Levi Squad

Lore & Background

Squad Levi was formed not through standard military conscription but by the direct selection of Captain Levi Ackerman from within the Survey Corps. Its primary composition consists of four elite soldiers distinguished by their impressive combat records, all chosen specifically for their ability to handle the extraordinary burden of guarding Eren Yeager. The squad's role is dual in nature: they are charged with keeping Eren alive during expeditions, yet they also hold the grim responsibility of executing him if he goes berserk and becomes a threat to humanity. This duality places them at the emotional center of the conflict between human survival and the fear of Eren's Titan power. The unit's dynamic is deeply intertwined with Levi's own history, particularly as his backstory involving Kenny Ackerman is explored during interactions with this former mentor in the main series and expanded upon in the spin-off manga, Attack on Titan: No Regrets.

In Their Own Story

The narrative weight of Squad Levi is most heavily felt through its function as Eren Yeager's shield. From the moment they take him under their wing, the squad members act as a living barrier between Eren and the world, ready to strike him down if he transforms uncontrollably. This tension defines their existence within the Survey Corps Special Operations Squad. While the source does not detail specific battles involving all four members in a single engagement like Stohess, it emphasizes that Levi is the only one whose backstory is deeply explored alongside his mentor Kenny. In the prequel Attack on Titan: No Regrets, which acts as Levi's origin story, he leads different companions—Furlan Church and Isabel Magnolia—who are tragically killed by Titans during an expedition after a failed ambush plan against Erwin Smith. This history of loss informs Levi's later selection of his squad in the main series, where the fear of losing those under his command remains a constant pressure.

Reader's Guide

Squad Levi operates as a distinct entity within the Survey Corps Special Operations Squad, functioning with a level of autonomy granted by Captain Ackerman's reputation. The unit is defined by its small size—four elite soldiers—and their singular focus on Eren Yeager. Unlike standard military formations that rely on rank and protocol, this squad relies entirely on Levi's judgment for selection and command. Their operational success depends on the ability to react instantly to Eren's condition, switching from protection to execution if necessary. The squad's legacy is further cemented by the critical acclaim surrounding Levi's relationship with Kenny Ackerman, which provides emotional depth to their otherwise tactical existence. Fans often note that while Levi is a supporting character, his interactions with this squad and his past mentor drive much of the series' emotional resonance.

Did You Know?

• Levi's squad consists of exactly four elite soldiers hand-picked by him.
• The squad serves as both bodyguards and potential executors for Eren Yeager.
• Levi's backstory involving his mentor Kenny is explored in the main series and the spin-off 'Attack on Titan: No Regrets'.
• In 'No Regrets', Levi previously led a different group including Furlan Church and Isabel Magnolia before joining the Survey Corps.
• Levi was modeled after the Watchmen character Rorschach, though given an obsession with cleanliness to contrast Rorschach's uncleanliness.