Imperial ground crews, also known as Imperial technicians

Technician Miscellaneous Roles

, were Imperial personnel who ensured the smooth operation of Imperial crafts and equipment through regular maintenance at space-bound and ground-based Imperial installations, such as the major Imperial security complex on Scarif

Scarif Planet

.
Imperial ground crews were stationed on Mimban during the Mimban campaign in 10 BBY, where they were also equipped with capes. Shortly before the battle of Yavin

Battle of Yavin Event Galactic Civil War

, Jyn Erso

Jyn Erso (Human) Character Major Characters

disguised herself in the Imperial ground crew armor to enter the research and development installation on Scarif during the Battle of Scarif

Battle of Scarif Event Galactic Civil War

. These crew members were vital as they could help direct traffic where automated systems could not typically make decisions fast enough as the landing fields changed. Preferring the analog method of landing craft, technicians eyeballed distances without sensors using their illuminated traffic wands. Technicians also wore piloting gear, as they were authorized to commandeer certain vessels into proper landing position. Ground crews were also involved in inspecting starship interiors with complex scanners and delivering data.