The Radtrooper which is an obscure, but nonetheless highly effective Stormtrooper type dons a distinctive set of armour that permits operation in the second most hostile terrain known - radiation zones (space being the first most hostile). While Spacetroopers are capable of operating in heavily radiated areas, they prove to be unsuitable, too bulky within planetary gravities. In the case of other Stormtrooper types, however, their armour while it does provide some protection against radiation, is insufficient for extended operations. Therefore, Imperial Command came to the conclusion that successful operations within radiation zones would require an elite unit.

    Radtroopers are deployed into radiation flooded domains in which assets are to be seized or defended. This flooding is due either to natural occurrence or intentional release. Those who can survive in these conditions are truly lethal and strong. The Empire may fill a battle area with radiation in order to pacify resistance via neutron bombardment. This bombardment irradiates all those in the target area, a large percentage are either killed or incapacitated, however all infrastructure and physical structures remain intact. Usually resistance is none to minimal as those in the target area have succumbed to the intense radiation. In the case of neutron bombardment, Radtroopers are the first wave of ground troops to be landed.

    Survivors against neutron bombardment attacks are usually in shielded bunkers, radiation-shadow areas, wearing space suits or are immune to the radiation. A large percentage of these survivors tend to be military personnel, who are most often fatally irradiated but not yet seriously impaired. This make them menacing and deadly foes. Radtroopers are highly trained to combat these fierce resistors. However, those wearing bulky and movement restricting spacesuits are at a distinct disadvantage against the lightweight and less hampering armour of the Radtroopers. In combination with their superior prowess these troopers are terrifyingly effective in combat. Since Imperial Command cannot allow targets in radiated zones neglected, Radtroopers move in to mop them up. On Qat Chrystac, a planet where radioactive lava spews from its volcanoes, is a site of a raging conflict between 1,500 Radtroopers against 2,000 Rebels (troop numbers reflect condition during Grand Admiral Thrawn's campaign). This conflict has been incessant for nearly a decade. What was once a battle to eliminate an insignificant Rebel outpost became a conflict in the New Republic's view, to eliminate the last vestiges of any elite Stormtrooper forces.

    In summary, Radtroopers sweep away any remaining resistance and secure the objective area until the radiation safely dissipates after a few days, thereby allowing conventional Imperial troops to take over. Those enemy units which have combated against Radtroopers have suffered horribly high casualties. It must be noted however, that Radtroopers also operate in biological-chemical zones, which are either naturally occurring or intentionally released. In the case of intentional release, these troops are deployed in the same manner as if the target area was hit by neutron bombs.

    While modern powered weapons are quite resilient against radiation, in Grade 4 or above radiation these weapons suffer from continuous malfunctions. To partially overcome this form of weapon unreliability, the blaster carbines chosen for use feature high power ratings. When the blaster carbines refuse to function, then melee weapons become the order of the day. It must be noted that in this day and age, other troops receive minimal training in melee combat, which puts them at a supreme disadvantage should they come up against our Radtroopers.

    When assaults call for high mobility light weapons such as vibroblades and force pikes are employed. When additional staying power is required or a comprehensive sweep of an objective is called for heavier weaponry is employed. The holster on the right side of the trooper holds the standard issue blaster carbine. Radtrooper armour is a classified military secret. Like Storm Commando armour, illegal possession is punishably by life imprisonment or death. So far only a few sets of Radtrooper armour have reached the black market. The characteristic silver and black armour of the Radtroopers is a modified set of standard Stormtrooper armour (see Table: Armour Features for details). It permits operations in Grade 5 (lethal) radiation zones for hours at a time. Due to their equipment these troopers can can dwell in the field for almost the same duration as regular Stormtroopers.