Col. James Hsu

Colonel James Hsu is the commanding officer of the New California Republic Army's Camp McCarran and New Vegas garrison units in 2281. He is found at Camp McCarran terminal building, in his office in the northern section on the building's ground floor.

Background
A level-headed, competent officer of the New California Republic Army, Colonel Hsu is the commanding officer of most of the New Vegas garrison and the nexus of NCRA's military efforts in the Mojave, Camp McCarran. Unlike Colonel Moore or General Oliver, Hsu is far more sympathetic to the locals and less of a war hawk. He is also in charge of water and power distribution in Freeside. He is a staunch believer in diplomacy over the force of arms and cares a great deal about the soldiers under his command, working steadily to better their situation. As it stands, he's stuck in a holding pattern managing troop rosters and trying to contain the Fiend threat on the western flank.

Hsu displays a considerable understanding of the political and military situation in the Mojave, recognizing the difficulties the NCR face. His combination of high competence and dedication with a great deal of modesty has made him well-liked by his troops, drawing the ire of General Oliver, who may see him as an up-and-coming rival. Craig Boone speaks highly of the colonel, and remarks that if it weren't for General Oliver's interference, Hsu would have already been a general by 2281.

Before the events of Fallout: New Vegas, Hsu served alongside the future warden of the NCR Correctional Facility, Nathan for seven years. During this time Nathan helped Hsu in an unspecified way in the town of Modoc, and Hsu still owed him a favor for this. Nathan decided to try and use this favor to get new guards assigned to NCRCF and stop his existing guards being reassigned to guard the Colorado River, but was killed in the NCRCF prison break before he could.

Quests

 * I Put a Spell on You: Colonel Hsu is suspicious and thinks that there might be a spy in Camp McCarran.
 * Kings' Gambit: Go to Colonel Hsu and tell him about the situation in Freeside. He will tell the Courier to offer the King support from the NCR.
 * Bounty Killer: Hsu talks about how bad the Fiends are and mentions their leader, Motor-Runner, who's living in Vault 3. Kill him, take his helmet and bring it back to Colonel Hsu for a reward.
 * Rest and Resupply: After gaining a "liked" reputation with the NCR, Hsu will provide the key to the NCR Ranger safehouse.
 * Silus Treatment: Offer one's services in making captured Caesar's Legion officer Silus talk.

Appearances
Colonel James Hsu appears only in Fallout: New Vegas.

Behind the scenes

 * Colonel Hsu is the Seven of Hearts in the deck of Vault playing cards included with the Collector's Edition of Fallout: New Vegas.
 * "Kimball is a war hawk as are Moore and Oliver. Hsu is a much more sympathetic person and diplomatic officer (most notably when dealing with the Kings in Freeside). As such, he doesn't really fit into Kimball's front line operations."

- J.E. Sawyer