Spartan Is were the original Spartans, but their effectiveness was outweighed by their costs. They were originally known as project ORION. Spartan IIs were children kidnapped and augmented to become Spartans. This generation includes John-117, the Master Chief. They are the most powerful generation. Spartan IIIs were also kidnapped children, but this program was far more top-secret. The Spartan IIIs are designed to be a cost effective super-soldier. Noble Team are composed of 5 Spartan IIIs, and a Spartan II. Spartan IVs are a new branch of the UNSC. They are recruited from adult consenting volunteers. They aren't augmented as much as the previous generations, but their armour multiplies their strength more times than the other generations. Buck, Romeo, and Palmer are part of this generation.