Background
A career veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Major Clarence Strickland serves as the leader of all American ground operations during their invasion of the Lingshan Islands, and one of the primary contacts for Nomad. In his late forties by the events of Crysis, his only known family is that of his daughter, Tara Strickland.
Crysis
After Prophet was abducted by an Alien Scout, Strickland takes command of Raptor Team and provides them tactical support from the USS Constitution. When US forces invade the islands, he leads the ground forces. His forces soon overtake the KPA and reach the mine where Helena Rosenthal and another scientist are held captive.
After the Ice Sphere was formed, Strickland oversees the evacuation of troops from the island. He orders Nomad and Prophet to help Helena when her VTOL crashed and later orders Nomad to the evacuation point. When the last VTOLs arrive at the evacuation point, he stays behind to distract the Hunter's attention from the retreating VTOLs. The Hunter then crushes an LTV he was using to stave if off, causing it to explode and killing Strickland.
Personality
Strickland is a by-the-book and dedicated marine who demands only the best from himself, and those under his command. The presence of enemy forces are not considered problems to be avoided, but a challenge to be overcome. That being said, Strickland is not callous or dismissive of the lives of his soldiers; he becomes angry and frustrated at excessive American losses, and understands when retreat and prudence are necessary. He is also willing to lend support wherever he can if it helps his soldiers do their jobs better, but expects that this support go to good use. Unlike Admiral Morrison, Strickland looks favourably upon Raptor Team, and sees the value not only in their Nanosuits, but in the initiative and tactical flexibility of their operators. Whereas other officers might see them as a liability, Strickland is keen to take advantage of their skills and adaptability so as to achieve their objectives more effectively and with fewer American losses. As such, he remains in constant contact with Nomad, relying on the Delta Force operator to help get the job done. Ultimately, as demonstrated by his last stand against the Ceph Hunter, Strickland possessed great courage and would not ask his men to do anything he would be unwilling to.
Quotes
- "Haul ass, kid! It's gonna get rough out there."
- ―Major Strickland, Relic, to Nomad, warning him about KPA guarding the way to his evac point.
- "Well, I'll be damned! They're not supposed to have that technology yet?!"
- ―Major Strickland, Relic, muttering about Koreans apparently using Nanosuits.
- "Let's give General Kyong a warm Idaho-welcome!"
- ―Major Strickland, Assault, when a group of tanks and marines prepare to charge into the KPA controlled valley.
- "What the hell is happening out there, son? I need a no-bullshit assessment!"
- ―Major Strickland, Paradise Lost, to Nomad, asking about the Ice Sphere that had just formed.
- "What in the name of General Patton is that fucking thing?!"
- ―Major Strickland, Exodus, referring to the Alien Hunter approaching.
- "I'm a marine, son! I'll walk on water if I have to! Now get off my fucking island while I draw its fire!"
- ― Major Strickland, Exodus when telling Nomad that he can take care of himself, if he stays alive through this.
- "I have no choice but to terminate your mission."
- ―Strickland to Nomad if the player leaves the combat area.
Don't Be a Dammn Fool son! Get some distance before calling in the air strike you stupid f**
Strickland to nomad if nomad is on cruiser when painting
Trivia
- If the LTV in Exodus is destroyed Strickland can't enter it so he shoots the Hunter with a pistol. When the Hunter crushes the LTV, Strickland disappears.
- The tank commanded by Strickland in Assault and Onslaught functions in the same manner as a Gauss Tank, even though it uses the model of a regular tank.
- Major Strickland wears a baseball cap in many of his appearances in the game.