As you progress through the levels you will be able to unlock a large number of characters that each have their own special ability which you can take advantage of when you issue them commands to go out on raids to zombie infested areas to collect food and other resources. You can only send out three characters at a time and you will have a certain amount of control over them whereas the additional troops that are sent are deployed automatically and have a mind of their own. The characters that you unlock do not need to be trained and will always be available for battle, you can however level them up using resources and items you scavenge.