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{{Ratings}}
{{Status|Canon}}
{{Era|FA|H1|H2|H3|HGN}}
{{Cleanup}}
{{Covenant Rank Infobox
{{Unit infobox
|variant=Cov
|name=Special Operations
|name=Special Operations
|image=[[Image:BlackNeedlerGrunt3.jpg|300px]]
|image=[[File:H2A-Unggoy-SpecOps.png|400px]]
|species=[[Unggoy]]
|species=[[Unggoy]]
|weapons=*[[Fuel Rod Gun]]s
|affiliation=[[Covenant]], [[Covenant separatists]], [[Swords of Sanghelios]]
*[[Needler]]s
|branch=[[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations]]
*[[Plasma Grenade]]s
|mission=Special operations, scout
*[[Plasma Pistol]]s
|equipment=[[Unggoy combat harness]]
*[[Plasma Cannon]]s
<br>[[Active camouflage]]
|equipment=*[[Methane Environmental Suit]]
*[[Active Camouflage]]
|vehicles=[[Ghost]]s
|missions=Special Operations
|role=Scouts, Infantry
|notable=[[Yayap]]
|notable=[[Yayap]]
|affiliation=*[[Covenant]]
**[[Covenant Loyalists]]
**[[Covenant Separatists]]
}}
}}


'''Special Operations Grunt''', abbreviated as '''Spec Ops Grunt''', is a [[Covenant]] [[Unggoy]] [[rank]].
'''Special Operations''' is an [[Unggoy]] [[rank]] in the [[Covenant military]].<ref>'''Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe''', ''pages 142-143''</ref><ref>'''Halo: The Essential Visual Guide''', ''page 87''</ref>


== Role ==
==Role==
[[Unggoy]] of this rank are part of the [[Special Operations|Special Operations Division]], of the [[Covenant]]. Normally, [[Grunts]] are poorly trained in combat and are usually deployed in massive numbers as cannon fodder. However, if Grunts are given proper training they can acquire specialized roles and provide excellent support to Spec Ops teams. Generally tougher, smarter, and certainly more aggressive than their lesser brethren, Spec Ops Grunts are always deployed with [[Spec Ops Elite]] team leaders and specialized equipment and sometimes will be lead by [[Ultra Grunts]]. These resilient, loyal, and dangerous operatives are not to be underestimated under any circumstances. If a Spec Op Grunt's leading Elite is killed, rather than panicking and fleeing, they will often seek revenge, finding cover and sending grenades and plasma bolts accurately at the opponent who killed the Elite. They are also much more accurate than their counterparts, and their armor is much more resilient to damage than other types of [[Grunt]]. A number of these black-armored Grunts [[Battle of the Gas Mine|assaulted]] the [[Heretic]] [[Gas Mine]]. They were successful at aiding [[The Arbiter (Character)|the Arbiter]] take down the Heretic Leader, [[Sesa 'Refumee]].
[[Unggoy]] of this rank are part of the [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations division]] of the Covenant. Normally, Unggoy are poorly trained for combat and are usually deployed in massive numbers as cannon fodder. However, if they are given proper training, they can acquire specialized roles and provide excellent support to Special Operations teams. Often standard infantry Unggoy find themselves promoted to this rank when their commanding [[Sangheili]] is folded into the Special Operations division.<ref>'''[[Library (feature)]]''', SpecOps Grunt</ref> Generally tougher, smarter, and certainly more aggressive than their lesser brethren, Special Operations Unggoy are often deployed with [[Special Operations Sangheili]] team leaders and specialized equipment and sometimes will be lead by [[Unggoy Ultra]]s. These resilient, loyal, and dangerous operatives are not to be underestimated under any circumstances. If a Special Operations Grunt's leading Sangheili is killed, rather than panicking and fleeing, they will often seek revenge, finding cover and sending [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenade]]s and plasma bolts accurately at the opponent who killed the Sangheili. They are also much more accurate than their counterparts, and their armor is much more resilient to damage than other [[Unggoy]] Ranks.


== Rank ==
==Operational history==
Special Operations Grunts are denoted by their signature jet-black armor, which matches the black [[armor]] of their Elite commanders. In ''[[Halo 2]]'', they are occasionally equipped with [[Active Camouflage]]. Spec Ops Grunts are the only Covenant caste, other than the Elites, who have the distinction of using this technology. Although, in the level of Regret passing in the subterranean area where you can find the massive holograph of the [[Prophet of Regret]], there have been sightings of [[Veteran Grunts]] and [[Regular Grunts]] wearing camoflouge. They are only hard to kill when they are carrying a [[Needler]], since the Needler does not generate a glow unlike its [[plasma]] cousins.
Special Operations Unggoy were widely used by the [[Covenant]] during its [[Human-Covenant War|genocidal campaign]] against [[human]]ity. Often serving under their [[Special Operations Sangheili|Sangheili counterparts]], these highly trained Unggoy were capable of being deployed to undertake the most perilous of missions. 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]]. A squad of Special Operations Unggoy were present deep within the facility by the time [[SPARTAN-III]] [[NOBLE Team]] responded to the sabotage. These Unggoy were protecting one of the Zealots as he worked on a junction. When [[Jorge-052]] and [[SPARTAN-B312]] entered the area, the Special Operations Unggoy were defeated by the humans, with the Zealot falling shortly afterwards.<ref>'''[[Halo: Reach]]''', campaign level ''[[Winter Contingency]]''</ref>


They are only called in during special combat situations, and hold a unique amount of respect for a member of their race. They are highly trained and only commanded by the skilled [[Special Operations Elites]].
[[File:HR Zealot&SpecOpsGrunts.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Three SpecOps Unggoy being led by a Sangheili Zealot during Fall of Reach.]]
Unlike most Unggoy, they are vehicle drivers. They have slightly more health than Grunt Heavys but about the same as Ultras.
When the Covenant began their [[Fall of Reach|invasion of Reach]], they established various strongholds across the [[Szurdok Ridge]] at [[Ütközet]], including one in a [[BXR Mining Corporation]] facility. When the [[United Nations Space Command|UNSC]] [[Battle at Szurdok Ridge|attacked]] these strongholds on the morning of August 12, a group of Special Operations Unggoy were present in the BXR facility, along with a Sangheili Zealot and other Covenant forces. These forces were defeated by a UNSC force lead by [[Catherine-B320]] and [[SPARTAN-B312]], who passed through their facility in order to find and destroy a Covenant [[Cheru-pattern Tyrant|AA gun]].<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[Tip of the Spear]]''</ref> Towards the end of the battle, during the [[Battle of Asźod]], a squad of Special Operations Unggoy [[Suicide attack|ignited plasma grenades]] in a suicidal attempt to stop Spartans [[Emile-A239]] and [[SPARTAN-B312|Noble Six]] but failed in their attack. Several more were present guarding the [[Mark 2488 Magnetic Accelerator Cannon|"Onager" mass driver]] from being manned by human forces along with a group of Sangheili Zealots and a [[Sangheili Field Marshal|Field Marshal]]. They were unable to stop Noble Six, who eliminated the Covenant force and took control of the mass driver, destroying untold numbers of [[Type-26 Ground Support Aircraft|Banshees]] and [[Kez'katu-pattern Phantom|Phantoms]] as well as crippling a {{Pattern|Ket|battlecruiser}} when it attempted to open fire on the departing [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|''Pillar of Autumn'']].<ref>'''Halo: Reach''', campaign level ''[[The Pillar of Autumn (Halo: Reach level)|The Pillar of Autumn]]''</ref>


== Combat ==
During the later stages of the [[Battle of Installation 04]], the [[Flood]] parasite managed to escape containment and soon spread across the surface of the installation. At least [[Brilliant Gift|one]] Covenant [[Dextro Xur-pattern Spirit|Spirit]] was captured by the Flood. They used the dropship to board the Covenant [[Mjern-pattern agricultural support ship|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 lead 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 [[Ket-pattern 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 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]]''', ''page ??''</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.
[[Image:800px-SpecOpsGrunt.jpg|left|thumb|A Special Ops Grunt wielding a [[Fuel Rod Gun]].]]
SpecOps Grunts almost never panic during combat, as the [[Minor Grunt|Minor]] and [[Major Grunts]] do. They often wield  Needlers, [[Fuel Rod Guns]], [[Plasma Grenades]] and occasionally [[Plasma Pistols]]. The biggest concern of facing a Spec Ops Grunt, however, is that a Spec Ops Elite is more than likely nearby. Spec Ops Grunts are not to be underestimated, though. Sometimes if the highest ranking Elite is down, the Spec Ops Grunts will run, but to better cover and will usually send you deadly accurate barrages of plasma grenades. This can be fatal on the higher difficulties. Like earlier, they are not to be trifled with and must be taken down with precision and speed to allow you to survive the [[Legendary]] difficulty.


They usually move in teams of two or three, with one Spec Ops Grunt wielding a [[Fuel Rod Gun]] while the others cover him with Plasma Pistols and Needlers. In Halo 1, it is best to target the one holding a Fuel Rod Cannon as his teammates may be killed when it explodes. In Halo 2, throwing grenades at them can be effective, especially when sticking them with plasma grenades.
Shortly after the Battle of Installation 04, the [[Hierarch|Prophets]] sent a team of [[Covenant Special Operations|Special Operations forces]] consisting of Sangheili and Unggoy to a [[Threshold gas mine|gas mine]] in the atmosphere of [[Threshold]] to kill [[Sesa 'Refumee]] and the [[Sesa 'Refumee's heretic faction|heretic forces]] under his command. Lead by Rtas 'Vadum and newly adorned [[Arbiter]] Thel 'Vadam, the team was able to complete their mission despite the unexpected entrance of the [[Flood]] into the battle.<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Arbiter (level)|The Arbiter]]''</ref><ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[The Oracle (level)|The Oracle]]''</ref>
These Grunts are faster and sometimes it takes multiple [[melee]] attacks to kill them.
Special Ops Grunts are seen more frequently in ''[[Halo 2]]'' than in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''


In ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'', all but one Spec Ops Grunts wields either a Needler or a Fuel Rod Gun. In ''Halo 2'', Special Ops Grunts can wield the following weapons:
While many Special Operations Unggoy remained loyal to the Sangheili when they were [[Great Schism|cast out]] of the Covenant,<ref>'''[[Halo 2]]''', campaign level ''[[Gravemind (level)|Gravemind]]''</ref> many more remained loyal to the Covenant, now under the command of the [[Jiralhanae]].


*[[Plasma Pistol]]
==Rank==
*[[Needler]]
Special Operations Unggoy are denoted by their signature jet-black armor, which matches the black [[Combat harness|armor]] of their Sangheili commanders. In ''[[Halo 2]]'', they are occasionally equipped with [[active camouflage]]. They are only hard to kill when they are carrying a [[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|Needler]], since the Needler does not generate a glow unlike Covenant [[plasma]] weapons.
*[[Plasma Cannon]]
*[[Fuel Rod Gun]]
*[[Plasma Grenades]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]] (If given to in [[Campaign]])


== Appearances ==
They are only called in during special combat situations, and hold a unique amount of respect for a member of their race. They are highly trained and only commanded by the skilled [[Special Operations Sangheili]].
=== ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' ===
A large amount of Spec Ops Grunts were called in to cleanse the [[Flood]] on [[Installation 04]] once it was discovered. They were seen in the last three levels, [[Two Betrayals]], [[Keyes (Level)|Keyes]] and [[The Maw]]. They, along with a number of Spec Ops Elites, join other [[Covenant]] survivors to destroy the Flood on the Icy terrains near the [[Control Room]], inside and below the damaged cruiser the [[Truth and Reconciliation]] and on the crashed [[UNSC Pillar of Autumn|Pillar of Autumn]], all wielding [[Needlers]] and [[Fuel Rod Guns]]. (Exception: The [[Thirsty Grunt]]). It is most likely that nearly all of them perished when the Installation was destroyed by [[John-117]].


=== ''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]'' ===
Unlike most Unggoy, they are vehicle drivers. They have slightly more health than [[Unggoy Heavy|Unggoy Heavies]] but about the same as [[Unggoy Ultra|Ultra]]s.
A team of Spec Ops Grunts under [[Rtas 'Vadumee]] and [[Kusovai]] were sent to the ''[[Infinite Succor]]'' to deal with the [[Flood]] infestation. The Grunts brought in heavy weapons, such as Fuel Rod Guns and eventually resorting to using weapons they gained from the bodies of stricken Flood, but it seems they were all eventually infected or killed by the Flood and all were killed when the ship was destroyed by crashing into a star.


=== ''[[Halo 2]]'' ===
Unggoy within the Special Operation Division are given ranks, similar to the system utilized by the mainline Covenant military. They have no distinguishable differences between their [[Unggoy combat harness|combat harnesses]], other than differing colors; select Special Operations Unggoy wear white armor, rather than the normal black or dark purple.
Spec Ops Grunts are seen in the ''Halo 2'' levels [[The Arbiter (Level)|The Arbiter]] and [[The Oracle (level)|The Oracle]] as allies to the player(s) helping to put down the Heretic rebellion, the Grunts are far superior than [[Heretic]] Grunts they fight. They are often helpful, however the Spec Ops Elites are much more powerful than they are.  They will use [[Plasma Rifles]] if given to them by The Arbiter, and normally begin with portable Plasma Turrets, Needlers, Fuel Rod Cannons and occasionally [[Plasma Pistols]]. Spec Ops Grunts are effective in killing [[Heretic Grunts]], as well as [[Infection Forms]]. Several Grunts can take down a [[Combat Form]], however at least one will normally be killed. The only level where Spec Ops Grunts are encountered as enemies is Gravemind where they are attempting to aid the Elites in the fight against the Brutes on [[High Charity (Level)|High Charity]]. On this level if you look closely you will see that their armor unlike in the levels where they are your allies is a lot more weathered and has a lot of orange stains/markings on it particularly on the chest part.


== Trivia ==
==Combat==
*Spec Ops Grunts were made into an [[Action Figure]] by [[Joyride Studios]], the [[Halo s3 SpecOps Grunt]], which were cloaked in [[Active Camo]] and were to scale with the Spec Ops Elite action figure. These were the only Grunt figures in the ''Halo 2'' collection except the unreleased Heretic Grunt figure.
Special Operations Unggoy almost never panic during combat, as the [[Unggoy Minor|Minor]] and [[Unggoy Major]]s almost always do when their leader is killed. They often wield [[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|Needler]]s, [[Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]]s, [[Anskum-pattern plasma grenade|plasma grenade]]s, [[Type-52 Guided Munitions Launcher/Explosive|plasma launcher]]s and occasionally [[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|plasma pistol]]s. The biggest concern of facing a Special Operations Unggoy, however, is that a [[Special Operations Sangheili]] is more than likely nearby. Unggoy of this rank are not to be underestimated, though. Sometimes if the highest ranking Sangheili is down, the Special Operations Unggoy will run, but to better cover and will usually send out deadly and accurate barrages of plasma grenades. This can be fatal on the higher difficulties. Like earlier, they are not to be trifled with and must be taken down with precision and speed to allow the player to survive the [[Legendary]] difficulty.
*Every Spec Ops Grunt in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' had either a Needler or a Fuel Rod Gun, as per their status as elite infantry. The only exception to this was an [[:Category:Easter Eggs|Easter Egg]]: the "[[Thirsty Grunt]]" who had a Plasma Pistol, the standard weapon of all other ranks of Grunts. However, he does not shoot. (It is possible that he is out of ammo).
*A Spec Ops [[Grunt]] has been made into a Halo ActionClix figure that comes with a [[Fuel Rod Gun]].
*In the ''Halo 2'' level, The Oracle's opening cinematic, the Grunts that file in after the Elites have no weapons, but have Plasma Pistols when the game starts.
*Spec Ops [[Grunt]]s are part of the Covenant Special Operations Division and as such, do not fall into the proper rank structure much like specialists of other species (See the specialists ranks on Covenant species' rank tables).
*There are no Spec Ops Grunts in [[Halo 3]], though in the Official Halo 3 Guide Book there are pictures of a group of black-armored Grunts.


== References ==
Being quite skilled fighters in comparison to the Minor and Major Unggoy and therefore not having to rely on large numbers, they usually move in teams of two or three, with one Spec Ops Unggoy wielding a fuel rod gun while the others cover him with plasma pistols and needlers. In ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', it is best to target the one holding a Fuel Rod Gun as his teammates may be killed when it explodes, and also since the Unggoy fires the fuel rod gun very rapidly which can prove fatal even on [[Easy]] difficulty. In ''Halo 2'', throwing grenades at them can be effective, especially when sticking them with plasma grenades.
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
 
Special Operations Unggoy are faster than average Unggoy soldiers and sometimes it takes multiple [[melee]] attacks to kill them. Special Operations Unggoy are seen more frequently in ''[[Halo 2]]'' than in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
 
==Trivia==
*Special Operations Unggoy in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' are similar to [[Heretic Unggoy|their Heretic counterparts from ''Halo 2'']]. They are not deployed as cannon fodder, use either needlers or fuel rod guns, only cower in the presence of the Flood, and work alongside similar-ranking Sangheili.
*Every Special Operations Unggoy in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' has either a [[Type-33 Guided Munitions Launcher|Needler]] or a [[Pez'tk-pattern fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]], as per their status as elite infantry. The only exception to this is an [[Easter eggs|Easter egg]], the "[[Thirsty Grunt]]", who has a [[Type-25 Directed Energy Pistol|plasma pistol]].
*The Unggoy Ultra in ''Halo 3'' and ''Halo 3: ODST'' have been erroneously referred to as SpecOps Unggoy on Bungie.net.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/news/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=h3campaign|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Halo 3 How-to: Campaign Scoring 101}} The game files, however, correctly lists them as Ultras, while SpecOps Grunts went unused in both games.{{Ref/Game|ODST|:File:H3ODST UnggoyUltraTag.png|game files for "grunt_ultra"}}{{Ref/Game|ODST|:File:H3ODST UnggoySpecOpsTag.png|game files for "grunt_specops"}} The distinction between the Ultra and SpecOps Unggoy were clarified in ''[[Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide]]''{{Ref/Book|[[Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide]]|Page=131}} and the ''[[Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition)]]'',{{Ref/Book|Id=Enc142|Enc|Page=142-143}} both of which labelled the Unggoy in lilac armor as Unggoy Ultra, and the Unggoy in jet-black armor (which went unused in both games) as SpecOps Unggoy. The [[McFarlane Toys/Halo: Anniversary Edition Series 1#SpecOp Grunt|McFarlane ''Halo 3'' SpecOps Grunt action figure]] also correctly depicts SpecOps Unggoy in jet-black armor rather than the lilac armor.
*[[Eric Osborne|Urk]] nicknamed the Special Operations Unggoy of ''[[Halo: Reach]]'' "[[wikia:c:transformers:Starscream (G1)|Starscreams]]" because of the spires on their shoulders.{{Ref/Site|URL=http://halo.bungie.net/News/content.aspx?type=topnews&link=BWU_061110|Site=Bungie.net|Page=Bungie Weekly Update: 6.11.10}}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:HCE-GruntSpecOps.png|A Special Operations Unggoy wielding a [[Type-33 needler]] in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''.
File:800px-SpecOpsGrunt.jpg|A Special Operations Unggoy in ''Halo: Combat Evolved'' wielding a [[Unidentified fuel rod gun|fuel rod gun]].
File:H2-GruntSpecOps.png|Closeup of a Special Operations Unggoy in ''[[Halo 2]]''.
File:BlackNeedlerGrunt3.jpg|A Special Operations Unggoy in ''Halo 2''.
File:HReach - SpecOps Unggoy.png|A Special Operations Unggoy in ''[[Halo: Reach]]''.
File:HCEA SpecOpsGrunt.JPG|A Special Operations Unggoy in ''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A - Unggoy Spec Ops model.jpg|A model of a Special Operations Unggoy for ''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''.
File:H2A - SpecOps deployed.jpg|Special Operations Unggoy are deployed to a [[Threshold gas mine|gas mine]].
File:H2A-SpecOpsUnggoy.png|A Special Operations Unggoy with a [[Okarda'phaa-pattern plasma rifle|plasma rifle]] in ''Halo 2: Anniversary''.
File:H2A-SpecOpsBros.png|A Special Operations Unggoy with a [[Special Operations Sangheili]].
</gallery>
 
==List of appearances==
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]'' {{1st}}
*''[[Halo: The Flood]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo Graphic Novel]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
**''[[The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo 2: Anniversary]]''
*''[[Halo: Rise of Atriox]]''
*''[[Halo: Fireteam Raven]]''


{{Grunt Ranks}}
==Sources==
{{Ref/Sources}}


[[Category:The Covenant]]
{{Unggoy Ranks}}
[[Category:Grunts]]
[[Category:Unggoy culture]]
[[Category:Ranks]]

Latest revision as of 14:54, September 10, 2023

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Special Operations
H2A-Unggoy-SpecOps.png

Function:

Special operations, scout

Species:

Unggoy

Affiliation:

Covenant, Covenant separatists, Swords of Sanghelios

Group:

Special Operations

Notable individuals:

Yayap

 

Special Operations is an Unggoy rank in the Covenant military.[1][2]

Role[edit]

Unggoy of this rank are part of the Special Operations division of the Covenant. Normally, Unggoy are poorly trained for combat and are usually deployed in massive numbers as cannon fodder. However, if they are given proper training, they can acquire specialized roles and provide excellent support to Special Operations teams. Often standard infantry Unggoy find themselves promoted to this rank when their commanding Sangheili is folded into the Special Operations division.[3] Generally tougher, smarter, and certainly more aggressive than their lesser brethren, Special Operations Unggoy are often deployed with Special Operations Sangheili team leaders and specialized equipment and sometimes will be lead by Unggoy Ultras. These resilient, loyal, and dangerous operatives are not to be underestimated under any circumstances. If a Special Operations Grunt's leading Sangheili is killed, rather than panicking and fleeing, they will often seek revenge, finding cover and sending plasma grenades and plasma bolts accurately at the opponent who killed the Sangheili. They are also much more accurate than their counterparts, and their armor is much more resilient to damage than other Unggoy Ranks.

Operational history[edit]

Special Operations Unggoy were widely used by the Covenant during its genocidal campaign against humanity. Often serving under their Sangheili counterparts, these highly trained Unggoy were capable of being deployed to undertake the most perilous of missions. During the pre-invasion of the human colony world of Reach, the Fleet of Valiant Prudence discreetly deployed a team of Sangheili Zealots to disable one of the planet's communication outposts at Visegrád. A squad of Special Operations Unggoy were present deep within the facility by the time SPARTAN-III NOBLE Team responded to the sabotage. These Unggoy were protecting one of the Zealots as he worked on a junction. When Jorge-052 and SPARTAN-B312 entered the area, the Special Operations Unggoy were defeated by the humans, with the Zealot falling shortly afterwards.[4]

A Sangheili Zealot from the Devoted Sentries leading a trio of Special Operations Unggoy at Platform Delta in the Asźod ship breaking yards during Battle of Asźod. From Halo: Reach campaign level The Pillar of Autumn.
Three SpecOps Unggoy being led by a Sangheili Zealot during Fall of Reach.

When the Covenant began their invasion of Reach, they established various strongholds across the Szurdok Ridge at Ütközet, including one in a BXR Mining Corporation facility. When the UNSC attacked these strongholds on the morning of August 12, a group of Special Operations Unggoy were present in the BXR facility, along with a Sangheili Zealot and other Covenant forces. These forces were defeated by a UNSC force lead by Catherine-B320 and SPARTAN-B312, who passed through their facility in order to find and destroy a Covenant AA gun.[5] Towards the end of the battle, during the Battle of Asźod, a squad of Special Operations Unggoy ignited plasma grenades in a suicidal attempt to stop Spartans Emile-A239 and Noble Six but failed in their attack. Several more were present guarding the "Onager" mass driver from being manned by human forces along with a group of Sangheili Zealots and a Field Marshal. They were unable to stop Noble Six, who eliminated the Covenant force and took control of the mass driver, destroying untold numbers of Banshees and Phantoms as well as crippling a Ket-pattern battlecruiser when it attempted to open fire on the departing Pillar of Autumn.[6]

During the later stages of the Battle of Installation 04, the Flood parasite managed to escape containment and soon spread across the surface of the installation. At least one Covenant Spirit was captured by the Flood. They used the dropship to board the Covenant agricultural support ship Infinite Succor unbeknownst to the rest of the fleet. When the ship lost communication with the rest of the fleet, Supreme Commander Thel 'Vadamee assembled a team of Special Operations Sangheili and Special Operations Unggoy lead by Commander Rtas 'Vadumee 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.[7] The Flood were able to overwhelm the 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 Banshees were seen deploying Special Operations forces into the cruiser by SPARTAN John-117.[8] 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.[9] Towards the close of the battle, a contingent of Special Operations forces consisting of Sangheili and Unggoy were present on board the crashed Pillar of Autumn, where they battled against the Flood as well as Sentinel forces.

Shortly after the Battle of Installation 04, the Prophets sent a team of Special Operations forces consisting of Sangheili and Unggoy to a gas mine in the atmosphere of Threshold to kill Sesa 'Refumee and the heretic forces under his command. Lead by Rtas 'Vadum and newly adorned Arbiter Thel 'Vadam, the team was able to complete their mission despite the unexpected entrance of the Flood into the battle.[10][11]

While many Special Operations Unggoy remained loyal to the Sangheili when they were cast out of the Covenant,[12] many more remained loyal to the Covenant, now under the command of the Jiralhanae.

Rank[edit]

Special Operations Unggoy are denoted by their signature jet-black armor, which matches the black armor of their Sangheili commanders. In Halo 2, they are occasionally equipped with active camouflage. They are only hard to kill when they are carrying a Needler, since the Needler does not generate a glow unlike Covenant plasma weapons.

They are only called in during special combat situations, and hold a unique amount of respect for a member of their race. They are highly trained and only commanded by the skilled Special Operations Sangheili.

Unlike most Unggoy, they are vehicle drivers. They have slightly more health than Unggoy Heavies but about the same as Ultras.

Unggoy within the Special Operation Division are given ranks, similar to the system utilized by the mainline Covenant military. They have no distinguishable differences between their combat harnesses, other than differing colors; select Special Operations Unggoy wear white armor, rather than the normal black or dark purple.

Combat[edit]

Special Operations Unggoy almost never panic during combat, as the Minor and Unggoy Majors almost always do when their leader is killed. They often wield Needlers, fuel rod guns, plasma grenades, plasma launchers and occasionally plasma pistols. The biggest concern of facing a Special Operations Unggoy, however, is that a Special Operations Sangheili is more than likely nearby. Unggoy of this rank are not to be underestimated, though. Sometimes if the highest ranking Sangheili is down, the Special Operations Unggoy will run, but to better cover and will usually send out deadly and accurate barrages of plasma grenades. This can be fatal on the higher difficulties. Like earlier, they are not to be trifled with and must be taken down with precision and speed to allow the player to survive the Legendary difficulty.

Being quite skilled fighters in comparison to the Minor and Major Unggoy and therefore not having to rely on large numbers, they usually move in teams of two or three, with one Spec Ops Unggoy wielding a fuel rod gun while the others cover him with plasma pistols and needlers. In Halo: Combat Evolved, it is best to target the one holding a Fuel Rod Gun as his teammates may be killed when it explodes, and also since the Unggoy fires the fuel rod gun very rapidly which can prove fatal even on Easy difficulty. In Halo 2, throwing grenades at them can be effective, especially when sticking them with plasma grenades.

Special Operations Unggoy are faster than average Unggoy soldiers and sometimes it takes multiple melee attacks to kill them. Special Operations Unggoy are seen more frequently in Halo 2 than in Halo: Combat Evolved.

Trivia[edit]

  • Special Operations Unggoy in Halo: Combat Evolved are similar to their Heretic counterparts from Halo 2. They are not deployed as cannon fodder, use either needlers or fuel rod guns, only cower in the presence of the Flood, and work alongside similar-ranking Sangheili.
  • Every Special Operations Unggoy in Halo: Combat Evolved has either a Needler or a fuel rod gun, as per their status as elite infantry. The only exception to this is an Easter egg, the "Thirsty Grunt", who has a plasma pistol.
  • The Unggoy Ultra in Halo 3 and Halo 3: ODST have been erroneously referred to as SpecOps Unggoy on Bungie.net.[13] The game files, however, correctly lists them as Ultras, while SpecOps Grunts went unused in both games.[14][15] The distinction between the Ultra and SpecOps Unggoy were clarified in Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide[16] and the Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition),[17] both of which labelled the Unggoy in lilac armor as Unggoy Ultra, and the Unggoy in jet-black armor (which went unused in both games) as SpecOps Unggoy. The McFarlane Halo 3 SpecOps Grunt action figure also correctly depicts SpecOps Unggoy in jet-black armor rather than the lilac armor.
  • Urk nicknamed the Special Operations Unggoy of Halo: Reach "Starscreams" because of the spires on their shoulders.[18]

Gallery[edit]

List of appearances[edit]

Sources[edit]

  1. ^ Halo Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to the Halo Universe, pages 142-143
  2. ^ Halo: The Essential Visual Guide, page 87
  3. ^ Library (feature), SpecOps Grunt
  4. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Winter Contingency
  5. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level Tip of the Spear
  6. ^ Halo: Reach, campaign level The Pillar of Autumn
  7. ^ Halo Graphic Novel, The Last Voyage of the Infinite Succor
  8. ^ Halo: Combat Evolved, campaign level Keyes
  9. ^ Halo: The Flood, page ??
  10. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Arbiter
  11. ^ Halo 2, campaign level The Oracle
  12. ^ Halo 2, campaign level Gravemind
  13. ^ Bungie.net, Halo 3 How-to: Campaign Scoring 101
  14. ^ Halo 3: ODST, game files for "grunt_ultra"
  15. ^ Halo 3: ODST, game files for "grunt_specops"
  16. ^ Halo 3: The Official Strategy Guide, page 131
  17. ^ Halo Encyclopedia (2009 edition), page 142-143
  18. ^ Bungie.net, Bungie Weekly Update: 6.11.10

v • d • e
 
Unggoy ranks and titles
Infantry
Minor • Major • Ultra
Specialists
Other

Banished — Conscript • Mob • Prowling • Bloodfuel • Assault • Mule • Suicide • Heavy • Ultra • Bouncer • Jockey • Thrall-taskmaster • Commander • High Sumpter

Yapyap's rebellion — Cannon Fodder • Heavy • Rider • Jockey
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