Attack on Titan’s Most Iconic Regiment Is Far More Dystopian Than You Imagined

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Frequently praised as humankind’s final defense in “Attack on Titan,” the Survey Corps represents a specialized military unit proficient in direct confrontations against Titans. These brave individuals are prepared to lay their lives on the line and explore the perilous world beyond the protective walls, making them the military’s most skilled soldiers. Since they are stationed at the front lines, they frequently engage in battles with Titans. Consequently, while they boast the finest fighters, they also bear the heaviest casualties within the military.

Prior to the breakthrough of Wall Maria, the Scout Regiment frequently embarked on missions beyond the walls, but Titan attacks invariably drove them back with substantial losses. For years, viewers have admired this unit as selfless heroes fighting for humanity’s future. However, as pointed out by Redditor u/indignantfly, a more critical analysis of Paradis’ political system uncovers a troubling reality: instead of being the last bastion of hope for mankind, the Scouts might have served as instruments wielded by the government to instill fear, manipulate the populace, and perpetuate the myth of liberty.

A Convenient Way to Remove Troublemakers

In the anime “Attack on Titan,” the Scout Regiment draws individuals who are particularly bold, idealistic, and discontented with the current situation. These individuals often challenge the government or instigate rebellions within the fortified walls. Rather than dealing with these potential troublemakers domestically, the government shrewdly channels them towards a supposedly noble purpose that benefits their own agenda.

Members of the Scout Regiment are renowned for their exceptional military skills, yet they also possess the capacity to instigate change – a trait that makes them ideal candidates for missions often perceived as lethal. It’s worth noting that those who choose to join the Scouts tend to be individuals like Eren Yeager, who defy the accepted human destiny, or Erwin Smith, whose intellectual prowess could potentially challenge the status quo.

Exiling these individuals from the city frees the government from having to deal with potential uprisings, as there’s no longer any need for constant monitoring, censorship, or violent suppression. In this arrangement, Titans serve as enforcers, making such measures unnecessary. The system even manages to glorify martyrdom, a concept that the rebellious individuals willingly embrace.

Propaganda Disguised as Military Strategy

The Scout Regiment functions under the conviction that their actions are leading humanity towards redemption, however, facts paint a starkly contrasting picture. Prior to 850, they achieved minimal results yet were still referred to as “the last hope for mankind,” a term that functioned more as propaganda than a reflection of genuine achievements. The government found it necessary to instill faith in the public that efforts were being made against the Titans, even if each mission was destined to fail from its inception.

Outside the fortified walls, the Scout Troops served as a gateway for adventurers, often finding themselves in perilous situations. These units were consistently under-resourced and undermanned, frequently tasked with missions that seemed almost suicidal. If the administration truly aspired to extend human reach beyond these barriers, they could effortlessly enhance the Scout Regiment’s resources – be it better equipment, additional personnel, or more tactical assistance.

Instead, they sustain only enough resources to keep the regiment functioning, while making it too feeble to pose a significant challenge to the existing power structure. This arrangement resulted in a self-perpetuating cycle: the Scouts repeatedly failed because they were intentionally set up for failure, and each defeat reinforced the belief that life within the walls was the only viable option. As Commander Shadis acknowledged, the Scouts hadn’t learned anything about the Titans in years, because learning wasn’t their primary purpose.

Killing Two Birds With One Stone

This plan served two purposes effectively: it eradicated those who were curious about the outside world, sparing the government from direct involvement, and it served as a stern warning to the populace that entertaining dreams of exploration or challenging the current system would lead to dire consequences. Furthermore, if the Scouts ever stumbled upon the truth, the government always had the option to withdraw funding or disband them entirely.

It’s evident that the Scouts primarily served as a symbolic deterrent rather than for strategic purposes. Their role was not to prevail but to come back injured and bleeding, serving as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking beyond the fortifications. The purpose was to instill fear, snuff out any desire for exploration, extinguish hope before it could spread, and secretly eliminate the most ardent freedom fighters without directly engaging in their elimination.

However, everything began shifting significantly upon Erwin Smith’s appointment as Commander. His innovative strategies enabled the Scouts to finally achieve substantial advancements. Furthermore, when Eren’s Titan-Shifting ability was unveiled, the government found itself compelled to pay closer attention to the Scouts.

The Government’s Master Plan

Ultimately, this entire system turns out to be efficient as it leads the affected parties to contribute unwittingly to their own downfall. Members of the Scout Regiment sincerely think they’re safeguarding humanity’s future, which makes them active collaborators in their own demise. Their noble intentions unfortunately serve as a tool for their own undoing.

In Attack on Titan, what’s most disturbing isn’t the Titans eating humans, but rather how those in power exploit the heroism, optimism, and determination of their soldiers by sending them to die under the guise of nobility. This supposed sacrifice doesn’t bring liberation; instead, it only serves to tighten the shackles that hold humanity captive.

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2025-07-27 17:10