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Basic BDU Features
The Battle Dress Uniform offers protection from hostile environments such as extreme heat and the vacuum of space as well as enemy fire. It consists of a body suit with reinforced armor panels, as well as separate boots, gloves and helmet. The helmet includes communications gear and sensor equipment, which appears as a heads-up display on the inside of the visor. Standard ODST BDU is black with an optional gray camouflage pattern. A patch on the left shoulder lists medical information in case of injury.
Variants
ODSTs wear a number of variants of the basic BDU armor in order to carry out specialized functions. There are three main variations on the BDU armor. The first of these is the Close-Quarter Battle armor. This armor is issued both to CQB specialists and demolition specialists. It incorporates advanced communications equipment which allows the wearer to relay information from her visor to superiors or other members of her squad.
Sharpshooter and Recon Armor
Other variants of the ODST BDU include sharpshooter and recon models. The sharpshooter armor, issued to snipers, includes advanced optical targeting systems as well as lighter armor on the right arm to allow easier movement and heavier armor on the left to protect the sniper from return fire. The recon variant, used by Office of Naval Intelligence personnel, has improved stealth capability and is lighter to allow greater freedom of movement for the wearer.
Other Variants
In addition to the three main variants, at several points during the "Halo" series of games, ODSTs are seen wearing different versions of the armor, including a variant with a breastplate more closely resembling standard Marine armor. This variant armor has an olive drab color scheme. Components of ODST armor are sometimes worn by non-ODST personnel. They are available as purchasable upgrades in "Halo: Reach" and also appear in the multiplayer component of "Halo 3."