SPARTAN-IV program: Difference between revisions

{{Status|Canon}}

{{Disambig header|the fourth supersoldier program|other uses|Spartan (disambiguation)}}

{{Military infobox

|unit_name=SPARTAN-IV program

|image=[[File:Spartan Branch insignia.png|60px]]<br>The emblem of the Spartan-IVs

[[File:HSFM Spartans.jpg|300px]]<br>Various Spartan-IV fireteams lined up

|imagecaption=A team of Spartan-IVs on [[Requiem]].

|formed=*[[2548]]-[[2550]] (experimental phase) {{Ref/Reuse|HOSFM87}}

*[[2553]]{{Ref/Reuse|wp spartans}}-''ongoing'' (current phase)

|branch=[[Spartan Operations]]

|type=[[Special operations]]

The '''SPARTAN-IV program''' is the fourth iteration of the [[SPARTAN programs|SPARTAN supersoldier projects]]. Like the original [[ORION Project]], the SPARTAN-IV program utilizes consenting adult volunteers selected from the other branches of the [[United Nations Space Command]], in contrast to the previous two programs which used children as candidates.<ref name="glass434">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 434''</ref> Recruits are drawn from both career military veterans and young soldiers who show considerable promise.<ref name="EH">'''[[Eleventh Hour reports]]''', ''part 3''</ref>

The [[SPARTAN-IV Augmentation Program|physical augmentations]] of the Spartan-IV supersoldiers are significantly less extensive than those of the two preceding programs, although their standard-issue [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor (GEN2)|GEN2 Mjolnir armor]] is more technologically advanced, and designed to compensate for this drawback.<ref name="frankie">[https://web.archive.org/web/20160412160044/http://members.shaw.ca/laird2/temp/derp/interview.mp3 '''Frank O'Connor interview during San Diego Comic-Con 2012'''] 1:15 - 2:10</ref>{{Ref/Reuse|frankie}}<ref>[http://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2015/06/11/halo-5-guardians-unmasking-the-fireteam-hunting-master-chief.aspx '''Halo 5: Guardians – Unmasking The Fireteam Hunting Master Chief''']</ref> The Spartan-IVs serve in [[Spartan Operations]], an independent branch of the [[United Nations Space Command]] armed forces created for the oversight of their operations.<ref name="story">[http://halo.xbox.com/halo4#!an-epic-universe/story/6eeabce4-dc80-4aa3-b2aa-2f5d123b7514 '''Halo 4 Official Site:''' ''Story'']</ref>

==History==

[[File:HI Spartans.png|thumb|left|300px|Some of the first Spartan-IVs aboard ''Infinity''.{{clear}} (l-r) [[Edward Davis|Davis]], [[Joel Thomas|Thomas]], [[Sarah Palmer|Palmer]], [[Vladimir Scruggs|Scruggs]], and [[Yeong-hao Holst|Holst]].]]

The SPARTAN-IV program has its roots between [[2548]] and [[2550]], when ONI began to experiment with adding limited [[Biological augmentation|enhancements]] to select groups of special operators.<ref name="HOSFM87">'''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''', ''page 87''</ref> After [[Victor Gallardo]], [[Dorian Nguyen]], [[Evelyn Rousseau]] and [[Saskia Nazari]] were exposed to the deadly effects of a Forerunner artifact, ONI offered them the chance to become part of the program, having discovered that [[Owen-B096]]'s genetic enhancements as a [[Spartan-III]] made him immune to the same effects. With the dying Victor's parents having already agreed on his behalf, ONI started the augmentations before they told the other three which appeared to be working. After considering their options, the rest of the group agreed to undergo the augmentations and join the new program, both to survive and to continue fighting the Covenant.{{Ref/Novel|Id=MerDi21|MerDi|Chapter=21}}

At some point prior to the instatement of the current SPARTAN-IV program in [[2553]],{{Ref/Reuse|wp spartans}} elements within the [[Office of Naval Intelligence#Section Three|Office of Naval Intelligence's Section III]] authorized a prototypical phase without approval from [[UNSC High Command|High Command]]. This incarnation was intended to produce supersoldiers whose physical prowess rendered [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor|MJOLNIR armor]] redundant. However, only one of the ten volunteer test subjects survived the augmentation process. The survivor, [[Ilsa Zane]], was driven mad by the experience and was folded into ONI. Despite the project's failure, Zane was considered the original Spartan-IV.{{Ref/Reuse|HI3}}

The program as it now exists was commissioned as a result of the success of the preceding [[SPARTAN-II program|SPARTAN-II]] and [[SPARTAN-III program|SPARTAN-III]] projects. The SPARTAN-IV project was conceived by [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Musa-096]], a former Spartan-II candidate who was crippled by the [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|augmentation process]]. Despite his grudge toward [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]], Musa recognized the crucial role of the Spartans in defending humanity and the continued importance of the supersoldiers in the aftermath of the [[Human-Covenant War]].<ref name="HI1">'''[[Halo: Initiation]]''', ''[[Halo: Initiation Issue 1|Issue 1]]''</ref> The proposal was approved by [[Margaret Parangosky|Admiral Margaret Parangosky]], then-Commander-in-Chief of the Office of Naval Intelligence, and the new program was initiated under her orders. Parangosky initially planned to have SPARTAN-III lead [[Colonel]] [[James Ackerson]] heading the program, with SPARTAN-II project lead [[Catherine Halsey|Dr. Catherine Halsey]] to be reassigned as Ackerson's subordinate.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 147''</ref> Ackerson was killed following the [[Battle of Mare Erythraeum]] and Halsey was arrested after returning from [[Onyx]], though ONI continued the program without the two,<ref name="infinity">'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 422''</ref> headed by Musa-096 and [[Jun-A266]], a former [[SPARTAN-III Alpha Company]] member.{{Ref/Reuse|HI1}}

 

The first class of Spartan-IVs, consisting of 145 members, went active on [[2553#January|January 7, 2553]].<ref name="wp spartans">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/spartans '''Halo Waypoint''' - ''Spartans'']</ref> Due to the success of the initial group, Commander Musa-096 was able to secure funding for a second class. Initiated in [[2554]], the second class was considerably larger than the first one due to the increased funding and was able to draw from a wider pool of candidates.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 106'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

 

The SPARTAN-IV program is headquartered at a dedicated facility on [[Mars]]. Their [[SPARTAN-IV Augmentation Program|augmentation procedures]] are conducted at the same facility.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''pages 113, 126, 174'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The compound is able to augment around a dozen or two Spartans at any given time.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 115'' (Google Play edition)</ref> Their training is primarily conducted in a [[Spartan-IV Training Station|top-secret space station]] orbiting an unidentified dwarf planet.<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 122'' (Google Play edition)</ref>

 

Hundreds of Spartan-IVs are assigned to {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}, the most powerful warship ever constructed by mankind.{{Ref/Reuse|infinity}} The frigate {{UNSCShip|Meriwether Lewis}} also has its own Spartan contingent.{{Ref/Reuse|H5GLtd}} Spartan-IVs train with one another in simulations known as "[[War Games]]" on ''Infinity''<nowiki/>'s state-of-the art combat deck (a training chamber that is capable of replicating environments), in order to constantly stay battle-ready.<ref name="gameinformer">'''Gameinformer''' (''May 2012''), ''pages 46-47''</ref> Spartan-IVs also train in multiple different forms of [[martial arts]] outside of the War Games simulator.<ref>[[:File:Spartan IV's sparring.png|Image showing Thorne, Madsen, and other Spartan-IVs sparring in different forms of MMA.]]</ref> As per [[STO 11.6]], Spartan daily training must include at least two hours of military occupational specialty training, and two hours of physical conditioning and augmentation monitoring. <ref name"LC">'''[[Halo Legendary Crate]]''', ''[[Halo Legendary Crate/Data Drops|Data Drop #1]]''</ref> Select Spartan-IIs have participated in the training of the Spartan-IVs.<ref name="wp spartan">[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/universe/factions/spartans '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Spartans'']</ref>

 

The Spartan-IVs serve in a dedicated branch of the UNSC known as [[Spartan Operations]] or "Spartans", whereas their forebears operated within other chains of command,{{Ref/Reuse|story}} although some Spartan-IVs serve in more covert roles within ONI.{{Ref/Reuse|wp spartans}} In addition to the significant numbers of adult volunteers which make up the majority of the Spartan-IVs, the Spartan-IIIs who survived the [[Human-Covenant War]] were offered to be integrated with the Spartan-IVs in the new Spartan branch.<ref>'''Halo: Glasslands''', ''page 435''</ref> Many of the remaining Spartan-IIIs were folded in with the Spartan-IVs in the new branch, while others resigned to noncombat roles.<ref>[https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/forums/db05ce78845f4120b062c50816008e5d/topics/catalog-interaction/4c3e1c6f-6519-4ee0-83a4-4bac13bf07a3/posts?page=14 '''Halo Waypoint''': ''Catalog Interaction - Page 14'']</ref>

 

*[[Jared Miller]], mission handler<ref name="Spartan Ops">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTPIFWHlZ0c '''YouTube''' - ''Halo 4: Spartan Ops Gameplay'']</ref>  

*[[Robert Dalton]]{{Ref/Reuse|Spartan Ops}}

|At least two Spartan-IVs{{Ref/Reuse|H4Reclaimer}}

|Also contains [[UNSC Marine Corps]] personnel.<ref name="H4Reclaimer">[[Halo 4]], level ''[[Reclaimer]]''</ref>

*[[Fredric Zurenia]]  - ''KIA''<ref name="SOS1E3">[[Spartan Ops|'''Spartan Ops''']], [[S1/Catherine|S1E3 ''Spartan Mountain'']]</ref>

*[[Scott Macrae]] - ''KIA''{{Ref/Reuse|SOS1E3}}

*Several unnamed Spartans{{Ref/Reuse|SOS1E3}}

*[[Edward Buck]]

*[[Kojo Agu]]

*[[Michael Crespo]]

*[[Taylor Miles]]

*[[Gretchen Ketola]]

|[[Fireteam Apex]]

|Participated in the Requiem Campaign<ref name="War Games Session Summary">[[Halo 4 Limited Edition|Halo 4 Limited Edition]] — ''War Games Session Summary''</ref>

|[[Fireteam Apollo]]

|Active<ref name="Crate">[http://news.xbox.com/2016/06/28/halo-legendary-crate-available-order-become-member-fireteam-apollo/ Halo Legendary Crate Available for Order; Become a Member of Fireteam Apollo]</ref>

*[[Adam Cerra]]

*[[Danelle Reid]]

|[[Fireteam Avalanche]]

|Participated in the Requiem Campaign<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''Episode 7, Chapter 2: "Home Field"''</ref>

*[[Jones (Spartan-IV)|Jones]]

*[[Ernst Deming]]<ref>[[Spartan Ops|'''Spartan Ops''']], [[S1/Departure|S1E1 ''Departure'']]</ref> - ''KIA''

*[[Tashi]]{{Ref/Reuse|War Games Session Summary}}  - ''KIA''

|Killed in action after being shot down during the Requiem Campaign<ref>[[Spartan Ops|'''Spartan Ops''']], [[S1/Didact's Hand|S1E4 ''Didact's Hand'']]: ''Chapter 1: Hairy Call''</ref>

*[[Holly Tanaka]] - ''formerly''

|[[Fireteam Forest]]

*[[Gustavo Esposito]]

*[[R. D. Verrat]]

|Aided Crimson in acquiring replace power supply for the [[Za'zayara-pattern Harvester|Harvester]]<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''Episode 10, Chapter 3: "Seize the Power"''</ref>

*[[Naiya Ray]] - ''Formerly''

|Participated in the Requiem Campaign<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', ''Episode 7, Chapter 4: "The Guns of Infinity"''</ref>

*[[Terry Hedge]] - ''KIA''

|[[Fireteam Majestic]]

*[[Paul DeMarco]] - ''Formerly; KIA''

*[[Tedra Grant]]

*[[Anthony Madsen]]

*[[Gabriel Thorne]]<ref name="MightyApe H4LE">[http://www.mightyape.co.nz/product/Xbox-360/Halo-4-Limited-Edition/20302628/images/13549027/ '''MightyApe.co.nz:''' ''Halo 4 Limited Edition screenshots'']</ref>

*[[Carlo Hoya]]

*[[Jameson Locke]]

*[[Olympia Vale]] - ''Formerly''

*[[Edward Buck]]  - ''Formerly''

|[[Fireteam Rhino]]

|Participated in [[Operation: OCEAN RAPTOR]] at a location "redacted" by the Office of Naval Intelligence.<ref name="H5GLtd">'''[[Halo 5: Guardians Limited Edition]]''', ''Spartan Locke's Classified Orders''</ref>

*[[Cara Costabile]] - ''KIA''

*[[Bradford Gale]]

|Captured during a mission to destroy a [[Za'zayara-pattern Harvester|Harvester]] during the Requiem Campaign<ref name="Episode 6 Chapter 4 Commentary">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8mHVIcS7aI '''YouTube -''' ''Halo 4: Spartan Ops - Episode 6 Chapter 4 Developer Commentary'']</ref> Later rescued by [[Fireteam Crimson]] and [[Fireteam Lancer]].<ref>'''Spartan Ops''', [[S1/Expendable|S1E8 ''Expendable'']]: ''Chapter 3: Lancer''</ref>  

*[[Hudson Griffin]] - ''KIA''

|[[Fireteam Tower]]

|Participated in the Requiem Campaign{{Ref/Reuse|War Games Session Summary}}

*Two other Spartan-IVs

|[[Fireteam Wolf]]

 

 

Ten Spartan-IV candidates were discharged from the prototypical phase of the program after being crippled or killed by the augmentations.<ref name="HI3">'''Halo: Initiation''', ''[[Halo: Initiation Issue 3|Issue 3]]''</ref>

*[[Ilsa Zane]] - Discharged after her augmentations left her mentally unstable and assigned to the Office of Naval Intelligence; subsequently escaped and defected to the [[New Colonial Alliance]].{{Ref/Reuse|HI3}}

===MJOLNIR armor===

Spartan-IVs are equipped with the MJOLNIR [GEN2], the second-generation version of the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor]].{{Ref/Reuse|gameinformer}} Because of the Spartan-IVs' less extensive biological augmentations, the GEN2 armor boosts its wearer's reactions, speed, and strength to a greater degree than the first-generation Mjolnir.{{Ref/Reuse|frankie}}

 

An assortment of armor configurations are available for all new Spartans per [[UNSC Regulation 3A-950]], and Spartans are capable of customizing their individual armor set with modular components from a wide range of special-purpose variants, based on their personal preferences, specialization, and mission requirements. Selecting variants for purely cosmetic reasons is discouraged. It is strictly forbidden for Spartans to attempt to repair or modify their armor; all armor maintenance is only to be performed by qualified Class-61 technicians in dedicated facilities.<ref name="packet">'''[[Halo 4 Limited Edition]]''' - ''[[Infinity Briefing Packet]]''</ref> Unlike the generally green coloration of the Spartan-IIs' Mjolnir armor, Spartan-IV armor comes in a profusion of distinct color patterns, with the members of specific teams often sporting a consistent coloration.{{Ref/Reuse|spops}} However, any customization of the armor color must be in accordance to [[UNSC Equipment Code 20.00.62]].{{Ref/Reuse|packet}}

 

The standard-issue armor set for Spartan-IV (at least those assigned to {{UNSCShip|Infinity}}) is the [[MJOLNIR Powered Assault Armor/Recruit|Recruit]] variant,<ref>'''Halo 4''', ''Recruit armor description''</ref> colored gray and gold.<ref>'''Halo 4''' campaign level ''[[Infinity (level)|Infinity]]''</ref><ref name="spops">'''Spartan Ops'''</ref> Spartan-IVs also have access to more specialized equipment depending on their missions, example being the [[Infinity Actual Kit]], and [[Forerunner Hybrid Kit]].

Like [[SPARTAN-II augmentation procedures|the augmentations]] performed for the [[SPARTAN-II program|Spartan-IIs]] and the [[Project CHRYSANTHEMUM|improved procedures]] utilized in the subsequent [[SPARTAN-III program]], the Spartan-IVs undergo a series of procedures to enhance their physical capabilities and to wear Mjolnir powered armor.{{Ref/Reuse|story}} The technology used in the two preceding SPARTAN programs necessitated that the candidates meet exceedingly strict genetic qualifications as well as the application of the enhancements on preteens, to avoid the catastrophic failure rates produced by the augmentation of adult subjects in the [[ORION Project]].<ref>'''[[Dr. Halsey's personal journal]]'''</ref> By the time of the initiation of the SPARTAN-IV program, the technology had advanced to the point that adults could be augmented without major risk,<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 52'' (Google Play edition)</ref> although the improvements to the subject's strength and speed are not as extensive as in the previous two programs.{{Ref/Reuse|frankie}}<ref>'''Halo: New Blood''', ''page 113'' (Google Play edition)</ref> The genetic enhancements were similar to the ones in the Spartan-III augmentations and were believed to be the only possible treatment against deadly genetic damage caused by a Forerunner artifact on [[Meridian]], the Spartan-III augmentations having rendered [[Owen-B096]] immune to the same issue.{{Ref/Reuse|MerDi21}}

File:Spartan-IV First Look.gif|A Spartan-IV from [[Making Halo 4: First Look|Making ''Halo 4'': First Look]].

File:H4-SpartanIVRecruit-ScanRender.png|A Spartan-IV wearing Recruit armor in ''[[Halo 4]]''.

File:H4 SOS1E1 Spartan IV Hologram.jpg|[[Fireteam Majestic]] observing the AI [[Roland]]'s avatar in ''[[Spartan Ops]]''.

File:Spartan Ops - GG 2.jpg|A group of Spartan-IVs being outfitted with Mjolnir armor by dedicated machinery.

File:Spartan Ops - GG 3.jpg|[[Gabriel Thorne]] donning his RECRUIT-class helmet.

File:Spartan Ops - GG 4.jpg|A fully-equipped Thorne steps out of the Mjolnir assembly device.

File:Halo4assassination.jpg|Spartan-IVs facing off in the War Games simulator in ''Halo 4''.

File:Hunters in the Dark full cover.jpg|Spartan-IV Frank Kodiak and Shipmaster [[N'tho 'Sraom]] fighting blind wolves on [[Installation 00]] during [[Operation: FAR STORM]] in ''[[Halo: Hunters in the Dark]]''.

File:Spartan action figure.png|A human child holding a Spartan-IV [[Toy|action figure]] painted to resemble the [[John-117|Master Chief]] in ''[[A Hero Falls]]''.

File:H5-Truth-Beta-2.jpg|Spartan-IVs facing off in the War Games simulator in ''[[Halo 5: Guardians]]''.

File:SPARTAN-IV - Halo 5 Training Simulation.png|Spartan-IVs in the War Games.

File:Locke team Halo 5.png|[[Jameson Locke]]'s Spartan team, Fireteam Osiris.

File:H5G-RedTeamGo.png|Spartan-IVs disembarking from a [[D79-TC Pelican]] during a [[Warzone]] simulation.

File:H5G-Spartan poster.png|A poster in [[Promesa]], [[Andesia]] urging civilians to enlist in the UNSC and have a chance to join the Spartans.

File:HO-Spartans&Elites.png|Spartan-IVs and Sangheili in the War Games simulator aboard [[Anvil Station]] in ''[[Halo Online]]''.

File:Halo Icons.jpg|Mark IV-clad Spartan-IV figures from the first [[Halo Legendary Crate]].

File:HSFM SpartansWIP.jpg|Work-in-progress art of Spartan-IVs for the ''[[Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual]]''.

File:HSFM SpartanMaintenance.jpg|Spartans performing maintenance on an MA5D assault rifle in the ''Halo: Official Spartan Field Manual''.

File:HINF Concept Spartan getting armor.jpg|Concept art for ''[[Halo Infinite]]'' of a Spartan-IV receiving their armor.

File:HINF Recharge Battle.jpg|Spartan-IVs in a War Games simulation on [[Recharge]].

*''[[Halo: Glasslands]]'' {{Fm}}

{{Ref/Sources|2}}

 

[[Category:Spartan-IVs| ]]

[[Category:Human characters]]