HECU Soldiers (Evolution)
The Human Grunts - often referred to as the Hazardous Environment Combat Unit and it's acronym HECU - are ruthless troopers found throughout Half-Life starting with the chapter We've Got Hostiles!; Tasked with purging Black Mesa of any living creatures, they are merely one of many obstacles the player has to face. Before they settled on their final design, they went through a good few revisions prior to their final design, though they arguably remained the most consistent throughout development.
WARNING: The following article is going through a comprehensive rewrite. Currently it is incomplete and needs more work.
Contents
Version 1: The Human Sergeant
This is the earliest model we have. This version of the Grunt has lower quality textures compared to the final model. Additionally, his shoulders are wider and sharper, he has a unique sleeve texture with a US Marine Corps tattoo, suggesting this is who the player would be fighting against. Further more, their vest is merely a harness, with their pouches being more closer to lime than army green. Compared to later revisions, this one has gloves. This model notably features in an early render with a Scientist and Panthereye. Of note is the high quality flashlight and gun models; The gun specifically is a Walther MPL without the back stock.
A render of the earliest Human Grunt model, then titled the Human Sergeant.
The infamous render.
The Walther MPL.
Version 2: Gloveless HECU/Camo Variants
This version is seen in very early screenshots alongside Ivan the Space Biker, the direct predecessor to Gordon Freeman. This grunt finally has a vets, with a new amber-coloured radio, and his bright green pouches are now a duller military green colour. The texture resolution is overall much higher than that of the previous version or any subsequent versions. He also carries an AR-15 patterned rifle with an M203 underbarrel grenade launcher. However, the most interesting thing about this grunt is its' two variants, Olive.mdl and Desert.mdl, which survived into the 0.52 Alpha, albeit merely as vestigial leftovers. They are not used in game, merely just existing in the files. It is these variants that were used as placeholder multiplayer models in staged screenshots showing a group of Ivans and Grunts duking it out.
Version 3: reference(old).smd HECU
Seen in the Half-Life SDK.
Version 4: 0.52 Alpha HECU
The HECU model from the leaked 0.52 Alpha Half-Life build. This version is closer to the final version
Version 5: reference.smd HECU
Seen in the Half-Life SDK, this version of the Grunt seems to be the 0.52 model mapped to the retail textures and skeleton. Along with having numerous UV errors, it is the last to have thin biceps and shoulder guards.
reference.smd HECU
Version 6: Half-Life: Day One HECU
As seen in Half-Life: Day One, this HECU soldier is near completion, as he carries an MP5 and has an alternate head with a beret and scowl. Otherwise, this is almost identical to the retail model.
Day One Gasmask HECU
Day One Beret HECU
Version 7: Retail HECU
The final version of the HECU as seen in the retail build of Half-Life.
