diff --git a/Laptop/insurance Contract.cpp b/Laptop/insurance Contract.cpp
index 0e23acc6..418df377 100644
--- a/Laptop/insurance Contract.cpp	
+++ b/Laptop/insurance Contract.cpp	
@@ -1461,8 +1461,8 @@ void InsuranceContractPayLifeInsuranceForDeadMerc( UINT16 ubPayoutID )
 	if( LaptopSaveInfo.pLifeInsurancePayouts[ ubPayoutID ].ubSoldierID == Menptr[ LaptopSaveInfo.pLifeInsurancePayouts[ ubPayoutID ].ubSoldierID ].ubID )
 	{
 		// and if the soldier is still active ( player hasn't removed carcass yet ), reset insurance flag
-		if( Menptr[ LaptopSaveInfo.pLifeInsurancePayouts[ ubPayoutID ].ubSoldierID ].bActive )
-			Menptr[ LaptopSaveInfo.pLifeInsurancePayouts[ ubPayoutID ].ubSoldierID ].usLifeInsurance = 0;
+		if( LaptopSaveInfo.pLifeInsurancePayouts[ ubPayoutID ].ubSoldierID->bActive )
+			LaptopSaveInfo.pLifeInsurancePayouts[ ubPayoutID ].ubSoldierID->usLifeInsurance = 0;
 	}
 
 	//add transaction to players account
diff --git a/Multiplayer/client.cpp b/Multiplayer/client.cpp
index 2b65f0fc..251f81f5 100644
--- a/Multiplayer/client.cpp
+++ b/Multiplayer/client.cpp
@@ -470,7 +470,7 @@ typedef struct
 	float dForceY;
 	float dForceZ;
 	UINT32 sTargetGridNo;
-	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubID;
 	UINT8 ubActionCode;
 	UINT32 uiActionData;
 	UINT16 usItem;
@@ -494,7 +494,7 @@ typedef struct
 typedef struct
 {
 	UINT32 sGridNo;
-	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubID;
 	UINT16 usItem;
 	UINT8 ubItemStatus;
 	UINT32 uiWorldIndex; // the local World Index of this bomb on its creators client
@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@ typedef struct
 
 typedef struct
 {
-	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubID;
 	UINT32 uiWorldItemIndex;
 	UINT8 ubMPTeamIndex;
 	UINT32 uiPreRandomIndex; // send out our current pre-random index
@@ -516,7 +516,7 @@ typedef struct
 {
 	UINT32 uiWorldItemIndex;
 	UINT8 ubMPTeamIndex;
-	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubID;
 	UINT32 sGridNo;
 	UINT32 uiPreRandomIndex; // send out our current pre-random index
 } disarm_struct;
@@ -526,7 +526,7 @@ typedef struct
 	INT32 sGridNo;
 	UINT8 ubRadius;
 	UINT16 usItem;
-	UINT16 ubOwner;
+	SoldierID ubOwner;
 	BOOLEAN fSubsequent;
 	INT8 bLevel;
 	INT32 iSmokeEffectID;
@@ -802,7 +802,7 @@ void recievePATH(RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 				
 	EV_S_SENDPATHTONETWORK* SNetPath = (EV_S_SENDPATHTONETWORK*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ SNetPath->usSoldierID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = SNetPath->usSoldierID;
 
 
 	memcpy(pSoldier->pathing.usPathingData, SNetPath->usPathData,sizeof(UINT16)*30);
@@ -863,7 +863,7 @@ void recieveSTANCE(RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 
 		EV_S_CHANGESTANCE* SChangeStance = (EV_S_CHANGESTANCE*)rpcParameters->input;
 	
-		SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ SChangeStance->usSoldierID ];
+		SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = SChangeStance->usSoldierID;
 	
 		pSoldier->ChangeSoldierStance( SChangeStance->ubNewStance );
 
@@ -906,7 +906,7 @@ void recieveDIR(RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 		EV_S_SETDESIREDDIRECTION* SSetDesiredDirection = (EV_S_SETDESIREDDIRECTION*)rpcParameters->input;			
 			
 
-		SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ SSetDesiredDirection->usSoldierID ];
+		SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = SSetDesiredDirection->usSoldierID;
 
 		pSoldier->EVENT_SetSoldierDesiredDirection( SSetDesiredDirection->usDesiredDirection );
 
@@ -945,7 +945,7 @@ void recieveFIRE(RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 	EV_S_BEGINFIREWEAPON* SBeginFireWeapon = (EV_S_BEGINFIREWEAPON*)rpcParameters->input;
 	//ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"SendBeginFireWeaponEvent" );
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ SBeginFireWeapon->usSoldierID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = SBeginFireWeapon->usSoldierID;
 
 	pSoldier->sTargetGridNo = SBeginFireWeapon->sTargetGridNo;
 	pSoldier->bTargetLevel = SBeginFireWeapon->bTargetLevel;
@@ -1019,7 +1019,7 @@ void send_dismiss(UINT16 ubCurrentSoldierID)
 	client->RPC("sendDISMISS",(const char*)&sDismissMerc, (int)sizeof(send_dismiss_struct)*8, HIGH_PRIORITY, RELIABLE, 0, UNASSIGNED_SYSTEM_ADDRESS, true, 0, UNASSIGNED_NETWORK_ID,0);
 }
 
-void send_hire( UINT8 iNewIndex, UINT8 ubCurrentSoldier, INT16 iTotalContractLength, BOOLEAN fCopyProfileItemsOver)
+void send_hire( SoldierID iNewIndex, UINT8 ubCurrentSoldier, INT16 iTotalContractLength, BOOLEAN fCopyProfileItemsOver)
 {
 	send_hire_struct sHireMerc;
 
@@ -1028,7 +1028,7 @@ void send_hire( UINT8 iNewIndex, UINT8 ubCurrentSoldier, INT16 iTotalContractLen
 	sHireMerc.fCopyProfileItemsOver=fCopyProfileItemsOver;
 	sHireMerc.bTeam=netbTeam;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ iNewIndex ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = iNewIndex;
 
 	UINT8 sectorEdge = cStartingSectorEdge;
 	
@@ -1169,7 +1169,7 @@ void recieveguiPOS(RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	gui_pos* gnPOS = (gui_pos*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ gnPOS->usSoldierID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = gnPOS->usSoldierID;
 
 	INT32 sNewGridNo;
 
@@ -1195,7 +1195,7 @@ void recieveguiDIR(RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	gui_dir* gnDIR = (gui_dir*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ gnDIR->usSoldierID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = gnDIR->usSoldierID;
 	
 	pSoldier->EVENT_SetSoldierDirection( gnDIR->usNewDirection );
 }
@@ -1899,7 +1899,7 @@ void recieveSTOP (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	EV_S_STOP_MERC* SStopMerc =(EV_S_STOP_MERC*)rpcParameters->input;
 	
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ SStopMerc->usSoldierID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = SStopMerc->usSoldierID;
 		
 	pSoldier->EVENT_InternalSetSoldierPosition( SStopMerc->sXPos, SStopMerc->sYPos,FALSE, FALSE, FALSE );
 	pSoldier->EVENT_SetSoldierDirection( SStopMerc->ubDirection );
@@ -1944,7 +1944,7 @@ void send_interrupt (SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier)
 		if (cGameType == MP_TYPE_COOP)
 		{
 			INT_STRUCT* INT = (INT_STRUCT*)rpcParameters->input;
-			SOLDIERTYPE* pOpponent = MercPtrs[ INT->Interrupted];
+			SOLDIERTYPE* pOpponent = INT->Interrupted;
 
 			if( INT->bTeam == netbTeam || is_server)//its for us or we are server and its for AI which we control
 			{
@@ -1978,7 +1978,7 @@ void send_interrupt (SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier)
 				ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"Recieved interrupt between %s and %s.", TeamNameStrings[pOpponent->bTeam], TeamNameStrings[INT->bTeam] );
 
 				 //start interrupt turn //real interrupt code
-				SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[ INT->ubID ];
+				SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = INT->ubID;
 				ManSeesMan(pSoldier,pOpponent,pOpponent->sGridNo,pOpponent->pathing.bLevel,2,1);
 				StartInterrupt();
 			}
@@ -1994,7 +1994,7 @@ void send_interrupt (SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier)
 				{
 					ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"Interrupt of %s awarded to you.", TeamNameStrings[pOpponent->bTeam] );//was MPClientMessage[37], can be reconnected if text updated and translated
 
-					SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[ INT->ubID ];
+					SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = INT->ubID;
 					ManSeesMan(pSoldier,pOpponent,pOpponent->sGridNo,pOpponent->pathing.bLevel,2,1);
 					StartInterrupt();
 				}
@@ -2003,7 +2003,7 @@ void send_interrupt (SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier)
 		else
 		{
 			INT_STRUCT* INT = (INT_STRUCT*)rpcParameters->input;
-			SOLDIERTYPE* pOpponent = MercPtrs[ INT->Interrupted];
+			SOLDIERTYPE* pOpponent = INT->Interrupted;
 
 			if(INT->bTeam==netbTeam)//for us
 			{
@@ -2028,7 +2028,7 @@ void send_interrupt (SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier)
 			if(	INT->bTeam != 0)//not for our team - hayden
 			{
 				//stop moving merc who was interrupted and init UI bar
-				SOLDIERTYPE* pMerc = MercPtrs[ INT->ubID ];	
+				SOLDIERTYPE* pMerc = INT->ubID;
 				pMerc->HaultSoldierFromSighting(TRUE);
 				FreezeInterfaceForEnemyTurn();
 				InitEnemyUIBar( 0, 0 );
@@ -2049,7 +2049,7 @@ void send_interrupt (SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier)
 				{
 					ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"Interrupt of %s awarded to you.", TeamNameStrings[pOpponent->bTeam] );//was MPClientMessage[37], can be reconnected if text updated and translated
 
-					SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[ INT->ubID ];
+					SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = INT->ubID;
 					ManSeesMan(pSoldier,pOpponent,pOpponent->sGridNo,pOpponent->pathing.bLevel,2,1);
 					StartInterrupt();
 				}
@@ -2924,7 +2924,7 @@ void send_grenade (OBJECTTYPE *pGameObj, float dLifeLength, float xPos, float yP
 {
 	ubOwner = MPEncodeSoldierID(ubOwner); // translate our soldier to the "network" version
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[ubOwner];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = ubOwner;
 	if (pSoldier != NULL)
 	{
 		if ((pSoldier->bTeam == 1 && is_server) || IsOurSoldier(pSoldier))
@@ -2942,7 +2942,6 @@ void send_grenade (OBJECTTYPE *pGameObj, float dLifeLength, float xPos, float yP
 			gren.ubID = ubOwner;
 			gren.usItem = pGameObj->usItem;
 			gren.sTargetGridNo = sTargetGridNo;
-			gren.ubID = ubOwner;
 			gren.RealObjectID = iRealObjectID;
 			gren.IsThrownGrenade = bIsThrownGrenade;
 			gren.uiPreRandomIndex = guiPreRandomIndex;
@@ -2965,7 +2964,7 @@ void recieveGRENADE (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 
 	gren->ubID = MPDecodeSoldierID(gren->ubID);
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pThrower = MercPtrs[ gren->ubID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pThrower =  gren->ubID;
 	if (pThrower != NULL)
 	{
 		guiPreRandomIndex = gren->uiPreRandomIndex;
@@ -3067,7 +3066,7 @@ void recieveGRENADERESULT (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 
 	gres->ubOwnerID = MPDecodeSoldierID(gres->ubOwnerID);
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pThrower = MercPtrs[ gres->ubOwnerID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pThrower = gres->ubOwnerID;
 	if (pThrower != NULL)
 	{
 		// grenade wasnt thrown by one of our guys, so we should do it on the client
@@ -3128,7 +3127,7 @@ void recieveGRENADERESULT (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 	}
 }
 
-void send_plant_explosive (UINT16 ubID,UINT16 usItem,UINT8 ubItemStatus,UINT16 usFlags, UINT32 sGridNo,UINT8 ubLevel, UINT32 uiWorldItemIndex)
+void send_plant_explosive (SoldierID ubID,UINT16 usItem,UINT8 ubItemStatus,UINT16 usFlags, UINT32 sGridNo,UINT8 ubLevel, UINT32 uiWorldItemIndex)
 {
 	explosive_obj exp;
 
@@ -3160,7 +3159,7 @@ void recievePLANTEXPLOSIVE (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 
 	exp->ubID = MPDecodeSoldierID( exp->ubID );
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[ exp->ubID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = exp->ubID;
 	if (pSoldier != NULL)
 	{
 		// explosive wasnt planted on our client, so we should do it on the client
@@ -3297,7 +3296,7 @@ void recieveDETONATEEXPLOSIVE (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 
 	det->ubID = MPDecodeSoldierID(det->ubID);
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[det->ubID];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = det->ubID;
 	if (pSoldier != NULL)
 	{
 		// if explosive detonation didnt originate from this client then its need to be performed here
@@ -3410,7 +3409,7 @@ void recieveDISARMEXPLOSIVE (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 
 	disarm->ubID = MPDecodeSoldierID(disarm->ubID);
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[disarm->ubID];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = disarm->ubID;
 	if (pSoldier != NULL)
 	{
 		// if explosive disarm didnt originate from this client then its need to be performed here
@@ -3439,7 +3438,7 @@ void recieveDISARMEXPLOSIVE (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 					// print out a screen message if it was our bomb
 					if (disarm->ubMPTeamIndex == netbTeam)
 					{
-						SOLDIERTYPE * pBombOwner = MercPtrs[gWorldItems[ gWorldBombs[ uiCount ].iItemIndex ].soldierID];
+						SOLDIERTYPE * pBombOwner = gWorldItems[ gWorldBombs[ uiCount ].iItemIndex ].soldierID;
 						if (pBombOwner != NULL)
 						{
 							ScreenMsg( FONT_LTBLUE , MSG_MPSYSTEM , MPClientMessage[71], pBombOwner->name, pSoldier->name);
@@ -3494,7 +3493,7 @@ void recieveSPREADEFFECT (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 
 	sef->ubOwner = MPDecodeSoldierID(sef->ubOwner);
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[sef->ubOwner];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = sef->ubOwner;
 	if (pSoldier != NULL)
 	{
 
@@ -3579,7 +3578,7 @@ void recieveNEWSMOKEEFFECT (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 	// translate any of our soldier ids back to the correct local copy
 	sef->ubOwner = MPDecodeSoldierID(sef->ubOwner);
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[sef->ubOwner];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = sef->ubOwner;
 	if (pSoldier != NULL)
 	{
 		// new smoke effect didnt originate from us
@@ -3665,7 +3664,7 @@ void recieveEXPLOSIONDAMAGE (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 	exp->ubAttackerID = MPDecodeSoldierID(exp->ubAttackerID);
 
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = MercPtrs[exp->ubSoldierID];
+	SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = exp->ubSoldierID;
 	if (pSoldier != NULL)
 	{
 
@@ -3733,7 +3732,7 @@ void recieveBULLET(RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 	INT8 bTeam = OUR_TEAM;
 	if ( netb->net_bullet.ubFirerID != NOBODY )
 	{
-		pFirer = MercPtrs[ netb->net_bullet.ubFirerID ];
+		pFirer = netb->net_bullet.ubFirerID;
 		bTeam=pFirer->bTeam;
 	}
 
@@ -3837,8 +3836,8 @@ void recieveSTATE(RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 void send_death( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier )
 {
 	death_struct nDeath;
-	nDeath.soldier_id=pSoldier->ubID;
-	nDeath.attacker_id=pSoldier->ubAttackerID;
+	nDeath.soldier_id = pSoldier->ubID;
+	nDeath.attacker_id = pSoldier->ubAttackerID;
 
 	// Translate soldier id for other clients if the soldier was one of ours
 	if(pSoldier->ubID<20)nDeath.soldier_id=nDeath.soldier_id+ubID_prefix;
@@ -3852,7 +3851,7 @@ void send_death( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier )
 			nDeath.attacker_id = pSoldier->ubNextToPreviousAttackerID;
 	}
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE * pAttacker=MercPtrs[ nDeath.attacker_id ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE * pAttacker = nDeath.attacker_id;
 	INT8 pA_bTeam=CLIENT_NUM;
 	CHAR16	pA_name[ 10 ];
 	INT8 pS_bTeam=CLIENT_NUM;
@@ -3951,15 +3950,15 @@ void send_death( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier )
 void recieveDEATH (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	death_struct* nDeath = (death_struct*)rpcParameters->input;
-	SOLDIERTYPE * pSoldier=MercPtrs[ nDeath->soldier_id ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE * pSoldier = nDeath->soldier_id;
 
-	UINT16 ubAttackerID;
+	SoldierID ubAttackerID;
 	if((nDeath->attacker_id >= ubID_prefix) && (nDeath->attacker_id < (ubID_prefix+6)))
 		ubAttackerID = (nDeath->attacker_id - ubID_prefix);
 	else
 		ubAttackerID = nDeath->attacker_id;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE * pAttacker=MercPtrs[ ubAttackerID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE * pAttacker = ubAttackerID;
 	INT8 pA_bTeam;
 	CHAR16	pA_name[ 10 ];
 	INT8 pS_bTeam;
@@ -4070,7 +4069,7 @@ void send_miss(EV_S_MISS * SMiss)
 void recievehitSTRUCT  (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	EV_S_STRUCTUREHIT* struct_hit = (EV_S_STRUCTUREHIT*)rpcParameters->input;
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ struct_hit->ubAttackerID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = struct_hit->ubAttackerID;
 	INT8 bTeam=pSoldier->bTeam;
 	INT32 iBullet = bTable[bTeam][struct_hit->iBullet].local_id;
 
@@ -4093,7 +4092,7 @@ void recieveMISS  (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	EV_S_MISS* shot_miss = (EV_S_MISS*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ shot_miss->ubAttackerID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = shot_miss->ubAttackerID;
 	INT8 bTeam=pSoldier->bTeam;
 	INT32 iBullet = bTable[bTeam][shot_miss->iBullet].local_id;
 
@@ -4198,7 +4197,7 @@ BOOLEAN check_status (void)// any 'enemies' and clients left to fight ??
 void UpdateSoldierToNetwork ( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier )
 {
 	//this send stats to other clients at intervals
-	UINT16 id = pSoldier->ubID;
+	SoldierID id = pSoldier->ubID;
 	UINT32 time = GetJA2Clock();
 
 	if(id < 20 || (is_server && id <120))
@@ -4243,7 +4242,7 @@ void UpdateSoldierFromNetwork  (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	EV_S_UPDATENETWORKSOLDIER* SUpdateNetworkSoldier = (EV_S_UPDATENETWORKSOLDIER*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ SUpdateNetworkSoldier->usSoldierID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = SUpdateNetworkSoldier->usSoldierID;
 	pSoldier->bBreath=SUpdateNetworkSoldier->bBreath;
 	pSoldier->stats.bLife=SUpdateNetworkSoldier->bLife;
 
@@ -4424,7 +4423,7 @@ void recieve_fireweapon (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	EV_S_FIREWEAPON* SFireWeapon = (EV_S_FIREWEAPON*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ SFireWeapon->usSoldierID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = SFireWeapon->usSoldierID;
 
 	pSoldier->sTargetGridNo = SFireWeapon->sTargetGridNo;
 	pSoldier->bTargetLevel = SFireWeapon->bTargetLevel;
@@ -4449,7 +4448,7 @@ void recieve_door (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	doors* sDoor = (doors*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ sDoor->ubID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = sDoor->ubID;
 	BOOLEAN fNoAnimations = FALSE;
 
 	if ( !AllMercsLookForDoor( sDoor->sGridNo, FALSE ) )//check for los
@@ -4725,14 +4724,14 @@ void recieve_heal (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	heal* data = (heal*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	UINT16 healed;
+	SoldierID healed;
 
 	if((data->ubID >= ubID_prefix) && (data->ubID < (ubID_prefix+6)))
 		healed = (data->ubID - ubID_prefix);
 	else
 		healed = data->ubID;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ healed ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = healed;
 	pSoldier->bBleeding=data->bBleeding;
 	pSoldier->stats.bLife=data->bLife;
 
@@ -4758,7 +4757,7 @@ void awardINT (RPCParameters *rpcParameters)
 {
 	AIint* data= (AIint*)rpcParameters->input;
 
-	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[ data->ubID ];
+	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = data->ubID;
 
 	StartInterrupt();
 
diff --git a/Multiplayer/connect.h b/Multiplayer/connect.h
index 31fe44ea..349d524d 100644
--- a/Multiplayer/connect.h
+++ b/Multiplayer/connect.h
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ void send_dir ( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, UINT16 usDesiredDirection );
 void send_fire( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sTargetGridNo );
 void send_hit(  EV_S_WEAPONHIT *SWeaponHit  );
 void send_bullet(  BULLET * pBullet, UINT16 usHandItem); 
-void send_hire( UINT8 iNewIndex, UINT8 ubCurrentSoldier, INT16 iTotalContractLength, BOOLEAN fCopyProfileItemsOver);
+void send_hire( SoldierID iNewIndex, UINT8 ubCurrentSoldier, INT16 iTotalContractLength, BOOLEAN fCopyProfileItemsOver);
 void send_dismiss( UINT16 ubCurrentSoldierID);
 
 void send_gui_pos(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier,  FLOAT dNewXPos, FLOAT dNewYPos);
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ void send_interrupt(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier);
 // OJW - 20091002 - explosives
 void send_grenade (OBJECTTYPE *pGameObj, float dLifeLength, float xPos, float yPos, float zPos, float xForce, float yForce, float zForce, UINT32 sTargetGridNo, SoldierID ubOwner, UINT8 ubActionCode, UINT32 uiActionData, INT32 iRealObjectID, bool bIsThrownGrenade);
 void send_grenade_result (float xPos, float yPos, float zPos, INT32 sGridNo, SoldierID ubOwnerID, INT32 iRealObjectID, bool bIsDud);
-void send_plant_explosive (UINT16 ubID,UINT16 usItem,UINT8 ubItemStatus,UINT16 usFlags, UINT32 sGridNo,UINT8 ubLevel, UINT32 uiWorldIndex);
+void send_plant_explosive ( SoldierID ubID,UINT16 usItem,UINT8 ubItemStatus,UINT16 usFlags, UINT32 sGridNo,UINT8 ubLevel, UINT32 uiWorldIndex);
 void send_detonate_explosive (UINT32 uiWorldIndex, SoldierID ubID);
 void send_spreadeffect ( INT32 sGridNo, UINT8 ubRadius, UINT16 usItem, SoldierID ubOwner, BOOLEAN fSubsequent, INT8 bLevel, INT32 iSmokeEffectID );
 void send_newsmokeeffect(INT32 sGridNo, UINT16 usItem, INT8 bLevel, SoldierID ubOwner, INT32 iSmokeEffectID);
@@ -220,7 +220,7 @@ inline SoldierID MPEncodeSoldierID( SoldierID ubID )
 }
 
 // this one can be called anywhere, even if the ID was not "encoded"
-inline UINT16 MPDecodeSoldierID( UINT16 ubID )
+inline SoldierID MPDecodeSoldierID( SoldierID ubID )
 {
 	if ( ubID >= ubID_prefix && ubID < (ubID_prefix + 7) )
 		return ubID - ubID_prefix; // soldier is ours
diff --git a/Multiplayer/fresh_header.h b/Multiplayer/fresh_header.h
index 46f90ec4..913bb035 100644
--- a/Multiplayer/fresh_header.h
+++ b/Multiplayer/fresh_header.h
@@ -5,29 +5,29 @@ extern int readyteamreg[10];
 
 typedef struct
 {
-	UINT16 soldier_id;
-	UINT16 attacker_id;
+	SoldierID soldier_id;
+	SoldierID attacker_id;
 	UINT8 attacker_team;
 	UINT8 soldier_team;
 }death_struct;
 
 typedef struct
 {
-	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubID;
 	INT32 sGridNo;
 	BOOLEAN fNoAnimations;
 }doors;
 
 typedef struct
 {
-	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubID;
 	INT8 bLife;
 	INT8 bBleeding;
 }heal;
 
 typedef struct
 {
-	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubID;
 	INT8 bteam;
 }AIint;
 
@@ -65,4 +65,4 @@ BOOLEAN check_status (void);
 extern UINT16 NumEnemyInSector( );
 extern UINT16	NumActiveAndConsciousTeamMembers( UINT8 ubTeam );
 void send_heal (SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier );
-void requestAIint(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier );
\ No newline at end of file
+void requestAIint(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier );
diff --git a/Strategic/Map Screen Interface.cpp b/Strategic/Map Screen Interface.cpp
index d23f06c1..8e51fa4c 100644
--- a/Strategic/Map Screen Interface.cpp	
+++ b/Strategic/Map Screen Interface.cpp	
@@ -2380,9 +2380,9 @@ void RandomMercInGroupSaysQuote( GROUP *pGroup, UINT16 usQuoteNum )
 {
 	PLAYERGROUP *pPlayer;
 	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier;
-	UINT16				ubMercsInGroup[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ];
-	UINT16				ubNumMercs = 0;
-	UINT16				ubChosenMerc;
+	SoldierID	ubMercsInGroup[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ];
+	UINT16		ubNumMercs = 0;
+	UINT16		ubChosenMerc;
 
 
 	// if traversing tactically, don't do this, unless time compression was required for some reason (don't go to sector)
@@ -2414,7 +2414,7 @@ void RandomMercInGroupSaysQuote( GROUP *pGroup, UINT16 usQuoteNum )
 	if ( ubNumMercs > 0 )
 	{
 		ubChosenMerc = (UINT16)Random( ubNumMercs );
-		pSoldier = MercPtrs[ ubMercsInGroup[ ubChosenMerc ] ];
+		pSoldier = ubMercsInGroup[ ubChosenMerc ];
 
 		TacticalCharacterDialogue( pSoldier, usQuoteNum );
 	}
diff --git a/Strategic/Merc Contract.cpp b/Strategic/Merc Contract.cpp
index 983d3e20..c0f4e4e2 100644
--- a/Strategic/Merc Contract.cpp	
+++ b/Strategic/Merc Contract.cpp	
@@ -1416,7 +1416,7 @@ void FindOutIfAnyMercAboutToLeaveIsGonnaRenew( void )
 	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = NULL, *pSoldierWhoWillQuit = NULL;
 	INT32				iCounter= 0, iNumberOnTeam = 0;
 // WDS - make number of mercenaries, etc. be configurable
-	UINT16				ubPotentialMercs[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ] = { 0 };
+	SoldierID			ubPotentialMercs[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ] = { 0 };
 	UINT16				ubNumMercs = 0;
 	UINT16				ubChosenMerc;
 
@@ -1499,15 +1499,16 @@ void FindOutIfAnyMercAboutToLeaveIsGonnaRenew( void )
 		if ( ubNumMercs > 0 )
 		{
 			ubChosenMerc = (UINT16)Random( ubNumMercs );
+			SOLDIERTYPE *pChosenSoldier = ubPotentialMercs[ubChosenMerc];
 
 			SpecialCharacterDialogueEvent( DIALOGUE_SPECIAL_EVENT_LOCK_INTERFACE,1 ,MAP_SCREEN ,0 ,0 ,0 );
-			HandleImportantMercQuote( MercPtrs[ ubPotentialMercs[ ubChosenMerc ] ], QUOTE_CONTRACTS_OVER );
+			HandleImportantMercQuote( pChosenSoldier, QUOTE_CONTRACTS_OVER );
 			SpecialCharacterDialogueEvent( DIALOGUE_SPECIAL_EVENT_LOCK_INTERFACE,0 ,MAP_SCREEN ,0 ,0 ,0 );
 
 			AddReasonToWaitingListQueue( CONTRACT_EXPIRE_WARNING_REASON );
-			TacticalCharacterDialogueWithSpecialEvent( MercPtrs[ ubPotentialMercs[ ubChosenMerc ] ], 0, DIALOGUE_SPECIAL_EVENT_SHOW_UPDATE_MENU, 0,0 );
+			TacticalCharacterDialogueWithSpecialEvent( pChosenSoldier, 0, DIALOGUE_SPECIAL_EVENT_SHOW_UPDATE_MENU, 0,0 );
 
-			MercPtrs[ ubPotentialMercs[ ubChosenMerc ] ]->ubContractRenewalQuoteCode = SOLDIER_CONTRACT_RENEW_QUOTE_89_USED;
+			pChosenSoldier->ubContractRenewalQuoteCode = SOLDIER_CONTRACT_RENEW_QUOTE_89_USED;
 		}
 	}
 }
diff --git a/Strategic/PreBattle Interface.cpp b/Strategic/PreBattle Interface.cpp
index 36fd826a..5aed8f36 100644
--- a/Strategic/PreBattle Interface.cpp	
+++ b/Strategic/PreBattle Interface.cpp	
@@ -2558,15 +2558,16 @@ void CheckForRobotAndIfItsControlled( void )
 	// search for the robot on player's team
 	for( i = gTacticalStatus.Team[ OUR_TEAM ].bFirstID; i <= gTacticalStatus.Team[ OUR_TEAM ].bLastID; i++ )
 	{
-		if( MercPtrs[ i ]->bActive && MercPtrs[ i ]->stats.bLife && AM_A_ROBOT( MercPtrs[ i ] ))
+		SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = MercPtrs[i];
+		if( pSoldier->bActive && pSoldier->stats.bLife && AM_A_ROBOT( pSoldier ))
 		{
 			// check whether it has a valid controller with it. This sets its ubRobotRemoteHolderID field.
-			MercPtrs[ i ]->UpdateRobotControllerGivenRobot( );
+			pSoldier->UpdateRobotControllerGivenRobot( );
 
 			// if he has a controller, set controllers
-			if ( MercPtrs[ i ]->ubRobotRemoteHolderID != NOBODY )
+			if ( pSoldier->ubRobotRemoteHolderID != NOBODY )
 			{
-				MercPtrs[ MercPtrs[ i ]->ubRobotRemoteHolderID ]->UpdateRobotControllerGivenController( );
+				pSoldier->ubRobotRemoteHolderID->UpdateRobotControllerGivenController( );
 			}
 
 			break;
diff --git a/Strategic/mapscreen.cpp b/Strategic/mapscreen.cpp
index 082b7825..0f563116 100644
--- a/Strategic/mapscreen.cpp
+++ b/Strategic/mapscreen.cpp
@@ -14656,7 +14656,7 @@ void SortListOfMercsInTeamPanel( BOOLEAN fRetainSelectedMercs, BOOLEAN fReverse
 	INT32 iCounter = 0, iCounterA = 0;
 	INT16 sEndSectorA, sEndSectorB;
 	INT32 iExpiryTime, iExpiryTimeA;
-	UINT16 uiID, uiIDA;
+	SoldierID uiID, uiIDA;
 	SOLDIERTYPE *pSelectedSoldier[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ];
 	SOLDIERTYPE *pCurrentSoldier = NULL;
 	SOLDIERTYPE *pPreviousSelectedInfoChar = NULL;
@@ -15859,7 +15859,7 @@ void CancelPathsOfAllSelectedCharacters()
 		// if we've clicked on a selected valid character
 		if( ( gCharactersList[ bCounter ].fValid == TRUE ) && IsEntryInSelectedListSet( bCounter ) )
 		{
-			pSoldier = MercPtrs[ gCharactersList[ bCounter ].usSolID ];
+			pSoldier = gCharactersList[ bCounter ].usSolID;
 
 			// and he has a route set
 			if ( GetLengthOfMercPath( pSoldier ) > 0 )
@@ -16283,10 +16283,10 @@ void RandomAwakeSelectedMercConfirmsStrategicMove( void )
 	SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier = NULL;
 	INT32 iCounter;
 // WDS - make number of mercenaries, etc. be configurable
-	UINT16	ubSelectedMercID[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ];
-	UINT16	ubSelectedMercIndex[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ];
-	UINT16	ubNumMercs = 0;
-	UINT16	ubChosenMerc;
+	SoldierID	ubSelectedMercID[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ];
+	UINT16		ubSelectedMercIndex[ CODE_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS ];
+	UINT16		ubNumMercs = 0;
+	UINT16		ubChosenMerc;
 
 
 	for( iCounter = 0; iCounter < giMAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_PLAYER_SLOTS; iCounter++ )
@@ -16313,7 +16313,7 @@ void RandomAwakeSelectedMercConfirmsStrategicMove( void )
 		// select that merc so that when he speaks we're showing his portrait and not someone else
 		ChangeSelectedInfoChar( ubSelectedMercIndex[ ubChosenMerc ], FALSE );
 
-		MercPtrs[ ubSelectedMercID[ ubChosenMerc ] ]->DoMercBattleSound( BATTLE_SOUND_OK1 );
+		ubSelectedMercID[ ubChosenMerc ]->DoMercBattleSound( BATTLE_SOUND_OK1 );
 		//TacticalCharacterDialogue( MercPtrs[ ubSelectedMercID[ ubChosenMerc ] ], ubQuoteNum );
 	}
 }
diff --git a/Tactical/Handle Items.cpp b/Tactical/Handle Items.cpp
index d4a9abb9..d95b6157 100644
--- a/Tactical/Handle Items.cpp	
+++ b/Tactical/Handle Items.cpp	
@@ -2953,12 +2953,12 @@ OBJECTTYPE* AddItemToPool( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UI
 	return InternalAddItemToPool( &sGridNo, pObject, bVisible, ubLevel, usFlags, bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, soldierID, NULL );
 }
 
-OBJECTTYPE * AddItemToPoolAndGetIndex( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT16 soldierID, INT32 * piItemIndex )
+OBJECTTYPE * AddItemToPoolAndGetIndex( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, SoldierID soldierID, INT32 * piItemIndex )
 {
 	return( InternalAddItemToPool( &sGridNo, pObject, bVisible, ubLevel, usFlags, bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, soldierID, piItemIndex ) );
 }
 
-OBJECTTYPE* InternalAddItemToPool( INT32 *psGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT16 soldierID, INT32 * piItemIndex )
+OBJECTTYPE* InternalAddItemToPool( INT32 *psGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, SoldierID soldierID, INT32 * piItemIndex )
 {
 	ITEM_POOL		*pItemPool;
 	ITEM_POOL		*pItemPoolTemp;
diff --git a/Tactical/Handle Items.h b/Tactical/Handle Items.h
index b01e4b4a..d43a42b5 100644
--- a/Tactical/Handle Items.h	
+++ b/Tactical/Handle Items.h	
@@ -195,8 +195,8 @@ void AllSoldiersLookforItems( BOOLEAN RevealRoofsAndItems );
 void SoldierGetItemFromWorld( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 iItemIndex, INT32 sGridNo, INT8 bZLevel, BOOLEAN *pfSelectionList );
 
 OBJECTTYPE* AddItemToPool(INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE* pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT16 soldierID = -1);
-OBJECTTYPE* AddItemToPoolAndGetIndex( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT16 soldierID, INT32 * piItemIndex );
-OBJECTTYPE* InternalAddItemToPool( INT32 *psGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT16 soldierID, INT32 * piItemIndex );
+OBJECTTYPE* AddItemToPoolAndGetIndex( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, SoldierID soldierID, INT32 * piItemIndex );
+OBJECTTYPE* InternalAddItemToPool( INT32 *psGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, INT8 bVisible, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, SoldierID soldierID, INT32 * piItemIndex );
 
 INT32 AdjustGridNoForItemPlacement( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo );
 BOOLEAN	GetItemPool( INT32 usMapPos, ITEM_POOL **ppItemPool, UINT8 ubLevel );
diff --git a/Tactical/Interface Panels.cpp b/Tactical/Interface Panels.cpp
index 40df6462..ae0ed4cc 100644
--- a/Tactical/Interface Panels.cpp	
+++ b/Tactical/Interface Panels.cpp	
@@ -3725,7 +3725,7 @@ void SMInvClickCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 		}
 		else	// item in cursor
 		{
-			UINT16			ubSrcID, ubDestID;
+			SoldierID	ubSrcID, ubDestID;
 			BOOLEAN		fOKToGo = FALSE;
 			BOOLEAN		fDeductPoints = FALSE;
 
@@ -5277,7 +5277,7 @@ BOOLEAN InitializeTEAMPanel(	)
 		{
 			if ( gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID != NOBODY )
 			{
-				HandleMouseOverSoldierFaceForContMove( MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID ], TRUE );
+				HandleMouseOverSoldierFaceForContMove( gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID, TRUE );
 			}
 		}
 
@@ -5352,7 +5352,7 @@ BOOLEAN ShutdownTEAMPanel( )
 
 		if ( gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID != NOBODY )
 		{
-			HandleMouseOverSoldierFaceForContMove( MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID ], FALSE );
+			HandleMouseOverSoldierFaceForContMove( gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID, FALSE );
 		}
 
 	}
@@ -5416,7 +5416,7 @@ void RenderTEAMPanel( BOOLEAN fDirty )
 			}
 			else
 			{
-				pSoldier = MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID ];
+				pSoldier = gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID;
 
 				if ( pSoldier->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER ) )
 				{
@@ -5520,7 +5520,7 @@ void RenderTEAMPanel( BOOLEAN fDirty )
 		// GET SOLDIER
 		if ( gTeamPanel[ cnt ].fOccupied )
 		{
-			pSoldier = MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID ];
+			pSoldier = gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID;
 
 			// Update animations....
 			if ( pSoldier->flags.fClosePanel || pSoldier->flags.fClosePanelToDie )
@@ -6016,7 +6016,8 @@ void HandleMouseOverTeamFaceForContMove( BOOLEAN fOn )
 
 void MercFacePanelMoveCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 {
-	UINT16 ubID, ubSoldierID;
+	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubSoldierID;
 	SOLDIERTYPE	*pSoldier;
 
 	ubID = (UINT16) MSYS_GetRegionUserData( pRegion, 0 );
@@ -6040,7 +6041,7 @@ void MercFacePanelMoveCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 		return;
 	}
 
-	pSoldier = MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ];
+	pSoldier = ubSoldierID;
 
 	if ( !pSoldier->bActive )
 	{
@@ -6062,7 +6063,8 @@ void MercFacePanelMoveCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 
 void EnemyIndicatorClickCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 {
-	UINT16 ubID, ubSoldierID;
+	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubSoldierID;
 
 	ubID = (UINT16) MSYS_GetRegionUserData( pRegion, 0 );
 
@@ -6085,7 +6087,7 @@ void EnemyIndicatorClickCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 		return;
 	}
 
-	if ( !MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->bActive )
+	if ( !ubSoldierID->bActive )
 	{
 		return;
 	}
@@ -6093,14 +6095,14 @@ void EnemyIndicatorClickCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 
 	if (iReason & MSYS_CALLBACK_REASON_LBUTTON_DWN)
 	{
-		//if ( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER | SOLDIER_PASSENGER ) )
+		//if ( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER | SOLDIER_PASSENGER ) )
 		//{
 		//}
 		//else
 		{
 			SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier;
 
-			pSoldier = MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ];
+			pSoldier = ubSoldierID;
 
 			if ( pSoldier->aiData.bOppCnt > 0 )
 			{	// Cycle....
@@ -6117,7 +6119,8 @@ void EnemyIndicatorClickCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 
 void MercFacePanelCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 {
-	UINT16 ubID, ubSoldierID;
+	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubSoldierID;
 
 	ubID = (UINT16) MSYS_GetRegionUserData( pRegion, 0 );
 
@@ -6155,12 +6158,12 @@ void MercFacePanelCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 		return;
 	}
 
-	if ( !MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->bActive )
+	if ( !ubSoldierID->bActive )
 	{
 		return;
 	}
 
-	if (!OK_INTERRUPT_MERC(MercPtrs[ubSoldierID]))
+	if (!OK_INTERRUPT_MERC(ubSoldierID))
 	{
 		return;
 	}
@@ -6169,10 +6172,10 @@ void MercFacePanelCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 	{
 		if ( !gfInItemPickupMenu && gpItemPointer == NULL )
 		{
-			//if ( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER | SOLDIER_PASSENGER ) )
-			//if ( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER ) )
+			//if ( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER | SOLDIER_PASSENGER ) )
+			//if ( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER ) )
 			//{
-			//	pVehicle = GetSoldierStructureForVehicle( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->iVehicleId );
+			//	pVehicle = GetSoldierStructureForVehicle( ubSoldierID->iVehicleId );
 
 			//	HandleLocateSelectMerc( pVehicle->ubID, 0 );
 			//}
@@ -6181,10 +6184,10 @@ void MercFacePanelCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 				if ( !InOverheadMap( ) )
 				{
 					// If we can continue a move, do so!
-					if ( CheckForMercContMove( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] ) )
+					if ( CheckForMercContMove( ubSoldierID ) )
 					{
 						// Continue
-						ContinueMercMovement( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] );
+						ContinueMercMovement( ubSoldierID );
 						ErasePath( TRUE );
 					}
 					else
@@ -6192,21 +6195,21 @@ void MercFacePanelCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 						// HEADROCK HAM 3.5: Shift-Click a merc's face will add him to the current selection.
 						if (!(gTacticalStatus.uiFlags & INCOMBAT) && _KeyDown( SHIFT ) )
 						{
-							if ( ! (MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_MULTI_SELECTED ) )
+							if ( ! (ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_MULTI_SELECTED ) )
 							{
-								if ( OK_CONTROLLABLE_MERC( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] ) && !( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_VEHICLE | SOLDIER_PASSENGER | SOLDIER_DRIVER ) ) )
+								if ( OK_CONTROLLABLE_MERC( ubSoldierID ) && !( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_VEHICLE | SOLDIER_PASSENGER | SOLDIER_DRIVER ) ) )
 								{
-									//ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"%s added", MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->name );
+									//ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"%s added", ubSoldierID->name );
 									gusSelectedSoldier->flags.uiStatusFlags |= SOLDIER_MULTI_SELECTED;
-									MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags |= SOLDIER_MULTI_SELECTED;
+									ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags |= SOLDIER_MULTI_SELECTED;
 									EndMultiSoldierSelection( TRUE );
 								}
 							}
 							// A shift-click on a selected character will remove that character from the current selection.
 							else
 							{
-								//ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"%s removed", MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->name );
-								MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags &= (~SOLDIER_MULTI_SELECTED );
+								//ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"%s removed", ubSoldierID->name );
+								ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags &= (~SOLDIER_MULTI_SELECTED );
 								if (ubSoldierID != gusSelectedSoldier)
 								{
 									gusSelectedSoldier->flags.uiStatusFlags |= SOLDIER_MULTI_SELECTED;
@@ -6216,7 +6219,7 @@ void MercFacePanelCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 						}
 						else
 						{
-							//ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"%s selected", MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->name );
+							//ScreenMsg( FONT_MCOLOR_LTYELLOW, MSG_INTERFACE, L"%s selected", ubSoldierID->name );
 							HandleLocateSelectMerc( ubSoldierID, 0 );
 						}
 					}
@@ -6233,8 +6236,8 @@ void MercFacePanelCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 		if ( !InOverheadMap( ) )
 		{
 			// Only if guy is not dead!
-			//if ( !( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_DEAD ) && !AM_AN_EPC( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] ) && !( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER | SOLDIER_PASSENGER ) ) )
-			if ( !( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_DEAD ) && !AM_AN_EPC( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] ) )
+			//if ( !( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_DEAD ) && !AM_AN_EPC( ubSoldierID ) && !( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_DRIVER | SOLDIER_PASSENGER ) ) )
+			if ( !( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_DEAD ) && !AM_AN_EPC( ubSoldierID ) )
 			{
 				gfSwitchPanel = TRUE;
 				gbNewPanel = SM_PANEL;
@@ -6671,7 +6674,8 @@ void RenderSoldierTeamInv( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT16 sX, INT16 sY, UINT8 ubPa
 
 void TMFirstHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 {
-	UINT16 ubID, ubSoldierID;
+	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubSoldierID;
 
 	ubID = (UINT16) MSYS_GetRegionUserData( pRegion, 0 );
 
@@ -6694,7 +6698,7 @@ void TMFirstHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 	ubSoldierID = gTeamPanel[ ubID ].ubID;
 
 
-	if ( !MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->bActive )
+	if ( !ubSoldierID->bActive )
 	{
 		return;
 	}
@@ -6721,7 +6725,8 @@ void TMFirstHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 
 void TMClickFirstHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 {
-	UINT16		ubID, ubSoldierID;
+	UINT16	ubID;
+	SoldierID ubSoldierID;
 	UINT16	usOldHandItem;
 
 	ubID = (UINT16) MSYS_GetRegionUserData( pRegion, 0 );
@@ -6739,9 +6744,9 @@ void TMClickFirstHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 	if (iReason == MSYS_CALLBACK_REASON_LBUTTON_UP )
 	{
 		// anv: select vehicle by clicking on the steering wheel
-		//if ( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_DRIVER )
+		//if ( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_DRIVER )
 		//{
-		//	SOLDIERTYPE *pVehicle = GetSoldierStructureForVehicle( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->iVehicleId );
+		//	SOLDIERTYPE *pVehicle = GetSoldierStructureForVehicle( ubSoldierID->iVehicleId );
 		//	HandleLocateSelectMerc( pVehicle->ubID, 0 );
 		//}
 		//else
@@ -6753,12 +6758,12 @@ void TMClickFirstHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 
 	if (iReason == MSYS_CALLBACK_REASON_RBUTTON_UP )
 	{
-		if ( !AM_A_ROBOT( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] ) )
+		if ( !AM_A_ROBOT( ubSoldierID ) )
 		{
-			usOldHandItem = MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->inv[HANDPOS].usItem;
-			//SwapOutHandItem( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] );
-			SwapHandItems( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] );
-			MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->ReLoadSoldierAnimationDueToHandItemChange( usOldHandItem, MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->inv[HANDPOS].usItem );
+			usOldHandItem = ubSoldierID->inv[HANDPOS].usItem;
+			//SwapOutHandItem( ubSoldierID );
+			SwapHandItems( ubSoldierID );
+			ubSoldierID->ReLoadSoldierAnimationDueToHandItemChange( usOldHandItem, ubSoldierID->inv[HANDPOS].usItem );
 			fInterfacePanelDirty = DIRTYLEVEL2;
 		}
 	}
@@ -6767,7 +6772,8 @@ void TMClickFirstHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 
 void TMClickSecondHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 {
-	UINT16 ubID, ubSoldierID;
+	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubSoldierID;
 	UINT16	usOldHandItem;
 
 	ubID = (UINT16) MSYS_GetRegionUserData( pRegion, 0 );
@@ -6783,28 +6789,28 @@ void TMClickSecondHandInvCallback( MOUSE_REGION * pRegion, INT32 iReason )
 
 	if (iReason == MSYS_CALLBACK_REASON_LBUTTON_UP )
 	{
-		if ( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_PASSENGER | SOLDIER_DRIVER ) )
+		if ( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_PASSENGER | SOLDIER_DRIVER ) )
 		{
-			ExitVehicle( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] );
+			ExitVehicle( ubSoldierID );
 		}
-		else if (UsingNewInventorySystem() && !AM_A_ROBOT(MercPtrs[ubSoldierID]))
+		else if (UsingNewInventorySystem() && !AM_A_ROBOT(ubSoldierID))
 		{
-			MercPtrs[ubSoldierID]->SwitchWeapons();
+			ubSoldierID->SwitchWeapons();
 		}
 	}
 
 	if (iReason == MSYS_CALLBACK_REASON_RBUTTON_UP )
 	{
-		if ( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_PASSENGER | SOLDIER_DRIVER ) )
+		if ( ubSoldierID->flags.uiStatusFlags & ( SOLDIER_PASSENGER | SOLDIER_DRIVER ) )
 		{
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			if ( !AM_A_ROBOT( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] ) )
+			if ( !AM_A_ROBOT( ubSoldierID ) )
 			{
-				usOldHandItem = MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->inv[HANDPOS].usItem;
-				SwapHandItems( MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ] );
-				MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->ReLoadSoldierAnimationDueToHandItemChange( usOldHandItem, MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ]->inv[HANDPOS].usItem );
+				usOldHandItem = ubSoldierID->inv[HANDPOS].usItem;
+				SwapHandItems( ubSoldierID );
+				ubSoldierID->ReLoadSoldierAnimationDueToHandItemChange( usOldHandItem, ubSoldierID->inv[HANDPOS].usItem );
 				fInterfacePanelDirty = DIRTYLEVEL2;
 			}
 		}
@@ -6831,7 +6837,7 @@ BOOLEAN PlayerExistsInSlot( SoldierID ubID )
 }
 
 
-INT8 GetTeamSlotFromPlayerID( UINT16 ubID )
+INT8 GetTeamSlotFromPlayerID( SoldierID ubID )
 {
 	INT8 cnt;
 
@@ -6850,7 +6856,7 @@ INT8 GetTeamSlotFromPlayerID( UINT16 ubID )
 }
 
 
-BOOLEAN RemovePlayerFromTeamSlotGivenMercID( UINT16 ubMercID )
+BOOLEAN RemovePlayerFromTeamSlotGivenMercID( SoldierID ubMercID )
 {
 	INT32 cnt;
 
@@ -6954,7 +6960,7 @@ BOOLEAN InitTEAMSlots( )
 }
 
 
-BOOLEAN GetPlayerIDFromInterfaceTeamSlot( UINT8 ubPanelSlot, UINT16 * pubID )
+BOOLEAN GetPlayerIDFromInterfaceTeamSlot( UINT8 ubPanelSlot, SoldierID * pubID )
 {
 	if ( ubPanelSlot >= gGameOptions.ubSquadSize )
 	{
@@ -6992,14 +6998,14 @@ BOOLEAN RemovePlayerFromInterfaceTeamSlot( UINT8 ubPanelSlot )
 
 	if ( gTeamPanel[ ubPanelSlot ].fOccupied )
 	{
-		if ( !( MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ ubPanelSlot ].ubID ]->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_DEAD ) )
+		if ( !( gTeamPanel[ ubPanelSlot ].ubID->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_DEAD ) )
 	{
 		// Set Id to close
-		MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ ubPanelSlot ].ubID ]->flags.fUICloseMerc		= TRUE;
+		gTeamPanel[ ubPanelSlot ].ubID->flags.fUICloseMerc		= TRUE;
 	}
 
 		// Set face to inactive...
-		SetAutoFaceInActive( MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ ubPanelSlot ].ubID ]->iFaceIndex );
+		SetAutoFaceInActive( gTeamPanel[ ubPanelSlot ].ubID->iFaceIndex );
 
 
 		gTeamPanel[ ubPanelSlot ].fOccupied = FALSE;
@@ -7132,7 +7138,7 @@ void CleanUpStack( OBJECTTYPE * pObj, OBJECTTYPE * pCursorObj )
 	}
 }
 
-UINT16 FindNextMercInTeamPanel( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, BOOLEAN fGoodForLessOKLife, BOOLEAN fOnlyRegularMercs )
+SoldierID FindNextMercInTeamPanel( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, BOOLEAN fGoodForLessOKLife, BOOLEAN fOnlyRegularMercs )
 {
 	INT32 cnt;
 	INT32 bFirstID;
@@ -7151,7 +7157,7 @@ UINT16 FindNextMercInTeamPanel( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, BOOLEAN fGoodForLessOKLif
 		if ( gTeamPanel[ cnt ].fOccupied )
 		{
 			// Set Id to close
-			pTeamSoldier = MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID ];
+			pTeamSoldier = gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID;
 
 			if ( fOnlyRegularMercs )
 			{
@@ -7211,7 +7217,7 @@ UINT16 FindNextMercInTeamPanel( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, BOOLEAN fGoodForLessOKLif
 	{
 		if ( gTeamPanel[ cnt ].fOccupied )
 		{
-			pTeamSoldier = MercPtrs[ gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID ];
+			pTeamSoldier = gTeamPanel[ cnt ].ubID;
 
 			if ( fOnlyRegularMercs )
 			{
diff --git a/Tactical/Interface Panels.h b/Tactical/Interface Panels.h
index 8908aa30..78fe0367 100644
--- a/Tactical/Interface Panels.h	
+++ b/Tactical/Interface Panels.h	
@@ -85,10 +85,10 @@ void UpdateSMPanel( );
 BOOLEAN InitTEAMSlots( );
 void AddPlayerToInterfaceTeamSlot( SoldierID ubID );
 BOOLEAN RemovePlayerFromInterfaceTeamSlot( UINT8 ubID );
-BOOLEAN GetPlayerIDFromInterfaceTeamSlot( UINT8 ubPanelSlot, UINT16 * pubID );
+BOOLEAN GetPlayerIDFromInterfaceTeamSlot( UINT8 ubPanelSlot, SoldierID * pubID );
 void RemoveAllPlayersFromSlot( );
 BOOLEAN PlayerExistsInSlot( SoldierID ubID );
-BOOLEAN RemovePlayerFromTeamSlotGivenMercID( UINT16 ubMercID );
+BOOLEAN RemovePlayerFromTeamSlotGivenMercID( SoldierID ubMercID );
 void CheckForAndAddMercToTeamPanel( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier );
 void CleanUpStack( OBJECTTYPE * pObj, OBJECTTYPE * pCursorObj );
 
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ void GoToMapScreenFromTactical( void );
 
 void FinishAnySkullPanelAnimations( );
 
-UINT16 FindNextMercInTeamPanel( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, BOOLEAN fGoodForLessOKLife, BOOLEAN fOnlyRegularMercs );
+SoldierID FindNextMercInTeamPanel( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, BOOLEAN fGoodForLessOKLife, BOOLEAN fOnlyRegularMercs );
 
 // CHRISL: New callback functions for backpack buttons
 BOOLEAN ChangeDropPackStatus(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, BOOLEAN newStatus);
diff --git a/Tactical/Item Types.cpp b/Tactical/Item Types.cpp
index 7409cc2f..85e2af84 100644
--- a/Tactical/Item Types.cpp	
+++ b/Tactical/Item Types.cpp	
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ bool IsSlotASmallPocket(int slot)
 	return false;
 }
 
-void CreateLBE (OBJECTTYPE* pObj, UINT16 ubID, int numSubPockets)
+void CreateLBE (OBJECTTYPE* pObj, SoldierID ubID, int numSubPockets)
 {
 	int uniqueID;
 	LBENODE* pLBE = NULL;
diff --git a/Tactical/Item Types.h b/Tactical/Item Types.h
index db414597..67600237 100644
--- a/Tactical/Item Types.h	
+++ b/Tactical/Item Types.h	
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ public:
 
 	UINT32				lbeClass;
 	UINT16				lbeIndex;
-	UINT16				ubID;
+	SoldierID			ubID;
 	BOOLEAN				ZipperFlag;
 	int					uniqueID;
 	UINT32				uiNodeChecksum;
@@ -259,7 +259,7 @@ public:
 #define SIZEOF_LBENODE_POD (offsetof(LBENODE, endOfPOD))
 bool	checkLBEArrayIntegrity(bool verbose=false); // BOB: checks all worldItems for missing LBE info
 
-void	CreateLBE(OBJECTTYPE* pObj, UINT16 ubID, int numSubPockets);
+void	CreateLBE(OBJECTTYPE* pObj, SoldierID ubID, int numSubPockets);
 bool	DestroyLBEIfEmpty(OBJECTTYPE* pObj, int stackIndex = 0);
 void	DestroyLBE(OBJECTTYPE* pObj, int stackIndex = 0);
 void	GetLBESlots(UINT32 LBEType, std::vector<INT8>& LBESlots);
diff --git a/Tactical/Turn Based Input.cpp b/Tactical/Turn Based Input.cpp
index 9fb928c1..ff479b90 100644
--- a/Tactical/Turn Based Input.cpp	
+++ b/Tactical/Turn Based Input.cpp	
@@ -284,7 +284,7 @@ void	ItemCreationCallBack( UINT8 ubResult );
 void	CheatCreateItem();
 // silversurfer: added for merc portrait swapping in tactical
 void	SwapMercPortraits ( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT8 bDirection );
-extern	INT8 GetTeamSlotFromPlayerID( UINT16 ubID );
+extern	INT8 GetTeamSlotFromPlayerID( SoldierID ubID );
 extern FACETYPE	*gpCurrentTalkingFace;
 
 // Flugente:  toggle display of enemy role indicators
@@ -6257,7 +6257,7 @@ void ChangeCurrentSquad( INT32 iSquad )
 
 void HandleSelectMercSlot( UINT8 ubPanelSlot, INT8 bCode )
 {
-	UINT16 ubID;
+	SoldierID ubID;
 
 	if ( GetPlayerIDFromInterfaceTeamSlot( ubPanelSlot, &ubID ) )
 	{
diff --git a/Tactical/UI Cursors.cpp b/Tactical/UI Cursors.cpp
index bfbc2e96..b4e81763 100644
--- a/Tactical/UI Cursors.cpp	
+++ b/Tactical/UI Cursors.cpp	
@@ -1420,7 +1420,7 @@ UINT8 HandleNonActivatedTargetCursor( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 usMapPos , BO
 }
 
 
-void DetermineCursorBodyLocation( UINT16 ubSoldierID, BOOLEAN fDisplay, BOOLEAN fRecalc )
+void DetermineCursorBodyLocation( SoldierID ubSoldierID, BOOLEAN fDisplay, BOOLEAN fRecalc )
 {
 	INT32 usMapPos;
 	SOLDIERTYPE				*pTargetSoldier = NULL, *pSoldier;
@@ -1429,7 +1429,7 @@ void DetermineCursorBodyLocation( UINT16 ubSoldierID, BOOLEAN fDisplay, BOOLEAN
 	BOOLEAN	fOnGuy = FALSE;
 	LEVELNODE		*pNode;
 
-	pSoldier = MercPtrs[ ubSoldierID ];
+	pSoldier = ubSoldierID;
 
 	if ( gTacticalStatus.ubAttackBusyCount > 0 )
 	{
@@ -2263,10 +2263,10 @@ UINT8 HandleBloodbagCursor( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo, BOOLEAN fActiv
 	if ( HasItemFlag( ( &( pSoldier->inv[HANDPOS] ) )->usItem, EMPTY_BLOOD_BAG ) )
 	{
 		// is there a person here?
-		UINT16 usSoldierIndex = WhoIsThere2( sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel );
+		SoldierID usSoldierIndex = WhoIsThere2( sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel );
 		if ( usSoldierIndex != NOBODY )
 		{
-			if ( usSoldierIndex != pSoldier->ubID && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex]->IsValidBloodDonor() )
+			if ( usSoldierIndex != pSoldier->ubID && usSoldierIndex->IsValidBloodDonor() )
 				return BLOODBAG_GREY_UICURSOR;
 		}
 	}
@@ -2298,10 +2298,10 @@ UINT8 HandleSplintCursor( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo, BOOLEAN fActivat
 		}
 
 		// is there a person here?
-		UINT16 usSoldierIndex = WhoIsThere2( sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel );
+		SoldierID usSoldierIndex = WhoIsThere2( sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel );
 		if ( usSoldierIndex != NOBODY )
 		{
-			if ( usSoldierIndex != pSoldier->ubID && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex]->CanReceiveSplint() )
+			if ( usSoldierIndex != pSoldier->ubID && usSoldierIndex->CanReceiveSplint() )
 				return SPLINT_GREY_UICURSOR;
 		}
 	}
@@ -2384,8 +2384,8 @@ UINT8 HandleHandcuffCursor( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo, UINT32 uiCurso
 	if ( HasItemFlag( (&(pSoldier->inv[HANDPOS]))->usItem, HANDCUFFS ) )
 	{
 		// is there a person here?
-		UINT16 usSoldierIndex = WhoIsThere2( sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel );
-		if (usSoldierIndex != NOBODY && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex] && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex]->bVisible >= 0 && MercPtrs[usSoldierIndex]->CanBeCaptured())
+		SoldierID usSoldierIndex = WhoIsThere2( sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel );
+		if (usSoldierIndex != NOBODY && usSoldierIndex->bVisible >= 0 && usSoldierIndex->CanBeCaptured())
 		{
 			return( HANDCUFF_GREY_UICURSOR );
 		}
@@ -2406,8 +2406,8 @@ UINT8 HandleApplyItemCursor(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 sGridNo, UINT32 uiCurso
 	if (ItemCanBeAppliedToOthers((&(pSoldier->inv[HANDPOS]))->usItem))
 	{
 		// is there a person here?
-		UINT16 ubPerson = WhoIsThere2(sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel);
-		if (ubPerson != NOBODY && MercPtrs[ubPerson] && MercPtrs[ubPerson]->bVisible >= 0)
+		SoldierID ubPerson = WhoIsThere2(sGridNo, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel);
+		if (ubPerson != NOBODY && ubPerson->bVisible >= 0)
 		{
 			return(APPLYITEM_GREY_UICURSOR);
 		}
@@ -3022,8 +3022,8 @@ UINT8 GetActionModeCursor( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier )
 			if ( GetMouseMapPos( &usMapPos ) )
 			{
 				// is there a person here?
-				UINT16 ubPerson = WhoIsThere2(usMapPos, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel);
-				if (ubPerson != NOBODY && MercPtrs[ubPerson] && MercPtrs[ubPerson]->bVisible >= 0)
+				SoldierID ubPerson = WhoIsThere2(usMapPos, pSoldier->pathing.bLevel);
+				if (ubPerson != NOBODY && ubPerson->bVisible >= 0)
 				{
 					ubCursor = APPLYITEMCURS;
 				}
diff --git a/Tactical/UI Cursors.h b/Tactical/UI Cursors.h
index 415246c4..6723dd46 100644
--- a/Tactical/UI Cursors.h	
+++ b/Tactical/UI Cursors.h	
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@
 
 
 UINT8 GetProperItemCursor( SoldierID ubSoldierID, UINT16 ubItemIndex, INT32 usMapPos, BOOLEAN fActivated );
-void DetermineCursorBodyLocation( UINT16 ubSoldierID, BOOLEAN fDisplay, BOOLEAN fRecalc );
+void DetermineCursorBodyLocation( SoldierID ubSoldierID, BOOLEAN fDisplay, BOOLEAN fRecalc );
 
 void HandleLeftClickCursor( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier );
 void HandleRightClickAdjustCursor( SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier, INT32 usMapPos );
diff --git a/Tactical/World Items.cpp b/Tactical/World Items.cpp
index adcb9671..39238f14 100644
--- a/Tactical/World Items.cpp	
+++ b/Tactical/World Items.cpp	
@@ -610,7 +610,7 @@ void ResizeWorldItems(void)//dnl ch75 271013
 #endif
 }
 
-INT32 AddItemToWorld( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT8 bVisible, INT16 soldierID )
+INT32 AddItemToWorld( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT8 bVisible, SoldierID soldierID )
 {
 	UINT32	iItemIndex;
 	INT32		iReturn;
@@ -658,12 +658,15 @@ INT32 AddItemToWorld( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16
 			{
 				SOLDIERTYPE* pSoldier = NULL;
 
-				if (soldierID == -1)
+				if (soldierID == NOBODY)
 				{
 					if (gWorldItems[ iItemIndex ].object[0]->data.misc.ubBombOwner > 1)
 					{
 						soldierID = gWorldItems[ iItemIndex ].object[0]->data.misc.ubBombOwner - 2; // undo the hack
-						pSoldier = MercPtrs[ soldierID ];
+						if ( soldierID < NOBODY )
+						{
+							pSoldier = soldierID;
+						}
 					}
 				}
 				
diff --git a/Tactical/World Items.h b/Tactical/World Items.h
index cd3ae1ee..03ae16f9 100644
--- a/Tactical/World Items.h	
+++ b/Tactical/World Items.h	
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ public:
 extern std::vector<WORLDITEM> gWorldItems;//dnl ch75 261013
 extern UINT32				guiNumWorldItems;
 
-INT32 AddItemToWorld( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT8 bVisible, INT16 soldierID );
+INT32 AddItemToWorld( INT32 sGridNo, OBJECTTYPE *pObject, UINT8 ubLevel, UINT16 usFlags, INT8 bRenderZHeightAboveLevel, INT8 bVisible, SoldierID soldierID );
 void RemoveItemFromWorld( INT32 iItemIndex );
 INT32 FindWorldItem( UINT16 usItem );
 
diff --git a/TileEngine/renderworld.cpp b/TileEngine/renderworld.cpp
index 52a575d8..755f4738 100644
--- a/TileEngine/renderworld.cpp
+++ b/TileEngine/renderworld.cpp
@@ -1106,7 +1106,7 @@ inline UINT16 * GetShadeTable(LEVELNODE * pNode, SOLDIERTYPE * pSoldier, SOLDIER
 			}
 			// Set shade
 			// If a bad guy is highlighted
-			if (gfUIHandleSelectionAboveGuy == TRUE && MercPtrs[gsSelectedGuy]->bSide != gbPlayerNum)
+			if (gfUIHandleSelectionAboveGuy == TRUE && gsSelectedGuy->bSide != gbPlayerNum)
 			{
 				if (gsSelectedGuy == pSoldier->ubID)
 				{