The Cobra Infantry trooper is presented with two options once they have paid their dues on the field, one to join a specialized unit like the various Viper Corps, or two to join the Armor Division. Cobra only selects battle-seasoned troops to man and operate their Armor and Artillery. All HISS drivers are expected to not only be able to hold their own in combat, but to be able to take control of any situation on the field. Their Tank is just an extension of their own deadly nature. HISS Drivers can not only operate but also repair their own tanks on the field. They posses intimate knowledge of all components of the HISS as well as most other armor and artillery in Cobra’s arsenal, making the HISS driver one of Cobra’s most versatile soldiers. You may be able to knock out a HISS tank, but beware if it’s pilot survives. He’ll be the guy with the knife in your back ten minutes later.
Seeing the need to create a more specialized unit to operate the highly advanced electronics of the HISS II, Cobra instated the Track Viper Corps. After no less than two years in the field as a rank and file Viper, the Track Viper Recruit most then invest 9 months in training exercises including a grueling 600 hours of virtual simulation and hand-eye-ear separation, coordination training, which allows the Track Viper to multitask between targeting, driving, firing and communications all at once. Considered one of the hardest appointments to receive in Cobra’s Armor division, the title of Track Viper is still highly sought after. The idea of operating Cobra’s most deadly and heavily armored tank may have something to do with it.
The HISS III is nothing more than an original HISS tank with the guts of today’s best armor technology. As the drivers are nothing more than HISS drivers with a few years under their belts. Seeing a need to update the original HISS, Cobra choose only their best and brightest HISS Drivers to operate the HISS III.
Fred T. Booth III (Codename RIP IT) was selected to lead the charge as Cobra’s most highly decorated HISS driver to date. Though known to take the fight above and beyond his given orders, Rip It has yet to fail in any of his “unauthorized” exploits, making him a hero to most troops, and a nuisance to the Cobra Hierarchy.
