John "Soap" MacTavish

Soap MacTavish is a fierce, determined soldier with a sharp tactical mind and an unwavering loyalty to his team. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, he often lightens the tension in even the most dire situations, making him a natural morale booster. Despite the danger, Soap is always the first to jump into action, displaying a fearlessness that inspires those around him. His resourcefulness and bravery make him a key asset on any mission, but it’s his down-to-earth personality, combined with a deep sense of responsibility for his comrades, that truly defines him. He’s relentless in the field but never loses sight of the people he’s fighting for.

Born in Scotland in the United Kingdom, John MacTavish was a lifelong football fan often playing as a goalkeeper.

One day, MacTavish was invited by his cousin, a member of the 23 Regiment of the Special Air Service, to see how it was like to be in the British Army. Afterwards, MacTavish often visited his cousin on weekends. When he was 16, he tried several times to enroll in the SAS and while he lied about his age, he was caught every time.

After his 18th birthday, MacTavish officially joined selection for the 22 Regiment, an elite squadron specialized in covert reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and hostage rescues. In 2014, while training in Hereford, MacTavish's evaluator was Captain John Price. Recognizing his natural skills, exceptional proficiency and relentless dedication, Price became tough and strict with MacTavish to make him the best trainee. MacTavish was also trained as a sniper and demolitions expert. His remarkable speed and accuracy in room clearance and urban warfare earned him the nickname "Soap".

When selection came, MacTavish passed it with the highest possible marks on all 3 phases of the course, coming just a few seconds behind the record holder, Kyle "Gaz" Garrick. He became the youngest candidate to pass the SAS selection in the British Army history, earning him the reputation of a perpetual FNG.

For his first mission, Soap joined Price's Bravo Team, traveling to the Bering Strait to secure a cargo manifest for potential WMDs. While Soap retrieved the manifest, but the vessel was scuttled by Russian aircrafts forcing the team to leave. Being the last to exfil, Soap almost fell to his death if not for Price pulling him to safety. Soap felt indebted to Price ever since. After this mission, Soap continued to carry out covert and overt operations worldwide.

Soap later received a Gallantry Medal, the Victoria Cross, and the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross after an operation in Urzikstan during which his patrol was attacked by Al-Qatala. After the heavy machine gun malfunctioned, Soap stripped the weapon and reassembled it before firing 150 single shots, re-cocking the gun for every round. Soap claimed however that "any and all of his comrades would have done the same thing".

In 2016, Soap almost faced disciplinary action for punching a Military Police officer, knocking him out and locking him in his own vehicle. No charge were filed to avoid embarrassment for the officer.