Why the Nimble AT-RT & Its ARF Troopers Were the Secret Workhorses of the Clone Army

[@S85B50Engine]

The thing about AT-RT walkers is that they were much more like real world armoured vehicles. Instead of shrugging off damage they are more built to not get hit in the first place.

[@TheRyujinLP]

At lest light armored vehicles. The concept is called the defense or armor onion and goes: Don't get seen. If you get seen, don't get hit. If your get hit, don't get penetrated. If you get penetrated, don't get killed. Like many designs there is always going to be trade offs so you gotta figure out what what part of the onions you want to prioritize. For example Russian tanks make their tanks as small as possible which makes them harder to see at range, hard to hit if seen and they tend to put on thick frontal armor making them hard to penetrate if hit. However because of how cramped it is inside a Russian tank if it does get penetrated.... it's not great for the crew (and the cramp sized does mean they will also suffer from fatigue much quicker as well dropping their effectiveness in a prolonged encounter). US and most NATO tanks tend to make their tanks bigger forgoing being hard to see or hit for excellent armor and a lot design features that make it harder for a penetrating hit to kill the crew or mission kill the tank. While it might be easy to point out that the Russian picked wrong but the current war in Ukraine can't be used to evaluate their tanks fairly since what's getting these tanks killed is shear incompetence. US tanks would die just as fast if they were being deployed so poorly with such poorly trained crews.

[@FalconWindblader]

@@TheRyujinLP It also didn't help that unlike in WW2, where personal anti-tank weaponry is either tricky to use or outright non-existent, modern personal anti-tank weaponry are literally tank killers that can one-shot tanks & there's just nothing the victim tanks can do about it. Callous deployment of these metallic beasts is quite literally dumping millions of dollars into the fire.

[@TheRyujinLP]

@@FalconWindblader Yeah, hence why Russian's tactics have been so mind boggling dumb. This is like sending out a fleet of just aircraft carriers with no battlegroup and even after your carriers start getting sunk, you keep doing the same tactic. The Russians lack of combine armed tactics is baffling. Like I am not even going to pretend that I am on any level of military competence when it comes to tactical thinking (and have the win/lose ratio in 40k to back that up heh) but Jesus H Christ in a hand basket but I am confident that if I was in charged of Russia's forces I'd would lost at most half of Russia's current loses lol. Though one myth that does need to get dispelled is the one shot, one kill thing. While it is possible, it can sometimes take two javelins or multiple NLAWS to take down a Russian tank (sadly do to propaganda we tend to see either the times when a one shot/one kill happens or they edit out the early hits and only show the killing blow). It all depends on where it hits.

[@indianajones4321]

“I want Lightning up here now!” -Commander Ponds requesting AT-RT unit Lightning Squadron

[@inductivegrunt94]

God, using these in both BF2s was so much fun. The first was slow but had great firepower and the other was fast but with weaker firepower. But both were incredibly fun in their own right.

[@cpttankerjoe]

Hey I know you

[@inductivegrunt94]

@@cpttankerjoe You! It's you!

[@cpttankerjoe]

@@inductivegrunt94 it’s you

[@inductivegrunt94]

@@cpttankerjoe You! You're you!

[@isaackim7675]

The Empire should've kept the AT-RTs for the Scout Troopers. They would've been effective in the Battle of Endor

[@toptiergaming6900]

Or atleast make it slightly more armored and larger but not to the point of the AT-ST. Similar to the ATPT

[@antr7493]

they had speeder bikes though. Floated above the ground, wasn't at risk of stepping on a log and falling over and fast.

[@doctorcreeps2169]

@Thatonedragonboi5 yes but the film came long before the at rt

[@TheHawkeye0725]

The rebellion had a few of those at their disposal

[@geetslys]

That would’ve been a smart move!

[@chengzhou8711]

“As the war went on, various soldiers assumed new roles, as well as Ranks. I would be one of these individuals, but on the topic of our ARF subclass, when we weren’t busy in other roles as a speeder or footscout, the recon companies would assist on the frontline battle zones with the AT-RT walkers. They were great for raids to stop supply or reinforcements to an area, considering their mobility, range, and their ability to sustain fire accurately while on the move. Once they get hit in the gyroscopes, power core, or electronics, they would tend to not be able to function for much longer. If you needed more firepower, they can be fitted with grenade launchers, too. The real benefit to the AT-RT was the production cost. They could readily reinforce because we always had a stockpile available. On the people that drove them, I never knew a more diverse group of men with the same face in my life. The helmet we wore is sleek and the armor modules are markedly lighter than phase-1 armor. When my battalion commander assigned me to lead the First recon company late in the war, I kept the helmet, and reinforced the armor. I thought it suited me quite well. -CS/CT-8711-12 “Cheng”, Former Captain and Scout of the 442nd Siege Battalion

[@BleachFan9891]

Walkers are some of my favorite war machines in Star Wars, especially the AT-TE and the AT-AT

[@london_james]

I loved the AT-ST growing up. Played with those toys all the time 😂

[@hunterkiller1440]

My favorite walker in BF2. But the exposed driver seat is just a bullseye for snipers.

[@Colonel-Cornelius-CornJulio]

In classic or new BF2?

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Both, actually.

[@Colonel-Cornelius-CornJulio]

@@michaelandreipalon359 Mah dawg :D

[@geetslys]

Facts lmao 😂

[@austindaigle8431]

Keep on the move very few snipers can make the head shot if you stay on the move if you get hit check how much damage you take if it's sniper caliber fuck off immediately it's by far the best vic in the game

[@masteroftheassassins]

No matter the size of the army, the GAR is one of the best armies in all of fiction.

[@geetslys]

Agreed, very unique and legendary!

[@tristankawatsuma8962]

It sure does look great. For ground forces it is diverse and able to take on anything. While the navy is not as diverse, it has a solid structure that works most of the time. With armor of all types on the ground and carriers loaded with hundreds of starfighters and bombers, the Republic Military in the Clone Wars was perfect. It’s a shame we never see how it would operate in peace time. Technically the Empire would count, but that removes Jedi leadership, has the Senate be powerless, and also switches out clone troopers eager to form their own identities with stormtroopers who give up their own. Also while the Empire does keep a number of Republic gear, it quickly turns that gear into a minority thanks to the new Imperial walkers, star destroyers, and TIE Fighters. I’ll say one thing that changed with the Empire, the military. Stormtroopers instead of clone troopers. Cheap fighters instead of powerful ones. Expensive capital ships instead of starfighters carriers, and walkers that are heavily armored and inspire fear instead of practical walkers. If the Republic military almost crashed the Republic’s economy, imagine if it had the Imperial military. It probably wouldn’t last a year into the Clone Wars. It makes me also wonder if in a fair fight the CIS would defeat the Empire because when the Empire took over, the CIS fractured into holdouts. Would the Empire at its height defeat the Separatists at their height? And would the Galactic Republic beat the Galactic Empire in a civil war?

[@an18yearoldmongolianguy]

@@tristankawatsuma8962 The Republic invested in practicality and the Empire invested in fear-inducing equipment I think we know who would win, sure the Empire had a more technologically advanced military, but the Republic was much sharper thanks to having to fight in a war The Empire simply had to maintain peace, not actively try and fight for victory A big threat that was the CIS had already been defeated by the Republic, the Empire simply dealt the finishing blow to a weakened foe I’m sure the CIS at its height was terrifying

[@alejandroelluxray5298]

​​@@tristankawatsuma8962All they lacked was capital ships with proper anti-capital ship capabilities (up until the Victory SD arrived) and even then, the Venator could match the majority of CIS warships

[@FastTquick]

As much as I really like the AT-RTs for their scouting roles, my favorite two-legged walkers will still be the AT-XT and AT-STs which are better built for cavalry roles. Would love to see videos on those two soon.

[@Monkey_cracy]

One of my favorite Walkers in Star Wars is a Genius Design AT -RT had been used more by the Empire

[@badaoof2856]

Easily my favorite phase 1 armor.

[@CaptainHowzer325]

Same

[@theodoretener679]

AT-TE just has that SPG/APC look and feel too it. And I love it for that reason.

[@TheWarmachine375]

1:16 AT-TE acting as artillery support

[@physical_insanity]

I always considered AT-RTs to be the light cavalry of the Republic's mobile armour, which is generally how I use them in armour engagements as the vanguard in Star Wars Men of War. Using them in conjunction with other vehicles, like the TX-130, AT-TE, etc. is really cool.

[@TheWarmachine375]

Imagine if the Grand Army of the Republic have mobile suits among their walkers arsenal.

[@pedrokantor3997]

That would revolutionize space combat in Star Wars. Also would make many walker vehicles obsolete. Imagine Anakin piloting a Gundam with beam sabers powered by Kyber Crystals! He'd cut through AATs like they were B1s.

[@CaptainHowzer325]

You've got to admit, the ARF Troopers had cool looking armor.

[@geetslys]

Oh yes they did!!!

[@DIEGhostfish]

BARC armor was better. Not a fan of the big jaw bits, looks like Droopy the cartoon dog.

[@CaptainHowzer325]

@@geetslys Damn right

[@CaptainHowzer325]

@@DIEGhostfish True. I like the visor style.

[@nickvinsable3798]

🤔 . . . That depends. Though the AT-TE is perfect for a forward command like role, I honestly believe I won’t maneuver through more dense obstacles, thus the AT-RT would technically be my preferred choice when I’m out & about (I’d still have/use an AT-TE primarily for Mobile-Home purposes & such)…

[@alejandroelluxray5298]

Well the GAR used them in tandem so you are just following their stepts

[@Isharu]

playing star wars Legion i use these walkers a lot in my formations. All I can say is that they are absolute beasts on the battlefield and very hard for my opponents to take out.

[@highkingsheogorath3744]

The at series is beautiful

[@FrozenColress]

Ah yes the chicken walkers. Seeing those in the Ryloth arc was so awesome! They decimated the AATs

[@justindunlap1235]

They always made me think of knights riding ostriches.

[@janekfox4587]

AT-RT'S are my favorite walkers in all of Star Wars. They are kinda better speeder bikes

[@zexalbrony4799]

4:14-4:20: Oh that's most definitely true. Just look at what happened when Dancan Delta-40 tried to ride one, in A Clone Apart Episode 1: Dancan: Now, let's go to the left, I mean back, into the left. No, back into the left. Ah! Damn you cheap contract labor! LOL.

[@inquisitorgarza312]

Really the Grand Army of the Republic had a more robust war manufacturing infrastructure for the Clone Wars, and it is the same in war infrastructure that produce stable weapons platforms for the clones usage.

[@slicerneons3300]

ARF trooper, still funny. AT-XT is my favorite. Deserves more attention.

[@michaelangelomaimone3181]

It proved to be an essential part of the republic war machine during the dark reaper crisis, and boy did it prove its worth

[@michaelandreipalon359]

*cue a seal bellowing for food*

[@GMadrigal-q7h]

The At-rt is like a kangaroo-horse vehicle that had incredible speed and was armed. And only a sqaud of these adorable walkers could have taken down a army of battle droids

[@tristankawatsuma8962]

Maybe the Empire still had Republic gear a little after the Battle of Yavin 4, but it was the Rebels who really saw the tech as being useful. Republic walkers and ships were basically reserves for the Empire while Rebels used Republic ships as command vessels, Republic starfighters to train pilots, and the Y-Wing, AT-TE, and AT-RT were on the frontlines, though mostly the bomber. The Rebel military was the true successor of the Republic military in doctrine and tactics while ironically the Imperial military while a transformed Republic military, basically adopted a Separatist military mindset. Expensive super weapons, cheap starfighters, and using numbers in battle. Always going to find that ironic. For me, it’s the Galactic Republic military to the bitter end!

[@RoyalRatKing]

My favorite vehicle to use when fighting with the 41st

[@vallettapetracyneran8587]

I picture AT-RT police model with a stun cannon rather than a blaster. It would make sense, and the nimble ability would be very useful on planets with wide open terrain.

[@TheHawkeye0725]

The at-rt was done Justice in the ryloth arc

[@dount566]

Something I wish BF2 did for these was make them as mobile as they where in the show. Hated that you couldn't even jump with the darn things. Still fun to use though.

[@Lego-Joe-1]

Why is it when the Republic has something efficient the Empire phases it out

[@SithFTW4072]

Because of Tarkin's idiocy

[@toptiergaming6900]

I immagine it was very fun to ride if you know what your doing

[@lerneanlion]

I wished AT-RTs are real because I wanted to ride one!

[@Mfalme24]

Can you make a video explaining the true Sith empire like you did the eternal empire

[@underworldguardian704]

Could you do a video on why the Jedi Chose to support the Republic and not the Confederacy?

[@captain_frost20]

AT-XT is still my favorite walker.

[@itsVoxeck]

This is the first time I’ve noticed that in the picture with mace windu and the two clones on the clifffside, that those aren’t just weird stone formations, but gravestones

[@EddyTheHedgehog538]

AT-RT gets my vote for maneuverability and speed

[@isaiahmoreno3067]

The Empire should have used AT-RT walkers for the Battle of Hoth so that they could harass the Turrets and make it difficult for the Snow Speeder fly out.

[@aceblitzgaming9783]

So the AT-RT is like the land equivalent of the Y-wing, in that it's just too good to stop using permanently.

[@doot7730]

In that respect both are like AK type rifles. So good they just update em

[@ragnokgaming3234]

I guess he won’t be seeing us next time. Now he’s going to have to say as usual instead of always.

[@ic3olate]

Good information in this video as always, but I would say it is somewhat inaccurate to describe AT-PTs as just AT-RTs with an enclosed cockpit. AT-PTs were slower than even STs and rather unwieldy, so it would probably perform very poorly as a recon vehicle.

[@mickeyholding7970]

Great video and informative

[@CT--xj5jf]

Hey geestly’s! I have a quick question: in tcw is established that the 501st has within its ranks 3 brigades but isn’t a Legion a nickname to a brigade? My theory is gay a Legion is a nick name given to elite units higher than a batallion making the 501st Legion a Corps but you know better than I do about the matter

[@dhaburuk6494]

My guess is the 501st either had to be created for Skywalker before the war (unlikely) or that it was cobbled together using top-performance troopers & veterans of the opening months. In the latter case the 501st wouldn't become Legion strength until well into the war for logistics at least, and by then would have been famous for their deeds and GAR propaganda. Would it ever reach Corps. strength? Not likely, as the Kenobi-Skywalker duo were the Rapid-Response force in many cases. Since propaganda/info-control is a thing in any war its highly likely the 501st would have been slated as a Legion since its founding, regardless of its active roster.

[@thejarredhog3936]

I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for the AT-XT.

[@jayduffy5532]

Will you be doing a complete gar and cis gear and vehicle breakdown that would be interesting

[@adamstala7816]

Personally I prefer an organic mount and if I have to have a Personal walker I'd prefer to use an at rt

[@seangere9698]

They are nice but need better armor for the rider. Even a clear screen of duroplast would have been good. Sort of like a windshield on a motorcycle. It doesn't have to be super thick but thick enough to stop a blaster bolt or two would have been good to have. But my favorite battle mount in SW is the Mandalorian war Droid the Basilisk War Droid from the Old Republic Sith Wars Era. NOT the Fighter from the Old Republic Game, that thing is not a Basilisk War Droid BUT a Basilisk Star Fighter.

[@yoavmor9002]

AT-TE to AT-RT is a bit like Tiger I to Panzer III. Wonder weapons are nice, but quick and maneuverable is always better.

[@tomaskops7119]

until you don't meet KV TANK :D

[@wetwillyis_1881]

A follow up video to this, that I would like to see, is “The Difference Between AT-RT Specialists, and ARF Troopers.”

[@pokebreeder2517]

i think both are great but would like to see them in police roles actually

[@robertagu5533]

Granted how vulnerable a clone was on a SW mechanical Chocobo in the AT-RT instead of "some" being capable of taking out tanks an other vehicles they shoulda made MOST or standard ones ALL able to knockout Tanks an other vehicles. With a standard version being mostly anti personnel an recon. Just think what lightning squadron coulda done with such a mobile strike craft. Make up for vulnerability with it's standard low profile an great agility an mobility couple with equally formidable firepower which appears next to vulnerable riders is it's next biggest draw back.. I'd want the Droids sweating oil over them in large numbers while the classic heavy imperial Chicken looking Death Machines were still being developed. I've always been a big fan of heavy crushing firepower for reliable support to lighter forces in assaults an crushing strong enemy defenses bit ALSO working with an adapting what's around. An this lil walker seems like just an idea platform for all the above it adapted right itself

[@dhaburuk6494]

That 20Kg of cargo was good for plenty. Most weapons ARF troopers would be equipped with would weigh no more than 5Kg, add some rations for possibility of no re-supply, then the rest could be grenades or mines. For a cavalry role a mortar wouldn't go amiss for a quick fire-forget, reloaded by magazine preferably but by-hand isn't implausible for a kit-bash solution in the opening months.

[@robertagu5533]

@@dhaburuk6494 yeah was thinking bout that. As Calvary of a sort was wondering WHY they didn't just fit them with the sorta cannons that was capable of blasting even the strongest WORST Droids the CIS had to offer instead of maybe making a handful of every big number of them with that kinda standard main gun... Maybe something adjustable to engage anything you could face on the ground. Woulda made them ALOT more versatile an thus a threat to be taken serious in large numbers given how fast and an agile they can be. An as such that can be their big defense which is even better then armor in the right hands. Now that Tri Droid, or B3, etc. Is a huge target if they can't hit what their aiming at and the Clones walker weapons are a real threat to them. If your gonna have a force dedicated to lightning Blitzkrieg style assaults like said Thunder and Lightning unit then thats ideally how you want to set them up with

[@dhaburuk6494]

@@robertagu5533 Reasonable thinking, however conventional wisdom holds that heavier weapons demand more resources and thus burden any craft with that weight. Keeping the AT-RT light is best for its recon role. Infantry-grade weapons that can knock out AAT's or the legged tank-droids would not likely have too much impact, but if you need heavier firepower the AT-TE is already your go-to. While the AT-RT was the spine of the ground-war on Umbarra that was an exception to the rule due to terrain, which is where it would be a good idea to have more than a high-powered blaster.

[@mythrimax]

Kind of hard to compare them, even with them both being walkers. It's like trying to compare an ATV with a tank

[@isimiel3405]

I hate ATPTs ever since that one mission in Rogue Squadron

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Yeah, why did the Rebels want to steal those fossils?

[@tomaskops7119]

@@michaelandreipalon359 To have anything? :D

[@Josh_Hammond]

Clone wars has some cool walkers.

[@jozzieokes3422]

My favorite clone trooper type and vehicle

[@antr7493]

one of the reasons i hated the prequels is becasue they had to come put with a lot of ridiculous vehicles(IG-227 Hailfire-class droid tank or OG-9 homing spider droid ) so, Lucas could sell toys. I did think AT-RT was cool becasue of the speed.

[@bannawithamic2018]

What’s wrong with those?

[@dhaburuk6494]

@@bannawithamic2018 Stand-alone these tank-droids are terrible. If you utilize them as specialists in a force of many types of units then they can really shine. IG-227 droids charge to break up enemy lines with anti-infantry blasters & anti-armour rockets before cutting back to resupply if they survive. OG-9's provide cover-fire for advancing infantry as well as taking out enemy armour. Throw in some STAP speeders and DSD1 droids as guards for the OG-9s and you have a reasonably good collection of otherwise poor units.

[@tacotots_132]

AT-RT 10000%. Super cool!

[@GMadrigal-q7h]

The At-rt is probably the best vehicle in republic- SCRATCH THAT, THE BEST ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE IN STAR WARS HISTORY, AND IF ANYONE DISAGREES THEN…ok I respect your opinion

[@ryanadler8227]

Technically the AT-RT was used on Christopher’s before Ryloth.

[@davidmccarthy4206]

Do you play Star Wars Legion over at Geetsly's ?

[@Starchild719]

Yay, chicken walkers!

[@seanbrennen3397]

Listening to this while im putting together an AtRt for star wars legion. And cussing cause its a bit of a pain.

[@Skywolf-]

Good Work :D

[@michaelandreipalon359]

They're cool, but the TX-130 Saber-class fighter tank still rocks the most.

[@dhaburuk6494]

The TX-130 was great for urban-battle thanks to its repulsor-lift tech, but its still merely light-armour for anti-infantry role with some rockets for enemy fortifications or armour. Any grenade or rocket could be the end of you, though at lease you couldn't get sniped like an AT-RT rider.

[@michaelandreipalon359]

@@dhaburuk6494 That is, if they even catch and hit me.

[@dhaburuk6494]

@@michaelandreipalon359 Indeed. You can strafe down the block and mow down every droid in the street before any heavy weapons could be pointed your way. In an open field however... you might end up taking cover behind the wrecks of other tanks - including TX-130s.

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Good points.

[@nicholaswalsh4462]

The AT-RT is a very poor cavalry and reconnaissance vehicle. Its light armament limits its ability to fight for information, a key part of the cavalry role. Further, its lone crewmember must stop moving in order to examine the terrain and, given his exposed position, is highly vulnerable to snipers, shrapnel, and other dangers. The AT-RT has limited sensor systems, further limiting its reconnaissance capability. A repulsorcraft, wheeled vehicle, or tracked vehicle would be far more effective, since their greater mass allowances would allow the installation of more powerful sensor systems, longer ranged comm systems, and the presence of a dismount element to establish an observation post (another key reconnaissance vehicles). In addition, the more conventional design of a repulsor, wheeled, or tracked vehicle would reduce the need for specialized training, making scout units less susceptible to attrition. Personally, I favor a common chassis family based upon the Saber Class fighter tank. Modifications to the hull could enable the creation of high speed, well protected recon, command, and personnel carrier vehicles, cavalry and infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, self-propelled mortar carriers, self-propelled howitzers, self-propelled multiple launch rocket systems, self-propelled anti-aircraft systems, electronic warfare vehicles, communications vehicles, ambulances, and almost any other role a mechanized formation would need.

[@wannabehoon3962]

Why not both?

[@michaelhardy9750]

I like both

[@knutzano]

Can you do a video on Kuat?

[@andybennington637]

AT'TE

[@galaxy-eyesgarchomp9478]

I honestly don't really understand why the Empire phased out the AT-RT for the AT-ST and AT-PT. Adding an enclosed cockpit just feels like making an unnecessary change. The AT-RT having an exposed cockpit surely made the recon easier and I feel like adding the enclosed cockpit would only make recon more difficult, even with small rebel groups.

[@Brendan-4653]

Atrt is best

[@johanstenfelt1206]

Hm, interesting.

[@pyeitme508]

Speed

[@Just_Omar99]

Going through vids to find geetsly audible code!! Can anyone help me with that haha

[@deejones0071]

Anybody else gonna admit they initially read it as "Republic Whorehouse" or are you all gonna lie to me?

[@michaelandreipalon359]

Not me, and I'm serious.

[@deejones0071]

@@michaelandreipalon359 Could have just told the truth, Michael. We're very disappointed.

[@michaelandreipalon359]

I promise, I'm seriously not pulling your leg here.

[@deejones0071]

@@michaelandreipalon359 Michael. You're not pulling my leg, you're breaking my heart. I thought I'd raised you better than this...

[@michaelandreipalon359]

OK, what's going on?

[@murphyjack90]

Why were they so fucking slow in BF2?

[@TihamahTihamah]

Ccciti eror system wkwkwk

[@Skywolf-]

Kannst du deutsch sprechen?

[@commissarkordoshky219]

can you make your video titles LESS CLICKBAITY? Its annoying