Combine Grunt
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0Combine grunts, known mainly as Echo One in Combine terminology, are the most common type of soldier in the Quarantine Zone. They are typically tasked with securing the zone from any threats, including zombies, antlions, and even human scavengers. They are also seen responding to prison van breaks, investigating the wreckage and questioning nearby citizens. The grunts seen here and in elevator scene notably have no grenade holders, gas tanks, or mask filters, as they don't need them outside the QZ. Grunts also work alongside Hazmat workers, a task which carries a high casualty rate. They can also be seen carrying and "disposing" of Xen waste. Grunts appear to be the least modified of the four classes; their speech sounds less clinical and somewhat hesitant at times, as if still getting used to radio codes. This may also suggest their original human personalities are still largely intact, compared to those of the others soldier classes. They are also more audibly distressed when in close proximity to enemies. As well as the sheer panic heard when their gas tanks are ignited Grunts are apparently more prone to sarcasm and goofing around as well. Even a few of their death lines reveal they can still feel fear and perhaps even remorse. The uniform of Combine grunts, whilst not armoured, is designed for work whithin the hazardous environments of the Quarantine Zone. It isn't known what this symbol means, though it could be there simply to denote the grunt's rank/squad. All grunts wear a backpack with a hose dangling from their shoulder, though not all grunts wear the gas tank as well. I believe they are used to feed the hose which in turn is then attached to some kind of flamethrower the grunts use for clearing Xen growths. Gruntas are the only units that will use grenades ib combat, though in a few instances they can be used by Ordinals. They may also be seen with handgun ammunition, suggesting they carry a sidearm, though it's never see or used.
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