ODST Special Purpose Forces

ODST Special Purpose Troopers armed with a BR75 battle rifle (left) and an M392 DMR (right), respectively.

Special Purpose Force is a term given to certain specialized units within the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers of the UNSC Marine Corps. While all ODST operators are skilled and proficient in a wide variety of missions and systems, ODST Special Purpose Forces receive additional specialized training and equipment and are deployed into uniquely challenging circumstances and environments. ODST Air Assault units, utilizing jet packs to navigate three-dimensional combat spaces such as dense urban centers or rugged frontier terrains, are one such type of Special Purpose Force. The Firebreaks may be another such force.

Some ODST Special Purpose Troopers are used for scouting and long-ranged combat, utilising BR75 battle rifles and M392 DMRs to strike from distance.

In-game information

Halo: Flashpoint

ODST Special Purpose Troopers are introduced in the Feet First Into Hell expansion for Halo: Flashpoint. They serve as basic infantry for the ODSTs, well-rounded and capable for ranged combat, with both unit types having the Optic keyword thanks to their marksman rifles. They are also cheap units to field, allowing the player to use four of them for only 100 points.

Production notes

• The term "Special Purpose Forces" may have been inspired by or a reference to either the full name for Russia's special forces (abbreviated "Spetsnaz") or the United States Marine Corps Maritime Special Purpose Force.
• It is possible that "Special Purpose Force" is a designation similar to Special Operations Capable in the USMC, or it might be a specific formation or operational command within the ODST. The ODST in general are considered UNSC Special Forces.
• Several of the known variants of the ODST Battle Dress Uniform might be utilized by ODST Special Purpose Forces. Similarly, MEGA Brands Halo Toys sets have contained figures of ODST "Urban Specialists", "CQC Specialists", and "Heavy Weapons Specialists" which could conceivably be members of the ODST Special Purpose Forces. However, in both instances such a link is wholly conjectural even if plausible.
• In Halo: Flashpoint, several ODST "Special Purpose Troopers" are included as models with a focus on long-ranged and scouting gameplay, equipped with marksman rifles. It is unclear whether these troopers represent a specific unit within the Special Purpose Force, or a generic representation of the force as a whole.

List of appearances

• Halo: Reach (First appearance)
• Halo: Ground Command
• Halo: Flashpoint