"I am your worst nightmare. I have conquered fear, I have come to with terror, and pain is my best friend. I will come from nowhere, I will disappear without a trace. My brothers and sisters will lay down their lives for me, as I will for them. I am a Najenmik (Warrior), the first and last line of defence."

Type

Augmented Special Operations Forces

Government

Helghast Empire

Branch

Special Operations Command

Role

Advanced Special Operations

Collection of Military Intelligence

Collection of military intelligence in the battle space

Collection of military intelligence in undercover plain clothes operations

Collection of Human Intelligence (HUMINT)

Collection of Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)

Collection of Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT)

Collection of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT)

Collection of Technical Intelligence (TECHINT)

Direct Action against enemy forces

Battle space preparation by unconventional warfare in enemy territory

Offensive raids against enemy military infrastructure

Offensive raids against enemy garrisons

Offensive raids against targets of opportunity

Counter-terrorism operations inside UNSC territory in conjunction with other Special Forces and local Police Departments

Counter-terrorism operations outside UNSC territory

Hostage rescue

Tracking and elimination of terrorist personnel

Counter Revolutionary Warfare

Non-Conventional Operations

Paramilitary Operations

Force Multiplier in Conventional Warfare

Elite Shock Troopers

Allied Morale Booster

Psychological Warfare against the enemy's morale

Alternate names

Warriors

Motto

Official:

"Invocavi Ad Serviendum" (Called Upon To Serve)

Organization

Size

Regiment Size Formations

_______________________

History

The Najenmik Corps (Sometimes referred to as Special Proficiency, Assault, Reconnaissance and Tactical Augmented Nonconventional-force, Second Generation Program), is the Empire's most elite special forces unit, utilising genetic, surgical and cybernetic augments, powered exoskeletons, expert training and advanced wargear to secure victory for the Helghast against otherwise impossible odds. Najenmik are recruited from Imperial top-tier operators or from other closed super soldier programs, such as previous iterations of the Spartan program, or more secretive programs such as the Project Warrior, Project Siren and Project Myrmidon

First Generation(Old lore)

The Najenmik were formed shortly after the 21st Legion betrayed the Empire to become.

Mercenaries. After this betrayal from one of their best units, the Empire decided that further on, the Imperial special forces would need an intensive indoctrination and loyalty instilling regimen to ensure no other units would desert in a similar manner. The men and women in the Najenmik unit were the first to undergo this new program, slowly brainwashed during their decade long training to be completely and utterly loyal to the Empire, fiercely protective of every Imperial citizen regardless of species or creed, and hold pure contempt for traitors of any kind. Despite this, they retain their free will and higher cognitive abilities, the sole purpose of the reeducation program being to instill loyalty. The Najenmik are largely left to follow their own goals and objectives, with only the Autarch family themselves being able to give them direct orders.

Early Najenmik recruitment is among the most brutal processes in the known galaxy. Each Najenmik is chosen at the age of 15, and spends ten years training within their secret facilities. This decade of training has a very high death rate, with roughly half the enlistees dying throughout the ordeal, and roughly another third dropping out entirely. Those who fail to fully complete the Najenmik training are relegated to duties for those who were able to succeed. Each Najenmik recruit spends approximately three years of CQC training, with both hand-to-hand and melee weapons being used extensively, two years of firearm training from handguns, to snipers and light machine guns, four years of infiltration and asymmetrical warfare tactics, and a year of piloting various vehicles, all of which is spread out evenly throughout the ten years. In addition, all Najenmik are put in intense survival scenarios at least twice a year in various environments, left to survive and return completely on their own merits. There are often many recruits that never return from these scenarios. Those that survive this training, as a result of it, are expert marksmen as well as hand to hand fighters, demolitions experts, undetectable assassins, expert pilots, and have extensive experience in survival and asymmetrical warfare. They are given wide freedom in their decisions, from choosing their own objectives to customizing their own gear, all of which is Imperial state of the art. They are led by Vikar Detrick, widely considered one of the most efficient leaders in the Empire.

Rebirth

With the Najenmik disbanded following the death of Autarch, and most returned to their previous units (RTU), the Empire was left with only a few scattered 1st generation and 2nd generation teams. It was then that Colonel Urban Holland, of Imperial Special Forces, presented his proposal for the Thunderbolt Initiative.

The Thunderbolt Initiative was originally conceived during a discussion between Colonel Holland and Vikar Detrick at the end of the war. There were still many 1st generation operators left, several scattered teams of certified 2nd generations, and an entire company of prototype 3rd generation Najenmik, all still field capable but not all trained, equipped and augmented to similar levels. Both talked of the idea of retraining and re-equipping the 3rd generation with help from field experienced operators, but when Holland presented his idea to the ISAD, they turned him down in favour of new Lancer program.

Initially, Holland tried to again propose his program to the ISAD, and again failed, until he was approached by Doctor Ferro, who offered to lend not only his considerable clout at ISAD, and scientific expertise to the Initiative, but also the of Class-I Najenmik. Within a few months, Holland's program was given the green light, and preparations began. While ISAD was unsure of allowing their entire Najenmik force to be taken out of action for months, or even years, Holland revised the program to train batches at a time, to quickly get combat operable squads back into the fray.

This methodology of 'Special Operations training the Najenmik' quickly showed its merits, and the few Najenmik teams brought into the Thunderbolt Initiative quickly increased in skill and lethality under the close tutelage of Gen-I and II operators. This force was soon shaped into a lethal force, and multiplied in size significantly.

Recruitment

Initially, Najenmik recruitment followed extremely stringent recruitment protocols. The first recruits were embryotically grown or, children subjected to heavy personnel checks, looking at their history, service record and response to questions and images to gauge their sympathy for the enemy and loyalty to the Empire. These Najenmik saw augmentation and implantation in new teams, prior to specialised training. After this, Colonel Holland received clearance to begin recruiting Tier 1, 2 and 3-class Operators into the fold.

When the program began recruiting new potential Najenmik from unaugmented special forces operators, many of the same selection protocols applied, with the candidates subjected to intensive background and personality tests. Prior to this, potential recruits are selected via observation of their personnel records. Special Forces operators have huge records, recording their confirmed combat kills, intelligence quotient, combat skill, individual talents, completed training and specialisations, citations by superiors and peers, personnel reviews, psychological data and award citations. If they clear the numerous checks, they are cleared for selection.

Selection

Those picked for selection are subjected to the extreme '20 days of fire'. The 20 days consists of extreme physical exercises, usually individual exercises mixed with team exercises, for upwards of 20 hours in day, mental aptitude and reaction tests, then orienteering, ending in the 'duck hunt', where aspirants are abandoned in the highlands of Arcturus, to make it back to a camp, while hunted by a Special Forces team, who usually relish the hunt. They have a 3 day period to complete the course, usually under threat of airborne and motorised hunting teams equipped with PPT munitions. Those that make it back in an allotted time frame the selection.

Those moved from other augmented soldier programs, such as the Neverborn program, High-Priority Assassin Program, phase 1 Siren/Myrmidon programs only need to to physical and mental examinations then sent to augmentation and new training.

________________________

Augmentation

"The First Generation were a experimental leap, at best, the Second Generation a calculated guess and the Third Generation were a pale replica. But the Fourth Generation, they are Combat Evolved."―Ajax

Those candidates that the selection are brought to the Navy medical facility on Kodiak Station, orbiting Arcturus. The augmentation period is set over four weeks, usually with several surgeries per week.

The new program was designed to be as harsh as the Warrior program, with focus on team work and combat skills. A heavy specification was also placed onto specialization as well, to ensure that the unit could operate as a Marine company in combat. Without their knowledge, the candidates had already been undergoing augmentations, usually used on Marines. Using drugs used in previous tested augmentations and new drugs, there was a 99.9% rate of Najenmik.

Tier 1

Tier 1 was primarily a drug and gene therapy program to naturally increase their abilities, given to them during the duration of their augmentation in tailored amounts.

Type-λ Anabolic steroids: The Type-λ Anabloic Steroid is a reliable, safe Steroid that has been in use for over 250 years. The Type-λ Steroid, only cleared for use in 2546, out of desperation, is a synthetic Anabloic Steroid with very few side effects, is 'gender-safe' and has little hormonal interference. The drug strengthens muscle strength, density and encourages growth of new muscle fibres. It also encourages strengthening of bone tissue. The drug, mixed with a carefully controlled diet, increases the strength of the .

89567-MC11: Decreases muscle recovery time from strenuous exercise, increasing stamina's.

47833-BY22: Drugs that speed up the breaking down of fatty energy stores in the body (Conserved by Service diets) during strenuous exercise, increasing the amount of energy available.

Najenmik receive a number of gene therapy sessions to increase their natural strength and intelligence, and increase their resistance to certain chemical, biological and radiological elements and remove potential genetic 'time bombs'

Tier 2

Tier 2 was their cybernetic augmentations, including their neural interface and protective implants.

Neural Implant: The Najenmik are equipped with extensive Neural Implants. Using artificially grown neuro-fibres grown into microscopic computer chips, grown via galactose 'trails' then attached via neural surgery to the brain. There are a number of microscopic implants attached to each major section of the brain then connected to a control section implanted near each lobe, then all attached to the central nervous centre neurally bonded directly to the brain stem. Through the neural implants, s can communicate with each other, by thought, by sending coding electronic messages from one neural implant connected to a network to another and sending messages to connected systems, such as body armour or attached vehicles.

Rebreather Implants: The lungs are lined with a specially engineered 'intelligent' polymer that increases the Najenmik oxygen intake, filters toxins and allows them to breathe otherwise hostile environments, such as carbon dioxide rich atmospheres. This polymer has an incredibly affinity oxygen. This prevents poisonous gas attacks, asphyxia from an increase in gases other than oxygen and improves the cardiovascular system.

Vascular Implants: Vascular implants are installed that filter drugs, toxins and viral agents from the blood stream to severely reduce their effect. Najenmik develop incredible resistances to absorbed or injected chemicals, making it near impossible to drug them.

Nervous System Implants: A number of microscopic implants in the nervous system designed to stop nerve toxins from affecting the nervous system by neutralising them first. This gives them resistance to nerve gases, electroshock weaponry and neural inhibitors.

Node 31.7: A Node that is reverse engineered from *CLASSIFIED UNDER DIRECTIVE:REVENANT* that produces nanites that give the Najenmik an incredibly immunity to viral and bacterial threats, natural or not. It also gives them total resistance against nano-viruses and limited resistance to chemical weapons and carcinogens.

Node 32.1: A Node that is reversed engineered from *CLASSIFIED UNDER DIRECTIVE:REVENANT* that produces a number of specialized nanites that greatly increase the healing time of the body by provoking cell division, creating on site clotting agents though the production of Leucocytic coprotien complexes and microfibrin spindlase clotting agents, breaking down harmful substances in the body such as Lactic Acid and in some rumoured cases, keeping the body alive in near death circumstances by manually feeding the brain oxygen to maintain the brain, and causing short burst electric shocks (as a colony) to the heart in an attempt to revive it, even after the body has 'died', though development in this field has been restricted.

Tier 3

Their final Augmentations, that would mark them as 'true' Najenmik, was a mixture of drug, cybernetic and physical surgical alterations.

Drug therapy Augments: The Najenmik were greatly enhanced by the use of drugs

Drug 8942-LQ99: A carbide ceramic ossification catalyst. This significantly strengthens bone structure, making the bone structure dense and extremely tough.

Drug 88005-MX77: A fibroid muscular protein complex that increased muscle density and decreased lactose recovery time and allowed them to lift three times their own body weight. This was applied to every major body muscle, especially skeletal muscles, along with the post augmented heart. This gave them, even without their nano armor, fantastic raw strength.

Drug 88947-OP24:A retina-inversion stabilizer drug. A drug that boosted colour vision and night vision by increasing blood flow beneath the rods and cones of the eye. Not only did their eyesight become sharper and keener, with a low diffraction rate, giving them extremely long range eyesight, but they could also see in low light situations very clearly.

37895-CT69 which safely facilitates the superconducting fabrication of neural drendites, altering the bioelectrical nerve transduction to shielded electronic transduction. Resulting in a 300 percent increase in reflexes. Increase in intelligence, memory, and creativity.

Physical Augments: The Najenmik also underwent a number of physical and cybernetic augments

AEGIS Ceramic Augment: While drug 8942-LQ99 significantly strengthens bones, it paves the way for surgical grafting of AEGIS Ceramic armour to skeleton. coverage covers almost 57% of bone because, thanks to newer, nano-assembled porous materials, which prevents necrosis of white blood cells and allows easy transfer of chemicals across the armour and bone. This allows the majority of the Najenmik bones to be armoured, mostly the cranium, rib cage, hip, tibia's, fibula's, femur, radius, ulna, humerus and spine. this makes those bones almost unbreakable, owing to much of the Najenmik extreme hardiness, survivability from extreme conditions and high falls.

Lydecker's Carapace: A experimental application of cultures of flash cloned bone and cartilage, these are custom grown for each SPARTAN, reinforced by Carbide ossification and AEGIS Ceramic grafting then surgically applied. The bones form rib bone sized and shaped pieces, with cartilage which is induced by biochemical procedures to anchor itself to bone. They are applied to rib bones to cover the intercostal spaces, anchored firmly to the upper rib. This makes an overlapping set of natural armour, greatly increasing the protection of their higher muscles and organs and in particular a resistance to stabbing injuries. The resulting augment leaves the rib cage bullet proof to small calibre rounds.

Cardio-enhancement surgery: This consisted of surgery aimed at the heart. Using flash grown muscle tissues and on site repair, bonding and nerve and blood vessel pathway creation by *CLASSIFIED UNDER DIRECTIVE:REVENANT* that produces nanites, the cardiac volume can be greatly increased, along with using Drug 88005-MX77 to increase its effectiveness as well. This was in part to other new physical augments.

Pulmonary enhancement surgery: The surface area of the lungs is greatly increased through surgery and chemical augmentation, increasing lung capacity and fitted with implants to reduced vulnerability to chemical and biological weapons.

Endoskeletal weaves are applied to all major bone structures. This is done with micro-nanite surgery which reinforce the skeleton with a synthetic armour weave, making bones substantially stronger.

Pancreas Replacement: The Pancreas is replaced by a vat grown organ, studded with cybernetic implants linked to the medical sensors. This new and improved organ produces larger amounts of vital hormones and improved digestive enzymes to increase the amount of nutrients gained from food. This is all controlled by the micro-implants, carefully maintaining the body's balance and peak performance.

Major muscle groups are treated with nanite colonies that perforate muscles with synthetic fibres that increase the strength of the muscle and resistance to damage, while decreasing the potential damage gained for muscle exertion, making Servicemen stronger, more hardy and giving them greater endurance.

The skin is impregnated with a micro-lattice of strong synthetic fibres to increase over all resistance to damage and reduce the harmful effects of UV light and burning against skin.

SOCOM cybernetic package:

Thunderbolt Reflex Booster: The Reflex Booster is a cybernetic augmentation that boosts the reflex of the and improves reaction time. This allows a to react faster than an un-augmented human and split their attention between multiple targets. The system itself consists of a central hub connected to a module installed in the spine, with nodes in the arms and legs, connected to major nerve bundles and to other sections of the Vestibular system, which controls dexterity, muscle control and reaction time. The nodes are activated by the central module, sending signals to the nodes at the speed of thought, then back at coordinating systems in the spine. By stimulating neurons, this system replaces absent sensor function and enables enhanced function, with some training.

CX-7 Interceptor Implants: The Interceptor implant uses implanted bio-plastic lenses in the eye, embedded with nano-circuitry with neural laces attached to the optical nerve. These lenses, at a basic level, can enhance visual acuity, allowing vision at extended range. They can also produce a limited HUD when attached to an external system, through the 's neural interface. The Interceptor implant can also take visually attained data and feed it through to other implants to share data, enhance reactions and even record live data. The Interceptor also provides limited protection against high power glare, even those produced by man-made sources, such as flash bang grenades.

MD-66 NeuroLink Electronic System: The MD-66 NeuroLink is a specialised electronic system that provides a wireless system link to not only external systems but to internal systems. It also has a number of plug in slots for expanding systems to improve its functionality and add uses. The MD-66 NeuroLink is itself, plugged into the Neural Lace, providing a bulwark between the Neural Lace and the mind itself. The MD-66 NeuroLink links to any other active augmentation, sending and receiving data on their running, acting as a central diagnostic and control system. It also provides a centralized protection against cybernetic attacks, with complex defensive hardware and software. The Wireless system also allows it to send and receive narrowband microwave messages and interfaces with nearby wireless systems. When hooked into larger, more powerful communication systems, like MJOLNIR armour, it allows for 'radio telepathy', sending messages interpreted straight from brain input.

MD-661 Cybernetic Warfare Module: The MD-661 CWM (CyWar) is a plugin module for the NeuroLink that provides offensive Cyber Warfare systems for the operator. This module contains numerous high power processors and Us, with codebreaking systems, counter-cryptographic subroutines and Information Warfare solutions to defeat millions of different defences, from across the entirety of Alliance Space.

MD662 Network Analysis Module: The MD661 NAM is a module that uses specialised scripting systems to analyze and silently snoop on systems, without raising alarm systems. This allows it to intrude for investigation, though prevents major data insertion or retrieval.

Adrenal Thermal Metabolase Implant: Adrenal implant that releases a catalyst that enhances adrenal response during times of physiological stress, but also produces and controls a nanite containing co-enzyme inhibitor for the harmful by-product of the catalyst. This implant allows for enhanced responses during scenarios entailing extreme pressure.

FQ-67 Cognitive Enhancement Implant: The CEI implantation consists of four separate implants, two plugged into each hemisphere of the brain. Each implant consists of a brain machine interface, with a highly specialised U cluster that is designed to enhance brain function. It delicately provides nootropic stimulation, enhancing brain function. Through controlled stimulation, data parsing and enhancement, it can achieve neural synchronisity, allowing for faster brains, that can react faster, process data faster and provide fast data s.

QR-4 Medical System: The QR-4 consists of a large network of finely tuned augments that monitor the health of the operator and work to restore it in the event their health is endangered. The central augment consists of a diagnostic module implanted in the lower back that controls smaller secondary modules in the occurrence of critical damage through internal or external trauma.

Sensors: The Sensor module consists of hair thin sensors attached to the vital organs. These sensors monitor the health status of the operator, and can alert him to organ failure, damage or trauma. There are also sensors in the lymphatic system and adrenal glands.

Implanted Defibrillator: The Defibrillator module consists of inbuilt paddles, intended to re-establish normal sinus rhythm in the event the heart undergoes arrhythmia. This defibrillator has a charge of 80 and can be vital in saving the life of a critically injured operator. The unit is directly controlled by the Medical System and carefully controlled, allowing precise control of the electric pulses.

Wound Suppression System: The WSS consists of a number of modules designed to decrease healing time without potential life threatening side effects. One module controls Leucocytic coprotein complex and microfibrin spindlase distribution from nanite controlled nodes, allowing for near instant clotting of vascular breaches, without incurring fatal blood clots, through carefully controlled application and nanite control systems. The second module is an Angiogenesis Protein Therapy system, promoting growth of new blood vessels from existing ones to heal wounds at an increased pace. The last module is a Nerve Stimulator implant, intended to control the release of neurotransmitters related to healing and recovery, allowing for neuromodulation of the immune system, allowing for control of the immune cycles, reduction in systemic inflammation and increases in the speed of healing.

XA-91 Inner Ear Implants: A series of carefully introduced implants to the inner ear, intended to protect the ears from auditory assault, sharpens hearing and directional detection and implants to the balance centres, that not only protect them from potential confusion but increases their ability to maintain their balance, giving them incredibly balance and agility. A number of inner ear implants also manipulate the small bones in the ear, allowing it to produce like for like sound, when audio data is transmitted to the NeuroLink. This generates a 'silent' radio receiver so an operative can receive updates without alerting others.

XI-116 Neural Stabilization System: The NSFS is a cranial implant that reads produced by the inner ear and optical implants to adjust the operators output. every second the augment monitors the operators orientation and balance then processes this into positive , modifying this out put so the operators balance and hand-eye co-ordination and muscle control is regulated and enhance.

BH-22 Microprobe Throat Implant: This implant allows a to send audio messages through their NeuroLink without actually speaking, by manipulating their vocal chords. This means an Operator can send audio messages online without the use of microphones, recording equipent, or even moving their mouth.

________________________

Training

"For the first time, we understood the abilities of the technology, the training necessary, with experienced hands who understood the limits of endurance they would reach. We were crafting the perfect soldiers."―Melanie

Phase 1 (Augmentation Acclimatisation)

Following augmentation the first phase of their training began. The Najenmik were acclimated to their new augments a battery of physical and mental exercises, and a number of tests to ensure the new implants and augmentations are functioning properly. These included extensive physical exercises allowing them to more accurately control their increased strength and improved reflexes. This also included significant hand-eye coordination tests, reflex tests, physical exercises, stamina tests and mental tests, all intended to gauge the level at which their attributes have been improved. This is followed by a familiarization course on the function and use of their new neural implants (Should they not already be equipped with them.).

At randomised times during this phase, and all others, Najenmik may come under assault by their instructors or be subjected to gas attack, requiring decisive and quick action.

Phase 2 (Armor Certification)

This phase of training is better known as 'Armour School' among the recruits. During this phase they will be introduced to their first Nano armour, the N1. During their crash course, they go under several weeks of training. At first, they learn to walk in their armour, then run, and finally all the natural movements they would have outside of their armour, tackling assault courses like they were nothing. They then begin system familiarization, becoming familiar with using, maintaining and exploiting the armors system, learning of the numerous bolt on electronic packages, armour modules and manipulating the electronic systems. This training will involve sparring, tackling an advanced course combining shooting and obstacle course and, engaging a remote wireless system using only on-board electronics and the drop course, which requires them to perform two leaps, one from the 300 metre tall signals tower in the Urban Combat Arena and are expected to use shielding shaped into wingsuits to navigate their way out, and the second jump is from a transport in low orbit, with no chute. Once familiarised with armor systems, they are introduced to specialised variations, though full familiarization with these occurs later.

Phase 3 (Shooting, Advanced Weapons, Close Combat, Vehicle Familiarisation and Electronics)

Phase 3 introduces Najenmik first to many of the most advanced war fighting gear in the Empire. The longest phase, the entire training session is punctuated by frequent and intense live fire exercises. During this phase, Najenmik will fire more ammunition than every other unit in SOCOM combined. Their primary lessons focus on high accuracy engagements with a variety of targets, including ranged stationary targets and moving targets. Next they'll be expected to run the 'kill house'. The kill house, modelled on the Endeavor hanger deck, utilises advanced holography and hard light projections to create convincing combat arenas. At first, individual Najenmik will run the kill house against static targets, then in teams of two, three, and run up to teams of four. These static targets will increase in complexity until they eventually face mobile holographic hostiles, carrying hostages with live ammunition. These two lessons are repeated continually at first, until they are introduced to the next few lessons.

Najenmik will be introduced to close combat/unarmed combat training, practice to utilise their super human strength and reflex to perform moves otherwise impossible. Their training will involve sparring with other Najenmik trainees and non-augmented trainers, practising with bladed weapons and finally more practical lessons, such as disarming an opponent, silently taking down a number of different enemies and fighting other Najenmik, bedecked in full N1 Armor.

Utilising the most advanced weaponry the Empire possesses, they'll learn to utilise, strip and maintain these weapons. They also begin familiarization with non-standard weapons, foreign weapons and the weapons of their enemies and are expected to be as deadly with the enemies firearms as they are with their own. Similarly, they'll go through vehicle familiarization, and are expected to have a full working knowledge of their most commonly combat vehicles, such as the ICRV, Flashes, Fenris and Apex, and have the knowledge to operate any friendly or enemy vehicle. Lastly, they'll be introduced to the full spectrum of Imperial electronics. Every little piece of equipment like radios, data recorders, sensor beacons, remote weapons, drone systems, they have to learn it all. They also familiarise themselves with electronics associated with Ecumene and UNOS forces. They'll rotate between all these lessons during this phase.

Phase 4 (Advanced Tactics)

Phase 4 introduces Najenmik to many unusual and specialised tactics required in their service. Their first lessons involve demolitions and entry systems. Utilising explosives, they'll learn our to blow an entry into a build, demolish a target and a great many other wondrous uses for high explosives, as as how to properly employ them, or even build them from common materials, as well as familiarity with the uses and effects of explosives used by their enemies. For entry tests, they'll learn and practice entering a hostile building, using explosives, lock picks, tools, electronic systems, hydraulic battering rams breaching munitions (From shotguns or micro rockets) or cutting their way in.

During this phase they will also begin 'trade craft' expertise, where representatives from the ISAD will begin tutoring them on espionage, ing agents and informants, conducting surveillance and counter-surveillance, accessing military and public networks illegally and interrogation. They will also learn executive protection, learning how to protect and escort VIPs.

Najenmik will also learn advanced field aid and medical treatment, as well as interrogation resistance (Most of which is performed in the darkly famed "Black Pit", intended to break Najenmik.

They will begin learning lessons on small unit tactics, practising in randomised teams on how to execute combat manoeuvres, with frequent war games matchmaking in the Kill House to test and hone their skills.

Their second last skill training is for languages. Across the breadth of space, there are many different cultures. While all N1 units are fitted with translation software, being unable to speak the native tongue is often a tell tale sign of an outsider. Najenmik learn a number of different languages, with recent options for Ecumene, Zetan among them. This course is mandatory for all Najenmik.

Lastly, they'll learn hostage rescue. This begins with rapid target identifying, with static targets switching between 'enemy' and 'friendly'. This will escalate to holographic targets holding hostages, practising sniping hostile targets in a hostage situation and lastly, their ultimate test in this area, dynamically entering a target building held by holographic terrorists, with several teams working in conjunction and using live ammo, while their fellow Najenmik play hostage.

Phase 5 (Hazardous Environments)

The Hazardous Environments phase is perhaps the most dangerous one. Najenmik initially begin this exercise with specialised parachuting, including from low orbit and base jumping, as well as utilising several well known military parachuting techniques such as wingsuits, High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) and the more stealthy High Altitude, High Opening (HAHO). It'll also include orienteering, navigation and advanced survival skills, utilising natural remedies to treat injuries, hunting and gathering and finding their way without the use of maps or navigational equipment.

They'll begin a phase of combat diving, learning how to perform long distance water-borne insertions, in and out of The Nanosuit, fight under water, plant explosives and all the while they have to contend with the random sabotage of their own diving gear. All of the combat diving training is performed on Emerald Cove.

Next they begin their Zero-G training. Decidedly tricky, and very dangerous, they practice deep space and orbital combat exercises, learning how to fight and battle in a low to zero gravity environment. They'll learn to enter space stations and warships, perform a variety of Single Occupant Exoatmospheric Insertion Vehicle (SOEIV) entries, as well as utilising its more advanced cousin, the Long Range Stealth Orbital Insertion Pod (LRSOIP). Their last test for this element of their training is the notoriously unpredictable slipspace transition, wherein they'll leave a ship in slipspace and transition back to real space, hopefully to be picked up.

The last phase of their training is the extreme environment training, involving lessons on obscenely inhospitable environments, such as Arctic conditions, lifeless deserts, mountain climbing, deep sea navigation, high pressure environments, low pressure environments and asteroids. The last two elements of this training course are two intense trials, intended to put their hazardous environment knowledge to the test. The first test involves them being air dropped onto the notoriously hostile world of Erebus VII. The tectonically active crust, the monstrous super-flora and highly predatory creatures make escaping the world difficult. In full armour and equipped with basic survival gear, Najenmik are expected to make it to their extraction zone safely. The second drop makes Erebus look like a walk in the park. The world of Styx can adequately be described as nightmarish. A high pressure atmosphere of sulphur dioxide, seas of corrosive acid, active volcanoes spewing fire and constant streams of magma, burning hot days followed by freezing cold nights and mild radiation to boot, it is utterly inhospitable to life. Najenmik are dropped in HAZOP armour and expect it to make it back to the only facility on the planet, a Imperial Navy training facility. They have only a few days on the planet before their armour begins to fail, from heat, corrosion and pressure, and once a single component fails, they'll be dead within 1 minute.

Phase 6 (Specialist Training)

The last phase of genuine training was the beginning of the Najenmik specialist training. Up until now, Najenmik received no specialist training and were instead trained in a great variety of areas. Constant observation, past records, psych exams and skill scores in various training areas and cross examination by the training artificial intelligences are used to come up with a number of advised training courses, though ultimately the Najenmik will choose the three they will complete over the next few weeks. Some are brought over from the original Thunderbolt Initiative, while others have been introduced for increased specialisation. The specialist training courses are as follows.

•Sniper School: The Sniper School trains Najenmik to perform as long distance target purgers. During this intensive course, they will learn a number of new skills and hone their sniping skills. Teamed with a partner, they will take in being sniper/observer, and learn advanced techniques, such as selecting the optimum position, employing concealment, spotting and directing ranged ordnance strikes, shadowing and observing enemy forces, employing patience, eliminating targets at obscene ranges and learning counter-sniper and asymmetric warfare techniques, learning to demoralise the enemy and break their chain of command.

[IC•]Advanced Close Quarter Combat Breacher: This school hones the Najenmik for breaching situations, honing their skill at breaching fortified and non-fortified positions, warships and other locations, while employing high accuracy fire at high speeds to avoid taking out friendlies.

•Surreptitious Entry: The more subversive version of the prior training school, this focuses on utilising mechanical and electronic byes to enter a secure area. A highly technical school, Najenmik are expected to be able to pick high security locks in seconds and be able to fool electronic locks just as easily.

•Advanced Surveillance Operations: In the ASO school, Najenmik improve their surveillance abilities, hunting targets even when the trail has been cold for some time. Using psychology, technology and hunting techniques of ancient tribes, Najenmik are expected to be able to locate, follow and observe a target without being noticed.

•Advanced Vehicle Skills: While most Najenmik are familiar with most vehicles, those in the AVS are expected to become experts on the vehicles of the Helghast military, those of their allies, and those of their enemies. As well as knowing how to deconstruct, repair and rebuild their own vehicles, they can identify enemy vehicles and advise the most prudent manner for destroying them. These Najenmik often go on to become ASP team .

•Advanced Combat Engineering Course: A specialised training course, this mixes advanced demolitions techniques with advanced combat engineering skills, allowing Combat Engineers to not only break it, but fix it. Familiarising themselves with Helghast and alien technology, they'll learn to repair or sabotage a wide variety of technologies, and learn how to properly apply explosives, especially in regards to large structures, demolishing bridges, towers, dams and buildings.

•Drone Operator: Najenmik are expected to have significant drone combat , and drone operators are at the forefront of that. Learning the various drones of the Helghast, they'll learn how to communicate, direct and repair them should they suffer damage. Najenmik rely on significant drone in the field to make up for their obvious short comings in numbers and ordnance. These operators, by the end of their stint will often be able to direct several drones simultaneously, with startling skill.

•Warfare Combat Fighting Course: The most popular course, the SWCFC hones every element of a Najenmik skill base, teaching them advanced combat techniques, honing their accuracy in combat situations and their close and unarmed combat skills. It'll also hone their familiarization with firearms and explosives of the Helghast.

Officer Course: Najenmik officer candidates are commonly earmarked for this school, as it provides them with all the advanced leadership training they need, learning to coordinate and direct a section of Najenmik. Long serving NCOs also qualify for this school.

•Infantry Leader Course: A school for NCO leaders, it focuses on combat leadership of small units and maintaining unit cohesion under pressure.

•Warrant Officer Course: Najenmik who show skill at advisory, technical and operational skill will be selected for Warrant Officer school, cramming in a wide variety of subjects such as operational , learning technical skills to forces in the field and combat advising. Usually, they will work alongside special forces, serving under a Warrant Officer for training, before being returned to be embedded with a Najenmik unit.

•Special Weapons School: Najenmik in the SWS learn to become precise and deadly with a range of exotic weapons not commonly seen, even in special forces. Energy weapons, long range munition launchers and other types of heavy weapons are often par for the course. Najenmik also learn to intimately know weapons from outside the Empire, and be familiar with their performance, range and lethality, to advise their team on how to best handle them, or go against them.

•Advanced Cyberwarfare: An extremely academic course, Najenmik will take their basic cyber and electronic warfare knowledge and take it the next step, learning to penetrate secured systems with ease, manipulate data and otherwise exploit the enemies electronics and networking.

•Advanced Scouting Tactics: Learning in this school emphasises stealth, with Najenmik learning on how to avoid detection from almost all methods, such as evading trackers, dogs, cameras and electronic sensors. They'll learn to observe targets at a distance and at close range, as well as on how to infiltrate secure positions and silently eliminate a foe.

•Hazardous Environs School: HAZ School trains Najenmik not just how to fight and survive in otherwise lethal environments, but how to thrive. They'll learn advanced zero-G combat and entry, hazardous environment combat and also learn about chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats (CBRN) and how to safely destroy, defuse or neutralise them.

•Once their schools are finished, Najenmik move top their final phase. Between tours, Najenmik can attempt other schools, expanding their knowledge base and skill set.

Phase 7 (Trials of Horus)

Everything up until now was simply preparations for the final month of their training, known as the Trials of Horus. The Trials are a series of exercises coinciding with the annual Guardian Bear Military Exercise.

The first week are the individual trials, Each Spartan makes repeated runs in the War Game suite, in exercises they are told have been tailored to their skills. The truth is that while the training A.I.s have personalised each exercise to each Najenmik, they also introduced randomised elements. During each exercise each one rolls 3 electronic dice, with the numbers corresponding to randomised events, such as fog of war, extreme weather, increased enemy activity, poor intel, loss of communication with command, non-combatants in the arena or challenges tailored to their weaknesses. Intended to test the Najenmik ability to adapt and overcome adversity, each Najenmik must or repeat it with the next class.

The second week is the team trials. For the first five days, randomised teams are assembled then battle one another in war games, intended to bond the teams for this week. The last two days consist of a similar exercise to the previous week, with teams thrown into a War Game simulation tailored to them, but with randomised events, intended to test the teams responsiveness, chain of command, flexibility and cohesion.

The third week the Najenmik are assembled into larger sections, under the command of an officer. Similarly, they'll experience 3 days of war game time, before they enter a war game exercise against the 340th Orbital Insertion Regiment Combat Training Unit. Going into battle with a foe otherwise equal in experience, numbers and weaponry, Najenmik are expected to use their armour, augmentations and wiles to crush their foe in a large scale combat exercise. Similarly, the randomised dice change the battle significantly, so while they'll fight across 4 days of exercises, no two days will feature the same battlefield, environment, weather and objective.

The last day, the Najenmik trainees will operate as part of the Guardian Bear training exercise, fighting alongside real Najenmik and representative of the special forces of the 'blue' forces. Going up against holographic enemies in a large and dynamic battlefield, ed by Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force, they are expected to perform their objectives without a hitch.

After the Najenmik trails are finished, Najenmik are moved to a unit where their skills would be most appropriate and go on to serve as full Najenmik.

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Equipment

Rifles

•STA-52 IAR: The most basic weapon used by Najenmik, the STA-52 is tough, reliable, deadly, and accurate. Highly adjustable, it's a favourite Najenmik.

•STA-53B: A specially modified STA-52, the STA-52B fires the larger 10.2mm magnum round. Designed for taking down heavily armoured targets, it's also deadly against vehicles such as cars, being able to penetrate bullet-proof glass and an engine block.

•STA-52K Carbine: A shortened variant of the STA-52, it drops the fire control suit, and reduces its overall length and weight.

•STA-5 Carbine: A lightweight, all-purpose carbine, it uses 6.8mm caseless rounds. It has high-capacity magazines, and excellent handling characteristics, but lacks stopping power compared to the STA-5.

•STA-55C EBR: An all purpose battle rifle, the STA-55C mixes high accuracy and excellent stability. Fitted with advanced technology, it is accurate to a surprising range and packs hefty stopping power. It utilises the propriety 9.5mm kurz rifle round.

•STA-396 DMR: A rifle with incredible stopping power, it fires 10.2mm magnum rounds. Incredibly accurate, it's a lethal tool, but its length, rate, and low rate of fire limits its potential in close quarters.

•STA-397 IAR: A variant of the older DMR, it has been specially modified for continuous fire. Technically a machine gun, it is used to provide suppressing fire on enemy positions at long ranges, making it lethal as both a suppressive device, and a DMR.

Machine Guns

•S739C SAW: A common machine gun, the see S739C is lightweight, and possesses a huge capacity for automatic fire. Designed for urban fighting, it's small enough to be easily transported, and has a high rate of fire and an even higher magazine capacity.

•S-122 LMG: A hardy, all purpose LMG, it mixes tried and tested technology with advanced systems, making it lethal, and almost immune to overheating. Spartans favour this weapon for the level of fire it produces, capable of dousing an area in a stream of fire.

•VS-389B GPMG: Larger and heavier than the M122, the M389B usually requires two operators, but a single Najenmik is strong enough to heft the weapon, and its ammo. A monster, it fires 9.5mm rounds, and can shred whole squads in the blink of an eye.

•M247H2 HMG: Technically a mounted weapon, it isn't unknown for Najenmik to heft these weapons into combat, firing them from the hips. With the strength of their exoskeleton, they can provide a stable firing platform for these weapons, and lay down torrents of .50 cal fire

•AIE-486I HMG: Similar to the M247H2, the AIE is technically a static weapon, but Najenmik can wield it as a machine gun. A three barrelled weapon, it fires 7.62mm rounds at a staggering rate. Not the most powerful machine gun available, it is one of the fastest firing, able to chew up squads.

M780 SPMG: A machine gun designed for special forces, it is designed like a rifle, but features a three barrelled motorised firing assembly. A monster in close quarters, the gun is referred to as the 'Growler' because of the sound it makes when it shoots, likened to a snarling animal. A Najenmik wielding this weapon in close quarters is considered one of the most frightening prospects for any insurrectionist.

Submachine Gun

•S14 Submachine Gun: A small and dependable SMG, often used by Najenmik for close quarters, it has a high-capacity, and moderate stopping power, but is extremely light, almost pistol sized. Beloved by Najenmik for its ease of use and small size, the M7A is even used akimbo, with one in each hand.

•S12 SOC: Designed for special forces, the SOC is a high-tech weapon, firing 5.7mm mini-rifle rounds. Fed from a large drum, its deadly at short range, and has a high-rate of fire, but lacks stopping power.

•S12H SOC: A modified variant, it fires the 12.7mm round used by the STA-19 pistol. Atrociously powerful, it shreds even heavily armoured targets, mixing high-stopping power, a high rate of fire, and a high capacity magazine.

•S12S/M12HS SOC: A specially modified variant of the S12 and the S12H, it features an integral suppressor, so it can fire silently, without increasing the length of the weapon.

Shotguns

•VX-39 CAWS: A common shotgun, the VX-39 is a tough and reliable, if bare-bones and simple, weapon. An all-purpose shotgun, it features an potent anti-recoil system, and has a smart-choke system linked directly to the sight and the operator's armour, allowing it to adjust accuracy based on range. The VX-39 can be equipped with pellet, flechette, non-lethal and explosive rounds. Often utilised by close-quarters specialists for breaching, it is also popular with combat engineers.

•VCA1 CAWS: Steadily replacing the VX-39 in special forces circles, the VCA1 is a rapid fire shotgun. Both fully-automatic, and magazine fed, the weapon has some heft to it, but makes up for it with sheer stopping power. While it is somewhat wayward, Najenmik appreciate it's rapid fir capablity, capable of clearing whole rooms of heavy infantry. It can be fed either from magazines, or a drum, giving it a high capacity.

M77 ECQCS: A small shotgun, closer to a SMG in size, its a semi-automatic weapon designed for close quarters defence. Primarily a secondary weapon, it can discard it's stock and be fitted to any rifle as an underslung shotgun.

Pistols

•S19 PDWS: The standard pistol of the Helghast, it is accurate and possesses high stopping power. Robust and deadly, Najenmik often utilise this pistol for its outstanding stopping power.

•S19/C PDWS: A carbine variant of the S19, it has a lengthened barrel, foregrip, and stock. Closer in size to a carbine, it is sometimes utilised by Spartans, since it has excellent accuracy, and a decent range.

•S19/SOCOM PDWS: A suppressed variant, it is fitted with high-performance components. Specially designed for spec-ops units, the S19 is a favourite of Najenmik.

•S19/R PDWS: A burst-fire variant, it fires three round bursts. Fitted with a fire selector and a stock by default, the S19/R is popular for its ability to drop heavily armoured enemies at shot ranges.

•M57 Pistol: A robust pistol, firing 5.7mm mini-rifle rounds, it is smaller and easier to handle than the S19. While it has excellent ballistic performance, it lacks the stopping power of the S19. While it is not as popular as the S19, it has found favour thanks to it's size.

•M57 Compact: A smaller variant, it is almost unseen amongst Najenmik outside of undercover operations. Scaled down, it is easily hidden under clothes and in luggage.

•M57 Auto: A fully-automatic variant on the M57, it fires a hail of ammunition. Favoured for its knock-down capabilities in close quarters, the M57 is a deadly instrument for any operator.

•M57 SOC: A high-tolerance variant built for special forces, it features high-tolerance components and a threaded barrel. A more common pistol, Najenmik often utilise it as a discreet defence weapon, or a short range weapon for close quarters.

•Chimeras: A catch-all term for specially modified M57s, Chimeras usually feature third-party customisation, such as new grips, barrels, slides, etc. Usually starting life as a M57 SOC or M57 Auto, they are modified for special roles, and personalised by their operators.

Sniper Rifles

•S113 SPR: The smallest and lightest sniper-rifle offered by the Helghast, it is the preferred instrument of scouts and recon specialists. Built upon the KSV-303, it has a new, high-performance match barrel, and a lightened stock. Designed for close quarters, it is deadly in urban combat, and asymmetric warfare.

•S1091 SRS: An all-purpose anti-personnel rifle, it is a beast, firing the deadly 10.2mm magnum round. Insanely accurate, even at long ranges, this high-tech rifle is a favourite amongst Najenmik teams, being deadly against armoured and un-armoured infantry, and even a threat to light vehicles.

•SRS 99G-S3 AM: A classic sniper rifle, the SRS99 has been the preferred anti-materiel rifle of the Helghast for years. Likewise, Najenmik uses it frequently to purge targets at long range. Instantly deadly against heavy infantry, and capable of taking out light vehicles or enemy emplacements, the SRS99 fires massive 14.5mm rounds. It can be fitted with long or short barrels, or smoothbore or rifled barrels for different ammunition. A favourite, it is used by sniper teams, and combat engineers.

S99CA1 SASR: A veritable cannon, the M99CA1, better known as the Stanchion, is a gauss gun designed to eliminate targets at extreme ranges. Using electromagnets to fire a slug to hyper-velocity, most targets are simply killed by the shot. Despite its massive capability for collateral, its one of the preferred weapons for assassinating enemy leaders. Najenmik utilise the weapon for combat against the most heavily armoured enemies.

Heavy Weapons

•M41B2 MAV/AW: On all purpose weapon, the M41B2 is a reliable, if heavy, weapon. Capable of firing anti-tank, anti-personnel or anti-air missiles, or switching to more robust rockets for targeting fix structures. Deadly against a variety of targets, this weapon provides a number of uses for Spartans combating enemy forces.

•M899 LAAW: A throw away weapon, it has a single 102mm Shogun anti-tank missile. The weapon unfolds, locks on, and is fired, then discarded. Easy to use, and not particularly complex, Spartans usually carry a few of these light-weight weapons to deal with unexpected enemy armour.

•M66 LiMAW: A multi-purpose rocket, this weapon is lighter than the M41B2, but lacks its utility. fitted with a two round bloc magazine, and an autoloader, the rocket can fire high explosive, HEAT, anti-structure or thermobaric rockets, making it deadly against any target. Slightly less powerful than the M41B2, it is easier to use, and lighter.

•Krakem MLRS: A newly developed weapon, it fires micro-rockets, with a sophisticated tracking system. Each rocket has independent tracking, and air-bursting capabilities, allowing it to attack enemies through cover. While adoption has been slow, Spartans are using it more and more frequently, especially in urban combat.

M25 URL: A three barrelled Hydra variant, it is attached directly to a rifle to provide a Spartan with mid to long range capabilities against well armoured opponents. It is especially deadly in urban combat.

Grenade Launchers

•M319N IGL: Simple, robust, effective, the M319 is a long serving grenade launcher. Ruggedly simple, it's only electronics is a sophisticated fire control system. The IGL still remains popular with Najenmik, who frequently use it urban combat and room clearance.

•M23 Multiple Grenade Launcher: A heavier option, the M23 MGL is fitted with a six round drum, and can rapidly fire off six shots, allowing it to flatten structures and infantry. Because of the devastating firepower, and ease of use, Spartans utilise it for urban combat.

•M363B RPD: Initially designed for militia, the RPD uses sticky explosives to attack enemy armour. A surprisingly devious weapon, Spartans have utilised it in unorthodox and interesting ways.

•M460C Automatic Grenade Launcher: rarely seen on the front lines, occasionally a Najenmik will utilise it. A belt fed grenade launcher, a Najenmik hefting this can fire out a whole drums worth of grenades and rain them down on the enemy.

•M24 Underslung Grenade Launcher: A rifle mounted grenade launcher, its proven useful for innumerable Najenmik in the field.

Energy Weapons

•MX4 Light Weapon: The Helghast first functional plasma infantry weapon, it is issued to forces for combating specialized forces. While more expensive that most conventional weapons, its lethal against soldiers with energy shields. Capable of delivering large volumes of fire, and often likened to a machine gun in role and performance, its seen use with Najenmik combating the Forerunner successor factions.

•Weapon/Anti-Vehicle Model 6B Grindell/Galilean Nonlinear Rifle: Named the Arc rifle, Najenmik consider it a mark of pride to use this weapon in combat. A high-accuracy laser projector, it is a supreme anti-tank weapon, being capable of eviscerating tanks at incredible distances. It is also deadly against aircraft, and newer upgrades have also made it lethal against infantry. The weapon is deployed with Najenmik with a certain amount of glee, destroying enemy armour with ease.

•M921 Asymmetric Recoilless Carbine: A have rail gun, this surprisingly simple weapon is a favourite amongst Spartans. Firing a high-velocity slug, its deadly against armour, and outright eliminates heavy infantry. While technically an anti-armoured weapon, Najenmik utilises it to combat mechs and armored vehicles.

•MX9 Pulsed Energy Projectile System: A non-lethal weapon, it uses a laser to generate a plasma explosion at the point of impact. This explosion is too small and cold to be lethal, but causes enough concussive force to knock enemies down, with the EM radiation causing painful sensations. Small and compact, Najenmik have used this in both combat and non-combat operations.

•M705 Defoliant Projector: A hand-held flamethrower, the M705 is a lightweight and deadly weapon, being capable of clearing buildings, and burning down defences. Najenmik have utilised this weapon in close quarters against a variety of enemies, with deadly results.

•M801 Heavy Defoliant Projector: A heavier variant of the M705, it uses a larger projector and back-mounted fuel tanks. Capable of jetting fire to a large distance, the M801 is used by Najenmik for protracted operations, burning down whole towns as needs be.

Grenades

•M9 Dual Purpose/High Explosive Grenade: A multi-purpose grenade, deadly against infantry and armour, the Najenmik use this grenade in almost every engagement. Easy to use, and effective against a variety of enemies, the M9 is a favourite.

•M2 Anti-Materiel Grenade: A thermite grenade, it is utilised for sabotage, attacking enemy weapons and supplies. Fitted with a simple timer, it can be used to spike guns, or sabotage enemy equipment. Najenmik have also used it inventively to attack enemy armour, or burn enemy forces out of their position.

•M70 Flash Bang Grenade: An important tool for clearance and counter-terrorism, this non-lethal grenades creates a blinding flash, stunning the enemy and making them vulnerable.

•M43 Smoke Grenade: This grenade is used to create clouds of smoke, obscuring anything within. Najenmik use it to blind the enemy, mark targets, or mask their position.

Mines

M320 Anti-Tank Mine | M341 Anti-Tank Mine | M362 Anti-Tank Mine | M121 Bounding Anti-Personnel Mine | M127 Anti-Personnel Mine

Explosives

C-7 Foaming Explosive | C-13 Gertex | C-14 Plastic Explosive | C-15 Liquid Explosive | M303 Thermite Cord | M311 Detonation Cord | M382 Special Munition Attack Charge (Kinetic) | M390 Breaching Charge | M394 Clearance Charge | M404 Special Lightweight Attack Munition | M366 Demolition Charge | M376 Satchel Charge | M379 Explosive Pack

Melee Weapons

M7 Tactical Knife | M11 CQCWS | M13 Machete | M24 MRES | M27 SARK | M29 SEK

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Tasks

The Najenmik serve as multifunctional special forces. Within a Squadron, each fire team can act as an individual force, capable of doing a variety of missions including deep reconnaissance, battle space preparation, infiltration, guerilla warfare, direct action and counter terrorism.

Each unit has the training and skills to operate independently from their central command structure for weeks, or even months. All the Najenmik are trained to be free thinking and capable of operating in one man cells, without the leadership of their NCO or CO. As a note of precedence, no Najenmik wears rank insignia, nor does their IFF transponders contain the data, allowing even the lowest ranked Najenmik to assume some degree of combat command when situation dictates.