SpartanIIIs

The Spartan-IIIs were a branch of the SPARTAN program initiated by the UNSC's Office of Naval Intelligence during the Human-Covenant War. Unlike the earlier Spartan-IIs, the Spartan-IIIs were recruited from orphaned children, a measure taken to reduce the moral and political implications of child abduction. The program was designed to produce large numbers of highly effective soldiers at a lower cost and with less fanfare than the Spartan-II program.

Spartan-IIIs underwent rigorous training and augmentation, similar to the Spartan-IIs, but with a focus on high-risk, deniable operations. Their augmentations were less extensive than those of the Spartan-IIs, which contributed to their higher casualty rates. The program was divided into Alpha, Beta, and Gamma companies, each consisting of approximately 300 candidates. Many missions undertaken by Spartan-IIIs were extremely dangerous, often involving insertion into heavily defended enemy territory with little to no support, making survival a secondary objective to mission success.

Notable aspects of the Spartan-III program included their specialized equipment, such as lighter Mjolnir powered assault armor and advanced stealth technology, which allowed them to operate effectively in covert roles. The program's successes, despite the immense sacrifices made by its participants, significantly contributed to the UNSC's war effort. The knowledge and experience gained from the Spartan-III program also informed subsequent military initiatives within the UNSC.