COBRA VIPER

(A Viper runs system checks on a Jet Pack.  Area of operations: Unknown)

CODE NAME:

Viper

BRANCH:

Cobra Viper Team

PRIMARY MILITARY SPECIALTY:

Infantry

SECONDARY MILITARY SPECIALTY:

None

SPECIAL TRAINING:

Cobra Vipers

VEHICLE SPECIALTY:

Flight Pod a.k.a. "Trouble Bubbles"

EXPECTED ARMAMENT:

All Vipers were issued a combination assault rifle/grenade launcher; the rifle part of which could function as a short burst assault weapon, a sustained fire cover support weapon, or a long range sniper rifle with an advanced light-intensification night vision telescopic sight with built-in range finder.  In 1997, Vipers were instead issued M-32 "Pulverizer" sub-machine guns.

CURRENT ASSIGNMENT:

Cobra Infantry Trooper

FIRST DEPLOYMENT:

1986

AREA OF OPERATIONS:

Any non-arctic or non-desert

     Vipers are the backbone and grunts of the Cobra Legions.  They are the bottom of the pyramid, which leads to the hierarchy of material wealth and power within the organization.  When Cobra Commander received word that G. I. Joe operations had been shut down by the U.S. government, he promptly began recruiting more soldiers.  Within weeks, the most cruel, greedy, back-stabbing lot joined the ranks; tripling the original size of their ground forces.

     If there's an especially dirty job that needs to be carried out, these guys aren't asked to do it, they volunteer for it.  They are highly motivated, superbly trained, and formidably equipped.  However, to ensure they follow orders, the punishment for failure is to be left on battlefield when the B.A.T.S. (Battle Android Troopers) are deployed.  This is due to the fact these androids are programmed to shoot and incinerate anything that moves in front of them.

     All Vipers are issued three day field packs, multi-layered body armor, and wrap-around acrylic/composite helmets with built-in RTO* gear.  This equipment and a bad attitude makes them very dangerous opponents.

     Since Cobra deployed its first specialized Viper (the Tele-Viper) with Cobra battalions in 1985, it's most likely that Cobra conceived of the basic Viper training in 1984 before implementing the Crimson Guard program, rushed new recruits through to fill needed Tele-Viper roles, and finally properly trained the first Viper corps to be deployed in 1986.  Despite the initial rushed introduction of the Viper regiments, the Viper training program has served Cobra well and remained active over the last two decades.  Outside of the ever-increasing number of specialized Viper types, the basic Viper trooper was not upgraded until 1989, when Python Vipers were needed to round out Python Patrol squads.  Whether the Python Viper was actually a specialized Viper or just an upgraded designation is unclear.  Cobra again upgraded the basic Viper trooper in 1990 when the semi-experimental "Sonic" Viper was deployed with the same uniform in burnt orange and gold trim, but carrying "sonic" versions of firearms.  The most radical and short-lived alteration to the basic Viper uniform and gear was in 1994 with the "Battle Corps" Viper.

     In 1997, Cobra returned to the steadfast and field-proven multi-layer body armor with wraparound helmet for its Viper Team deployments, but with a less rugged boots and trousers.  This same uniform with built-in features was carried forward, with only the deployment colors changing, through the Cobra Troopers and Officers of 1998 and through every Viper deployment until 2003.  In 2004, Cobra upgraded the Viper trooper for its Venom operations.

     Viper Team Vipers were deployed internationally in North America.

*Radio Telecommunications Operator

OTHER LINKS:

Cobra Infantry Trooper

Cobra Vipers

Code Names: Vipers

The B.A.T.'s Lair - The Viper

Viper