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The army of Cobra is based upon the regular infantry troops, the Vipers. The original Cobra soldiers were many of those who shared the vision of their leader, Cobra Commander. Trained by soldiers-for-hire, they learned their skills to help establish footholds for Cobra in various unstable nations all around the world. As the organization grew, Cobra's army grew to include mercenaries, known international terrorists and disaffected soldiers from various nations, including the United States. The Vipers are either in it for the money, or for the continuation of Cobra's goal of world domination.The original Cobra soldiers and officers wore blue military fatigues and helmets, along with a red or black facemask to cover their identities. The Cobra officers' uniforms varied slightly from that of regular troops, the most obvious difference being a v-shaped symbol on the front of their helmets. The name, Viper, was in fact not used until around 1985. It still described the regular infantry, but new more specialized troops were soon created, each adding a prefix to the title. The first of these specialized divisions were the communications officers called Tele-Vipers. A year or two later, the basic Viper underwent a major uniform change. The most striking difference was the wraparound helmet with silver-plated facemask, presumably meant to emulate the helmet worn by Cobra Commander. These helmets gave Vipers additional protection, as well as built-in commo gear. Cobra officers continued to use the original uniform. Nearly all of Cobra's rank and file start off as standard Vipers, and then undergo special training to join the specialized groups.In 1994, most of Cobra's forces scattered after being defeated by military forces. In the years that followed, Cobra Commander began to rebuild his army, though many of the specialized troops besides the Tele-Vipers and the Crimson Guard have yet to be seen. The uniform for the Cobra officer has changed slightly to include protective armor, but is still based on the original Cobra uniforms. In 2001, the Vipers again faced the G.I. Joe team in battle when Cobra Commander and his forces returned. Some time after their return, Cobra Commander developed the Neo-Vipers, soldiers genetically altered for enhanced strength, endurance and dexterity.
Alley Vipers. Urban assault troopers. They have worn various types of brightly colored uniforms and armor. They are equipped with various equipment to be used in warfare in urban areas. The Alley Vipers were first seen in action during a battle fought in Rio Lindo, the capitol of Sierra Gordo (..92). A group of Alley Vipers later fought in the conflict between Cobra and the G.I. Joe team that took place in the town of Millville (..140-142). Alley Vipers were also used in Cobra's invasion of the European country of Borovia (..145).
Cyber-Vipers. Cybernetically-enhanced Cobra troopers. Designed by Dr. Mindbender, these soldiers were only in the experimental stages when Cobra was defeated by military forces in Europe. There may actually have been only one Cyber-Viper, who the Joes encountered while fighting Cobra in the mountains of Trans-Carpathia (..149).
Flak-Vipers. Anti-aircraft troopers. Flak-Vipers are equipped with portable missle launchers and a laser rifle. They first encountered the G.I. Joe team during an assault on the Pit (Joe HQ) in Utah.Frag-Vipers. Cobra's "grenade throwers". Frag-Vipers use a special manual hurling basket (based on the cesta from the sport Jai Alai) to launch grenades used normally in grenade launchers. This eliminates the sound and light of a firearm's muzzle flash, allowing the Frag-Vipers to stay out of sight. Their helmets include an automatic range-finder. G.I. Joe first encountered Frag-Vipers during a rescue mission in Rio Lindo, the capital of Sierra Gordo (..92).
Laser-Vipers. Portable laser troopers. Laser-Vipers wear large backpack-mounted lasers used as weapons at close range and spotter beams for missiles at longer ranges. G.I. Joe first encountered Laser-Vipers during a Cobra assault on Pit III in Utah (..130).
Eels. Elite divers, the Eels are more than just "frogmen". All are highly trained demolitions experts and marine engineers. Eels undergo rigorous training and become some of Cobra's most highly skilled troops. They are often part of the crew on Cobra's naval vessels, and virtually all of Cobra's underwater vehicle operators come from the Eel forces, as do Cobra's arctic troops - the Snow Serpents. The Joes first encountered Cobra Eels when Snake-Eyes and Storm Shadow fought a group in the sharf-infested waters off the coast of Cobra Island (..47).
SAW Vipers. Heavy machine gunner. SAW Vipers use highly advanced mini-chain guns and night vision, auto-ranging scopes. Their weapons are also made with sound suppressors flash inhibitors for stealth.
One SAW Viper's cold-blooded actions proved tragic for the G.I. Joe team. Misunderstanding orders from Cobra Commander, Tomax and Xamot ordered the SAW Viper to execute a small group of Joes captured in Trucial Abysmia before the Battle of Benzheen. The ruthless, merciless Viper shot and killed seven of the unarmed Joes and seemed to enjoy it before the remaining Joes made their escape. After more Joes were killed by Cobra, the three survivors -- Duke, Falcon and Cross Country -- tracked down the SAW Viper to avenge their fallen comrades. Duke finally had the SAW Viper in his sights, unarmed. Duke couldn't bring himself to kill the defenseless man and left him where he found him. After initially worrying about the Joes' retaliation, Cobra Commander threw a party in the honor of the SAW Viper. After being last seen fighting in the Battle of Benzheen, that particular SAW Viper's current status is unknown. (..109-112)
