Difference between revisions of "Super soldier"

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"'''Super soldier'''" is a catch all term refering to individuals that have been optimized through various means, typically being worth several times their number of regular soldiers. Super soldiers are typically given superior weapons. The idea can trace its abilities back to the Spartan warrior caste.
"'''Super soldier'''" is a catch all term referring to individuals who have been optimized for combat by various means. A "super soldier" can typically outfight several regular soldiers. Super soldiers usually have superior weapons and equipment. The idea originates with the Spartan warrior caste.


Note that to qualify as "super soldiers", a given soldier or unit of soldiers must substantially exceed the fighting capabilities of "rank and file" soldiers in the setting.
Note that to qualify as "super soldiers", a given soldier or unit of soldiers must substantially exceed the fighting capabilities of "rank and file" soldiers in the setting before equipment is taken into account.


== Creating Super-soldiers ==
== Creating Super-soldiers ==
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== Flaws ==
== Flaws ==
Their are numerous flaws in most super soldier programs in fiction. The most notable is diminishing returns: as the training duration extends, you reach a point at which additional training adds relatively little to combat effectiveness. Long training times also mean slow replacemens of losses; even the most elite soldier can fall victim to a regular soldier getting a lucky shot.
Their are numerous flaws in most super soldier programs in fiction. The most notable is diminishing returns: as the training duration extends, you reach a point at which additional training adds relatively little to combat effectiveness. Long training times also mean slow replacement of losses; even the most elite soldier can fall victim to a regular soldier getting a lucky shot.


== Examples of Super Soldiers in Fiction ==
== Examples of Super Soldiers in Fiction ==

Revision as of 20:51, 3 August 2011

"Super soldier" is a catch all term referring to individuals who have been optimized for combat by various means. A "super soldier" can typically outfight several regular soldiers. Super soldiers usually have superior weapons and equipment. The idea originates with the Spartan warrior caste.

Note that to qualify as "super soldiers", a given soldier or unit of soldiers must substantially exceed the fighting capabilities of "rank and file" soldiers in the setting before equipment is taken into account.

Creating Super-soldiers

Creating super-soldiers in fiction will typically involve some combination of the following:

Flaws

Their are numerous flaws in most super soldier programs in fiction. The most notable is diminishing returns: as the training duration extends, you reach a point at which additional training adds relatively little to combat effectiveness. Long training times also mean slow replacement of losses; even the most elite soldier can fall victim to a regular soldier getting a lucky shot.

Examples of Super Soldiers in Fiction