Welcome to the third installment of the ISD Relentless report!

Been a few changes in the ol’ ship this time, most importantly with the addition of a WC. By now you’ve all met COL Miackus. I’m looking forward to a productive command relationship with him, as we both work to make this ship a better place to work and play. You’ll be hearing more from him in the future about what he expects from the Wing.

Another change is less obvious, but I think it will eventually change things for the better. I’ve created the ‘unofficial’ position of Command Sergeant Major. It’s only ‘unofficial’ because it doesn’t exist in the Training Manual or the SSOs. In a real military unit, the Command Sergeant Major is the senior non-commissioned officer in a larger unit. He serves as something of an “enlisted man’s rights advocate” for his commanding officer, keeping the colonel (or general) appraised of the morale and general status of the enlisted men in his unit. And no, it’s not the same thing as a “Morale Officer.” A CSM is always the most experienced and qualified NCO in a unit.

On the Relentless, the CSM reports directly to the COM. He’s still subject to the same discipline and reporting chains as any other pilot, though. The qualifications for CSM are tough: he has to be an experienced pilot with at least two years in the EH with NO HCI convictions of ANY kind, as well has have a demonstrated concern for the “ordinary Joe” on board the Relentless. The CSM is a guy you can talk to if you’re having problems in the EH. He’s been around, so he can advise you wisely. He knows the ins and outs of the command structure, so he can offer advice if you’re having a problem dealing with your FL or CMDR. He also works with the COM to keep tabs on the morale of the Relentless.

The CSM position is one that will evolve over time, but so long as I’m COM we will have a CSM. It helps me stay in touch with the needs and concerns of the flight members of the Relentless, and it will also help COL Miackus do the same. Some of you who are not familiar with the real military might consider this to be a way around the chain of command. It’s not, and anyone who tries to use it that way will find himself on the short end of things. A good CSM is a sort of advisor to his commander, as they often have the same amount of time in service. They share the same experiences, but with different viewpoints. A good CSM makes a unit stronger, and this position will do the same for us.

Now, please welcome the fist Relentless CSM to his new duties: LT Lohr Zadash! Those of you who remember him as a CMDR, WC, and COM will have no doubts about his concern for the regular FM. His grasp of the chain of command and how it functions is also superb, and I look to him to help develop the CSM position. If you have any questions about how this position works, contact me.

And while we’re on military subjects, I’d like to explain how the Wing relates to the Relentless. In military terms, Wing IX is a tenant organization. That means that in effect Wing IX is “renting” space on the Relentless. This is like, say, elements of the First Infantry Division stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas. Although they have their own chain of command, they must also conform to the policies and orders of the post commander. So it is with Wing IX. COL Miackus is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Wing, and sets policies within the Wing, but those policies have to conform with the policies set by the Relentless. Too many in the TC, I’m afraid, don’t understand how the WC-COM relationship is supposed to work. We don’t have that problem on the Relentless, but this might help you understand just what the COM is and does.

And now the light programming…;-)

Something is going on with IS3. I’m not sure what exactly, but something is happening. More later.

And now…the CSM’s Corner!


“The Life of a Bored Pilot”


The title sounds a little interesting don’t you think? The title above describes a subject that I’d say that every pilot I have ever known in the course of my 3 year Tiecorps career has flirted with. What’s that you ask? It’s the temptress, the seductress, known as BOREDOM. It has been said that human nature dictates society in general and that society in general seeks the easiest path. Asking a self-searching morality question at a time like this? Puleeeeeeeze :P

Yes, yes I know questions of moral integrity whether they are of the nature dealing with sexual orientation, honesty, integrity, and etcetera reside with one self. I agree to some extent but, there comes a time when self-evaluation IS necessary for a person to grow.

I know what you’re asking yourself, where is that Lohr Zadash going with this and perhaps what the hell does he want with me anyway?

The answer is this: BORED pilots don’t know what they want. They realize that their need for external stimuli exists but they don’t know what to do about it. Somewhere along the line they have lost sight of what made the EH as a whole attractive. Perhaps it’s the everyday pressures of life outside the EH.

Maybe it’s something you’ve seen happen in this organization that you thought was wrong and it has helped you lose sight of the enthusiasm you once held onto. Whatever it might be, as a pilot always remember that you alone set the pace for this organization. Without you, the EH would be a handful of egotistical, backstabbing, people arguing over what was wrong and how someone else should fix it. Just kidding. Hopefully you now understand my point that you, YES YOU as a pilot are of utmost importance. Yes boredom WILL set in from time to time. This will happen. It’s very human to seek the luster of a new challenge and new domain to conquer. How to combat the evil temptress?

1. Set goals for yourself. These don’t have to be big. It could be as big as maintaining contact with your CMDR and the rest of your squadron during the week. With proper explanation of the pressures that might exist that is putting a damper on your spirit I am quite sure your squad mates will find creative ways to help your spirits surge back to their enthusiastic state in hardly any time at all!
2. Say “No!” when the temptation to simply read your e-mail and not reply crops up. I have found this to be a favorite with BOREDOM, since she loves to nurture a complacent attitude among us pilots. Remember you can beat this bitch at her own game by taking the initiative.

I’ve talked about pilots in general but what about those of us who, have decided to take on greater responsibility in the positions of command within the TieCorps? As a Flight Leader, squadron, Wing Commander and more recently a Commodore my experience with BOREDOM has with all truthfulness been a constant companion. Why you ask? It’s because despite the new challenges that lay with each position of oversight and command lies a certain key to an officer’s joy and enthusiasm.

What is this key? Motivation. For all you commanders out there whether it is a flight, squadron, wing or ship that is your responsibility; you know what I’m talking about. Being an effective commander is a draining experience. Keeping in touch with your direct subordinates is a job in itself and then keeping THEM motivated day in and day out, instilling pride and sense of duty can drain the very heart and soul out of a leader.

That sounds very harsh but it does happen. Those of us who deeply care, and share unit pride invest a large piece of ourselves with each and every minute we spend in the service of our units. It’s only natural to become drained emotionally over time.

I speak for myself here, but I’m sure other commanders would echo this sentiment; nothing warms the heart more than a sincere declaration of appreciation. For mature commanders, knowing that your efforts are appreciated is a reward in itself and it spurns us on thus derailing the efforts of that evil temptress, the vile seductress we all now know as BOREDOM.

In closing the surest way to defeat BOREDOM is for everyone, from the Flight Member to do his or her part. It takes effort to set goals and then stay on track to achieve them. The effort is great but the feeling of pride and accomplishment is well worth it. You will have the respect and admiration of your peers and if nothing else, your self respect. We’re together in this and the best way to defeat the enemy that has plagued each and every pilot in the EH at one time or another is by working together and supporting each other. Armed with this knowledge and further with the will to use it we can defeat this common enemy.


Lohr Zadash, despite his many flaws, loves a good debate, constructive conversation, and any other stimulating social occasion. Looking for a lively discussion, or just looking for good company? Then hop by the Star Drifter Lounge or drop him a line at this address.