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{{Era|HCW|FA}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{References}}
[[File:H2A Spec Ops Sangheili.png|350px|thumb|A standard Special Operation Officer Sangheili employing the {{Pattern|Gheocin|combat harness}}.]]
{{Unit infobox|variant=Cov
{{Quote|Out of darkness, these blades will light our way.|Special Operations Officer Sangheili's mantra<ref name="HR">'''[[Halo: Reach]]'''</ref>}}
|image=[[File:Spec Ops.png|250px]]
'''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}}
|species = [[Sangheili]]
|authority-title=Authority
|authority=[[Special Warfare Group]]
|branch=[[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]]
|mission=
|role=
|size=
|armament=
*[[Covenant Carbine]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Needle Rifle]]
*[[Energy Sword]]
*[[Beam Rifle]]
*[[Needler]]
*[[Plasma Grenade]]
|equipment=
*[[Sangheili Combat Harness]]
*[[Sangheili Personal Energy Shield]]
*[[Active Camouflage]]
|notable=
}}
{{Quote|Out of darkness, these blades will light our way.|Special Operations Sangheili's mantra}}


The '''Special Operations Sangheili''' is a [[Covenant Empire|Covenant]] [[Sangheili]] [[rank]]. It is the lowest rank in the [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] branch, superseded by a [[Special Operations Officer|Special Operations Officer]] Sangheili.
==Overview==
===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}} 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}}


==Description==
===Dress===
Special Operations Sangheili are members of the [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]] branch of the [[Special Warfare Group|Special Warfare Group]]. Sangheili of this rank are extremely skilled warriors and are sent in to accomplish some of the most dangerous and difficult missions.
{{Expand-section}}
<gallery class=center>
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>
 
===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}}
 
==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]].


==Operational history==
===Banished===
Special Operations Sangheili participated in the [[Fall of Reach]]. At least twice, they attempted to infiltrate ONI [[Sword Base]] in order to steal Catherine Halsey's work, but were repulsed by [[Noble Team]]. Several worked on the bridge of the ''[[Ardent Prayer]]'' under a [[Sangheili General]]. Spec Ops Elites were also seen at the [[Battle of Aszod]], attempting to stop the ''Pillar of Autumn'' from escaping, but again failing due to Noble Team's intervention.
*[[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]].


Special Operations Sangheili, alongside [[Special Operations Unggoy]] were seen late in the [[Battle of Installation 04]]. They were used in an (unsuccessful) attempt to capture the UNSC-controlled [[Alpha Base]], and were later used to retake the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' from the Flood. They were also used to guard the crashed {{UNSCship|Pillar of Autumn}}. In the final hours of the battle, the Spec Ops Sangheili occupying the ''Autumn'' battled against both Flood and [[Sentinels]].
===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]].


At the same time, a team of Spec Ops Sangheili, led by Commander Rtas 'Vadumee, boarded the Covenant ship ''[[Infinite Succor]]'', believing it to have been attacked by humans.  Instead, the Spec Ops team found the ship had been infested by the Flood.  The infested ship is later destroyed, but only Rtas 'Vadumee survives the mission.
==In-game information==
{{Main|Elite Spec Ops}}
{{Expand-section}}


John-117 fought a single Spec Ops Sangheili on the bridge of the ''Ascendant Justice''. The Spec Ops Elite nearly killed him, but the Master Chief managed to shove it into an escape pod, which was then ejected off the ship. The fate of this Elite is unknown.  
==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]].


In ''Halo 2'', the Prophets sent a team of Spec Ops Sangheili to kill [[Sesa 'Refumee]] and his Heretics, resulting in the [[Battle of the Gas Mine]]. At the [[Battle of Installation 05]], they aided [[Thel 'Vadam]] in his mission to retrieve the [[Index]] and then later assisted Thel 'Vadam in destroying the [[Jiralhanae Encampment]] on [[Installation 05]].<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Quarantine Zone]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level, ''[[Uprising]]''</ref> They then helped the Arbiter kill [[Tartarus]] in Installation 05's [[Control Room]], though many fell to the Brute Chieftain's Gravity Hammer.  
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.


Towards the end of the [[Battle of Earth]], they were seen assisting [[John-117]] and the Arbiter in destroying the [[Unnamed Flood-Captured Battlecruiser|source]] of the [[Flood]] infestation in [[Voi]].<ref>'''[[Halo 3]]''', campaign level, ''[[Floodgate]]''</ref>
In ''Halo Infinite'', Spec Ops Sangheili are armed exclusively with [[energy sword (fiction)|energy swords]] and [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenades]].


== Appearance ==
==Trivia==
In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', Special Operations Sangheili are clad in a steel blue, but wear purple/steel armor in ''[[Halo 2]]'' and ''[[Halo 3]]''. They 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 gray/brown armor that has little or no shielding, and they are permanently cloaked until they are killed, whereas Special Operations Sangheili have purple/black armor that is shielded, but their Active Camouflage only remains active if the user does not fire or get hit by enemy fire. In ''[[Halo: Reach]]'', they are depicted wearing dark red armor.  
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}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
{{Linkbox|gallery=yes}}
===Concept art===
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:ReachConcept-SpecOps_Elite.png|Concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili for ''Halo: Reach''.
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]]''.
Spec_op_elite_by_transistor-d53f9x4.png|Concept of the SpecOps Elite wearing a heavily modified [[Sangheili Combat Harness|combat harness]] for ''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''.
File:HR_EliteSpecOps_Concept_2.png|Concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili for ''Halo: Reach''.
File:SpecOps Officer.png|A SpecOps Elite in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:HR_EliteSpecOps_Concept_1.jpg|Another concept art of a Special Operations Sangheili for ''Halo: Reach''.
File:Sangheili SpecOps 01.png|A Special Operations Sangheili in ''Halo 3''.
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>
 
===Screenshots===
<gallery>
File:SpecOps Officer.png|A Special Operations Sangheili in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:SpecOpsElite.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with his {{Pattern|Okarda'phaa|plasma rifle}} aboard the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' in ''Halo: Combat Evolved''.
File:H2-SpecOps-Elite-Portrait.png|A Special Operations Sangheili wielding an [[energy sword (fiction)|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 [[Sulok-pattern beam rifle|particle beam rifle]] in ''Halo 2''.
File:Spec-Ops Elites.jpg|A squad of Special Operations Sangheili in a {{Pattern|Kez'katu|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:HReach - SpecOps Sangheili.png|A Special Operations Sangheili jumping in an attack.
File:SpecOpsElite.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with his [[Type-25 Directed Energy Rifle|Plasma Rifle]] aboard the ''[[Truth and Reconciliation]]'' in [[Halo: Combat Evolved]].
File:HR SpecOpsElites.jpg|A group of Special Operations Sangheili using active camouflage, with one also possessing [[Overshield]].
File:Spec-Ops Elite Beam Rifle.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with a Beam Rifle in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:Ceaspecops.png|Special Operations Sangheili in ''Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary''.
File:Spec-Ops Elites.jpg|A squad of Special Operations Sangheili in a [[Phantom]].
File:Special Operations Sangheili.png|A Special Operations Sangheili in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:Halo 3 Spec Ops Elite.jpg|A Special Operations Sangheili with an [[Assault Harness]] in the [[Battle of Voi]] in ''[[Halo 3]]''.
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.png|A Special Operations Sangheili [[dual wielding]] plasma rifles.
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: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: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 Spec Ops 2.png|Frontal view of a Banished Spec Ops Sangheili with an energy sword.
File:HINF Spec Ops RivenGate.png|Profile view of a Banished Spec Ops Sangheili.
File:HINF SpecOpsCloaking.png|A Banished Special Operations Sangheili activating his active camouflage.
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 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: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
*''[[Halo Legends]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
**''[[Prototype]]''
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions]]''
*''[[Halo: First Strike]]''
**''[[Headhunters (story)|Headhunters]]''
*''[[Halo: Evolutions - Essential Tales of the Halo Universe]]''
**''[[Midnight in the Heart of Midlothian]]''
**''[[Headhunters (short story)|Headhunters]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
**''[[Terminal (Halo 2: Anniversary)|Terminals]]''
*''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''
**''[[Warzone]]''
{{Col-2}}
*''[[Halo: Tales from Slipspace]]''
**''[[Hunting Party]]''
*''[[Halo: Silent Storm]]''
*''[[Halo: Oblivion]]''
*''[[Halo: Shadows of Reach]]''
**''[[Sacrifice]]''
*''[[Halo Infinite]]''
*''[[Halo: Outcasts]]''
*''[[Halo: Battle for the Blood-Moon]]''
{{Col-end}}


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
{{Ref/Sources}}
 
{{Sangheili Ranks}}
{{Warzone bosses}}


{{Elite Ranks}}
[[Category:Covenant ranks]]
{{Sangheili Armor}}

Latest revision as of 03:42, July 17, 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]

Concept art[edit]

Screenshots[edit]

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]