Prior to the beginning of the Ascension Conflict, GDI began outfitting its Kodiaks with power redirection circuits and "Lightning" Armor to help improve their survivability against laser weaponry. Lightning Armor, as it is commonly called, strengthens itself proportionate to the electric current that is passed through it; the helmsman can engage power redirection circuits to activate the armor by rerouting the primary power from weapons systems. Some of this power is also routed to the engines to grant the Kodiak a speed boost, and helmsmen are being trained in defensive maneuvers to take advantage of the increased speed and armor.