The Roughnecks is a unit that Johnnie Rico belongs to. It is sometimes known as Rasczak's Roughnecks, after their commanding officer Lieutenant Rasczak; after his death in combat, the unit is rechristened Rico's Roughnecks after their new CO, newly-minted commanding officer Rico.

Nearly 26 years later, Johnny Rico, now a General and in charge of the L-6 Satellite Base, is still the leader of the Roughnecks. The Roughnecks are now an elite troop of 8. consisting of Ricos highest ranking officials.