The elite commandos at the Battle of Restuss were the best-trained troops the Rebel Alliance had available to them, and were used to lead troops into battle and protect officers. They were specially trained by Imperial defectors to fight and counter Imperial forces, both on the ground and in the air.
Elite Rebel commandos were equipped with more effective weapons than their Imperial counterparts, and although Storm commandos outclassed the Rebel commandos in terms of brute strength, the morale and drive to succeed was much higher amongst the Rebel forces. These forces were trained in piloting, sniping, demolitiions, and stealth.