Jem'Hadar

In the fictional Star Trek universe, the Jem'Hadar are the shock troops of the powerful Dominion of the Gamma Quadrant. Genetically engineered for strength and courage, they are also very short-lived and believe that 'Victory is life'. They treat the Founders of the Dominion, enigmatic shape-shifters who rule the massive Dominion, as gods. The Jem'Hadar's numbers are unknown, but they may number in the billions.

Culture

Many, such as the Klingons, believe the Jem'Hadar are no more than honorless machines. In fact the Jem'Hadar are a species of varied characters, although those variations are across a narrower spectrum than is usual. Many Jem'Hadar have displayed a profound loyalty and devotion within their own ranks and to the Founders. Common incantations that; "Obedience brings Victory!" and "Victory is Life!"—literally true; through victory, they get more ketracel-white. Jem'Hadar have a high attrition rate; Few live to be fifteen and none are known to have lived to be thirty. A Jem'Hadar that reaches twenty years of age is considered an "Honored Elder".

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In one case a group of Starfleet officers led by Captain Sisko were stranded on an uninhabited planet along with a group of Jem'Hadar and their Vorta, Keevan. Keevan was injured and needed medical attention to survive, so decided to surrender himself. He informed Sisko that he was going to order his troops to attack so that Sisko could ambush and kill them all. Even though the Jem'Hadar knew full well what Keevan was planning, so strong was their loyalty that they willingly walked into the trap as ordered. On another occasion a group of Jem'Hadar committed suicide because they failed to save the life of one of the Founders.

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However, other Jem'Hadar have been less devoted - for instance, a group which gained control of an Iconian gateway planned to use it to rebel against the Founders. The Vorta expected this group to pick up considerable support, to the point where the Jem'Hadar as a whole would be able to seize control of the Dominion and liberate themselves from the Founders.

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The Jem'Hadar command structure is fairly straightforward. Their equivalent to a captain is called a "First". Their equivalent to commander is "Second". The ranks goes down through "Third", "Fourth", "Fifth", and so on. Before a major battle, the ranking Jem'Hadar will traditionally give the Jem'Hadar Battle Dirge to his assembled troops:

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: Ranking Jem'Hadar: "My name is and I am dead. As of this moment, we are all dead. In battle for the Founders we attain life. We do this gladly, for we are Jem'Hadar. Remember: Victory is Life!"

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: Assembled Jem'Hadar: "Victory is Life! Victory is Life! Victory is Life!..."

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