973rd Specialist Platoon

The 973rd Specialist Platoon, also known as the "Blow-up Batch", was a unit of standard clone troopers attached to the Grand Army of the Republic's Special Operations Brigade and was assembled in mid 21 BBY from survivors of a clone battalion that was wiped out by Separatist forces on Naboo months prior. As their nickname referenced, the 973rd's troopers were specialized in the use of various explosives including detonators, mines, charges, mortars, and rocket launchers. After completing a reevaluation course on Kamino, the Blow-up Batch was deployed to fight at the Battle of Metalorn, where they provided artillery support to other clone units in their operating area and laid out mines for Separatist patrols. They were later deployed to fight in the Battle of Kamino, where they continued their renowned mortar proficiency while also occasionally using their destructive skills to sabotage Separatist tanks and artillery cannons behind enemy lines. Around only a dozen members of the Blow-up Batch survived the Battle of Kashyyyk, who went on to become part of the Imperial Military's first generation of scout troopers and were scattered into different Imperial reconnaissance units.