Rocket - Jumper Elite Advance Unit The Rocket - Jumper Elite Advance Unit ( R - EAU ) , known commonly as the Republic rocket - jumpers , was an elite soldier equipped with a rocket pack , used by the Galactic Republic millennia before the rise of the Empire . They were organized as a part of the Republic Army . Characteristics . 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 . 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 . Republic rocket - jumpers were also deployed to break stalemates and sieges by dropping straight into the heavy fighting . 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 . 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 , 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 in Galactic City . 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 . 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 . They were equipped with a Zim Systems ROCKET personal rocket pack , armor , 0033X grenades , and a pulse - wave rifle . History . The unit was initially formed in the year 11 , 000 BBY when a reliable form of jet - propelled packs was developed . During the Pius Dea Civil War , which ended Pius Dea domination over the Galactic Republic , rocket jumpers played an important role in the Jedi victory over Pius Dea forces on Ord Carida . Since that time , they participated in major battles which included the Second Herglic Feud , the Waymancy Storm , the Gank Massacres and the Quesaya Border Conflict . Senator Netus served with them prior to his service as Minister of Defense . During the Great Droid Revolution , they were defeated by Juggernaut war droid s in a battle over Monument Plaza on Coruscant . They were also deployed in support of the Beast Riders during the Second Battle of Onderon and served in the Quesaya Border Conflict . They were carried aboard rocket - jumper troopship s . They were ultimately disbanded in the year 1000 BBY , following the Ruusan Reformation which saw the Republic Army vanish and be replaced by the Judicial Forces . While they no longer operated , the tactics of the group continued to live on . During the Clone Wars , the newly formed Grand Army of the Republic made use of clone jet trooper s that employed the same lightning tactics as the old rocket - jumper divisions . The Galactic Empire also continued the practice by commissioning Airtrooper military units . 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 the Freedom Warriors and Atrisian Assault Corps . Legacy . By the time of the Galactic Empire , the stormtrooper TX - 5532 cited the Rocket - Jumper Elite Advanced Unit as being the closest equivalent corps of elite , first - attack soldiers to the Stormtrooper Corps .