Narcogen:

I've read all three books but I don't have them with me to check. I think they may have been injured sufficiently to be considered out of action.

 Narc, from what I remember at the end of First Strike, Linda (the best sniper), Fred (Blue lead), and James were not injured enough to be considered out of action. I actually expected to see them in Halo 3. Linda might have required more R&R time, but not the other 2. Spartan life is certainly more grueling than what they went through. Or at least is "as grueling."

Good post as usual.