―Famous motto of the Rocket-Jumper Elite Advance Unit[1]
TheRocket-Jumper Elite Advance Unit (R-EAU), known commonly as theRepublic rocket-jumpers, was an elite soldier equipped with arocket pack, used by theGalactic Republic millennia before the rise of theEmpire. They were organized as a part of theRepublic Army.
"At 0300 we established an airhead. At 0308 we encountered armed resistance. By the time the rest of the army arrived at 0400, there wasn't any character left for them to fight."
The rocket jumpers held two primary objectives on the battlefield. The first was to hold the line until reinforcements from the Republic arrived or assistance was received from either heavy artillery or starship. Their second mission directive was to provide limited forms of reconnaissance, as well as conduct rescue and quick response operations.[3] After they developed their reputation as an elite force, the rocket-jumpers began to participate in special ops missions such as VIP extractions as well as the destruction of enemy weapon emplacements.[1] Republic rocket-jumpers were also deployed to break stalemates and sieges by dropping straight into the heavy fighting.[4] While these were the normal purposes of the unit, it was known that they were also capable of taking part in large scale engagements where they served as a forward response element.[3]
Due to the group being an elite unit, as well as the dangers faced on their missions, only the most skilled of combat officers and soldiers were allowed to join them. Out of those that joined, only 8% of candidates managed to receive a rocket-jumper billet. Those soldiers part of the unit were infamous for their bizarre behavior when not on duty hours,[3] with it being noted that they engaged in drinking, fighting, and a number of stunts. It was known that most patrons avoided locales where rocket-jumpers congregated and such locations were the most difficult to insure inGalactic City.[1]
Despite all this, they were dedicated soldiers while on a mission and maintained that discipline on the field. They were expected to succeed on the battlefield, or die trying. Due to their high level of discipline, they refused to fail or surrender under any circumstances, putting their mission objectives before anything and everything else.[3] This meant that only the most qualified as well as dedicated of troopers were allowed to serve the Republic in the role of rocket-jumpers.[4]
"OK boys, we're only two miles above the city." "Two miles, is that all? Damn. One time on Cyborrea, we had to drop from sixteen miles up! No air, full space gear…" 'Save the bragging for after the battle. Recon reports heavy door-to-door fighting between the Beast Riders on the one side and dark-side army on the other. We're dropping down into the middle of it. So strap on your packs, jack up your blasters and get ready to jump!" "Ready!" "Launch door open…" "Right!" "And…launch!" "Yeah!"
They were ultimately disbanded in the year1000 BBY, following theRuusan Reformation which saw the Republic Army vanish and be replaced by theJudicial Forces. While they no longer operated, the tactics of the group continued to live on. During theClone Wars, the newly formedGrand Army of the Republic made use ofclone jet troopers that employed the same lightning tactics as the old rocket-jumper divisions. TheGalactic Empire also continued the practice by commissioningAirtrooper military units.[1] In this later era, the Republic rocket-jumpers were one of a number of special forces noted in the history of the galaxy, where they stood alongside such units as theFreedom Warriors andAtrisian Assault Corps.[4]
Legacy[]
Centuries later,[1] by the time of the Galactic Empire, the stormtrooperTX-5532 cited the Rocket-Jumper Elite Advanced Unit as being the closest equivalent corps of elite, first-attack soldiers to theStormtrooper Corps.[7]
"Straight from the Horse's Mouth: A Guide to theStar Wars: Tales of the Jedi Universe, Part 3" —Star Wars Insider 28
Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Warfare Author's Cut,Part 4: The Rise of the Republic onStarWars.com(backup link)
Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided — Terminal Mission: "Suspected Jump Pirate Lair" on Corellia