Kota's Militia

Kota's **Militia** was a unique combat unit of battle-hardened soldiers that fought in the service of the Galactic Republic during the Clone Wars.

## History

After the Clone Wars began between the Galactic Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems, the Jedi Order quickly moved to protect the galaxy from the Separatist, and thus they accepted command of the newly-formed Grand Army of the Republic. Jedi Master Rahm Kota was determined to defend the Republic as well, although he declined to lead the clone troopers. Unlike other Jedi, Kota did not trust the Clone Army. Furthermore, he believed that clone soldiers were unfit for battle. Kota found "real" Humans to be more creative, intelligent and versatile than the clones. Hence, he established a private unit of highly-trained soldiers recruited from various local militias, mercenaries, and even Separatist prisoners of war. The result was a small, but efficient fighting force, composed of soldiers noted for their battlefield effectiveness and personal loyalty to General Kota.

## Overview

The Militia soldiers were clad in armor and uniforms that resembled those that would later be worn by the Special Forces during the War. Most troopers were armed with blaster rifles, stun batons, missile launchers and thermal grenades. Elite members were issued heavier armor and repeating blaster cannons. Furthermore, the Militia possessed several commandeered MAAT gunships, at least 3 CR90 corvettes, and dozens of BTL-S3 Y-wing starfighters. They would later also possess a several Republic Cruisers. Many of their weapons and vehicles were purchased from criminal organizations, such as the Lok Revenants.

Small in number, the Militia relied mainly on the element of surprise and hit-and-run tactics. Though vastly outnumbered by both the Droid army of the Confederacy of Independent Systems and later outmatched by the much larger Imperial Military, the Militia was composed of soldiers who were committed to the cause of rebellion against the Imperium. They demonstrated qualities such as loyalty to Rahm Kota, dedication to his cause, courage against Imperial soldiers, and the willingness to die for their Jedi General.

## Soldier types

### Elite

The most skilled and reliable members of Kota's Militia were honored with position in the General's heavy weapons detail. Armed with large repeating blaster cannons, the Elites were regarded as more than a match for even the most battle-hardened Imperial soldiers. Their combat role included the providing of cover fire for other Militia members, as well as the defense of key positions during raids.

### Heavy Trooper

Heavy Troopers utilized equipment similar to those of the Militia Saboteur, but were primarily armed with missile launchers. They accompanied other variant soldiers of the Militia, providing long-range fire support against more heavily armored and dangerous opponents. They were effective at killing enemy targets from a distance, but were also vulnerable in close-range combat. Hence, they relied on the protection of their comrades.

### Saboteur

The Saboteurs formed the backbone of General Kota's Militia. Armed with DH-17 and A280 blasters and thermal grenades, these soldiers were skilled at maneuvering in small, tight-knit groups. Since the Militia lacked the resources and manpower for a full-scale war against the Galactic Empire, the Saboteurs were also trained in hit-and-run tactics.

### Trooper

Militia Troopers were General Kota's hand-picked soldiers, chosen to be trained in the use of energized stun batons and Vibroswords. As such, they were mainly suited for close-quarters melee combat in environments filled with explosives and other hazards. These specialized soldiers relied on rushing at their enemies, surrounding and overwhelming them before a shot could be fired.