The Covenant Army is a branch of the Covenant military responsible for land-based operations. It is the primary invasion force, and houses the numerous Special Operations units.[1]
Overview
Function
The Covenant Army comprises of the majority of the Covenant's ground-based infantry and units, and is tasked with engaging the enemies of the Covenant in ground and air combat. They use a variety of equipment and weaponry. Primarily led by the Jiralhanae (and formerly by the Sangheili, including the former Arbiters), the Army is comprised of most of the military-service races who act as infantry, or, in the case of Hunters, as demolitions experts and shock troops.
Because San 'Shyuum do not hold military ranks, no San 'Shyuum is truly a "member" of the Army. Instead, they command its Jiralhanae leaders as either a religious or militaristic tactician, who follow their orders and accomplish their objectives. Huragok, as primarily non-combatants, are also exempt from the Army.
Covenant Civil War
During the Great Schism, the Covenant military was violently divided between the Covenant Loyalists, who continued to believe in the High Prophets, and the Covenant Separatists, who followed the Arbiter against them. The Covenant Separatists crushed the Loyalists at the Battle of Installation 00 with their human allies.
Species in the Covenant Army
- Pre-Schism
- During and post-Schism