Created by the finest cloners in the galaxy, trained by the most deadly bounty hunter in the business, fighting against a threat the likes of which had been unseen for generations...the clone troopers of the Republic were the future of galactic warfare.

The clone troopers were created on Kamino, after Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas supposedly placed an order for a Republic army. The unassuming Kaminoans, who knew little of events in the galaxy, set about creating one of the finest armies they had ever grown. The bounty hunter Jango Fett was brought in as the DNA template for the clones, and also stayed on to aid in their training, and to help work on their distinctive armour. The clones were given accelerated learning, and grew twice as fast as a normal human being. While this cut their lifespan in half, it meant the Kaminoans had ten thousand fully-matured clones within ten years of the order being placed. During that decade, the clones were trained constantly in various combat situations, taught how to operate assault vehicles and employ their tactical thinking on the battlefield.

Although the clone troopers were grown with certain elements of their genetic structures omitted - for example, the Kaminoans ensured they would follow any order without question - they still retained a degree of independence. This made them far superior to the droids they faced in battle, and could react and respond to the battle around them. Comlinks and video display built into their armour allowed a perfectly coordinated assault, with the clone troopers in constant contact with their commanders, as well as other forces in the vicinity.

Using clone soldiers in battle proved beneficial for the Republic. Not only were they far superior to droids, but they aided in battle efficiency and military medical care. As every clone trooper had the same genetic code, there was no need to adapt medicines or vaccines for different bodies or species, as with other armies. If a medicine worked for one clone, it would work for them all, making the lives of the Republic's medical staff that much easier, despite their increased role in the war.

Using weapons provided by Rothana Heavy Engineering, and tough body armour created on Kamino, the clones were soon ready for action. Their first real combat situation occured ten years after the cloning program began. The Jedi discovered the secret army, and later deployed it on Geonosis to stop Count Dooku's Separatist forces from attacking Coruscant. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was given complete control over the clone troopers, and was able to declare the formation of a Republic Army - an act unheard of in over a thousand years.

The Clone Wars began on Geonosis, which saw the clone troopers sent across the galaxy to battle the Confederacy of Independent Systems. While more clone troopers were being created on Kamino - a million more were almost ready for the beginning of the war - the first generation learned to adapt to the battles they faced. New squads were created to combat the various armies of the Confederacy; SCUBA troopers were deployed on watery Mon Calamari, and the deadly ARC troopers were activated to defend Kamino, Naboo and many more important worlds.

Whatever their task, the clone troopers fought gallantly, and eventually defeated the Confederacy, three years after the Battle of Geonosis. The Separatists were finished, but the clones had another task to preform. On orders from the Supreme Chancellor, the clone troopers turned against the Republic as Palpatine declared himself Emperor of the galaxy. With his totally obedient army at his command, Palpatine instated a New Order, finishing the Republic the clone troopers had once defended with their lives.

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Page created: 04 April 2004