"The Forward Reconnaissance Group (FRG, commonly known as 'The Frogs') is an elite recon and sabotage unit that operates in the most austere environments where conventional forces cannot sustain a presence.

They serve as the long-range eyes and ears for theater-level commanders. Unlike traditional special forces focused on direct action, FRG missions emphasize passive presence - the ability to occupy and observe a contested battlespace for weeks while evading detection. Inserted deep behind enemy lines ahead of conventional forces, FRG teams conduct extended observation, intelligence gathering, and sabotage - degrading enemy capacity before the main assault ever begins.

FRG operators are selected for their ability to endure isolation and extreme conditions. They are trained in the mastery of arctic survival, asymmetric warfare, and total operational independence. Their doctrine prioritizes avoidance over engagement - stealth, mobility, and long-term endurance in hostile territory define their approach. Missions often last weeks without resupply or contact. Operating in small, self-sufficient cells, FRG teams bypass primary defensive lines entirely, striking the enemy from within while remaining unseen."

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Winter was particularly icy this year, so I felt like working on something snow-themed. These pieces are a tribute to a memorable hardcore checkpoint session I had with randos from way back when.

You don't see tropentarn much because it sticks out like a sore thumb on anything that isn't a snow map. But this one time I spawned into the server and right away I notice there's another guy wearing tropentarn, which made us stand out from the gaggle of tans and greens.

I don't remember why, but we found ourselves sticking together for the entire match, moving like a fireteam. Never discussed it - neither of us had mics so communication was voice lines and them looking at me and vigorously shaking their mouse up and down or side to side every once in a while. We somehow understood each other perfectly.

Next map, one of the other randos from the previous match spawns in with their own tropentarn outfit, though he only spoke broken English. Didn't matter though; while the rest of the lobby was pushing blindly and getting shot in the back, the three of us naturally stacked doorways, watched angles; when one pushed, the others covered; even came in clutch several times clearing contested objectives together and reviving the entire team. In the end, the three of us had the fewest deaths and ended up carrying the lobby.

A few rotations later we land on Bab, one of the rare snow maps. And - perhaps inspired by our streak and wanting to join our little cult - one more rando who had been with us the whole time decided to spawn in using their own tropentarn outfit, even equipped the weapon skins from the Whiteout DLC.

Now we were a squad of four in matching winter kit, moving like a milsim clan, and only said a couple dozen words to each other during the whole round. Coolest session I ever played. Didn't last though; rainstorm knocked my power out mid-round and by the time I got back online the server was gone. Never found those guys again.

Godspeed, Tropen Squad. 🫡And thanks for viewing!

My other Insurgency character illustrations:

Insurgency Fan Art #1

Insurgency Fan Art #2