While the ARC troopers were drawn from the main force of the GAR, Republic Commandos were trained from birth to work as an independent unit. ARC troopers Blitz and Havok also participated in the battle, defending the cloning facility from AQ series aqua-droids.

Leading the defense, ARC trooper and clone commander Colt was killed in action by Asajj Ventress, Dooku's assassin and apprentice. During the Invasion of Kamino, the Rancor Battalion fought valiantly to defend their homeworld. They played pivotal roles in numerous campaigns, fighting for elite groups such as the 501st Legion on inhospitable worlds like Umbara, and executing daring POW rescues at the Citadel. Trained in leading their clone brothers into combat and in unconventional tactics, ARC troopers were instrumental in securing key objectives and leading their battalions to victory. Having been promoted from within the military's ranks, ARC troopers were primarily attached to established battalions to assist in priority objectives, and act as executive officers to the company commanders and the Jedi generals. RELATED: The 5 Most Brutal Battles Of The Clone Wars They may also be equipped with more cutting edge weaponry including a pair of DC-17 hand blasters, and the DC-15x sniper rifle. ARC troopers utilized similar weaponry to the rank and file trooper, including the rifle and carbine version of the DC-15.

This improved armor included a shoulder pauldron and a blast-dampening kama. Standard clone troopers who were selected for ARC status would rotate back to Kamino and receive advanced training and upgraded armor. The selection process often happened directly after a clone cadet finished basic training, but could actually happen at any time to bolster a battalion’s forces or to recognize proficiency in combat.

While commandos were bred for their roles and train within their squad from birth, ARC troopers were pulled from the rank and file of the clone army. The major difference between ARC troopers and their commando counterparts is the selection process.

Arc troopers vs commandos