

These elite troopers cooperated with Jedi Knights on special assignments. He was actively involved in the very formation of the Special Forces and in the training of new recruits. Throughout the Great Galactic War and the Cold War, General Garza was the commander of the Republic Special Forces. The helmets in use by Clone Commanders (for example Clone Commander Cody Phase III) and some outstanding elite troops some 4,000 years later is remarkably similar to this design. The Special Forces troops of the Old Republic wore armor very much like that of the Clone Trooper, but differed in some cases with heavier specialized armor having been given to troopers that had reached elite status. It was not uncommon for Sith combatants to be completely demoralized when facing such highly trained foes. When operating solo or in groups, however, the trooper could still be a terrifying opponent to Sith enemies. Republic troopers participated to a great extent in the Cold War, often being deployed in small units to the most dangerous battle zones. Many quickly recruited Republic troopers were left to defend the remaining Republic territories without the help of the Jedi. The near elimination of the Jedi Order, though, excluded the possibility of a Jedi coup, but the new Sith rulers were equally, if not more, despised. This led to a diminished Jedi presence within the Republic and throughout the galaxy as anti-Jedi sentiment was rampant and many went into exile or hiding. Many Republic citizens questioned who was actually running the Republic as the Jedi had substantial involvement and influence in the Republic. However, following the Sacking of Coruscant by a large Sith invasion force, the Jedi withdrew to Tython and trust in them subsided. For centuries, the Republic had cooperated in conjunction with the Jedi on political, social and purely military (defensive, offensive and strategic) management. These units were selected as such based on elements such as: fighting skill, discipline and high morale. The Republic took adavantage of the temporary peace, developing elite Republic Special Forces units to counter the Sith army. Therefore, a future war was seen as inevitable. However, it was an uneasy truce as there was mutual dislike and distrust between the defeated Galactic Republic and the prosperous Sith Empire. The Treaty of Coruscant ended the bloody conflict in 3,653 BBY. An expeditionary force of Republic troopers was deployed to aid Alderaanians in the Battle of Alderaan when the Sith Empire invaded the peacable world. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the Sith Army.

Their deaths served as an inspiration for the Galactic Republic who had previously been fighting a losing war. All died fighting to the very end in the Battle of Bothawui. A detachment served under Jedi Master Belth Allusis. Well known battles in which republic troopers were present include the Battle of Bothawui and the Battle of Alderaan.

This period is known as the Great Galactic War. Republic troopers were deployed throughout the galaxy to battle the quickly spreading Sith menace, which had returned after many years of exile. Republic troopers were special forces of the Galactic Republic created to deal with threats from the Sith Empire following the Great Galactic War.
