Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six

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Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six is the title of John Clark's position as director of the fictional counter-terrorist unit Rainbow. It is first mentioned in the 1998 novel "Rainbow Six" by Tom Clancy. The book was adapted into a successful series of tactical first-person shooter computer and video games, and is a planned future film tentatively set for release in 2010.Fact|date=November 2007

Tom Clancy also features Rainbow in his 2000 novel "The Bear and the Dragon".

Team Rainbow

The novel "Rainbow Six" describes Rainbow as an international counter-terrorism operation hosted by NATO and funded by money funneled through the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The base of operations for Rainbow is located in Hereford (home to SAS), due to the United Kingdom being one of the most accessible countries in the world and also due to the press constraints that would not be possible to impose in the United States. Most of the characters in Rainbow are American or British, however, the NATO countries of France, Germany, Canada, Italy and Spain, plus Israel have at least one representative each.

Clancy describes the structure of Rainbow as having one Director (Rainbow Six), who oversees the entire operation, and one Deputy Director (Rainbow Five), who is second in command. Rainbow is portrayed as the "blackest of black" operations, and it works off of its very own intelligence service which has intelligence contacts all over the world. In the book, when Rainbow is called upon for help from another country's government to deal with a terrorist situation, usually only one of the two teams will be sent, but in some situations both will be sent. Both teams have an officer as team leader and a senior NCO as second in command. Not including the team leader, each team is made up of eleven men. Rainbow also has a standard-issue weapons kit, consisting of a Beretta 8045 Cougar pistol and a suppressed H&K MP5/10 sub-machine gun (mislabeled as MP-10) for each soldier and a M60 for each team's support gunner. Each team also has two snipers, each with a rifle of own choosing.

In the games, Rainbow is portrayed differently. John Clark is still the leader for most of the series, but he is supported by a set of other key staff and advisors who vary from game to game. As of "Rogue Spear", there are around 30 Rainbow operatives. This includes members from NATO countries and from non-NATO countries, along with six female operatives. For each mission, a maximum eight operatives can be deployed and can be split into a maximum of four teams. Weapons, uniforms and equipment are less standardized, and are instead chosen to suit the operative and the mission.

Members

The following is a list of all the members of Rainbow that are mentioned in the novel "Rainbow Six".

;Director:
*flagicon|USA|1912 Simulated Major General John Terrence Clark a.k.a. Rainbow Six (USA; ex-SEAL, CIA, formerly known as John Terrence Kelly)

;Deputy Director:
*flagicon|UK Simulated Colonel Alistair Stanley a.k.a. Rainbow Five (UK; ex-SAS)

;Executive Secretaries:
*flagicon|UK Mrs. Alice Foorgate (UK)
*flagicon|UK Mrs. Helen Montgomery (UK)

;Team One:
*flagicon|UK Team Leader - Major Peter Covington (UK; SAS)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Master Chief Miguel 'Mike' Chin (USA; SEALs)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Sergeant First Class Fred Franklin (USA; Delta)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Sergeant Mortimer "Sam" Houston (USA; U.S. Army Rangers)
*flagicon|UK Sergeant Geoff Bates (UK; SAS)

;Team Two:
*flagicon|USA|1912 Team Leader - Simulated Major Domingo "Ding" Chavez (USA; ex-United States Army Ranger, CIA)
*flagicon|UK Command Sergeant Major Eddie Price (UK; SAS)
*flagicon|USA|1912 First Sergeant Julio Vega (USA; Delta)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Sergeant First Class Homer Johnston (USA; Delta)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Staff Sergeant George Tomlinson (USA; Delta)
*flagicon|UK Staff Sergeant Steve Lincoln (UK; SAS)
*flagicon|UK Sergeant Paddy Connolly (UK; SAS)
*flagicon|UK Sergeant Scott McTyler (UK; SAS)
*flagicon|Germany Feldwebel Dieter Weber (Germany; GSG 9)
*flagicon|France Sergeant Louis Loiselle (France; DGSE)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Sergeant Hank Patterson (USA; Delta)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Sergeant Mike Pierce (USA; Delta)

;Team Two Secretary:
*flagicon|UK Katherine Moony (UK)

;Intelligence:
*flagicon|USA|1912 Doctor Paul Bellow (USA; Independent Negotiator and Psychologist)
*flagicon|UK Bill Tawney (UK; ex-MI6)

;Communications:
*flagicon|USA|1912 Major Sam Bennett (USA; U.S. Air Force)

;Technical Staff:
*flagicon|IsraelDavid Peled (Israel; Mossad)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Tim Noonan (USA; FBI; former HRT tech support)

;MH-60K Night Hawk Aircrew:
*flagicon|USA|1912 Lieutenant Colonel Dan "Bear" Malloy (USA; Marines)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Lieutenant Harrison (USA; Special Operations Aviation Regiment)
*flagicon|USA|1912 Sergeant Jack Nance (USA; Special Operations Aviation Regiment)

;Weapons Trainer:
*flagicon|UK Sergeant Major Dave Woods (UK; British Army)

In "The Bear and the Dragon", Rainbow makes a return. While their part in the novel at first seems small, they become more involved as the novel progresses.

It is noted that since the events of "Rainbow Six", the public has become more aware of the existence of Rainbow, and are often referred to as the "Men of Black", in regards to their uniforms.

It is also said that the teams' roster is constantly changing. Many of the original members of Rainbow have left the team, some later returned, and then a few left again, with new members always being added. Ettore Falcone from the Italian Carabinieri was added to Team One (still under Covington's command) just before the events of "The Bear and the Dragon". Lieutenant Colonel Malloy has been promoted to full Colonel and appointed to command Marine One, piloting the President of the United States.

New Members

The following is a list of characters that make up Team Rainbow's roster as of 2010.

;Director:
*flagicon|USA|1912 Major Domingo Chavez a.k.a., Rainbow Six (USA; ex-United States Army Ranger, CIA, former leader of Rainbow Team 2). Chavez was promoted to Rainbow's Director in .

;Deputy Director:
*flagicon|USA|1912 Bishop a.k.a., Rainbow Five (USA, ex-United States Army Ranger, former Rainbow Academy Recruit Instructor). Bishop, the main protagonist of Vegas 2, was offered the position of Deputy Director at the end of the aforementioned game, implying that Colonel Stanley has left Rainbow.

;Intelligence:
*flagicon|Canada Joanna Torres (Canada). Joanna Torres was Alpha Teams on-sight intelligence officer, and was the one who briefed Logan Keller before each operation. It is believed that she was recruited somewhere between 2000-2008. Torres was transferred along with Logan to Bravo Team, and took over as their intelligence officer, (Bravo's original intel officer, Sharon Judd, had been wounded by a sniper during the Bravo's concurrent operation) briefing them on the situation in Vegas strip and the Nevada Dam. When the traitor Gabriel Nowak revealed himself, he took Torres and Bravo team's chopper pilot hostage, then kicked them out of the helicopter to be executed by a small group of terrorists. However, Logan and Bravo Team arrived and saved the two. Torres was heard during the last stage of Vegas 2, landing with Bravo Team to secure the villa where Nowak was hiding. Using a radio, she coordinated a SAM missile to strike the combat helicopter that was attacking Bishop, saving his/her(Bishop's appearance and gender varies in the game Rainbow Six Vegas 2) life. Afterwards, she wishes Bishop good luck when he/she goes to confront Nowak. She is not heard of afterwards, although it is believed she is still Bravo's intel officer.
*flagicon|Israel Sharon Judd (Israel ex-Mossad) Sharon Judd was Bravo Team's former intel officer. She remains in the helicopter briefing the team prior to and during missions.She was wounded by a sniper during Bravo Team's insertion on the roof of the Elements Casino. After fast roping down from the chopper Bravo Team eliminates the sniper. After he is extracted from Elements Bishop is informed by Chavez that she is in critical condition but alive. Prior to their insertion at the hacienda to search for Gabriel Nowak, Gary Kenyon informs the team that Sharon is alive and in stable condition. It is unknown if Sharon remains with the organization.

;MH-60K Night Hawk Aircrew:
*flagicon|RUS Brody Lukin (Russia) Pilot for Alpha Team. Drops Rainbow operatives on and off the ground during Rainbow Six Vegas.

*flagicon|New Zealand Gary Kenyon (New Zealand, ex- Royal New Zealand Air Force and British Royal Air Force) He pilots the Night Hawk helicopter carrying Bravo Team during the events of Rainbow Six Vegas 2. He possesses excellent flying skills and is capable of putting Rainbow operatives on the ground in perilous hot spots.

;Alpha Team

*flagicon|USA|1912 Captain Logan Keller (USA, ex-4th Marine Regiment,Marine Force Recon,Delta Force). Keller is the main protagonist of . He was recruited in 2005, and was trained by Bishop, the future Deputy Director of Rainbow. At the beginning of the game, he was the leader of Team Alpha, a three man fireteam consisting of himself, Gabriel Nowak, and Kan Akashi. However, his team was captured while attempting to arrest Irena Morales, and he was transferred to Bravo Team, leading Michael Walters and Jung Park during an op in Vegas. Later, after Gabriel Nowak was revealed to be Rainbow's mole, Keller defied orders and went to aid Bishop and Bravo Team, who were raiding the villa where Nowak was holed up. He led Delta Team during this operation. It is assumed that he still holds the position of Bravo Team leader.

*flagicon|PolandGabriel Nowak (Poland). Gabriel Nowak was recruited presumbably around the same time as Logan Keller. His life before then is unknown, although it is likely he was in the military for some time. Nowak was trained alongside Keller, and the two quickly became friends. Although both proved to be excellent Rainbow operatives, Nowak showed signs of impatience and lacked the tactical knowledge Keller possessed. This came to head during the two's first op in France, when Nowaks premature firing caused the death of a hostage negotiator (see ). Although Six, Ding Chavez, wanted the young recruit out, Bishop defended him, an action that Nowak would come to deeply resent, even more so when he was passed up for promotion in favor of his teammate Logan Keller, who eventually became his squad leader. Nowak eventually betrayed Rainbow, and was preparing to sell out the operatives identities and other NATO information to international criminals. However, Rainbow teams led by his former mentor Bishop and his former friend Logan Keller stormed the villa where he was hiding, and Bishop ultimately confronted him. Nowak went into a rage, claiming that Bishop was always trying to control him, and never let him (Nowak) show what he could do. Nowak was killed when he raised his handgun against Bishop, and he/she was forced to draw his/her own pistol and kill the ex-Rainbow operative.

*flagicon|Japan Kan Akashi (Japan). Akashi was introduced in Rainbow Six: Vegas, as the support gunner for Logan Keller's fireteam. He fought alongside Keller and Gabriel Nowak in attempt to arrest international criminal Irena Morales, but was captured, along with Nowak, when terrorists ambushed the team in the Mexican mines. Kan was transported to Vegas, and eventually escaped from his captors. He fought his way through the casino where he was being held, and reinforcements arrived, in the form of Logan Keller and Bravo Team. However, Kan was fatally shot during a firefight. As he lay dying, he informed the team that the events in Mexico and Vegas were and the random attacks in Vegas were meant to provide a distraction from the terrorists real target, the Nevada Dam connected. Although they tried to save him Jung's first aid attempts where unsuccessful, and Kan died in Logan Keller's arms.

;Bravo Team

*flagicon|UK Michael Walters (UK,Royal Marines,SAS). Michael Walters is a British national who joined Rainbow in 2008. He was a member of the Special Air Service and Royal Marine Commando before joining Rainbow. He was trained by Bishop and graduated as a full fledged operative, specialising in Explosive Ordnance Disposal and heavy weapons. He is proficient in dismantling most kinds of bombs, including chemical and standard explosive and in one case a terrorist Micro-Pulse Bomb during the events of Rainbow Six Vegas. He served in a field detachment for many years. In July of 2010, Walters and his teammate Jung Park were called to a situation in Las Vegas. Under command of his former mentor Bishop, Walters tracked down and attempted to secure a chemical explosive in a sports arena. However, he was too late, and was forced to hear the screams of the civilians in the arena as the explosive detonated. He blamed himself for being unable to reach them in time, but Bishop took full responsibility, stating that there were confirmed hostages in another area, and "he (Bishop) made the call". Later in the evening, the team successfully dismantled a conventional explosive bomb and saved multiple hostages in a penthouse casino, until Walters, along with Jung, was called back to regroup with Logan Keller in another part of the city. After a full day of fighting, and a subsequent operation in the Nevada Dam, Walters again regrouped with Bishop, this time to hunt down the Rainbow mole, Gabriel Nowak. Walters helped storm the villa were the traitor was holed up, and was almost killed when attempting to dismantle a proximity bomb that detonated in his face. Bishop managed to save him, and afterwards, commented that "I (Bishop) didn't think I would get to you in time". Walters responded by saying "I knew you had my back." Michael Walters is last seen at the end of Vegas 2, congratulating Bishop on his/her promotion to Deputy Director.

*flagicon|South Korea Jung Park (South Korea,ex-ROK Army,707th Special Mission Unit). Jung Park is a Rainbow operative who joined in 2009.He is a IT Expert and Recon/Sniper Specialist.He was trained by Bishop at the Academy.

;Other Members
*flagicon|Australia Timothy Hanley (Australia, ex-SAS, TAG). Recruited between 1999 and 2003. A veteran from the Australian Tactical Assault Group (TAG), he approaches every combat situation, even high risk ones, with trademark easy going humour.

*flagicon|Poland Kazimiera "Kamikazi" Rakuzanka (Poland, ex-GROM). Rakuzanka was born in Gdansk, Poland. She joined Solidarity underground movement at an early age, and worked as a resistance operative until the founding of the Poland Republic. Joined the Gdansk police force in '1989, worked as an undercover operative in the growing criminal underworld. Joined GROM in '1993, initially as an intel officer, then worked her way up to Counter Terror operative in '1995. Joined Rainbow between '1998-'2003. Described as a "survivor".

*flagicon|Sweden Annika Lofquist (Sweden, ex-ONI). Born in 1966. Lofquist is an electronic genius, with her name on fourteen different patents of electronic eavesdropping equipment. Attended Stockholm University, graduated with a B.S. in physics. Served as an engineer in Microe lektronik from 1988-1992, and still consults them from time to time. Recruited into Stockholm PD as an electronic specialist. Joined Rainbow between 2000-2003. Courageous and intelligent, but lack of military training makes her a little overconfident in some situations.

*flagicon|Brazil Alejandro Noronha (Brazil, ex-regular army, former CTD). A former career soldier from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Graduated from a military academy, served in the regular army corps. (1982-'1987) and the Counter Terrorist Detachment, 1st Special Operations Battalion ('1988-'1997). Well known CT operator in North and South America, specialises in jungle operations and long range intel gathering, and has a reputation as a no nonsense soldier. Considered stern and humourless by his fellow Rainbow operatives, and his only tastes are opera and classical music.

*flagicon|Austria Karl Haider (Austria, ex-Austrian Army/EKO Cobra). One of the younger Rainbow operators, former career soldier from Graz, Austria. Joined Austrian Army in 1992, transferred to EKO Cobra four years later. Participated in a raid against a terror cell's headquarters in '1998, and single handedly saved seven hostages. Joined Rainbow between 2000-2002. Unstoppable in combat situations, and is extremely aggressive and iron willed.

*flagicon|South Korea Pak Suo-Won (South Korea, ex-Special Mission Battalion, 707th). Fifth son of a Kangnung fisherman, Pak joined the SK army at a very early age. Slight in build, but has astonishing physical endurance and excelled at all physical training exercises in basic. Specialises in long range recon operations, often going months undercover in infiltration. Cheerful and optimistic. Has a strange phobia with boats.

*flagicon|Cyprus Kure Galanos (Cyprus, ex-civilian police). Born during the ethnic crisis between Greeks and Turks in Cyprus. Daughter of an ex-ELDYK sharpshooter, who taught her his specialty during prolonged hunting trips. Attempted to enter the Greek MYK force, but her application was denied due to her gender. Joined civilian police force, and forged a reputation as a outstanding marksman in adverse conditions. Joined Rainbaw between 2000-2003. Described as a "force of nature".

*flagicon|USA|1912 Homer Johnston (USA, 101st Airborne, Green Beret,Delta Force). Born in Boise on August 23, 1972. Former Green Beret and Delta member. Part of 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, he found his way into Black Ops by 1989. Definitive distance runner, relies on stealth and speed to set up his sniper locations. Expert with all forms of rifles.

*flagicon|Egypt Jamal Murad (Egypt, Unit 777). Murad joined the Egyptian armed forces rather than continue his scholarship. Privately upset by the reputation of Egypt's Unit 777, Murad set out to change the organization from within. His contacts with US, British and German training units convinced him there was a better way, but that Egypt would not be taking that path soon enough for him. His exceptional skills, both linguistic and military, landed him a frequent cross training position with the SAS, where he came to the attention of Rainbow.

*flagicon|RUS Arkadi Novikov (Russia). Born in Minsk, in what is now Belarus. Novikov is the son of a career army officer; his family is politically very well connected, and has made the transition from the USSR to the CIS very well indeed. Novikov enjoyed the finest education and living standard available, including an engineering degree from the University of Moscow. He spurned the regular army to take a prized field position in the enforcement arm of the KGB, only to find it disintegrating beneath him. When his co-workers joined the forming Russian Mafias, Novikov left the city to return to Minsk where the newly independent Belarus army offered him a chance to lead a CT team of his own creation. A series of low profile but well-planned and executed missions brought him to the attention of RAINBOW, which Novikov gladly joined.

*flagicon|France Alain DuBarry (France, Gendarmerie Nationale, GIGN). Joined the Gendarmerie Nationale in 1990 as an officer in their computer crime division. Instrumental in thwarting a 1994 attempt by a group of Algerian nationals to bring down the French Minitel computer network using a virus spread by telephone switching software. In 1996 he was recruited by the Groupe d'Intervention Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN), France's elite counter-terrorist unit, as a specialist in telephony and electronic surveillance. DuBarry is an expert on computers and computer nets as well as more conventional forms of surveillance. Although his role in CT actions is usually intelligence gathering and communications, as a veteran of GIGN's extensive combat training he is fully qualified to participate in armed operations.

*flagicon|RUS Genedy Filatov (Russia). Served in army of former Soviet Union, 1981-85, including tour of duty in Afghanistan. Recruited by "Alfa" counter-terrorist group in 1987. Operated in all major territories of the former Soviet Union and eastern Europe. Resigned from "Alfa" in 1991 in response to that organization's ambiguous response to the failed Soviet coup. Director of operations for private security firm, 1991-96. Returned to "Alfa" during its 1997 restructuring under the Russian Federal Security Service.Filatov is a solid counter-terrorism operative. Although his training and background are unorthodox by western standards, he has a wealth of real-world experience from his years in the security forces of the former Soviet Union, and numerous contacts across eastern Europe and Asia.

*flagicon|France Louis Loiselle (France,Parachute Division,DGSE). Former member of the French Parachute Division, he was detailed to DGSE. Part of action group Service 7. Involved in tactical espionage and counter-espionage throughout Europe. Began training DGSE recruits in 1985. On assignments he is a utility player, and doesn't get shaken easily. He is a marksman with pistols and rifles, although he is experienced in all forms of counterterrorism.

*flagicon|UK Andrew Burke (UK, Royal Marines Commandos, SAS).Joined Royal Marines in 1986. Two tours of duty with British Special Air Service (SAS) , 1989-91 and 1996-1999. Awarded Military Cross, 1998. Has taken part in SAS actions in twenty-two countries on four continents.Burke is a seasoned veteran of numerous covert operations. While not reckless, he has a strong can-do attitude and unlimited confidence in his abilities. As a leader he is decisive and demanding.

*flagicon|Colombia Emilio Narino (Colombia). Narino's early activities are shrouded in mystery, a situation he enhances with conflicting stories regarding his training and upbringing. At various times, Narino has claimed to be the nephew of a Colombian drug lord, a failed university professor, an ex-police officer, and a freedom fighter. Most team members believe that he learned his trade as a CIA assassin, a belief that Narino alternately encourages with outrageous stories or flatly denies with cold stares. Regardless, everyone agrees that Narino is a cool and composed marksman with a disquieting ability to sneak into exposed positions without being seen. Narino is a study in unpredictable mood swings. One minute joking and talkative, the next tight-lipped and silent. This never interferes with his professionalism on the job.

*flagicon|Norway Einar Petersen (Norway, Beredskapstroppen). Joined Beredskapstroppen in 1990, after sister travelling in the Middle East was wounded in a terrorist attack. Petersen is a nearly unstoppable sniper if allowed the proper setup time. He projects an air of icy calm at all times, prompting teammates to devise various pranks and embarrassing situations to disturb that calm.

*flagicon|Germany Lars Beckenbauer (Germany). Drafted into the East Germany Army, 1970. Specialized in bomb disposal and demolitions. Assigned to East German Border Patrol, 1971-76. Arrested by the GDR State Security Service (Stasi) in 1976 under suspicion of involvement in several high-profile defections. Released for lack of evidence and discharged from army in 1977. Movements and activities from 1977-84 are unknown. The current German government will neither confirm nor deny rumors that he was a member of the "Libellen", an underground group held responsible for several bombings of East German governmental offices in and around Berlin in the summer of 1981. Resurfaced in 1985 when he was granted asylum by West Germany after a risky crossing of the Baltic Sea in a small sailboat. Opened Pyrotechno GmbH, a security consulting firm, in 1989. Since then he has built his reputation as Germany' s leading expert on explosives and demolitions.

*flagicon|Italy Antonio Maldini (Italy,Carabinieri, Gruppo di Intervento Speciale). Joined L'Arma dei Carabinieri in 1989 and after completing training was assigned to the Comando Carabinieri Antidroga, the Carabinieri's anti-narcotics agency. Transferred in 1995 to the Gruppo Intervento Speciale (GIS), Italy's elite counter-terrorist team.At GIS his ability to occupy positions undetected by the enemy resulted in the nickname "The Invisible Man". He is in excellent physical condition and is exceptionally quick on his feet. His demeanor is calm and somewhat aloof. Although a solid team member, he is too introspective to be a truly effective commander.

*flagicon|Spain Santiago Arnavisca (Spain,Guardia Civil,WEU,Unidad Especial de Intervención). Attended University of Seville, 1983-88. Joined the Guardia Civil upon graduation. Served as a brigade commander 1994-96 in the Western European Union (WEU) administration of Mostar in Bosnia where he was instrumental in rebuilding the local police force. In 1997 recruited by the Guardia Civil's counter-terrorism unit, the Unidad Especial de Intervención (UEI) as part of their focus on the growing threat of terrorist action within the European Union by former citizens of Yugoslavia. Arnavisca has competed in shooting competitions since he was a child and is an expert marksman. He speaks English, German and Italian fluently, as well as his native Spanish, and can make himself understood in most otherEuropean languages. Despite his aristocratic bearing, he is more comfortable acting as a lieutenant and advisor than a team lead.

*flagicon|Canada Roger McAllen (Canada, 8 FER, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Special Emergency Response Team, JTF-2). Joined the Canadian Army as a Field Engineer, 1981. Served one tour of duty, 1981-85. Received advanced training in both combat diving and explosive ordnance disposal. Upon discharge joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and in 1988 became a member of the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT), the RCMP's elite counter-terrorism unit. When SERT was disbanded in 1993, he helped coordinate the transition of counter-terrorist responsibilities to the Canadian Armed Forces' newly formed Joint Task Force Two (JTF-2). McAllen re-enlisted in 1994 and became a full member of JTF-2 the same year. He has participated in counter-terrorist actions on three continents, including the JTF-2 extended operations in 1996-97 against war criminals in Bosnia.McAllen is a specialist in multiple areas. He is an excellent shot and is extremely aggressive in combat situations, making him a good choice as a member of an assault team, but he also has extensive experience with bomb disposal and demolitions. He is an amateur power-lifter and his strength and stamina make him a formidable opponent.

*flagicon|USA|1912 Daniel Bogart (USA, Keokuk police department, FBI). Graduated with honors with a degree in law enforcement. Worked for three years as a patrolman in the Keokuk police department. Hired in 1980 by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Member of FBI Hostage Rescue Team 1987-97. Bogart is an excellent team lead. He has exceptional tactical skills and situational awareness from his years with HRT. Extremely cool under fire, he is also a crack shot, having won several marksmanship awards during his tenure at the FBI. His low-key demeanor and laconic sense of humor have made him a well-liked member of the Rainbow team.

*flagicon|USA|1912 Gerald Morris (USA, BATF, 868 Unit). Joined the American Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) in 1988 as an agent in their Explosives Division. Earned an MS in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of New Orleans during a leave of absence from BATF, 1992-1994. His thesis "Applications of Micro-stress Analysis in Accelerant Identification" is considered to be a landmark in the forensic analysis of bomb debris. Upon return to active duty in 1995 he was assigned to the BATF's International Response Team (IRT). Since 1998 he has been on extended assignment in South Korea with the Korean counter-terrorism task force, the National Police 868 Unit, training them in techniques of bomb detection, bomb disposal, and post-bombing investigation. Morris is a team player who likes his operations to run strictly by the book. His primary specialty is forensics, but he is also an expert at the setting and disarming of all types of explosive devices. Although he knows a fair amount about conducting counter-terrorist assaults from his years working with the 868 Unit, in hostage situations he prefers an indirect approach.

*flagicon|USA|1912 Renee Raymond (USA, ROTC, PSYOPS, Delta Force). Attended the University of Oklahoma, 1986-89 under Reserve Officers Training Corp (ROTC) program, majoring in Political Science. Entered regular U.S. Army upon graduation. Served in Kuwait, 1991. Recruited into U.S. Special Operations Psychological Operations (PSYOPS), 1992. Served in Bosnia, 1996-97. In 1998 was selected to take part in U.S. Army trial introduction of women into special operations ground combat forces. Trained with 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D, "Delta Force"). Raymond is extremely self-reliant and resourceful. An excellent combat soldier, she is also well-versed in a variety of types of psychological warfare, and understand how both soldiers and civilians react under the stress of combat.

*flagicon|USA|1912 Tracy Woo (USA, S.W.A.T). Joined Los Angeles Police Department in 1992, transferred to Metro Division S.W.A.T Team in 1994, where she specialized in surveillance and negotiation. Awarded commendation for bravery for role in ending the New Millennia occupation of L.A. city hall in 1999. She can move quickly and quietly through terrorist-controlled areas and is well-versed in the installation and removal of a wide variety of electronic intelligence-gathering devices. She handles command well, but she has an independent nature and has been known to argue with her superiors. Her combat skills are average. Outspoken and self-reliant.

*flagicon|Germany Jorg Walther (Germany, Bundesgrenzschutz, GSG-9). 1990 Entered the German Federal Border Police Force (Bundesgrenzschutz) in 1994 at the top of his cadet class. Stationed at Saarbrücken, 1994-98. Recruited into Germany's elite counter-terrorist force, Grenzschutzgruppe 9 (GSG-9) in 1998. Completed GSG-9 training in record time, again at the top of his class. Temporarily attached to GSG-9/1, the group's primary CT strike unit, before reassignment to Rainbow.His lack of experience in the field is balanced by his extraordinary drive and determination. He is a quick learner and an exceptional team member, following every order without hesitation or question. Although his primary training was as member of an assault team, he is also well-versed in wire-tapping and electronic surveillance. He is clearly being groomed for advancement by the Bundesgrenzschutz command and his assignment to Rainbow reflects the German government's long-term commitment to international CT collaboration.

*flagicon|Israel Ayana Yacoby (Israel, Israeli Army, Mossad). Joined the regular Israeli army, 1992. Transferred to Sayeret Mat'kal in 1995, where she served in the general staff reconnaissance unit. Recruited in 1997 by the Mossad. Specialization in infiltration and intelligence gathering. Speaks fluent English and Arabic. Unmarried. Ayana is a master of the silent kill. Her training has prepared her for moving stealthily into hostile territory and neutralizing whatever threats may confront her. She is extremely intelligent with little tolerance for fools. The quintessential professional, she has been known to complain about the "cowboy attitude" of some of the other members of the team

Weaponry

Rainbow Operatives were issued a general purpose weapons kit consisting of an 8045 Cougar pistol and a suppressed MP5 chambered for the 10mm Auto cartridge, an M60E4 GPMG for squad support gunners, and any model scoped rifle for snipers.

In 2010 (around the time of the events of Ranbow Six: Vegas), operatives are issued an updated general issue kit that offers more leeway and firepower, consisting of a suppressed MP5N or MP9 with attached reflex sight for regular combat, a SIG SG 552, HK G36C, or FN SCAR-H CQC assault rifle with ACOG 3x scope for longer range engagements, and a Walther P99, HK USP40, or Mk. 23 Mod 0 Offensive Handgun system as a sidearm. Squad support gunners are issued a Mk.46 Mod 0 SAW (special operations variant of the M249 SPW with attached Picatinny Rail).
Sidearms
*Beretta 8000 (8045 Cougar model) (Used only in the novel)
*M11 (P228)
*Heckler & Koch USP
*Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOCOM) MEU(SOC) pistol .45ACP
*Steyr SPP
*Heckler & Koch Mark 23
*Walther P99
*FN Five-seven
*Beretta 92
*Taurus Raging Bull
*Glock 18
*Desert Eagle

Submachine Gun
*MP5-10 (MP5 chambered for the 10mm Auto cartridge)
*MP5 (Most variants, including A3, A4, SD5, SD6, and MP5N)
*MP9
*Skorpion vz. 61
*Skorpion vz. 61 (vz.83 .380ACP variant)
*Mac 11
*MTAR-21
*Steyr TMP
*IMI Uzi
*IMI Uzi (Micro variant)
*SR-2
*PP-90M1
*FN P90
*MP7
*Heckler & Koch UMP

Assault Rifle
*M16A2
*CAR 15
*M14
*IMI Tavor TAR-21
*G3
*SIG 552 Commando
*Heckler & Koch G36C
*G36C
*Valmet M82
*SR4-CQB (Colt Commando AR-15 variant designed for close quarters combat)
*SR3 (Suppressed; Identified as AS9 in game)
*Barrett REC7 (Identified as M468 in-game)
*AK 47
*FN FAL
*AK 74
*FAMAS
*L85
*FN FNC
*M8
*Steyr AUG
*M4 Carbine
*FN SCAR

Light machine gun
*HK21E
*M60E4
*Ultimax 100 Mk.3
*M249
*RPD
*M73
*Mk.46 Mod 0 SAW
*MG-36 (LMG version of G36)

Shotguns
*MAG-7
*Remington 870
*Benelli M1
*USAS 12
*Benelli M3
*M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System
*SPAS 12
*SPAS 15

Sniper Rifles
*DSA SA58 (American commercial model of FN FAL)
*WA 2000
*SIG-Sauer SSG 2000
*Dragunov SVD
*M40 rifle
*Steyr Scout
*PSG-1
*L96
*SR-25 (Suppressed)

Other
*HK69 (Identified as GL69A in game)
*Barret M82
*Barrett M95

The novel

The novel, "Rainbow Six", was written by Tom Clancy and published in 1998. It is part of the Jack Ryan series; however, the novel actually focuses on John Clark, Ding Chavez, and a fictional multinational counter-terrorist organization named Rainbow.

Computer and video games

The first game was developed by Red Storm Entertainment, while the novel was being written. The game later spawned a number of sequels and expansion packs. Red Storm was later acquired by Ubisoft, who currently develops and publishes the games. Mobile phone versions of the game are developed and published by Gameloft.

"Rainbow Six" and its sequels defined the tactical shooter genre, forcing players to focus more time and effort on stealth, teamwork, and tactics rather than on sheer firepower. With some of the more recent releases; however, the game has taken on more of a "mainstream" first-person shooter approach in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience by moving away from the tactical planning aspect that made the game popular in the first place. This is due to several factors, the most prominent being the buy out of Clancy-owned Red Storm Entertainment by Ubisoft Entertainment. Though Tom Clancy has no say in the content of the more recent games, Ubisoft Entertainment insists on continuing the use of his name on all former Clancy-owned franchises ("Rainbow Six", "Ghost Recon", and "Splinter Cell") as well as using his name on projects that he was never involved in at all ("End War", "HAWX") in an attempt to lure in the tactical fans who have long-since abandoned those series.Fact|date=January 2008

PC games

*"Rainbow Six" (1998)
**"Rainbow Six: Eagle Watch" (1999) (expansion pack)
*"" (1999)
**"Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear: Urban Operations" (2000) (expansion pack)
**"Rainbow Six: Covert Operations Essentials" (2000) (stand-alone expansion pack)
**"Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear: Black Thorn" (2001) (stand-alone expansion pack)
*"" (2003)
**"Rainbow Six 3: Athena Sword" (2004) (expansion pack)
**"Rainbow Six 3: Iron Wrath" (2005) (downloadable expansion pack)
*"" (2005)
*"" (2006)
*"" (2008)

A Korean-only game called "" was created for the South Korean market by KAMA Digital Entertainment. The game boasted South Korean RAINBOW operatives and weapons with a different story and interface. As of May 2008, it is not available for purchase outside South Korea.

Console games

*"Rainbow Six" (Nintendo 64, PlayStation, 1999; Dreamcast, 2000)
*"" (Dreamcast, 2000; PlayStation, 2001)
*"" (PlayStation, 2002)
*"" (Xbox, 2003; PlayStation 2, GameCube, 2004)
*"" (Xbox, 2004)
*"" (PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, 2005)
*"" (Xbox, PlayStation 2 2006)
*"" (Xbox 360, 2006; PlayStation 3, 2007)
*"" (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, 2008)

Handheld

* "Rainbow Six" (Game Boy Color, 2000)
* "Rainbow Six: Rogue Spear" (Game Boy Advance, 2002)
* "Rainbow Six: Vegas" (PSP, 2007)

Mobile

* "Rainbow Six: Raven Shield" (Mobile game)
* "Rainbow Six: Broken Wing" (Mobile game)
* "Rainbow Six: Urban Crisis" (Mobile game)
* "Rainbow Six: Vegas" (Mobile game)

The film

The current status of the film adaptation of Rainbow Six is still up in the air. Although the novel "Rainbow Six" wasn't written until 1998, two characters from the Rainbow Six franchise did appear in the 1994 movie adaptation of "Clear and Present Danger". Willem Dafoe played John Clark and Raymond Cruz portrayed Domingo "Ding" Chavez. Additionally, Liev Schreiber portrayed John Clark in the 2002 movie 'The Sum of All Fears'. Current reports state that the film is slated for either a 2009 or 2010 release with John Woo directing.

Connections to other games

Though the "Splinter Cell" and the "Ghost Recon" series are known to take place in the same universe ("" and "Ghost Recon 2" take place during the same events, and "Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2" specifically mentions Third Echelon, an organization from the "Splinter Cell" game series), Rainbow Six takes place in the same universe as all the Jack Ryan novels. In addition to Ghost Recon and Third Echelon, former members of Rainbow will all make an appearance in "Tom Clancy's EndWar", comprising some of the European Federation's troops and commanders. [ [http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=164730 End war interview] ]

Notes

External links

* Must have a Pro account at IMDB to view these details
* [http://www.rainbowsixgame.com/ Rainbow Six official website]
* [http://rainbowsix.3dretreat.com/ Rainbow Six Retreat]
* [http://www.agr-s.com/ Rainbow Six Aggression]
* [http://www.planetrainbowsix.com/ Planet Rainbow Six]
* [http://www.clancyfaq.com/ ClancyFAQ.com]
*moby game|id=-group/rainbow-six-series|name="Tom Clancys Rainbow Six" series
* [http://www.woody2000.com/ Woody2000 Rainbow Six (PC) Mod Downloads]
* [http://www.warfighters.co.uk/ Warfighters Combat Simulation Days]