- "When the Yautja species needs to go to war, it calls upon those of the Military Caste."
- ― Alien vs Predator: The Hunt Begins
Military Caste, also called Soldier Caste[1], Yautjas are Predators who are called upon when the species goes to war. However, they also deal in diplomacy, and can try to maintain or sue for peace.
Overview[]
- "A stronger type of Predator, a military type, has appeared in defence of the main base. They are much better equipped and much deadlier than their hunter associates."
- ― Alien vs. Predator Exctintion, Marines Campaign 7
It isn't known how Military Yautja are chosen, however it may be possible these Yautja are of the Elite rank; only elites and the military have caste specific weaponry. All that it is known is that they are soldiers in wars against other species (or perhaps even in Clan-Clan disputes). These Predators are equip with armor that is either impervious or near-impervious to Xenomorph blood, Toxins, and low-caliber, non-penetrating weapons. Even the vaccuum of space can be survived for a time.
Aside from War, escaped Xenomorph Queens may also warrant their use, killing her quickly when re-capture isn't possible. Military Predators use highly destructive weapons strictly reserved for their castes and for warfare. Use of these weapons outside of these contexts is dishonorable, as these highly destructive weapons aren't considered appropriate for a Hunt. It is unknown if Military Yautja hunt outside of their soldier duties. At least one caste, the Temple Guard, must give up the life of a hunter in order to fulfill their duty.
Military caste Yautja appear to be compeletely distinct from the hunter-caste and are only involved in hunts when they turn into full-blown wars or if things have gotten gravely out of hand of the clans responsible. For instance, the destruction of their ancient cloaking devices on LV-742 prompted an increase in Yautja presence and the appearance of Military Predators, particularly when the Predator Base was discovered. The Military Predators remained inside the base, where they defended it from encroaching Marines and later Xenomorphs.
Known Military Castes[]
- Hydra - The Hydra is a heavily armored caste of predator equipped with a Electroshock Missile Battery designed to cut down large groups of assailants.
- Blazer - The Blazer is a heavily armor caste of predator equipped with a Blazer, their namesake, in order to set fire to a field of enemies.
- Battlemaster
- Temple Guard