Unggoy Major

Major is a Covenant Grunts (Unggoy) rank.

Background
Only one step higher than Minor Grunts in rank, these Grunts are slightly more powerful than their lesser counterparts. They often lead Grunt Minors in battle, and sometimes entire Lances when no higher caste species are present. However, even these higher-ranked Grunts hold no power over any other forces in Covenant society.

They wear red armor as opposed to the orange armor of Minor Grunts and sometimes, are more courageous than Minor Grunts, sometimes not fleeing the battle scene. If all the surrounding Elites (or Brutes in Halo 3) are killed, sometimes they will stand and fight. They also throw Plasma Grenades more frequently than Minor Grunts. Like Minor Grunts, they flee when Elites/Brutes are killed, but if they don't see the Elite/Brute fall, they'll calm down other Grunts.

Appearances
Major Grunts often appear leading several Minors into combat, but they sometimes appear by themselves. The first Major you'll see in Halo: Combat Evolved is right after you get your M6D Pistol in the Pillar of Autumn level. In Halo 2, it's most likely during your fight in Hangar A-01. In Halo: Combat Evolved and Halo 2, they will almost completely replace Minor Grunts on higher difficulty levels. This can be quite the pain in the neck, as they are much tougher. Major Grunts like to pop out of corners and fire while your back is turned. Shine your light to prevent sneak attacks. The Major Grunts can take a beating. 2 or 3 Shotgun blasts on Legendary kills them.

Combat
Major Grunts are often led by Elites or Brutes, so when you see one, chances are there is a Minor Elite/Brute Minor nearby, or worse, a Major Elite/Brute Major. However, they are not to be underestimated, as they are frequent Plasma Grenade throwers. Also, when aiding Elites or Brutes, they can be quite an annoyance, as they might try to stick you with Plasma Grenades or Needler shots. They are also quite effective with the Plasma Pistol, their preferred weapon.

Deployment
Major Grunts are deployed with all other types of Grunts, mostly Minor Grunts. In the games, they are usually the first one to jump out of the Dropships. Also Major Grunts are known to combine their forces in battle often the Major Grunts will pair up and fight together. The Major Grunts use Plasma turrets more than Minor Grunts, and tend to use Needlers more than the Minor Grunts.