Stormtroopers

Imperial stormtroopers are extensively trained shock troops in the fictional Star Wars universe under command of the Galactic Empire. more...

Stormtroopers are used as strike units against enemies of the Empire and are the primary Imperial soldiers in the original Star Wars trilogy and the most dangerous foes of the Rebel Troopers.

These highly-disciplined soldiers answer directly to Emperor Palpatine. Stormtroopers, as a third service, are independent of the Imperial Navy or the Imperial Army chains of command, as they have their own command structure, ranking system and support facilities. However, a company commander can give command to any regular officer over any given squad or platoon. Their organizational manners are similar to those of the Imperial Army. The basic unit of organization is the squad. In a way, they combine the training and battle tactics of both an Army soldier and a Marine.

Each stormtrooper is assigned a number for tactical purposes and to reinforce the Imperial ethic of uniformity. TK-421 was the number of the stormtrooper whose armor Luke wore aboard the Death Star. (For instance, TIE fighter pilots are not attached to any particular craft, as opposed to the contemporary practice of pilots adorning their ships with personalized markings.)

Fans who recreate the armour and weapons of the stormtroopers often join local and regional chapters of the 501st Legion.

Read more at Wikipedia.org