Theory: The Origin of Soldier 76's Name

General Discussion
1

Now keep in mind, I don’t know if this has been explained already but the codename “Soldier: 76” could have a actual story meaning other than old man Jack Morrison thinking it sounded cool and hip.

In this Retribution Event, Reaper has a skin called “Soldier: 24”. Both Gabriel Reyes (Reaper) and Jack Morrison (Soldier 76) were apart of the Soldier Enhancement Program back during the Omnic Crisis. Most likely these were their designations.

Gabriel = Soldier Test Subject: 24
Jack = Soldier Test Subject: 76

Perhaps there are possibly a hundred different soldiers who were apart of the program all under a different designation like Soldier: 89 or Soldier: 11.

Regardless, it almost makes sense for Jack to choose the alias Soldier: 76. It’s a reminder of where he came from, the path that brought him to where he is now. It’s only fitting. In short, his name comes from his designation in the Soldier Enhancement Program, he was called Soldier: 76 and his good friend Gabriel was Soldier: 24. Again, if this was already common knowledge please tell me.

2

Well, yeah. I thought this was already common knowledge. 24 and 76 were their soldier numbers.

Granted, 76 is also the name Chris Metzen gave to Jack in his original Soldier: 76 comic (way before Overwatch’s time). He was the one who created him.

3

To be honet i was thinking long time that he found jacket with this number and use this to be more than just soldier :stuck_out_tongue:

4

That is true. But I like how they actually added a in story reason as to why he calls himself Soldier: 76. Instead of just being an homage to a different story.

5

Could also be a nod at the year 2076 as well. All of this takes place from then on (aside from Uprising and Retribution of course).

And I don’t think Soldier ever mentioned, lorewise at least, that he was Soldier: 76 – just that he was a soldier. He probably uses 76 because that was his number back in the day. As mentioned, of course.

6

Yeah but making it so he choose the name because of his designation from the Enhancement Program makes it feel a bit more special. Like I said, it’s where he started as a true soldier. A leader and a hero.

7

Edited my post a little. :relieved:

8

When he spawns in game, he does say “Soldier: 76 reporting.” Sure its a stretch but that his him in his own voice calling himself Soldier: 76.

9

If he uses 76 as a reminder of his old days then why his jacket has 76 on the back? He either went through shops looking for a jacket with that number specifically or had one custom made for him because that’s not a military jacket. Which makes it even less logical since he hides his identity.
Maybe he’s just fan of Philly 76ers. :man_shrugging:

10

No, that’s not what I meant. I mean it his shorts not his in-game voicelines (those are a different thing), he never says he’s 76. He says simply says he’s not a hero; he’s just a soldier.

11

Everyone in this game has a custom garb. Some more impratical and odd than others. Besides it kinda makes sense to use “Soldier: 76” as his alias considering only a certain small amount of people knew about the Soldier Enhancement Program it was super duper classified. Reaper is an exception because even 76 thought he was dead.

I gotta say it man, the evidence is all there.

12

Him using Soldier 76 alias makes sense if he was designated the same number during SEP. His jacket having 76 on the back in that context makes none.

13

Tracer’s orange pants has the word TRACER written on it. Not really practical where you’re casually watching Mondatta even though you’re a worldwide hero celebrity. Or going on a stealth mission. The 76 on his jacket is just for artistic purposes very little in this universe is practical. Like how Widow wears her skin tight revealing suit in FREEZING COLD in the Sombra Short.

14

I always assumed the 76 was because he is an all American soldier type and the USA was founded in 1776. Maybe a small nod?

1 Like
15

Yeah
(something about 20 char?)