Special Augmented Reconnaissance Commandos
The Special Augmented Reconnaissance Commandos (abbreviated SARC) are elite genetically-modified and cybernetically-augmented 'super-soldiers' employed by the United Nations Special Operations Command. Founded in 2318 CE, the unit's existence was leaked to the media in 2323 CE, and formally declassified the following year. Considered some of the most formidable soldiers in the galaxy, SARCs are exclusively selected from the most elite and genetically-compatible forces that the United Nations of Earth has to offer. They are charged with a large number of duties, including direct action, psychological operations, unconventional warfare, sabotage, special reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and acting as elite infantry.
Composition
Manpower
The exact number of SARC operators is kept classified by UNSOCOM for security purposes, but indepedent estimates place the total number at or below 10,000. This places the total number of operators per unit at approximately one thousand, or between a battalion and brigade in size; including non-augmented support personnel, the number is likely closer to three thousand, or a small brigade. SARC units are almost entirely Human, though individual xeno operators have been seen on occasion. Due to the drastic nature of the augmentions, the natural strength difference between male and female Humans is almost entirely eliminated, meaning the unit has a far more even ratio than regular UNE military forces.
Equipment
Befitting their elite status, SARC operators are issued as standard the most effective equipment available to the UNE, regardless of cost. The standard armour for SARCs, as of 2357 CE, is the Enhanced Modular Individual Combat System (EMICS). The power armour is an evolution of the previous Modular Individual Combat System, and both are produced by General Dynamics under contract from the United Nations Department of Defense. EMICS, more commonly called 'Eclipse' power armour by marketing material, is a full-body suit of durasteel-alloy armour powered by a miniature fusion reactor. It drastically enhances the wearer's speed, reflexes, strength, and durability, but the prohibitive cost and custom fitting requirements make it impractical for wider use.
As part of the process of becoming a SARC, operators undergo an extremely intensive genetic modification and (much more limited) cybernetic augmentation process. The most obvious result of these augmentations is that the operator becomes significantly larger (for Humans, typically over two metres tall) and stronger (at least double, if not triple the strength of a typical Human). Less obvious modifications include significantly tougher bones, faster reflexes, better eyesight (including natural low-light vision), a stronger circulatory and immune system, highly efficient lungs, improved intelligence, and a faster learning ability. Modern SARCs undergo special treatments that make them highly resilient to chemical biological, and radiological agents, and can operate in unbreathable atmospheres without a breathing apparatus for up to an hour (including in vacuum for up to thirty minutes). The cybernetic augmention is limited to a port that allows Eclipse armour (and some other pieces of compatible technology) to directly interface with the operator's nervous system.
In addition to their armour and biological modifications, SARC operators are issued any equipment necessary to complete their missions. Some of the more common pieces include back-mounted personal energy shields, jet packs, reconnaissance drones, cloaking devices, portable motion trackers, long-range radios, and psionic shields. SARCs are also issued more common pieces of equipment, like rations, canteens, a blue force uplink, first aid kits, combat knives, and more.
As part of the process of becoming a SARC, operators undergo an extremely intensive genetic modification and (much more limited) cybernetic augmentation process. The most obvious result of these augmentations is that the operator becomes significantly larger (for Humans, typically over two metres tall) and stronger (at least double, if not triple the strength of a typical Human). Less obvious modifications include significantly tougher bones, faster reflexes, better eyesight (including natural low-light vision), a stronger circulatory and immune system, highly efficient lungs, improved intelligence, and a faster learning ability. Modern SARCs undergo special treatments that make them highly resilient to chemical biological, and radiological agents, and can operate in unbreathable atmospheres without a breathing apparatus for up to an hour (including in vacuum for up to thirty minutes). The cybernetic augmention is limited to a port that allows Eclipse armour (and some other pieces of compatible technology) to directly interface with the operator's nervous system.
In addition to their armour and biological modifications, SARC operators are issued any equipment necessary to complete their missions. Some of the more common pieces include back-mounted personal energy shields, jet packs, reconnaissance drones, cloaking devices, portable motion trackers, long-range radios, and psionic shields. SARCs are also issued more common pieces of equipment, like rations, canteens, a blue force uplink, first aid kits, combat knives, and more.
Weaponry
Although SARC operators are far stronger (thanks to their genetic augments and power armour) than regular UNPF soldiers, they typically carry similar weapons. This is due to a combination of logistics and weapon familiarity, making bespoke SARC weapons both impractical and unnecessary. As such, most SARC operators are armed with the M36 automatic plasma rifle or the M482 squad automatic weapon. The gas magazines for these weapons are fully cross-compatible, allowing SARC operators to share ammunition regardless of weapon. Due to the special forces nature of SARC operations, operators are proficient with every major type of non-UNE weapon, and are trained to modify them to suit Human (or other SARC operator species) physiology.
Vehicles
SARC operators choose their vehicles based on their mission type, but generally prefer fast and mobile vehicles to get around. These include modified civilian-grade vehicles (ground cars and hovercars) and specialised military-grade light utility vehicles. One of the more popular vehicles among SARC operators is the Commonwealth LM-63 light mobility/utility vehicle, as it provides a rugged, long-range platform that supports modular fire support capabilities (such as heavy machine guns, railguns, and missile launchers).
While deployed, SARC units are typically transported by the special logistics units of UNSOCOM and their vehicles. The UL-108 dropship is a mainstay of all UNE combat forces, and UNSOCOM operates the modified ML-108 special operations variant. In particular, ML-108 dropships are equipped with cloaking devices and other stealth technology, allowing them to deploy special forces deep inside enemy territory. In rare cases, SARC operators are deployed to a planetary surface via drop pods, but this is uncommon due to the risk involved with such vehicles.
While deployed, SARC units are typically transported by the special logistics units of UNSOCOM and their vehicles. The UL-108 dropship is a mainstay of all UNE combat forces, and UNSOCOM operates the modified ML-108 special operations variant. In particular, ML-108 dropships are equipped with cloaking devices and other stealth technology, allowing them to deploy special forces deep inside enemy territory. In rare cases, SARC operators are deployed to a planetary surface via drop pods, but this is uncommon due to the risk involved with such vehicles.
Structure
Overall command of the SARC units is invested in the United Nations Special Operations Command. All SARCs are organised under the structure of the Special Augmented Reconnaissance Commando Force, or SARCFOR, which is commanded by a major general. SARCFOR is divided into ten squadrons of approximately 3,000 personnel each, commanded by a colonel. A majority of the personnel in each squadron are non-augmented support personnel, and there are estimated to be around 1,000 SARC operators per squadron. Each squadron is given a letter from A to J, and has a nickname. The squadrons are as follows:
- SARC-A "Gladiators"
- SARC-B "Widowmakers"
- SARC-C "Immortals"
- SARC-D "Berserkers"
- SARC-E "Assassins"
- SARC-F "Reapers"
- SARC-G "Nighthawks"
- SARC-H "Desperados"
- SARC-I "Grey Knights"
- SARC-J "Roughnecks"
Tactics
As special forces, SARC operators are specialised for high-risk unconventional operations behind enemy lines. As part of small teams, they infiltrate into the enemy rear (either by infiltrating a front line or deployment via stealth dropship). Once there, they conduct sabotage, assassination, reconnaissance, and psychological operations to turn enemy populations against their leaders. SARC operators are extensively trained in stealth operations and politics, allowing them to form paramilitary units from indigenous populations. If engaged, they can use their superior training and equipment to either eliminate the enemy or fall back into a stealthy posture to evade a superior force.
On occasion, SARC forces are used as elite infantry to break enemy positions during pitched battles. This is typically in urban combat, where enemy fire support is limited and infantry are most useful, but can also occur in other environments. SARCs are deployed in company-sized units, using the organic logistics in their temporary parent formation instead of their SARC squadron. SARC operators are known to be able to rally flagging units with their mere presence, effectively acting as morale force multipliers due to their reputation. Due to this, UNSOCOM keeps all reports of SARC operator deaths classified for a period of no fewer than ten years.
On occasion, SARC forces are used as elite infantry to break enemy positions during pitched battles. This is typically in urban combat, where enemy fire support is limited and infantry are most useful, but can also occur in other environments. SARCs are deployed in company-sized units, using the organic logistics in their temporary parent formation instead of their SARC squadron. SARC operators are known to be able to rally flagging units with their mere presence, effectively acting as morale force multipliers due to their reputation. Due to this, UNSOCOM keeps all reports of SARC operator deaths classified for a period of no fewer than ten years.
Training
SARC training employs the latest and most expensive training techniques available to the United Nations of Earth. A majority of training is physical, but there are also extensive virtual full-immersion training exercises. The virtual exercises allow SARCs to train in extremely realistic and otherwise dangerous scenarios without any real danger. While healing from their biological augmentations, SARCs spend up to a week immersed in the training pods to become accustomed to their new bodies. When SARCs leave the program, they also spend a week adapting back to lesser-augmented bodies.
SARC training goes above and beyond typical special forces training, including detailed analysis of specific enemy tactics, learning to use foreign weapons and vehicles, psychological warfare, leadership, and engineering. Training also includes shaping the psychological profile of SARC operatives, using a combination of enhanced conditioning, regular interventions from psychiatrists, and hypnotic training. Additionally, psionic resistance training is reported to be a core part of the SARC psychological condition program.
SARC training goes above and beyond typical special forces training, including detailed analysis of specific enemy tactics, learning to use foreign weapons and vehicles, psychological warfare, leadership, and engineering. Training also includes shaping the psychological profile of SARC operatives, using a combination of enhanced conditioning, regular interventions from psychiatrists, and hypnotic training. Additionally, psionic resistance training is reported to be a core part of the SARC psychological condition program.
Logistics
Logistical Support
Logistical support is provided by the non-augmented personnel of the SARC units, including signals, electronic warfare, remote surveillance, supplies, tactical transportation, cyberwarfare, and administration. All members of the SARC support units are recruited from UNSOCOM support units. Strategic transportation and fire support capabilities (such as airstrikes and orbital bombardment) are handled by the United Nations Naval Forces, with the typical SARC infiltration conducted from specialised cloaked corvettes.
Upkeep
Although SARC biological augmentations are stable, operators are required to submit to monthly medical examinations. In the event that an augment is rejected, an operator is considered "washed out", and has their augmentation procedure mostly reversed. This also occurs at the end of an operator's time in the SARCs when they retire or are transferred to another unit (except in exceptional cases). De-augmented SARCs retain some of their biological modifications, though significantly lesser in scale than a fully-augmented commando.
Recruitment
As part of their recruitment into the United Nations Armed Forces, all recruits are required to submit their DNA. This DNA is tested, and any prospective candidates for SARC augmentations are flagged (approximately 10% of the population is compatible with the augments). Candidates who distinguish themselves, typically through service in UNSOCOM, are then invited to participate in a special exercise to determine whether they fit the requirements for the SARC program. This exercise involves physical testing, like all military examinations, but also involves a written test and debate to determine whether the prospective candidate is intelligent enough to serve as a SARC. Approximately 90% of candidates fail this exercise, and the remainder are invited to become SARC operatives.
History
The idea of augmented super soldiers wearing power armour has existed in Human science fiction for centuries, but the technology to realise that was always out of reach. The development of advanced genetic modification technology in the latter half of the 23rd century CE led to experiments in the field of 'super-soldiery'. However, many of these early experiments (particularly those using data from outside the UNE) were deemed unethical and banned by the United Nations General Assembly. The establishment of a joint research agreement on genetic technology with the Gorthikan Alliance in the 2290s CE led to a renaissance in the field, including a revitalisation of the idea of super-soldiers.
With the blessing of the United Nations Security Council, UNSOCOM began trials of genetic modifications derived from Gorthikan technology in the early 2300s CE. Although genetic engineering was a proven technology by this time, the sheer number and scale of the augments required to produce a 'super soldier' were far beyond an individual's genetic capability to accept them. The Gorthikans were the first to develop 'gene warriors', the super-soldiers that UNSOCOM was looking for, in 2309 CE, and shared their findings with the United Nations. Thanks to these breakthroughs, the first successful Human augmentation was completed in 2314 CE. Simultaneously, Project IMHULLU developed the first iteration of the Modular Individual Combat System (MICS), in partnership with General Dynamics.
Organising and developing the initial three squadrons took several years, and the first batch of recruits finished augmentation and training in 2318 CE. Additional units were added shortly after, and the project remained classified. However, an independent journalist was able to obtain footage of the enhanced soldiers after an anonymous leak, which created a scandal in 2323 CE after it aired across the UNE. UNSOCOM refused to verify the footage, but the following year it declassified the SARC program.
The first declassified action that SARC operators undertook was during the Concord-Minamar War in 2328 CE, where they were responsible for multiple assassinations and sabotage of critical infrastructure on the MSI capital of Minamar. Additionally, SARC operators undertook multiple joint operations with other Concord special forces units to create partisan units of freed slaves on MSI worlds, further distracting their forces from the front lines. Due to their stealth capabilities and extreme lethality, Minamar rear troops developed many nicknames for SARC forces, such as 'widowmakers', 'demons', and 'reapers'. Some SARC units adopted these nicknames for themselves, namely the SARC-B and SARC-F squadrons.
With the blessing of the United Nations Security Council, UNSOCOM began trials of genetic modifications derived from Gorthikan technology in the early 2300s CE. Although genetic engineering was a proven technology by this time, the sheer number and scale of the augments required to produce a 'super soldier' were far beyond an individual's genetic capability to accept them. The Gorthikans were the first to develop 'gene warriors', the super-soldiers that UNSOCOM was looking for, in 2309 CE, and shared their findings with the United Nations. Thanks to these breakthroughs, the first successful Human augmentation was completed in 2314 CE. Simultaneously, Project IMHULLU developed the first iteration of the Modular Individual Combat System (MICS), in partnership with General Dynamics.
Organising and developing the initial three squadrons took several years, and the first batch of recruits finished augmentation and training in 2318 CE. Additional units were added shortly after, and the project remained classified. However, an independent journalist was able to obtain footage of the enhanced soldiers after an anonymous leak, which created a scandal in 2323 CE after it aired across the UNE. UNSOCOM refused to verify the footage, but the following year it declassified the SARC program.
The first declassified action that SARC operators undertook was during the Concord-Minamar War in 2328 CE, where they were responsible for multiple assassinations and sabotage of critical infrastructure on the MSI capital of Minamar. Additionally, SARC operators undertook multiple joint operations with other Concord special forces units to create partisan units of freed slaves on MSI worlds, further distracting their forces from the front lines. Due to their stealth capabilities and extreme lethality, Minamar rear troops developed many nicknames for SARC forces, such as 'widowmakers', 'demons', and 'reapers'. Some SARC units adopted these nicknames for themselves, namely the SARC-B and SARC-F squadrons.
Type
Special Forces
Founding
2318 CE
Overall training Level
Elite
Assumed Veterancy
Veteran
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