Any stormtrooper knows that it probably a good idea to stay away from a firefight. The blaster, standard issue, was known to have severe aiming issues. A stormtrooper using such a blaster was considered a marksman if he managed to land even a single shot. Precision? Rare. Troops, aware of such flaws, often braced themselves, knowing close calls with their own shots occurred. Facing foes skilled with blasters—sharp, nimble, quick—stormtroopers often became targets rather than threats. Armor, though imposing, did little to shield from well-placed shots; it turned useless in high-stakes encounters, making survival slim. Strategy leaned more on overwhelming numbers, hoping sheer force would suffice where skill lagged behind.

Morale fell. Squads saw each mission as hazardous, while officers ignored complaints, pushing troopers forward, blasters in hand, misfires constant. Despite drills and training, little improved. Troopers became pawns, relying on chance over skill, hoping armor might protect enough to escape.