Preliminary Assault Group

"PAG on the ground! We are live!"

- Anonymous UNSC Army Sergeant, Battle of Arborea

Preliminary Assault Group (abbreviated PAG) is a term used by Imperial forces, and later the UNSC, to refer to the first echelon of ground personnel to assault a (usually Human) planet from an assaulting ship stationed above. As such, they are usually better equipped with heavier weapons and vehicles to suppress local defenses. PAGs are typically accompanied by a supporting cast of fighter and/or bomber aircraft to aid in accelerating early stages of an air-to-ground siege.