aerial vehicle of the Army, and is used to transport both regular infantry as well as Spartans across the battlefield. It can hold up to six occupants total, and is armed with various weapons, including machine gun turrets, grenade launcher turrets, and a chin mounted turret for the pilot's use. There are also variants that have no armaments and are completely dedicated as troop transports.{{Ref/Site|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/vehicles/falcon|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Falcon|D=13|M=04|Y=2016}} The [[AV-19 SkyHawk]] was also used by the Army.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Vehicles}} Following the dissolution of the CMA, the [[JOV-99 Kestrel]] was originally earmarked for UNSC Army service, but lobbying by [[Misriah Armory]] caused those to be replaced by the [[AV-49 Wasp]].{{Ref/Reuse|cuttingroomlore}} As well, some [[MV-29 Wyvern]]s were given to some Army units.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Vehicles}}

===Maritime craft===
[[File:Longshore Carrier.jpg|thumb|250px|A ''Crassus''-class supercarrier docked near the [[Mombasa Inlet Plant]] during the [[Battle for Earth]].{{Ref/Map|H3|Longshore}}.]]
The Army is the force that maintains most "wet navy" forces on terrestrial worlds, particularly on [[Earth]] and [[Reach]]. During the Great War, the Army maintained submarine arsenal ships on Reach and other worlds, while on Earth they maintained aircraft carriers for regional defence.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Army}} In [[2550]], the Army reactivated the older {{Class|Crassus|supercarrier}}s formerly of [[East African Protectorate]] regional defence force service, and brought them back online to assist in the defence of Earth should the planet be attacked. They were once again retired following the war's conclusion.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFStrike|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-ship-strike|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Ship Strike|D=20|M=04|Y=2023}} The army's carrier platforms served as a key asset for the [[UNSC Air Force]] during the war, as they allowed Air Force operations to be launched from the ocean, before retreating to underwater staging areas.{{Ref/Book|Enc22|Page=60}} The Army's maritime forces were frequently some of the only survivors of Covenant glassing attacks, due to the Covenant tendency to ignore the oceans in favour of attacking industrial, military, and population centres.{{Ref/Reuse|Enc22Army}}

==Gameplay==
{{Main|UNSC Army/Gameplay}}
{{Expand-section}}

==Trivia==
{{Linkbox|quote=yes|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of UNSC Army personnel}}
*The UNSC Army makes its in-game debut in ''Halo: Reach'', in which UNSC Army troopers, Marines, and ODSTs have their own service tags showing their name and rank as part of the [[Fireteam (gameplay mechanic)|fireteam]] gameplay mechanic. Most of them are named after [[Bungie]] and [[Rooster Teeth Productions|Rooster Teeth]] employees.<ref>[http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_070210 '''Bungie.net''': ''Bungie Weekly Update: 07.02.10'']</ref>
*Bungie concept artist [[Isaac Hannaford]] was largely responsible for designing the look of the UNSC Army troopers in ''Halo: Reach''. When first starting to design the troopers, he drew them as all-female, as he was looking to do something different after drawing the [[John-117|Master Chief]] for three years during the development of ''[[Halo 3]]''.<ref>[http://www.isaachannaford.com/2011/01/halo-reach-army-trooper-development.html '''Isaac Hannaford''': ''Halo Reach Army trooper development'']</ref>
*All male Army troopers in ''Halo: Reach'' have an emblem with a hexagon divided by a diagonal line on their shoulders. Curiously, female troopers lack this symbol. Additionally, variations of the same design are also seen in some pieces of ''Halo: Reach'' concept art. The BDUs worn by many Marines in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' also feature this symbol, possibly meaning it is not unique to the Army or it could have been kept accidentally since the ''Halo: Reach'' soldiers and ''Anniversary'' marines share the same model. This is very likely since at certain points in the game, the textures of the marines change in front of the player's very eyes and the emblem is replaced with the abbreviation UNSC and the logo of said organisation, just like ''Halo: Reach''{{'}}s marines.
**The insignia bears some resemblance to the divisional patch of the [[Wikipedia:1st Cavalry Division (United States)|U.S. 1st Cavalry Division]]. This may be a simple homage to the historic Army unit or suggesting that many of the soldiers seen in ''Halo: Reach'' were members of a unit carrying on the division's lineage.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HR_UNSCArmy_Concept_1.png|Concept art of an Army trooper (left) and a [[Military Police|military policeman]] (right) in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HR_UNSCArmy_Concept_2.png|Concept art of UNSC Army trooper BDUs.
File:HR_UNSCArmy_Concept_3.png|More Army trooper concepts. Note the 1st Cavalry divisional patch on the left trooper.
File:HR_UNSCArmyPilot_Concept.png|Concept art of an Army pilot.
File:HR_NobleAndCivilians_Concept.jpg|Concept art of Army soldiers operating alongside [[Noble Team]].
File:HR_EliteHunting_Concept.jpg|Concept art of a trooper being killed by a [[Sangheili Minor]].
File:3 Charlie.jpg|[[3 Charlie]] fighting at the [[Visegrád Relay]] on [[Reach]]. 
File:Tipofthespear2.JPG|Three Army soldiers and SPARTAN-B312 engaging a Sangheili during the Battle at Szurdok Ridge.
File:Reach E310 Campaign06.jpg|Two Army soldiers engaging a [[Sangheili]] inside the [[Sabre Program Launch/Research Range|Sabre launch facility]].
File:UNSC_Army_V.jpg|Army Troopers aboard a [[D77-TC Pelican]].
File:Reach_Army_Soldier1.jpg|A female UNSC Army soldier.
File:Facepaint Soldier.jpg|A UNSC Army soldier with camouflage facepaint.
File:Trooper leader.jpg|A UNSC Army Sergeant orders his troops forward.
File:UNSC Army Trooper.jpg|A UNSC Army trooper in combat.
File:Armyshooter.png|A female Army Trooper armed with an [[M6G Personal Defense Weapon System|M6G]].
File:Unsc army commando by redmoon45-d576ufe.jpg|A UNSC Army trooper takes aim with an [[MA37 Individual Combat Weapon System|MA37 rifle]].
File:HGC-UNSCArmy.png|The UNSC Army in ''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
File:HM-Composer extraction.png|UNSC Army troopers on guard on [[Installation 03]] during a [[Composer]]'s extraction.
</gallery>

==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: The Fall of Reach]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo: Ghosts of Onyx]]'' {{C|First identified as UNSC Army}}
*''[[Halo: Uprising]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[The Babysitter]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Palace Hotel]]''
*''[[Remember Reach]]''
**''[[Birth of a Spartan]]''
**''[[Patrol]]''
**''[[Deliver Hope]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Fall of Reach]]''
**''[[Halo: Fall of Reach - Invasion|Invasion]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 4]]''
**''[[Spartan Ops]]''
*''[[Halo: Spartan Assault]]''
*''[[Halo: Escalation]]''
*''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''
*''[[Halo: Fleet Battles]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]'' {{Mo}}
**''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition dossiers|Limited Edition dossiers]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Ground Command]]''
*''[[Halo Mythos]]''
*''[[Halo Wars 2]]'' {{Mo}}
*''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''
*''[[Halo: The Rubicon Protocol]]''
*''[[Halo: Winter Contention]]''
{{Col-end}}

==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources|2}}

==See also==
*[[:Category:UNSC Army personnel|List of UNSC Army personnel]]
*[[List of UNSC military units#Army|List of UNSC Army units]]

{{United Nations Space Command}}

[[Category:UNSC Armed Forces|Army]]