File:Ntho.jpg
The Sangheili were originally the commanders of the Covenant Army.

The Covenant Army is the land warfare branch of the Covenant Empire. Primarily responsible for land-based military operations, the Army serves as the primary invasion force, and houses numerous Special Operations units in addition to conventional forces.[1]

Organization

The Covenant Army comprises of the majority of the Covenant military's ground-based infantry and units, and is tasked with engaging the enemies of the Covenant in ground and air combat. Its officer corps is primarily staffed by Jiralhanae (and formerly by Sangheili). Because San 'Shyuum do not hold military ranks, no San 'Shyuum is truly a "member" of the Army. Instead, they are responsible for strategic decision-making, but also travel with Covenant military units as religious or political overseers.[2][3]

The Army is comprised of mostly of the Unggoy and Kig-yar, who act as infantry. Whilst these particular soldiers are considerably weaker than humans, the higher up Covenant species, though fewer in number, fare much better in combat situations. Huragok, as primarily non-combatants, are exempt from the Army but accompany units as engineers.

History

Human-Covenant War

Main article: Human-Covenant War
 
A Covenant Army staging area in the Viery Territory during the Fall of Reach being observed by SPARTANs of Noble Team.

The Covenant Army played a pivotal role in Covenant campaigns against the humans by establishing forward operating bases to support invasion efforts on human worlds, and eliminating the enemy presence and infrastructure.[4] Battles involving the Covenant Army would usually follow a pattern: the Covenant Army would overwhelm the UNSC marines, ODSTS and Army troopers but the Covenant Army would often be beaten back whenever Spartans were called in.

Covenant Civil War

Main article: Great Schism

During the Great Schism, the Covenant military was violently torn between those loyal to the Covenant, who continued to follow the High Prophets, and the independent, Elite led separatist faction, who followed the Arbiter against them.

Species in the Covenant Army

Pre-Schism
During and post-Schism

Known units

Sources