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[[File:H2A Spec Ops Sangheili.png|350px|thumb|A standard Special Operation Officer Sangheili employing the {{Pattern|Gheocin|combat harness}}.]]
{{Unit infobox
{{Quote|Out of darkness, these blades will light our way.|Special Operations Officer Sangheili's mantra<ref name="HR">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref>}}
|variant=Cov
'''Special Operations Officer''' is a title held by select [[Sangheili]] serving within the [[Covenant]] and the empire's [[Covenant remnants|remnants]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=133}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=TF8|HTF|Chapter=8}} Within the [[Covenant military]], Special Operations Officers served in the [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] group.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Cov|Enc22|Page=242}} In the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] era after the Covenant fell, many of the group's veteran ex-members have sought to establish similar special operations units within other factions, including the [[Banished]] and the [[Swords of Sanghelios]] among others.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Banished|Enc22|Page=429}}
|image={{tabcontainer|title1=Banished infiltration harness|content1=[[File:HINF Banished Spec-Ops Sangheili.png|300px]]|title2=Covenant combat harness|content2=[[File:H2A Spec Ops Sangheili.png|300px]]|title3=Covenant infiltration harness|content3=[[File:Spec Ops.png|300px]]|title 4=Assault harness|content4=[[File:Sangheili SpecOps 01.png|300px]]}}
|species = [[Sangheili]]
|authority-title=Authority
|authority=[[Special Warfare Group]]
|branch=*[[Covenant Special Operations]]
*[[Fleet of Retribution]] {{c|post-war}}
*[[Legion#Banished|Sangheili mercenary clans]] {{c|post-war}}
**[[Enduring Conviction|Let 'Volir's clan]]
**[[Warriors of Malaston]]
**[[Valorguards of the Chosen]]
**[[Bloodbrave Guardians of Suban]]
**[[Kaepra's Grief]]
|mission=*Special Operations
*Unconventional warfare
*Infiltration
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]] {{c|formerly}}
*[[Covenant separatists]] {{c|[[Great Schism]]}}
*[[Covenant remnants]]
**[[Banished]]{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFoundations|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Foundations|Quote=Those rad-looking purple Sangheili in the sleek armor? They’re classified canonically as Spec Ops, not Zealots. It’s important to remember that oftentimes enemy or character tags that you might find within game files are development shorthand and not necessarily final.|D=12|M=1|Y=2022}}
|role=
|size=
|notable=[[Okro 'Vagaduun]]<br>
[[N'tho 'Sraom]]<br>
[[Usze 'Taham]]
}}
{{Quote|Out of darkness, these blades will light our way.|Special Operations Sangheili's mantra<ref name="HR">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref>}}
'''Special Operations Officer''' is a title held by select [[Sangheili]] serving within the [[Covenant]] and the empire's [[Covenant remnants|remnants]].{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc11|Enc11|Page=133}}{{Ref/Novel|Id=TF8|HTF|Chapter=8}} Within the [[Covenant military]], Special Operations Officers served in the [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] group.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Cov|Enc22|Page=242}} In the [[Post-Covenant War conflicts|post-war]] era after the Covenant fell, many of the group's veteran ex-members have sought to establish similar special operations units within organizations, including mercenary work in the [[Banished]] among others.{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc22Banished|Enc22|Page=429}}


==Overview==
==Overview==
{{Main|Covenant Special Operations}}
===Roles and responsibilies===
Special Operations Officers are the Sangheili members of the [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] division of the [[Special Warfare Group]]. Sangheili of this rank are picked from the most elite warriors of the regular Covenant military, with personnel selected to serve in Special Operations requiring exceptional skills in close-quarters combat and [[Sniper|marksmanship]].{{Ref/Game|Id=LibraryElite|CEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Spec Ops Elite}} When Sangheili troops are brought into the Special Operations division, any [[Unggoy]] under their command will also be unwillingly [[Special Operations Unggoy|recruited]] into the organisation too.{{Ref/Game|Id=LibraryGrunt|CEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Spec Ops Grunt}}
Special Operations Officers are the Sangheili members of the [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] division of the [[Special Warfare Group]]. Sangheili of this rank are picked from the most elite warriors of the regular Covenant military, with personnel selected to serve in Special Operations requiring exceptional skills in close-quarters combat and [[Sniper|marksmanship]].{{Ref/Game|Id=LibraryElite|CEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Spec Ops Elite}} When Sangheili troops are brought into the Special Operations division, any [[Unggoy]] under their command will also be unwillingly [[Special Operations Unggoy|recruited]] into the organisation too.{{Ref/Game|Id=LibraryGrunt|CEA|Library (feature)|Library|Detail=Spec Ops Grunt}} The bridge of a [[Covenant starship|starship]] (such as {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}}) was sometimes seen to be crewed mainly by Special Operations Sangheili under the command of a [[shipmaster]].{{Ref/Level|Id=hr solace|HR|Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace}}


==Operational history==
===Dress===
{{Summarize|section}}
{{Expand-section}}
===Human-Covenant War===
<gallery class=center>
Special Operations Sangheili were widely utilized by the [[Covenant]] during its [[Human-Covenant War|genocidal campaign]] against the human race. Towards the end of the [[Battle of Meridian]], a team of Special Operations Sangheili and a [[Kig-Yar]] soldier deployed to the surface of the [[Meridian|planet]] using a [[Covenant drop pod]]. The team deployed a [[Kindler]] and are able to find a [[Luminary]], which they proceeded to deliver to the [[High Prophet of Regret|Prophet of Regret]]. The Luminary would later reveal the locations of the Halo rings, the Ark, and a slipspace portal to the Ark found on Earth.<ref name="h2a terminal14">'''Halo 2: Anniversary''', ''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminal 14]]''</ref>
File:H2A Spec Ops Sangheili.png|A Special Operation Officer with a {{Pattern|Gheocin|combat harness}}.
File:Spec Ops.png|A Special Operation Officer with an [[Infiltration harness]].
File:HINF Banished Spec-Ops Sangheili.png|A Banished Special Operation Officer with another chassis of the [[Infiltration harness]].
File:Sangheili SpecOps 01.png|A Special Operation Officer with an [[Assault harness]].
</gallery>


During the pre-invasion of the [[human]] colony world of [[Reach]], the [[Fleet of Valiant Prudence]] discreetly deployed a team of [[Sangheili Zealot]]s to disable [[Visegrád Relay|one]] of the planet's communication outposts at [[Visegrád]]. When the [[SPARTAN-III]] [[NOBLE Team]] was sent to investigate the communications blackout, they found the entrance locked, with the mechanism flash-fused. While [[Catherine-B320]] attempted to unseal the doorway, the rest of NOBLE defended her from waves of Covenant attackers. A team of Special Operations Sangheili, along with a [[Sangheili General]] was dropped off as one of the final groups of attackers.<ref name="winter">'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Winter Contingency]]''</ref> A squadrom of Special Operations Sangheili were deployed via [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantom]] onto the third flood of [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] [[SWORD Base]] by way of the breached exterior wall. These forces were defeated by the combined efforts of [[SPARTAN-B312]] and [[Emile-A239]].<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[ONI: Sword Base (level)|ONI: Sword Base]]''</ref> Several were also sent in along with a [[Mgalekgolo]] pair to stop [[Jun-A266]] and [[SPARTAN-B312]] from sabotaging of one of the Covenant's [[stealth pylon]]s. These pylons were being used to conceal large scale Covenant troop deployments in the [[Viery Territory]] on the eve of the [[Fall of Reach|invasion of Reach]]. The Covenant forces failed to the Spartans, who reported their discovery to the UNSC.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Nightfall]]''</ref>
===History===
Special Operations Officers were widely utilized by the [[Covenant]] during its [[Human-Covenant War|genocidal campaign]] against the [[human]] race. When the [[Hierarchs]] betrayed the Sangheili, [[Great Schism|casting them out]] of the Covenant, many Special Operations Officer Sangheili along with the rest of their species fought against the now [[Jiralhanae]]-led Covenant forces on [[High Charity]].{{Ref/Level|H2|Gravemind (level)|Gravemind}} After the war, some Special Operations Officers became mercenaries and joined the [[Banished]]. Some were privately employed by individual Banished commanders to eliminate rivals and quell uprisings.{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=429}} Other Special Operations Officers joined the [[Swords of Sanghelios]].{{Ref/Novel|Id=blood-moon|Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon}}


The bridge of the {{Pattern|Ceudar|heavy corvette}} ''[[Ardent Prayer]]'' was crewed mainly by Special Operations Sangheili under the command of [[Shipmaster]] [[Ardo 'Moretumee]]. During [[Operation: UPPERCUT]], the ship was boarded by a team of [[FSS-1000 Sabre]] pilots led by [[SPARTAN-B312]] and [[Jorge-052]]. The strike team eventually entered the bridge, catching the crew unaware. While 'Moretumee and his Special Operations Sangheili defended themselves, they ultimately all died in battle with the UNSC boarders, who then proceeded to carry out their mission, resulting in the destruction of both ''Ardent Prayer'' and the {{Pattern|Sh'wada|supercarrier}} ''[[Long Night of Solace]]''.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]''</ref>
==Known Special Operations Officers==
===Covenant===
;Officers
*[[Huki 'Umamee]] – Killed during the [[Battle of Installation 04]].
*[[Zuka 'Zamamee]] – Part of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice]]; killed by [[John-117]] during the Battle of Installation 04.
;Sub-commanders
*[[Bero 'Kusovai]] – [[Sub-commander]] and [[blademaster]] within the ''[[Seeker of Truth]]'' part of the Fleet of Particular Justice, and subordinate to [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee; infected by the [[Flood]] and later killed by Rtas 'Vadumee during the [[Skirmish on Infinite Succor|Skirmish on ''Infinite Succor'']].
;Commanders
*[[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee – [[Commander (Covenant)|Commander]] of all Special Operations units within the Fleet of Particular Justice; later assumed the titles of [[Shipmaster]] of the ''[[Shadow of Intent]]'' and [[Fleetmaster]] of the [[Fleet of Retribution]] during the [[Great Schism]], and eventually joined the [[Swords of Sanghelios]].


In the later stages of the [[Fall of Reach]], the Covenant began to [[Glassing|glass]] large areas of the planet. [[Office of Naval Intelligence|ONI]] [[SWORD Base]] was one of the primary locations to be hit. Much of the base was reduced to rubble and many of the outlying areas were flooded due to the melting ice floes nearby. A team of Special Operations Sangheili was dispatched into the base along with a Sangheili General and a [[Huragok]]. They were in the process of scouring the ruined atrium when they were attacked by [[NOBLE Team]]. Ultimately the Spartans were able to neutralize all Covenant forces in the room.<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Package]]''</ref>
===Banished===
*[[Okro 'Vagaduun]] – Experienced blademaster in service of the [[Bloodbrave Guardians of Suban]] within the [[Banished]]; killed by John-117 during the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]].


During the [[Battle of Installation 04]], a squadron of thirty Special Operations Sangheili were deployed into the human-controlled [[Alpha Base (Installation 04)|Alpha Base]] using a [[Charlie 217|captured UNSC dropship]]. Their objective was to cause chaos among the human ranks so as to allow six [[Dextro Xur-pattern Spirit|Spirits]] containing more Covenant forces to land. Many of them were killed when the landing pad that the Pelican had touched down on was flooded with fuel and set alight. The survivors made it into the lower levels of the base where they killed every human they found, including those in the Control Room. Eventually all Special Operations Sangheili were killed by a fireteam of [[UNSC Marine Corps|Marines]], with only [[Special Operations Officer]] [[Zuka 'Zamamee]] and his [[Unggoy]] assistant [[Yayap]] escaping.<ref name="tf243">'''Halo: The Flood''', Chapter 8, ''page 219'' (2003 paperback); ''page 243'' (2010 paperback)</ref>
===Swords of Sanghelios===
*[[N'tho 'Sraom]] – Part of the [[Fleet of Retribution]]; later commanded the ''[[Mayhem]]''.
*[[Usze 'Taham]] – One of deadliest Special Operations commandos and part of the [[Fleet of Retribution]].
*[[Orim 'Kasaan]] - A SpecOps Sangheili in service to the [[Thel Vadam|Arbiter]]. Led a joint strike team during the [[Battle of Suban]].


Later in the battle, the [[Flood]] parasite managed to escape containment and soon spread across the surface of the installation. At least [[Brilliant Gift|one]] Covenant Spirit was captured by the Flood. They used the dropship to board the {{Pattern|Mjern|agricultural support ship}} ''[[Infinite Succor]]'' unbeknownst to the rest of the [[Fleet of Particular Justice|fleet]]. When the ship lost communication with the rest of the fleet, [[Supreme Commander]] [[Thel 'Vadam]]ee assembled a team of Special Operations Sangheili and [[Special Operations Unggoy|Unggoy]] led by [[Special Operations Commander|Commander]] [[Rtas 'Vadum]]ee to retake the ship from what was assumed to be human forces at that point. During the events aboard the ''Infinite Succor'', all members of the Special Operations team were killed or infected by the Flood, leaving 'Vadumee as the sole survivor.<ref name="HGN">'''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''', ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''</ref> The Flood were able to overwhelm the [[CCS-class battlecruiser|cruiser]] ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' which had been holding position near the surface of the installation. A strike team consisting of Special Operations Sangheili and Unggoy were sent in to neutralize the Flood and prepare the ship for immediate departure. Over the course of the battle, many Spirit dropships and [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]] were seen deploying Special Operations forces into the cruiser by [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN]] [[John-117]].<ref>'''Halo: Combat Evolved''', campaign level ''[[Keyes (level)|Keyes]]''</ref> By the time the remaining human forces on the ring stormed the ''Truth and Reconciliation'', the strike team and the Flood had managed to nearly wipe each other out.<ref>'''Halo: The Flood''', Chapter 12, ''page 318'' (2003 paperback); ''page 354''(2010 paperback)</ref> Towards the close of the battle, a contingent of Special Operations forces consisting of Sangheili and Unggoy were present on board the crashed [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|''Pillar of Autumn'']], where they battled against the Flood as well as [[Aggressor Sentinel|Sentinel]] forces.
==In-game information==
{{Main|Elite Spec Ops}}
{{Expand-section}}


After the conclusion of the Battle of Installation 04, the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-II]] [[John-117|Master Chief]] led a group of survivors from the battle in a boarding effort against the [[Ascendant Justice]], the [[flagship]] of the local Covenant fleet. During his assault on the bridge, the Master Chief fought against a single Special Operations Sangheili. The Covenant warrior nearly killed the Spartan, but the human managed to get the upper hand with the help of [[Avery Johnson|his]] [[Locklear|compatriots]], The Spec Ops Sangheili was grievously wounded and knocked into an escape pod, which the Chief proceeded to fire away from the ship. The fate of this Sangheili is unknown.<ref name="fs96">'''Halo: First Strike''', ''page 96'' (2010 edition)</ref>
==Production notes==
In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Special Operations Sangheili are clad in a glossy black [[Combat harness]]{{Ref/Game|HCE}}; in ''[[Halo 2]]'' a deep purple combat harness{{Ref/Game|H2}}; in ''[[Halo 3]]'' a steel [[Assault harness]]{{Ref/Game|H3}}. In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', and ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' they wear an [[Infiltration harness]] in dark maroon{{Ref/Game|HR}}, black{{Ref/Game|HCEA}}, and purple{{Ref/Game|HINF}} respectively. In ''Halo 2'', ''Halo: Reach'', and ''Halo Infinite'' their harness is embedded with [[active camouflage]].


Shortly after the Battle of Installation 04, the [[Hierarch|Prophets]] sent a team of Special Operations Sangheili led by Rtas 'Vadumee to assist the newly adorned [[Arbiter]] Thel 'Vadamee in his mission to kill [[Sesa 'Refumee]] and the [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|heretic forces]] under his command. Despite the unexpected entrance of the [[Flood]] into the battle, the team ultimately completed their mission successfully.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter (level)|The Arbiter]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle (level)|The Oracle]]''</ref> During the [[Battle of Installation 05]], many Special Operations Sangheili were deployed into the [[Quarantine Zone]] via [[Covenant drop pod|drop pods]] and Phantom dropships along with vehicular support in order to assist the Arbiter in acquiring the [[Activation Index|Sacred Icon]] necessary for the Covenant to complete their [[Covenant religion|'Great Journey']].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Sacred Icon (level)|Sacred Icon]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref>
Special Operations Sangheili are similar to [[Stealth Sangheili]], as they both possess [[active camouflage]] technology. However, the two are different and should not be confused: Stealth Sangheili have armor that has little or no shielding, and they are permanently cloaked until they are killed, whereas Special Operations Sangheili have stronger shielding and can appear both cloaked and uncloaked.


===Great Schism===
In ''Halo Infinite'', Spec Ops Sangheili are armed exclusively with [[energy sword (fiction)|energy swords]] and [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenades]].
Later in the battle of Installation 05, when the Hierarchs betrayed the Sangheili, [[Great Schism|casting them out]] of the Covenant, many Special Operations Sangheili along with the rest of their species fought against the now [[Jiralhanae]]-led Covenant forces on [[High Charity]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> Many more Special Operations Sangheili aided Thel 'Vadam in his push through several Jiralhanae-[[Jiralhanae encampment|occupied]] [[Bastion of the Brutes|structures]]. A number of Special Operations Sangheili assisted Thel and [[Avery Johnson|Sergeant Johnson]] in killing the [[Chieftain of the Jiralhanae]] [[Tartarus]]. While many fell to the Chieftain's [[Fist of Rukt|gravity hammer]], they successfully stopped him from activating the Ring.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Uprising]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Great Journey (level)|The Great Journey]]''</ref>


Towards the end of the [[Battle of Earth]], the [[Fleet of Retribution]] entered the area above the city of [[Voi]], in pursuit of the Flood-infested [[CCS-class battlecruiser|cruiser]] ''[[Indulgence of Conviction]]''. The ship had managed to break through the Sangheili's quarantine of Installation 05 and ultimately crash-landed in Voi, allowing the Flood to spread onto [[Earth]]. The fleet deployed Special Operations Sangheili to assist [[John-117]] and Thel 'Vadam in destroying the source of the Flood infestation, as well as to locate [[Cortana|something]] in the remains of the cruiser.<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref>
==Trivia==
Banished Spec Ops Elites are referred to as [[Zealots]] in ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s game files.{{Ref/Site|Id=CFFoundations|URL=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/canon-fodder-foundations|Site=Halo Waypoint|Page=Canon Fodder - Foundations|Quote=Those rad-looking purple Sangheili in the sleek armor? They’re classified canonically as Spec Ops, not Zealots. It’s important to remember that oftentimes enemy or character tags that you might find within game files are development shorthand and not necessarily final.|D=12|M=1|Y=2022}}


===Post-War===
==Gallery==
After the war, some Special Operations Sangheili became mercenaries and joined the [[Banished]]. Some were privately employed by individual Banished commanders to eliminate rivals and quell uprisings.{{Ref/Book|Id=EN|Enc22|Page=429}}
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes|gallerypage=Images of Special Operations Sangheili}}
===Concept art and illustrations===
<gallery>
File:HGN SpecOpsTeam.png|A squad of Special Operations Sangheili in ''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''.
File:Headhunters - Elite concept.png|Concept of the Special Operations Sangheili from the [[Silent Shadow]] wearing a heavily modified [[Infiltration harness]] in ''[[Headhunters (story)|Headhunters]]''.
</gallery>


During the [[Battle for Zeta Halo]], [[John-117]] fought a number of these Banished-affiliated Spec Ops Sangheili.{{Ref/Reuse|CFFoundations}} Notably, two Spec Ops Sangheili unsuccessfully attempted to ambush and kill the Master Chief inside the [[Conservatory (location)|Conservatory]].{{Ref/Quest|Id=Conservatory|HI|Connections|Conservatory}} Another pair of Spec Ops Sangheili guarded [[FOB Delta]].{{Ref/Quest|Id=FOB Delta|HI|Connections|FOB Delta}}
===''Halo: Combat Evolved''===
<gallery>
File:SpecOps Officer.png|Render of a Special Operations Sangheili.
File:SpecOpsElite.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with his {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} aboard the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]''.
File:HCE - CovSpecOps.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with a needler.
File:HCE ZukaZamamee CF.jpg|Close-up of a Special Operations Sangheili  
File:HCE Zuka&SpecOpsGrunt.png|Special Operations Officer [[Zuka 'Zamamee]] with a SpecOps Unggoy.
</gallery>


==Appearance==
===''Halo 2''===
In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Special Operations Sangheili are clad in a glossy black [[Combat harness]]{{Ref/Game|HCE}}; in ''[[Halo 2]]'' a deep purple combat harness{{Ref/Game|H2}}; in ''[[Halo 3]]'' a steel [[Assault harness]]{{Ref/Game|H3}}. In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'',
<gallery>
''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]'', and ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' they wear an [[Infiltration harness]] in dark maroon{{Ref/Game|HR}}, black{{Ref/Game|HCEA}}, and purple{{Ref/Game|HINF}} respectively. In ''Halo 2'', ''Halo: Reach'', and ''Halo Infinite'' their harness is embedded with [[active camouflage]].
File:H2-SpecOps-Elite-Portrait.png|A Special Operations Sangheili wielding an [[energy sword]].
File:H2 Elite SpecOps.png|A Special Operations Sangheili with a needler.
File:H2 SpecOps Elite Beam Rifle.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with a [[Sulok-pattern beam rifle|particle beam rifle]].
File:Spec-Ops Elites.jpg|A squad of Special Operations Sangheili in a {{Pattern|Kez'katu|Phantom}}.
File:H2 Rtas Vadumee Rally.jpg|A squad of Special Operations Sangheili gather around Rtas 'Vadumee.
</gallery>


Special Operations Sangheili are similar to [[Stealth Sangheili]], as they both possess [[active camouflage]] technology. However, the two are different and should not be confused: Stealth Sangheili have armor that has little or no shielding, and they are permanently cloaked until they are killed, whereas Special Operations Sangheili have stronger shielding and can appear both cloaked and uncloaked.
===''Halo 3''===
<gallery>
File:Halo 3 Spec Ops Elite.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with an [[Assault harness]] in the [[Battle of Voi]].
File:H3-SpecOpsSangheili.png|A trio of Special Operations Sangheili.
File:H3-SpecOpsSangheili-ThrowingGrenade.png|A Special Operations Sangheili throwing a plasma grenade at incoming Flood.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST-Specopsbuddies.png|Special Operations Sangheili in the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' [[Firefight]].
</gallery>


In ''Halo Infinite'', Spec Ops Sangheili are armed exclusively with [[energy sword]]s and [[plasma grenade]]s.
===''Halo: Reach''===
 
<gallery>
==Trivia==
File:HR_EliteSpecOps_Concept_2.png|Concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili.
Banished Spec Ops Elites are referred to as [[Zealots]] in ''Halo Infinite''{{'}}s game files.{{Ref/Reuse|CFFoundations}}
File:HR_EliteSpecOps_Concept_1.jpg|Another concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili.
File:HR_EliteRanks_Concept.jpg|''Halo: Reach'' concept art for a number of Sangheili ranks, with Spec Ops featured under the name "Infiltrator".
File:HReach - SpecOps Sangheili.png|A Special Operations Sangheili jumping in an attack.
File:HR SpecOpsElites.jpg|A group of Special Operations Sangheili using active camouflage, with one also possessing [[Overshield]].
File:HR Sangheili Spec ops Squad Screenshot.jpg|A Squad of Special Operations Sangheili equipped with {{Pattern|Nahle'hax|needler}}s and {{pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}}s.
File:HR Sangheili Spec ops Needler Screenshot.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili firing a needler.
File:HR Sangheili Spec ops focus rifle Screenshot.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili firing a {{Pattern|M'tara|focus rifle}}.
File:HR Sangheili Spec ops assasination Screenshot.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili being assassinated with an [[energy sword]].
</gallery>


==Gallery==
===''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''===
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===Concept art===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Headhunters - Elite concept.png|Concept of the Special Operations Sangheili from the [[Silent Shadow]] wearing a heavily modified [[Infiltration harness]] in ''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''.
File:Ceaspecops.png|Special Operations Sangheili in the [[Library (feature)|Library]].
File:HR_EliteSpecOps_Concept_2.png|Concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili for ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_EliteSpecOps_Concept_1.jpg|Another concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili for ''Halo: Reach''.
File:HR_EliteRanks_Concept.jpg|''Halo: Reach'' concept art for a number of Sangheili ranks, with Spec Ops featured under the name "Infiltrator".
File:HINF-Zealot.jpg|Concept art of the Banished Special Operations Sangheili for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF-Specopsconcept.jpg|More finalized concept art of the Spec Ops Elite.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Screenshots===
===''Halo 2: Anniversary''===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:SpecOps Officer.png|A Special Operations Sangheili in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:Special Operations Sangheili.png|Profile view of a Special Operations Sangheili.
File:SpecOpsElite.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with his {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} aboard the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2A-Rtas&Co.jpg|Rtas 'Vadumee speaking to a group of Special Operations Sangheili.
File:H2-SpecOps-Elite-Portrait.png|A Special Operations Sangheili wielding an [[Type-1 energy sword|energy sword]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 Elite SpecOps.png|A Spec Ops Sangeili in ''Halo 2''.
File:H2 SpecOps Elite Beam Rifle.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with a [[Type-50 particle beam rifle|particle beam rifle]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:Spec-Ops Elites.jpg|A squad of Special Operations Sangheili in a [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom]].
File:Halo 3 Spec Ops Elite.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with an [[Assault Harness]] in the [[Battle of Voi]] in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-SpecOpsSangheili.png|A trio of Special Operations Sangheili in ''Halo 3''.
File:H3-SpecOpsSangheili-ThrowingGrenade.png|A Special Operations Sangheili throwing a plasma grenade at incoming Flood in ''Halo 3''.
File:HTMCC-H3ODST-Specopsbuddies.png|Special Operations Sangheili in the ''[[Halo: The Master Chief Collection]]'' version of ''[[Halo 3: ODST]]'' [[Firefight]].
File:HReach - SpecOps Sangheili.png|A Special Operations Sangheili jumping in an attack.
File:Ceaspecops.png|Special Operations Sangheili in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:Special Operations Sangheili.png|A Special Operations Sangheili in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-SpecOpsSangheiliBeamRifle.png|A Special Operations Sangheili with a particle beam rifle in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2AMLGSpecopsElite&Friend.png|Two Special Operations Sangheili on the [[Threshold gas mine]].
File:H2AMLGSpecopsElite&Friend.png|Two Special Operations Sangheili on the [[Threshold gas mine]].
File:H2AMLGSpecopsElite.png|A Special Operations Sangheili [[dual wielding]] plasma rifles.
File:H2AMLGSpecopsElite.png|A Special Operations Sangheili [[dual wielding]] plasma rifles.
File:H2A-SpecOpsSangheiliBeamRifle.png|A Special Operations Sangheili with a particle beam rifle.
File:H2A SpecOpsVsHereticElite.png|Two Special Operations Sangheili in combat.
File:HTMCC-H2A SacredIconSpecOps.png|Two Special Operations Sangheili in the [[Quarantine zone (location)|quarantine zone]].
File:H2A SpecOps Sangheili.png|A Special Operations Sangheili on [[Installation 05]].
File:H2A SpecOps Sangheili.png|A Special Operations Sangheili on [[Installation 05]].
File:H2A-Spec Ops and Zealot.png|A Special Operations Sangheili and a [[Sangheili Zealot]] on [[Installation 05]].  
File:H2A-Spec Ops and Zealot.png|A Special Operations Sangheili and a [[Sangheili Zealot]] on Installation 05.  
</gallery>
 
===''Halo 5: Guardians''===
<gallery>
File:H5G-WarzoneSangheiliWarrior1.png|A Special Operations Sangheili, as they appear in [[Warzone]]. The same model and colour is used for almost all Sangheili bosses.
File:H5G-WarzoneSangheiliWarrior1.png|A Special Operations Sangheili, as they appear in [[Warzone]]. The same model and colour is used for almost all Sangheili bosses.
</gallery>
===''Halo Infinite''===
<gallery>
File:HINF-Zealot.jpg|Concept art of the Banished Special Operations Sangheili for ''[[Halo Infinite]]''.
File:HINF-Specopsconcept.jpg|More finalized concept art of the Spec Ops Elite.
File:HINF Banished-Spec-Ops-Elite.jpg|A render of a Banished Spec Ops Elite.
File:HINF-PurpleElite.jpg|Render of a Banished Special Operations Sangheili for ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF-PurpleElite.jpg|Render of a Banished Special Operations Sangheili for ''Halo Infinite''.
File:HINF Spec Ops 2.png|A Banished Spec Ops mercenary near [[Outpost Tremonius (location)|Outpost Tremonius]].
File:HINF Spec Ops 2.png|Frontal view of a Banished Spec Ops Sangheili with an energy sword.
File:HINF Spec Ops RivenGate.png|A Banished Spec Ops Sangheili at [[Riven Gate (location)|Riven Gate]].
File:HINF Spec Ops RivenGate.png|Profile view of a Banished Spec Ops Sangheili.
File:HINF Banished-Spec-Ops-Elite.jpg|A render of a Banished Spec Ops Elite.
File:HINF SpecOpsCloaking.png|A Banished Special Operations Sangheili activating his active camouflage.
File:HINF Banished Spec Ops Elites.png|A pair of Banished Special Operations Sangheili.
File:HINF Banished Spec Ops Elites.png|A group of Banished Special Operations Sangheili.
File:HINF Banished Spec Ops Sangheili close up.png|A Banished Spec Ops Sangheili up close.
File:HINF Banished Spec Ops Sangheili close up.png|A Banished Special Operations Sangheili up close.
File:HINF SpecOpsGrenade.png|A Banished Special Operations Sangheili throws a plasma grenade.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==List of appearances==
==List of appearances==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
Line 127: Line 149:
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
**''[[Headhunters (story)|Headhunters]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
Line 143: Line 166:
**''[[Sacrifice]]''
**''[[Sacrifice]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==

Latest revision as of 07:00, December 4, 2024

A standard Special Operation Officer Sangheili employing the Gheocin-pattern combat harness.

"Out of darkness, these blades will light our way."
— Special Operations Officer Sangheili's mantra[1]

Special Operations Officer is a title held by select Sangheili serving within the Covenant and the empire's remnants.[2][3] Within the Covenant military, Special Operations Officers served in the Special Operations group.[4] In the post-war era after the Covenant fell, many of the group's veteran ex-members have sought to establish similar special operations units within other factions, including the Banished and the Swords of Sanghelios among others.[5]

Overview[edit]

Roles and responsibilies[edit]

Special Operations Officers are the Sangheili members of the Special Operations division of the Special Warfare Group. Sangheili of this rank are picked from the most elite warriors of the regular Covenant military, with personnel selected to serve in Special Operations requiring exceptional skills in close-quarters combat and marksmanship.[6] When Sangheili troops are brought into the Special Operations division, any Unggoy under their command will also be unwillingly recruited into the organisation too.[7] The bridge of a starship (such as Ceudar-pattern heavy corvette) was sometimes seen to be crewed mainly by Special Operations Sangheili under the command of a shipmaster.[8]

Dress[edit]

Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

History[edit]

Special Operations Officers were widely utilized by the Covenant during its genocidal campaign against the human race. When the Hierarchs betrayed the Sangheili, casting them out of the Covenant, many Special Operations Officer Sangheili along with the rest of their species fought against the now Jiralhanae-led Covenant forces on High Charity.[9] After the war, some Special Operations Officers became mercenaries and joined the Banished. Some were privately employed by individual Banished commanders to eliminate rivals and quell uprisings.[10] Other Special Operations Officers joined the Swords of Sanghelios.[11]

Known Special Operations Officers[edit]

Covenant[edit]

Officers
Sub-commanders
Commanders

Banished[edit]

Swords of Sanghelios[edit]

In-game information[edit]

Main article: Elite Spec Ops
Help.png This section needs expansion. You can help Halopedia by expanding it.

Production notes[edit]

In Halo: Combat Evolved, Special Operations Sangheili are clad in a glossy black Combat harness[12]; in Halo 2 a deep purple combat harness[13]; in Halo 3 a steel Assault harness[14]. In Halo: Reach, Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, and Halo Infinite they wear an Infiltration harness in dark maroon[15], black[16], and purple[17] respectively. In Halo 2, Halo: Reach, and Halo Infinite their harness is embedded with active camouflage.

Special Operations Sangheili are similar to Stealth Sangheili, as they both possess active camouflage technology. However, the two are different and should not be confused: Stealth Sangheili have armor that has little or no shielding, and they are permanently cloaked until they are killed, whereas Special Operations Sangheili have stronger shielding and can appear both cloaked and uncloaked.

In Halo Infinite, Spec Ops Sangheili are armed exclusively with energy swords and plasma grenades.

Trivia[edit]

Banished Spec Ops Elites are referred to as Zealots in Halo Infinite's game files.[18]

Gallery[edit]

Main-Superintendent.png Browse more images in this article's gallery page.

Concept art and illustrations[edit]

Halo: Combat Evolved[edit]

Halo 2[edit]

  • A Special Operations Sangheili wielding an energy sword.

    A Special Operations Sangheili wielding an energy sword.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili with a needler.

    A Special Operations Sangheili with a needler.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili with a particle beam rifle.

    A Special Operations Sangheili with a particle beam rifle.

  • A squad of Special Operations Sangheili in a Kez'katu-pattern Phantom.

    A squad of Special Operations Sangheili in a Kez'katu-pattern Phantom.

  • A squad of Special Operations Sangheili gather around Rtas 'Vadumee.

    A squad of Special Operations Sangheili gather around Rtas 'Vadumee.

Halo 3[edit]

Halo: Reach[edit]

  • Concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili.

    Concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili.

  • Another concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili.

    Another concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili.

  • Halo: Reach concept art for a number of Sangheili ranks, with Spec Ops featured under the name "Infiltrator".

    Halo: Reach concept art for a number of Sangheili ranks, with Spec Ops featured under the name "Infiltrator".

  • A Special Operations Sangheili jumping in an attack.

    A Special Operations Sangheili jumping in an attack.

  • A group of Special Operations Sangheili using active camouflage, with one also possessing Overshield.

    A group of Special Operations Sangheili using active camouflage, with one also possessing Overshield.

  • A Squad of Special Operations Sangheili equipped with Nahle'hax-pattern needlers and Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifles.

    A Squad of Special Operations Sangheili equipped with Nahle'hax-pattern needlers and Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifles.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili firing a needler.

    A Special Operations Sangheili firing a needler.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili firing a M'tara-pattern focus rifle.

    A Special Operations Sangheili firing a M'tara-pattern focus rifle.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili being assassinated with an energy sword.

    A Special Operations Sangheili being assassinated with an energy sword.

Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary[edit]

  • Special Operations Sangheili in the Library.

    Special Operations Sangheili in the Library.

Halo 2: Anniversary[edit]

  • Profile view of a Special Operations Sangheili.

    Profile view of a Special Operations Sangheili.

  • Rtas 'Vadumee speaking to a group of Special Operations Sangheili.

    Rtas 'Vadumee speaking to a group of Special Operations Sangheili.

  • Two Special Operations Sangheili on the Threshold gas mine.

    Two Special Operations Sangheili on the Threshold gas mine.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili dual wielding plasma rifles.

    A Special Operations Sangheili dual wielding plasma rifles.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili with a particle beam rifle.

    A Special Operations Sangheili with a particle beam rifle.

  • Two Special Operations Sangheili in combat.

    Two Special Operations Sangheili in combat.

  • Two Special Operations Sangheili in the quarantine zone.

    Two Special Operations Sangheili in the quarantine zone.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili on Installation 05.

    A Special Operations Sangheili on Installation 05.

  • A Special Operations Sangheili and a Sangheili Zealot on Installation 05.

    A Special Operations Sangheili and a Sangheili Zealot on Installation 05.

Halo 5: Guardians[edit]

  • A Special Operations Sangheili, as they appear in Warzone. The same model and colour is used for almost all Sangheili bosses.

    A Special Operations Sangheili, as they appear in Warzone. The same model and colour is used for almost all Sangheili bosses.

Halo Infinite[edit]

  • Concept art of the Banished Special Operations Sangheili for Halo Infinite.

    Concept art of the Banished Special Operations Sangheili for Halo Infinite.

  • More finalized concept art of the Spec Ops Elite.

    More finalized concept art of the Spec Ops Elite.

  • A render of a Banished Spec Ops Elite.

    A render of a Banished Spec Ops Elite.

  • Render of a Banished Special Operations Sangheili for Halo Infinite.

    Render of a Banished Special Operations Sangheili for Halo Infinite.

  • Frontal view of a Banished Spec Ops Sangheili with an energy sword.

    Frontal view of a Banished Spec Ops Sangheili with an energy sword.

  • Profile view of a Banished Spec Ops Sangheili.

    Profile view of a Banished Spec Ops Sangheili.

  • A Banished Special Operations Sangheili activating his active camouflage.

    A Banished Special Operations Sangheili activating his active camouflage.

  • A group of Banished Special Operations Sangheili.

    A group of Banished Special Operations Sangheili.

  • A Banished Special Operations Sangheili up close.

    A Banished Special Operations Sangheili up close.

  • A Banished Special Operations Sangheili throws a plasma grenade.

    A Banished Special Operations Sangheili throws a plasma grenade.

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo: Reach
  2. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2011 edition), page 133
  3. ^ Halo: The Flood, chapter 8
  4. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 242
  5. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 429
  6. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library: Spec Ops Elite
  7. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary, Library: Spec Ops Grunt
  8. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Long Night of Solace
  9. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Gravemind
  10. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2022 edition), page 429
  11. ^ Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon
  12. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved
  13. ^ Halo 2
  14. ^ Halo 3
  15. ^ Halo: Reach
  16. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary
  17. ^ Halo Infinite
  18. ^ Halo Waypoint, Canon Fodder - Foundations: "Those rad-looking purple Sangheili in the sleek armor? They’re classified canonically as Spec Ops, not Zealots. It’s important to remember that oftentimes enemy or character tags that you might find within game files are development shorthand and not necessarily final." (Retrieved on Jan 12, 2022) [archive]

v • d • e
 
Sangheili ranks and titles
Political
Infantry ranks
Specialists
Military titles
Miscellaneous
Civilian

v • d • e
 
Warzone bosses
Standard Covenant
Legendary Covenant
Mythic Covenant
Standard Promethean
Legendary Promethean
Mythic Promethean
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