





Unbeknownst to most of the galaxy, Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas ordered the creation of an army of clones for the Galactic Republic on Kamino. A decade later, the army would come to light, and Yoda deemed them worthy of aiding the Republic against the Separatist threat in what would become known as the Clone Wars. While the Jedi would command the clone troopers, the Grand Army of the Republic had ranks of its own. Let’s meet the captains and commanders that lead their troops into battle!

Commander Appo (CC-1119) joined the troopers of the 501st Legion as a sergeant, and fought under Jedi General Pong Krell on Umbara. He later climbed up the ranks and became commander of the 501st. After Palpatine issued Order 66, Appo joined Darth Vader in his march on the Jedi Temple, killing all the remaining Jedi inside. Commander Bacara (CC-1138) was given command of the 21st Nova Corps, also known as the Galactic Marines. He fought alongside Jedi General Ki-Adi-Mundi in the final battle of Mygeeto during the Outer Rim Sieges, when Order 66 was issued. Together with his Marines, Bacara shot down Mundi. Commander Blackout was a member of the special stealth operations unit, which was given command of an experimental stealth ship. While initially sneaking supplies through the blockade around Christophsis, Blackout had to engage the command ship of Admiral Trench. Commander Blitz was an Advanced Recon Commando and part of Rancor Battalion. He was stationed on Kamino to oversee clone trooper training. Commander Bly (CC-5052) was assigned to the 327th Star Corps, working closely with Jedi General Aayla Secura on missions from Lurmen to Alzoc III. During the Outer Rim Sieges he was with Secura on Saleucami, and shot her in the back after Order 66 was issued.

Commander Cody (CC-2224) was in command of the 212th Attack Battalion, and served with Jedi General Obi-Wan Kenobi. He fought on many battlefronts, including Christophsis, Teth, Ryloth and eventually Utapau. After Order 66 was issued, he ordered an AT-TE to fire on Kenobi, but failed to kill him. Commander Colt, like Blitz, was an Advanced Recon Commando in Rancor Battalion. He was stationed at the Tipoca City training grounds to select potential ARC candidates. Colt was killed by Asajj Ventress during the attack on Kamino. Commander Davijaan was a pilot in Flight Squad Seven, flying under the call sign “Odd Ball.” He flew several missions under Kenobi and Skywalker, and helped them reach the Invisible Hand during the Battle of Coruscant. Captain Deviss (CT-65/91-6210) was promoted to commander after the Battle of Altyr V, in which he risked his life to protect two injured soldiers. During Order 66 he was stationed with Jedi General Nem Bees on Orto, and personally shot the Jedi down. Commander Doom served under Jedi Generals Tiplar en Tiplee, and was fighting alongside them and the 501st on Ringo Vinda. He witnessed the unexpected shooting of Tup, killing Tiplar, before they had to retreat.

Commander Fil (CC-3714) was assigned to Jedi General Nahdar Vebb, who had recently been promoted to Jedi Knight. He joined Vebb on a mission to Vassek in search for Nute Gunray, but was killed in the trap that General Grievous had laid for them on the moon. Commander Fox (CC-1010) was in command of the Coruscant Guard, and assisted Senator Amidala in the capture of Ziro the Hutt. He was later assigned to guard the Judiciary Detention Center, and participated in the chase for fugitive Jedi Ahsoka Tano. Commander Gree (CC-1004) commanded the 41st Elite Corps, and served with Jedi General Luminara Unduli. An expert of alien cultures, he saw action on many fronts from Rodia to Alzoc III, and eventually Kashyyyk. After Order 66 was issued, he was beheaded by Master Yoda before he could fulfill the order. Captain Gregor (CC-5576-39) was a commando that served in the 212th Attack Battalion. He suffered from amnesia after the defeat at Sarrish, and ended up on Abafar. He assisted D-Squad when they were stranded on the planet. Commander Havoc served with Colt and Blitz on Kamino, scouting for ARC talents on the Tipoca City training grounds. He was shot and killed during the Separatist attack on the city in 22 BBY.

Captain Jai’galaar (CT-55/11-9009) was a pilot in the 127th Gunship Wing, who was demoted from Commander after the battle of Katraasii. He was drafted as a test pilot for the ARC-170 starfighters by Jedi General Plo Koon, and was with him at Cato Neimoidia when Order 66 was issued, prompting Jag to shoot down Koon. Commander Jet (CC-1993) served with Jedi General Ki-Adi-Mundi, and was part of a mission to reconquer Geonosis in 21 BBY. After some trouble they were able to destroy Poggle the Lesser’s main droid foundries. Captain Keeli served under Jedi General Ima-Gun Di, and was dispatched to Ryloth to aid Cham Syndulla and the resistance. Both he and Di were killed in action, allowing the Twi’leks to escape with food and medical supplies. Captain Lock (CC-4142) served in Horn Company under Jedi General Eeth Koth. In 21 BBY their ship Steadfast was attacked by Separatists, but Koth soon ordered Lock and his troops to retreat through the escape pods. Commander Monnk was a SCUBA trooper serving with Jedi General Kit Fisto. He was assigned to a mission to Dac during the civil war between the Mon Calamari and the Quarren. He ended up in a prison camp, but after aiding in the successful liberation of Dac.

Commander Neyo (CC-8826) was an Advanced Recon Commando serving in the 91st Reconnaissance Corps. He was stationed on Saleucami with Jedi General Stass Allie during the final months of the Clone Wars, and shot her during a patrol after Order 66 was issued. Commander Ponds (CC-6454) was in command of Lightning Squad, and fought on multiple fronts from Ryloth to Malastare. While stationed on the Endurance on a respite, he was taken hostage by Boba Fett, and later executed by Aurra Sing. Captain Rex (CT-7567) served in the 501st Legion, and saw frontline action with Jedi General Anakin Skywalker from Christophsis to Onderon. He later relinquished command of the 501st and ended up living out the war with Gregor and Wolffe, the three having removed their Order 66 implants. Captain Silver was in command of one of the many Pelta-class frigates of the Republic. He rescued survivors from the explosion on board the Endurance, and transported them back to a medical station. Commander Stone (CC-5869) served in the Coruscant Guard, and was part of the diplomatic escort of Senator Kharrus to Florrum. They were lead into a trap by Hondo Ohnaka, but Stone managed to escape the planet with Skywalker and Kenobi.

Commander Thire (CC-4477) was in charge of the shock troopers of the Coruscant Guard. In his early days he served with Jedi Master Yoda, as a lieutenant on a diplomatic mission to Rugosa. After Order 66 he lead his troops into the bowels of the Senate building, in search of that same Jedi Master that had saved his life on Rugosa. Commander Thorn served in the Coruscant Guard, and was detached to escort Senator Amidala to Scipio. An attack by Separatist troops left them with no reinforcements, and Thorn was killed by a commando droid. Commander Trauma was an Advance Recon Force trooper, serving with Jedi General Halsey. He fought alongside Halsey at Devaron’s Temple of Eedit, but their entire force was annihilated by Savage Opress. Commander Wolffe (CC-3636) was the leader of the 140th Battalion’s famed Wolfpack Squad, and served with Jedi General Plo Koon. He saw action on fronts as Khorm and Aleen, and was part of the mission that recovered the lightsaber of Sifo Dyas on the moon of Oba Diah. Captain Zak was serving on the ship that transported Jedi Master Yoda to meet King Katuunko on Rugosa, when they were ambushed by Separatist frigates. Yoda and his troops took an escape pod down to the moon, while Zak and his ship retreated.

With Star Wars: The Clone Wars over, it might take us a while to encounter new clone commanders in the Star Wars universe. But we still have Rex, Wolffe, and Gregor in Star Wars Rebels. And who knows what might follow? Until then, “vode an”!

Kevin Beentjes (Wild Whiphid) is a molecular biologist working at the Dutch natural history museum. He is an editor for TeeKay-421, an administrator for Yodapedia, and fascinated with the myriad of alien life forms, in that galaxy far, far away.