Ricardo Vega

Ricardo Vega is the son of GDI officer Javier Vega. He wanted to become a soldier, following in his father's footsteps. His father only allowed him to join the GDI military after he promised to obtain a university degree. (He has a degree in history.)

Vega has a natural talent at shooting, is very good at running and is an amazing poker player. He has a "freakishly" large head, which has caused him equipment problems.

Vega joined the elite 22nd Infantry Division after his military training was complete, oddly enough as a private (despite his university degree). His famous father caused him plenty of problems; several of his fellow soldiers (especially Gallagher, who was promoted at the same rate Vega was) believed he was able to join the elite division only due to nepotism, despite his very high training scores. His tough but fair superior officer, Major Hastings, treated him the same as any other soldier.

Vega had joined the Division the same day that Nod unleashed a devastating attack against the Philadelphia. He was in a real war now. His first assignment was to help repel a Nod invasion of San Diego. The invasion was small, but Nod managed to capture an important GDI scientist. Due mainly to luck, with some natural shooting talent, Vega and his friend Private Alessio "Dish" Bowles recovered the scientist and captured two Nod personnel. For this action, Vega was promoted to Sergeant. This was a startling promotion, one that Vega was not entirely ready for. Battle Commander Michael McNeil promoted Vega because so many sergeants had died, because GDI needed heroes, and also because he respected his father. Major Hastings was not happy about this.

During the war, Vega was promoted rapidly. He dared to use Tiberium-based weapons in the fight against Nod, a fortunate decision as they were extremely useful in the fight against the surprise Scrin attacks as well. He also managed to gain the respect of Gallagher.