Overwatch Elite

The Overwatch Elite are specialized, higher-ranking Overwatch Soldiers. Sporting a distinctive white uniform and helmet with single ocular lens, the Elites are the deadliest of the Combine Overwatch infantry. While all Overwatch units have been transfigured by Combine technology, it is theorized that Overwatch Elite infantry have been altered even further than standard soldiers. Overwatch Elite infantry are similar to standard Overwatch infantry, except for a few key differences.

Appearance and Capabilities
Overwatch Elites are equipped with improved body armour, made apparent by the larger neckguard and the increased protection that it offers. Their helmets are also drastically different from those of regular soldiers, which possibly improve senses, indicated by the two miniature domes located where the ears of the soldier would be.

The insignia that is worn on the Elite's armour plates and body armour is the only Combine imagery that indicates hostility or threat, displaying a cracked human skull within the Combine logo.

Overwatch Elite infantry are tougher, achieve better accuracy with their weapons, and inflict more overall damage than regular soldiers do. They typically carry AR2 Pulse Rifles, and are able to use the weapon's secondary fire energy orb. They use this advantage without hesitation and with deadly accuracy.

Elites typically fight in squads of their own kind, but will occasionally lead squads of regular soldiers. Elites are fewer in number than regular soldiers, and are thus reserved for more critical combat missions, where their deadly skills and efficiency are required. They also serve as Wallace Breen's personal guards.

Elites are first seen in Half-Life 2's ninth chapter, Nova Prospekt, on a video monitor. They are encountered firsthand in the following chapter, Entanglement, assaulting the teleport chamber only seconds before Gordon and Alyx teleport out.

Behind the scenes
The Combine Elite has had many predecessors during the game development. The Combine Synth Elite Soldier, the Combine Super Soldier, the Combine Guard (who is also the Hunter's prime predecessor) and the Alien Combine Soldier were all some sort of elite soldiers, sometimes synth, sometimes alien, sometimes part human, part synth. The more conventional looking Elite, the direct successor of the unused female Combine Assassin, was chosen over all those concepts to avoid, among other things, overshadowing the remarkable nature of the Citadel and to keep the Combine as a more elusive enemy.