Why is Kyle Called Gaz? Paying Homage to an MW Legend

When Captain Price dubiously nicknames one of his new recruits after a fallen comrade, it immediately raises questions amongst Modern Warfare fans about this operator‘s potential legacy. By bestowing the name "Gaz" onto Kyle "Gaz" Garrick, Price connects him to his former right-hand man from the original Task Force 141 squad.

This suggests that Price sees the same elite soldier qualities in Kyle that made his previous Gaz so essential by his side. While Kyle‘s real name grants him enough distinction, carrying on Gaz‘s callsign implies that he may achieve similar legendary status throughout the MW series.

The Unsung Hero: Remembering OG Gaz

Longtime Call of Duty fans will fondly remember the original Gaz from earlier Modern Warfare games. An SAS legend with an unknown real name, Gaz was Price‘s trusted second-in-command whose skills matched his stoic professionalism. Alongside Soap MacTavish, Gaz spearheaded critical operations that marked major turning points in the messy global conflicts that ignite this fictional universe.

Unfortunately, Gaz‘s death during a pivotal mission in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare cut his story tragically short. With Gaz only briefly in the spotlight before sacrificed for dramatic impact, we never fully got to appreciate the full badassery of this quiet operator.

Naming Kyle after Gaz, therefore, suggests he could pick up his predecessor‘s mantle in MW lore. Perhaps we will finally see the true capabilities of a soldier carrying this elite callsign when Kyle takes point in Modern Warfare 3‘s campaign.

Gaz moments before his untimely death in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

The Strong, Silent Type

Upon meeting Kyle "Gaz" Garrick as a recruit option early in Modern Warfare‘s Spec Ops mode, players immediately notice parallels to the OG Gaz. Both operators display a no-nonsense, "strong silent" persona along with clear mastery of specialized combat skills.

According to official multiplayer bios, Kyle honed his elite weaponry and infiltration expertise during eight years conducting covert operations. His SAS leaders describe him as "unfazed and decisive under extreme pressure," construing unrelenting focus as calm confidence.

Psychology studies on special forces operators like Kyle reveal introspective personalities that explore every contingency before acting. They prepare contingency plans for their contingency plans, as getting caught unprepared can cost lives.

This ingrained meticulousness breeds habits of observing and analyzing rather than openly communicating. Planning often occurs entirely in their heads with no need to talk it out. In another life, Kyle probably would have been an excellent chess player.

So when Captain Price notes Kyle‘s quiet steadiness, he likely sees this self-sufficiency echoing Gaz‘s commanding presence. Players should expect Gaz‘s namesake to demonstrate similar bold decision-making that we can only guess at based on his subdued exterior.

Kyle "Gaz" Garrick‘s multiplayer ratings revealing lethal skills that rival other fan favorites

By Price‘s Side: Kyle‘s Mission History

Once Price handpicks Kyle for his special forces squad, the young recruit never leaves his new leader‘s side. We first see Kyle in action when their CIA safehouse comes under attack by Al-Qatala forces. While the team scrambles to survive the ambush, Kyle demonstrates fearless precision eliminating threats in close-quarters without hesitation.

Throughout Modern Warfare (2019), Kyle continues proving himself during pivotal battles to uncover the terrorist plot by stolen chemical weapons. Gaz and Price lead a daring nighttime infiltration of an enemy lair, with Kyle securing critical intel leading to tracking down the lethal gas cargo. Alongside wrapping up unfinished business with past shadowy adversaries, Price‘s squad prevails thanks largely to his dependable, quick-triggered right-hand man.

Modern Warfare II (2022) offers Kyle plenty more chances at glory while assisting Price reform the Task Force 141 global special forces unit. This dream team roster of elite operators attempts to preempt another impending catastrophic attack by tracking down stolen nuclear devices. At one point amidst a surveillance operation gone awry, Price tells his protégé that "someday this will be all yours," further fueling theories of Kyle becoming Price‘s eventual successor.

While details on Modern Warfare 3 remain unconfirmed, fans hungry for more Gaz action expects Price‘s steadfast ally to play a pivotal role. Perhaps Kyle will finally emerge from Gaz‘s shadow if tragedy opens an opportunity to lead front and center. If his previous track record is any indicator, this operator has the skills and fortitude to complete the toughest missions that Price or Makarov or any adversary throws his way.

A timeline depicting Kyle "Gaz" Garrick‘s activities and operations during recent Modern Warfare series events

Whether storming strongholds, piloting helicopters, or quickscoping enemies from a mile away, Kyle brings precision and perseverance that truly lives up to the Gaz name. Price undoubtedly wants someone reliable ensuring his plans succeed no matter how reckless. Alongside the question of what threats await in MW3, fans now wonder if Kyle might finally escape the first Gaz‘s lingering shadow.