These clone troopers were often tasked with scouting out the enemy position on the battlefield.[1] Although stealthy and well-trained, recon troopers' duties differed from that of clone commandos or Advanced Recon Commandos as their focus was on gathering information about the enemy or carrying out surprise attacks.
Before the introduction of the AT-RT drivers, ARF troopers would often be pressed into service in that capacity.
In terms of equipment, ARF troopers were often provided with DC-15A blaster rifles, DC-15S blasters, chainguns, and missile launchers along with thermal detonators. They wore also a light weight recon armor made of plastoid material as well as were equipped with surveillance gear. The belt contained spare ammunition and a medical syringe. On the left arm they had a comlink and a life-form scanner. Their helmet had an infrared camera so that they could operate in dark places as well as recognizing friends or foes. They often carried a backpack with some basic stuff, such as survival rations,C.S.E.L. (Combat Survivor Evader Locator) and explosives, but it was possible to have a rope, a macrobinocular, ice-axe and a first-aid-kit.[1] They would often wear armor that fit the environment of the planet they were on.
In addition, they often rode All Terrain Recon Transports which could be a dangerous assignment as these walkers required their operator to show dexterity as well as considerable skill. This was largely due to the fact that they were exposed to enemy fire while they conducted their missions. These vehicles meant that ARF troopers often considered themselves a breed apart from other clone troopers as they believed riding an AT-RT was more akin to riding on a living animal than driving a vehicle. Their training often started with first riding living mounts before they were allowed to operate an AT-RT walker.[1]
Advanced Recon Force troopers were first introduced during the time of the Clone Wars and like most of their clone brethren; they were created on the planet Kamino which served as their "homeworld" and swore their allegiance to the Galactic Republic.[1] They proved to be valuable assets to the Grand Army of the Republic due to their ability to carry out reconnaissance and deliver accurate, eye-witness reports of enemy activities, without alerting them to their presence.
ARF troopers were also deployed during the Battle of Ryloth, under the command of Jedi GeneralMace Windu, to scout out the Twi'lek freedom fighters and infiltrate the capital city of Lessu. They were used in a more aggressive capacity, driving AT-RTs to attack the AATs that were firing at the AT-TE walkers, and later were in the charge to retake Lessu.
Under the command of Jedi GeneralAnakin Skywalker, a large force of Advance Recon Force troopers participated in the Battle of Umbara driving AT-RTs and played a key role in taking out a Umbaran occupied ridge defended by tanks and Umbaran militia. The Advanced Recon Force took heavy casualties through out the battle as they were easy targets for the Umbaran militia.
The ARF trooper's helmet is similar to the later ImperialScout trooper's helmet and Clone scout trooper's, though features more of a curvaceous design.[source?] In The Lost Legion, the ARF trooper Falco is incorrectly introduced as an Advanced Recon Fighter. Lego made two different minifigs
for the ARF troopers. One was a basic ARF trooper, but the other had red marks on its armor and helmet.