PMF: Infantry
SMF: Infiltration

The Iron Grenadiers have served as M.A.R.S's military arm since the late 1980's. Elite soldiers brought into Destro's service with promises of wealth and power, each hand picked for their strength, endurance, and tenacity, they acted as provocateurs, infiltrating contested areas to spread disorder and chaos, but most importantly a demand for Destro's weapons, all the while gaining commission and stock options for the weapons they sold and the revolts they propagated. They are driving force behind conquering the lions share of M.A.R.S territory, earning themselves a sordid and bloody history in the process. As time past and the recruitment methods changed, their role would move from soldier to Royal Vanguard, tasked with guarding the Destro family threats, a role that continued when McLeod took control of the company.

The longstanding truce held with Cobra had been unsteady from the beginning, constantly tested by the organizations voracious coils. Tensions would be further aggravated by the Destro family openly condemning their oppressive Regime, conveniently coinciding with military strikes against Cobra's enemies worldwide. It would all come to a head when, in 2214, McCleod's American born son, Dane, would be the target of an assassination attempt during a visit to Americorp. With the truce now gone, and Cobra already striking against Japanitronix and Extensive Enterprises, M.A.R.S had no choice but strike back. Knowing they cannot possibly win a 3 front war single handed, Dane was sent to revitalize the rebel factions who survived the destruction of G.I. Joe 7 years prior. Unwilling to send his son in alone, he not only sent in equipment, but a hand-picked squad of 12 Grenadiers to back him up. The Grenadiers history being seen as potential deterrent to the mission, they where promptly issued a new helm to fight under, resulting in this original dozen to become known as the Steel Brigade. Disciplined, highly trained, and heavily armed with state-of-the-art M.A.R.S issued equipment, these troopers serve as the vanguard of Dane's G.I. Joe team.

"Grenadiers endure a grueling 2 year training program to weed out any potential weakness. Those who don't wash out are given genetically modified to improve speed and senses, while cybernetic enhancements give them access to 3 centuries of battlefield tactics. The end result are highly-trained commando's who are experts in everything from explosives to espionage, who would throw down their lives serving to protect the Clan Destro and her interests. Now, MaCleod's interest is focused on taking down Cobra, and they will follow his will regardless of what uniform they wear."

The idea for Liberty Greenshirts came to me over labor day weekend, but it wasn't until I cobbled something together while watching paint dry that the full scope came together. Couldn't think of what colors to use until I got started on Barghest, the Drabs look fantastic when paired together. Aside from the yellow's persistent bleed through, the only other problem was with the legs and their failure to cooperate. Thanks everyone for the hot-glue fix.

The Airborne Backpack was a last-minute addition. I was literally painting it up as I was taking pictures of the other figures. I would have used that Duke's pulse-rifle... but I forgot it at home. :(