Attack on Titan: Did Armin Deserve to be Commander?

Key Takeaways

Armin Arlert’s brilliance and cunning mind elevated him to be the perfect commander of the Survey Corp.
Armin’s transformation into the Colossal Titan gave him unparalleled power to lead the Corps to victory.
Armin embodies the Survey Corp’s core ideologies of knowledge, progress, and freedom, making him the ideal leader.

As a die-hard fan of Attack on Titan, I can confidently say that Armin Arlert was the perfect choice for the Survey Corps’ final commander. From his early days as a cadet to his transformation into the Colossal Titan, Armin has consistently proven himself to be a brilliant, selfless, and courageous leader.

In the concluding parts of “Attack on Titan”, just prior to Hange Zoe making their selfless move to let the Alliance flee The Rumbling and confront Eren Jaeger, they appointed Armin Arlert as their successor and new leader of the Survey Corps. This choice was debated among some viewers, but primarily by Armin himself. Although his role in the Survey Corps’ fight against Titans, then later Marley, is legendary, he is also the most self-critical among them.

Is he doubting if it was appropriate for him to be selected instead of Erwin Smith for the role of Colossal Titan, and whether Hange made the right call in making him the commander under such dire situations as The Rumbling. However, is his doubt justified, or was Armin the ideal choice for the final commander of the Corps in ‘Attack on Titan’?

Armin Arlert, A Promising Mind

The Young Cadet Makes a Name for Himself

Attack on Titan: Did Armin Deserve to be Commander?

Initially, during his time at the academy, Armin Struck a chord with instructors such as Keith Shadis due to his sharp intellect. He distinguished himself from other cadets, impressing them with his intelligence. Instructors like Shadis recognized that although he lacked physical strength compared to Mikasa, Annie, or Reiner, he was exceptionally clever. This earned him a place among the top 10 cadets of the 104th Training Corps. Soon after graduating, Armin proved his mettle in the Battle of Trost, demonstrating his strategic abilities and saving several soldiers while also defeating numerous Titans.

In a swift decision, Armin joined the Survey Corps, joining his friends Eren and Mikasa. There, he continued to support the Corps’ objectives. He played significant roles in apprehending the Female Titan and identifying both Colossal and Armored Titans. During the Battle of Shiganshina, his clever strategy and self-sacrifice paved the way for Eren to defeat the Colossal Titan. Even at a young age, Armin’s intelligence consistently guaranteed the safety and triumph of those living within the walls. While others in the Corps had physical strength and ability, and Eren possessed titan powers, it was Armin whose sharp mind ultimately led the Survey Corps to victory.

Older, Wiser, and Powerful

The New Colossal Titan

Following his resurrection and obtaining the Colossal Titan, Armin gained the title of a Titan Shifter. Prior to this transformation, he relied solely on his intellect to assist him and others during battles. However, now being the possessor of the Colossal Titan, he was endowed with an unparalleled strength. Although Armin rarely utilized these new powers, they proved indispensable when the Survey Corps were in dire need. It was indeed Armin who orchestrated the destruction of Marley’s port and naval fleet, significantly weakening their defensive capabilities. Perhaps most significantly, it was Armin who annihilated Eren’s Doomsday Titan, thus halting The Rumbling.

Funny how things have turned around, I’m the one wielding destruction these days, but as the Colossal Titan, it’s just a matter of transforming to bring down an entire nation. What’s even more ironic is that this power has made me virtually indestructible, ensuring my strategic mind doesn’t get wiped out on the battlefield like it used to. Now, I can both lead from the back and step into the fray when needed.

The Survey Corp Ideology

Armin Embodies The Quest for Freedom

1. The Survey Corps are characterized by their relentless pursuit of knowledge and liberty, serving as the means to soar past confining barriers. Ever since he was young, Armin has been marked by an insatiable curiosity for knowledge and advancement, yearning to explore the world lying beyond those walls. Right from his infancy, he mirrored the very ethos of the Survey Corps.

I wonder if…just maybe…there was another, different path.

As a dedicated gamer immersed in the world of Titans, I yearned to unravel their mysteries and explore beyond. Likewise, I aspired, under Hange’s guidance, to propel humanity into technological advancements and evolution. My thirst for knowledge about our world and fellow humans was insatiable. Recognized for my intellect, persistence, and relentless pursuit of freedom, I embodied the essence of Erwin and Hange. I was destined to be the Survey Corps’ final commander, ready to take down Eren Jaeger, embodying the pinnacle of what the Survey Corps stood for.

2024-08-30 21:33