Star Wars universe, have you ever wondered which armies stand as the mightiest?
From the disciplined ranks of the Grand Army of the Republic, born from the genetic blueprint of Jango Fett and pivotal during the Clone Wars, to the tyrannical might of the Galactic Empire that rose from the Republic’s ashes.
The Rebel Alliance, whose resilience and daring strategies brought the Empire to its knees.
Each force, with its unique strengths and legendary battles, has left an indelible mark on the galaxy.
Top 1. Grand Army of The Republic
The Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), also known as the Great Army of the Republic, the Republic Army, the Grand Army, the Galactic Army, or simply the Clone Army.
Was the army branch of the Republic Military throughout the duration of the Clone Wars.
GAR, made up of millions of clone troopers cloned from bounty hunter Jango Fett, was a powerful force in the Clone Wars.
They were strong not only because there were so many of them, but also because they were well-trained, well-organized, and used high-tech gear and vehicles smartly.
The GAR was meticulously organized into a hierarchy of units, each varying in size and leadership roles.
Here’s a detailed look at how this structure is organized, from the smallest to the largest units.
Squad: The foundational unit of the Grand Army of the Republic, consisting of nine troopers under the leadership of a Clone Sergeant.
Platoon:
- Comprises four squads, for a total of 36 soldiers.
- Led by a Clone Lieutenant, bringing the unit’s strength to 37.
Company:
- Formed from four platoons, resulting in 144 troopers.
- Commanded by a Clone Captain.
Battalion:
- Consists of four companies, totaling 576 troopers.
- Directed by either a Jedi General or a Clone Commander.
Order 66 and Aftermath
The true intent behind the Grand Army was unveiled in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” when Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, secretly Sith Lord Darth Sidious, enacted Order 66.
This secret order compelled the clone troopers to turn against and eliminate their Jedi leaders, resulting in the near destruction of the Jedi Order.
This pivotal moment facilitated Palpatine’s transformation of the Republic into the Galactic Empire.
In the war’s aftermath, the Republic’s clone soldiers were gradually phased out, and replaced by stormtroopers, enlisted troops that became the backbone of the Empire’s military might.
Top 2. Galactic Empire
The Galactic Empire, also referred to as the First Galactic Empire, the Evil Galactic Empire, or simply the Empire, emerged as the authoritarian regime that succeeded the Galactic Republic following the Clone Wars.
The Empire promised to usher in an era of order but instead marked a time of strict military governance and aggressive territorial expansion.
The Empire, secretly under Sith control with the Sith Lord Darth Sidious as the Galactic Emperor and his apprentice, Darth Vader, as Commander-in-Chief, was established through a Sith plot to obliterate the Jedi Order and seize the galaxy.
The Empire’s reign, characterized by decisive actions and policies to cement its authority, lasted only two decades before being toppled by the Alliance to Restore the Republic in the Galactic Civil War.
The key actions and policies the Galactic Empire implemented to solidify its control over the galaxy in the Star Wars universe:
- Dissolution of the Imperial Senate: Emperor Palpatine dissolved this key Republic institution, centralizing authority and eliminating the need for political debate, a move that steered the Empire closer to total dictatorship.
- Imperial Summit on Eriadu: A critical meeting of the Empire’s elite to formulate strategies for dominance, illustrating the regime’s methodical approach to expanding its control.
- Senatorial Arrests: The Empire detained political figures critical of Palpatine’s rule, stifling opposition and consolidating its grip on power.
- Celebration of the Jedi Order’s Eradication: Publicly celebrating the destruction of the Jedi underscored the Empire’s victory over its adversaries and signaled the elimination of resistance.
- Excavation of the Lothal Jedi Temple: Delving into ancient Jedi sites, the Empire sought to commandeer Jedi knowledge and power, demonstrating its intent to obliterate the light side’s legacy and bolster the dark side’s dominion.
Top 3. Rebel Alliance
The Rebel Alliance, officially named the Alliance to Restore the Republic, emerged as a formidable resistance movement against the Galactic Empire’s tyranny.
Central to the original Star Wars trilogy, their efforts led to the Empire’s downfall in “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.”
Comprised of various factions opposed to the Empire, including elements from the old Galactic Republic, the Delegation of 2,000, and remnants of the Separatist Alliance, the Rebel Alliance unified under the leadership of Senator Mon Mothma, Senator Bail Organa, and other key figures.
These leaders rallied senators who were disillusioned with Emperor Palpatine’s rule, surviving Jedi, and freedom fighters galaxy-wide to stand against the Empire’s oppressive regime.
Notable Achievements of the Rebel Alliance:
- Covert Operations: Engaging in stealth missions on Imperial worlds, the Alliance employed guerrilla tactics and a nomadic approach to warfare, challenging the Imperial Fleet across the galaxy.
- Stealing the Death Star Plans: In a daring operation, the Rebels secured the plans for the Death Star, striking a critical blow to the Empire’s might.
- Battle of Yavin: Following the destruction of a key planet, the Empire tracked the Millennium Falcon to the Rebel base on Yavin 4. The Rebels launched an offensive against the Death Star, aiming to eliminate this threat once and for all.
- Destruction of the Second Death Star: The Rebel Alliance once again faced off against the Empire, ultimately destroying the second Death Star, leading to the Empire’s collapse and the Republic’s restoration.
