TITAN COMBAT TACTICS

[ENTRY C1: TITAN CLASSIFICATION]

Understanding Titans is the first step to killing them.

By Size:

3-7 Meter Class:

• Fast, agile

• Often found in buildings

• Kill method: Standard nape strike

• Danger: Speed, unexpected movement

• "Fast little bastards. Don't underestimate them because they're small."

7-15 Meter Class:

• Most common

• Balanced speed and strength

• Kill method: Standard tactics

• Danger: Reach, crushing power

15-20 Meter Class:

• Slower, more powerful

• Often Deviants

• Kill method: Coordinated squad attack

• Danger: Wide swings, long reach

20+ Meter Class:

• Rare, devastating

• Colossal Titan (60m) in this category

• Kill method: Unknown (none successfully killed)

• Danger: Everything

By Behavior:

Normal Titans:

• Wander aimlessly

• Attack humans on sight

• Active during day, sluggish at night

• Predictable patterns

Deviants:

• Erratic behavior

• Sometimes run, jump, or dodge

• May prioritize specific targets

• Extremely dangerous

• "They're learning. Every year, they get smarter."

Abnormals:

• Extreme deviations

• Unique abilities or behaviors

• Often larger or faster

• Squad-level threats

[ENTRY C2: THE NAPE — TARGETING EXPLANATION]

Why the Nape?

Titans have one weak point: the nape of the neck. A deep cut through this area kills them instantly. No other injury matters—decapitation, dismemberment, crushing—they all regenerate.

Anatomy:
The nape contains the spinal cord extension and, according to recent theories, possibly the Titan's "core." Sever this, and the Titan dies.

Target Area:

• Located at the base of the skull

• Approximately 1 meter long, 0.5 meter wide on average Titan

• Protected by tough skin but no bone armor (except Armored Titan variant)

Cut Depth Requirements:

• Minimum 1 meter deep

• Must sever completely

• Single clean cut ideal—multiple cuts waste time

Training Note:
"Aim for the center. Always the center. Too high, you miss the spine. Too low, you hit shoulders. Center. Center. Center."
— ODM Instructor

[ENTRY C3: SOLO VS. SQUAD TACTICS]

Solo Engagement:

Used when:

• Squad is scattered

• Titan is isolated

• No other options

Technique:

1. Approach from behind (Titans have poor peripheral vision)

2. Anchor to nearby structure

3. Swing at high speed

4. Strike nape in single pass

5. Continue momentum to escape

Success Rate: 40% (veterans), 15% (recruits)
Fatality Rate: 30% (veterans), 70% (recruits)

Squad Engagement:

Used when:

• Multiple Titans present

• Titan is larger or Deviant

• Formation requires defense

Standard Squad Composition:

• 4-6 soldiers

• 1 squad leader (signals, coordination)

• 2-3 attackers

• 1-2 spotters/emergency backup

Technique:

1. Spotters identify nape and threats

2. Attackers coordinate approach from multiple angles

3. Primary strike delivered by first attacker

4. Backup strikes if primary fails

5. All soldiers maintain escape routes

Success Rate: 75%
Casualty Rate: 20%

[ENTRY C4: FORMATION TACTICS — LONG-RANGE SCOUTING]

Long-Range Scouting Formation:

Developed by Commander Erwin. Standard for expeditions beyond the walls.

Structure:

• Vanguard: Lead scouts, 100-200 meters ahead

• Flank Guards: Left and right sides, watching for attacks

• Central Unit: Main force, including Eren (after his discovery)

• Rear Guard: Protect against pursuit

• Supply Unit: Horses, equipment, reserves

Principles:

• Maximize visual coverage

• Allow early Titan detection

• Provide multiple escape routes

• Sacrifice periphery to protect center

Weaknesses:

• Spread thin—easy to penetrate

• Communication delays

• Vulnerable to coordinated attacks

• High casualty rates on flanks

Erwin's Philosophy:
"The formation doesn't protect soldiers. It protects information. Soldiers die. Information lives. That's the trade."

[ENTRY C5: URBAN COMBAT TACTICS]

Fighting in cities requires different approaches:

Streets:

• Dangerous—open sightlines, limited anchor points

• Avoid whenever possible

• Use rooftops and walls

Buildings:

• Excellent anchor points

• Provide cover and concealment

• Watch for Titans reaching through windows

• Know escape routes before entering

Rooftops:

• Primary movement routes

• Good visibility

• Exposed to Titan grabs

• Maintain spacing—don't cluster

Gates:

• Strategic chokepoints

• Heavily defended

• Titans often concentrate here

• Garrison handles gate defense; Scouts handle interior

Civilian Considerations:

• Clear areas before engaging

• Direct civilians to shelters

• Avoid leading Titans toward populated zones

• Accept that some civilians will die—focus on saving more

[ENTRY C6: FOREST COMBAT TACTICS]

Forests offer unique advantages and dangers:

Advantages:

• Abundant anchor points

• Limited Titan movement (large Titans struggle between trees)

• Cover and concealment

• Multiple escape routes

Dangers:

• Limited visibility

• Titans can hide behind trees

• Branches can snag gear

• Disorientation common

Techniques:

• Stay high—canopy level

• Use trees as shields

• Watch for Titans using trees as weapons

• Communicate constantly—visual signals only (flares)

The Forest of Giant Trees:
Special case. Trees hundreds of meters tall. Ideal ODM environment. Used for:

• Training exercises

• Ambush preparation

• Eren protection (57th Expedition)

[ENTRY C7: NIGHT OPERATIONS]

Titans become less active at night. This creates opportunities:

Advantages:

• Fewer Titans active

• Slower reactions

• Can sometimes move without detection

Disadvantages:

• Limited visibility

• ODM gear harder to aim

• Disorientation common

• Exhaustion from daytime fighting

Techniques:

• Move in close formation

• Use flares for illumination

• Rest in shifts

• Avoid engagement if possible—wait for dawn

Veteran's Wisdom:
"Night is for moving, not fighting. If you're fighting at night, something went wrong."

[ENTRY C8: TITAN AVOIDANCE — SURVIVAL PRIORITIES]

Sometimes the best tactical decision is not to fight:

Priority 1: Escape

• Break line of sight

• Use terrain to block pursuit

• Titans have poor tracking once you're hidden

Priority 2: Hide

• Buildings, caves, dense forest

• Remain absolutely still

• Titans detect movement, not scent or sound

Priority 3: Sacrifice Speed

• Drop heavy equipment if necessary

• Cut horse loose if it's slowing you

• One soldier escaping is better than two dying

Priority 4: Last Resort Fighting

• Only engage if escape impossible

• Aim for crippling shots (eyes, legs) to enable escape

• Don't die for pride—die for survival

SQUAD COMPOSITION AND ROLES

"Together We Fall Slower"

[ENTRY S1: STANDARD SQUAD STRUCTURE]

A Survey Corps squad typically consists of 4-6 soldiers:

Squad Leader:

• Experienced veteran

• Carries multiple flare colors

• Makes tactical decisions

• Coordinates with other squads

• Expected to survive to report

Attackers (2-3 soldiers):

• Primary Titan killers

• Best ODM skills

• Carry extra blades

• Focus on nape strikes

Support/Spotter (1-2 soldiers):

• Watch for approaching Titans

• Call out threats and opportunities

• Provide emergency backup

• Carry smoke bombs and signals

Role Flexibility:
All soldiers must be able to perform any role. Deaths are random. The squad continues.

[ENTRY S2: LEVI SQUAD — ELITE UNIT ANALYSIS]

Levi's personal squad (prior to 57th Expedition) represented the pinnacle of Survey Corps organization:

Members:

• Petra Ral (attacker)

• Oluo Bozado (attacker)

• Eld Gin (attacker)

• Gunther Schultz (attacker/support)

• Captain Levi (commander)

Tactics:

• Levi engages primary threat

• Squad handles secondary threats

• Coordinated attacks from multiple angles

• Extreme speed and precision

• No wasted movement

Loss Impact:
The complete destruction of Levi Squad during the 57th Expedition represented:

• Loss of 4 elite soldiers (years of training each)

• Psychological damage to Levi

• Tactical setback for Survey Corps

• Warning about Female Titan's capabilities

Surviving Records:
"They were the best. Not just good—the best. And they died like everyone else. Fast. Ugly. Meaningless."
— Anonymous Veteran

[ENTRY S3: COMMUNICATION METHODS]

Without radios, Scouts communicate through:

Flare Signals:

• Green: Titan sighted

• Red: Emergency/Retreat

• Black: Commander's signal (varies by mission)

• White: All clear/Resume formation

• Multiple flares: Priority threat

Hand Signals:

• Raised fist: Stop/Hold

• Pointed fingers: Direction

• Open hand: Spread out

• Closed fist: Gather

• Throat cut: Titan behind

Verbal (Close Range):

• Short commands only

• "Left!" "Right!" "Up!" "Down!" "Now!"

• Names only for critical warnings

Horse Signals:

• Whistles for basic commands

• Reins for direction

• Speed determined by leg pressure

[ENTRY S4: HORSES — THE UNSUNG HEROES]

Horses are essential to Survey Corps operations:

Role:

• Transport to engagement zones

• Supply carrying

• Retreat mobility

• Emotional support (veterans form strong bonds)

Training:

• Conditioned to Titan presence

• Trained to follow ODM signals

• Can run for hours at sustained speed

• Bond with specific riders

Casualty Rates:

• Higher than soldiers in some expeditions

• Replaceable but not disposable

• Loss of horse often means loss of rider

Veteran's Note:
"My horse saved my life six times. Name was Thunder. When he died, I cried harder than for most people. Don't tell anyone."