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"Lag is the pathway to many abilities some consider to be...untiming..." - Darth Penguinius the Unloadable.
"We put the 'Special' in Special Operations" - CM "Falcon Kid" LQC-75-3 (Alpha III-4) -"Finished you say? Master Net-WAN, not even downloaded. The shroud of the low-speed has fallen. Begun, the Bandwidth Wars has". -"See yea then don't let the door hit you on the way out!"
"It isn't the killing, you know. It's the beauty of battles that I love —the choreography and the challenge of executing everything just right—and the challenge of matching your wits against a capable opponent. I guess I carry a little more Thrawn with me than I'd like to believe." |
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AA-160/ C.C.160-ABS.327 |
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7th Special Operations Squadron "Alpha"
I can't believe I'm doing this Weekly again |
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REPORTING OFFICER: DATE SUBMITTED: CURRENT SCOPE: |
RELEVANT LINKS: |
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RECIPIENTS: To:
CC:
SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES:
SCOPE: Weekly (or any period established) news, personnel performance evaluation, links of interest and announcements. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT: Approved for general release; unlimited distribution. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF REPORT: Unclassified |
Pilot Resource CenterSquadron Roster (Current strength: 12/12 pilots) Combat Center (scheduled multiplayer events) Imperial University (EH/TC online classes) GameRanger (multiplayer matchmaking) |
Alpha Squadron Command Staff |
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BGCOM (Ship Commodore): RA Genie (CMDR's direct superior officer, in charge of the whole Battlegroup) WC (Wing Commander): LC Narven Task (Currently, NPC) CMDR (Squadron Commander): LC Alejandro Araujo (Responsible for this unit) SQXO (Squadron Executive Officer): COL Talons Pryde (2nd in command) FL (Flight Leader): COL Horus Blackheart (3rd in command) |
7thSquadron Standing Orders |
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Please click here for an updated and detailed listing of the 7th SpecOps "Alpha" SSO |
Roster |
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FLIGHT GROUP I:Nickname: Motto: Designated Craft: |
FLIGHT GROUP II:Nickname: Motto: Designated Craft: |
FLIGHT GROUP III:Nickname: Motto: Designated Craft: |
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Alpha Squadron: Into the Abyss #4 - Premonitions |
Soon. After rewriting the last fiction. |
ISDII: Hammer's bridge (from wallpaperset.com) |
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Intro & News |
This is a quick report to address a few points I wanted to communicate. Be prepared for a wall of text, lol.
When I rejoined the operational EHTC, back in 2018, after a 10-years hiatus, I immediately joined Alpha and lasted a month as FM before applying for a CMDR post. I've been leading this unit since then. I've seen two TCCOMs, 3 COMs and a BGCOM on their posts. I've also seen many fellow CMDRs coming and going.
When I had to report once more, I noticed the WSR formats from other squadrons and the reports from the Chain of Command. I quickly drew inspiration from Miles' format but since then I've just worked on figuring out which elements I should display on the WSR. One of the things I started doing was to collect the statistics for the ...activity metrics of the pilots. By the time the month ended, I automatically had all collected from the ATRs and the MSE process was quick. This was before Gonk came. Yea, my report format is still visually awful and I've ideas in mind insofar as how to better present it in html. Since there is little to no guidelines about filling the reports (I did SM/3 back in '06 iirc, before leading Iota on the Collie during my first ToD), I've resorted to both my RL experience in engineering, in particular leading technicians in operations and maintenance teams, my experience serving the local militia as a martial arts instructor, my own investigation on KPIs and a couple books about USAF squadron management to complement a reasonable idea on what should I be reporting. There have also been experiments based on what I perceive pilots might find useful. I started recurring to our Wikia to post information that is permanently valid such as my standing orders to the unit. The standing orders are a tool to communicate to your unit what are your philosophies and policies running the unit, the things you'd regularly expect from them. By the way, now that we talk about specific items, the monthly general orders are just that: they attempt to address tactical and operative needs for the unit during that particular time period.
Notice that my approach here is one of attempting to assume a leadership role and not just a paper-pusher or someone with just a role imposed upon me. During this ToD I've been through very dark moments (which are reflected on my MSE's history) but I've remained (with delays, which I now corrected) performing my functions here. I could say true leadership comes when you have defined objectives and you're set to achieve them despite the odds. Others , generally with a similar mindset, will join your initiative. As I see it, the inexorable corollary is that units, in this particular case of the TC, will end up being filled with a certain kind of pilot in each case. In our case, we are men of the classics: X-Wing (XW), TIE Fighter (TIE), X-Wing Vs. TIE Fighter/Balance of Power (XvT/BoP), X-Wing Alliance (XWA) and X-Wing Alliance Upgrade/TIE Fighter Total Conversion (XWAU/TFTC). We are also pilots that focus on skills, hand-eye coordination, tactics, and performance more from a simulation point of view instead of a more video-gamey approach. This is why we are profiling towards performing equally for Single Player (SP), Player Vs. Environment (PvE) and Player Vs. Player (PvP) modes in a complete approach.
Emphasis is also placed on character backstory, squadron lore and Role-Playing (RP). We are few since we are a niche inside a niche but also as the Imperial Handbook says:
"TIE pilots are a closely knit group and tend to keep social interactions within their own kind. Consider this an acceptable trade-off for their outstanding flight performance. TIE pilots regularly face impossible odds inside their recklessly agile, unshielded starships, yet they still come out on top." The profile for Alpha Squadron pilots is one of not just being a friend of the classics (can always play other games, that is fine) but also sharing the same passion for the classics and the Empire. That is what comes out of TIE Fighter players and is what inspired this club at first. In a sense, we are going back to the basics. Somebody called us "a relic". I'd say we are not old, but classic. We are Imperial Navy pilots. So as for standing orders, I believe I should update them to better reflect our views. I've stated many times (now in the context of going to the basics) our pace should be slower. Allow me to elaborate: The current EH system invites players to register many, many scores and receive medals based on those numbers. This grinding mechanism could bring exciting moments for those with more spare time to build up such numbers. In the case of scores, decades of gameplay led to pilots exploring and figuring exploits in game mechanisms (such as killing neutrals in TIE iirc) to maximize scoring. Now, if I were to pursue HS myself, I'd find some of the battles/missions were already HSd with the highest mathematical score possible so I won't achieve anything (someone pursuing HS won't go for a 2nd place). Also, if I am to assume a simulation as such (and RP), I'd not go around shooting civilians or neutrals in an armed conflict for example so I'm not going to HS certain battles.
While I encourage a high performance on pilots, I'd personally emphasize I'm more than happy to see a pilot complete a battle in "hard". Do not feel obliged to achieve HS on those old missions. I'm more interested in your capacity to achieve mission goals on the lowest number of attempts possible or with the lowest number of waves used, with no cheats if possible. And I'm certainly not interested in a high number of BSFs, I'm interested in you feeling motivated, say, once a week, for the tactical challenge and giving it a couple tries, maybe 3. You could fly the assigned TCiB mission or some others we designate for you. My interest is that, while being casual, you develop the hand-eye coordination and tactical skills to be able to be successful in a sortie at first try and for it, there is absolutely no rush. It is a learning curve where our brains adapt slowly as we have fun and enjoy the process. Accept your very human limitations: if you can't win in that moment, you can't. And that is fine. Maybe in the future you'll do it, who knows. Focus on enjoying the trip itself, rather than being anxious about the destination. Maybe you just need more experience.
As for MP: one or two matches where you fly with or against fellow squadmates and exert your skills is all I'd ask for during an evaluation period (a week). You can have two results: either you win or your squad mate shows you your weakness which is a great opportunity to improve. Either you win or you learn. For me, both are good. This is how you grow. I just want us to meet once a week and have some fun with the games we love.
I want you to be able to use your skills on MP on SP and use SP to prepare for MP. Assume each AI as if it was a human pilot and do not underestimate any human pilot. Find your fighting style, do not give up, respect your opponent and channel whatever frustration you might have into becoming a better pilot. If you win, be magnanimous, courteous and thank him for the experience. Honor and courage should be our values. Skill is what we seek, the game is our means to achieve it. Anyone can get medals, but few will dare to go out of their comfort zone to become better pilots.
Circling back to the original topic, I noticed junior CMDRs are using some of the items we've proposed here which I humbly acknowledge. It can be convergent thinking (we all concluded we need to display said items) or that they took the ideas from other reports. I think it is good we move towards what we collectively consider will help our pilots and help us in the process. The reason I said this is because I believe we need to convey commitment and interest by rolling back to weekly or at least bi-weekly reports. What do we tell the pilots? Well, if we have objectives for the unit, we will always have a lot to communicate. Reports are also a kind of CMDR's log: like the unit general behavior, since we have total freedom, reports reflect our idiosyncrasy and mentality.
Despite the freedom, there's certain convergence on a few common items. I checked SM/6 notes and I gladly noticed some of the guidance about what to do with the squadron goes along the same lines I've told you I actively pursue: an objective, commitment, defined goals. We are going in the same direction which is a good sign. My only humble suggestion would be that we offer some more guidelines for new and would-be CMDRs insofar as reporting. Don't get me wrong: there are guidelines but we can always use more specific examples. Who am I to suggest things? I have 5 years of experience in this post. What kind of titles or awards can I show to prove we've been successful? Well, awards obtained via competitions were mostly suited for grinders: fly more and you get titles. Am I just complaining because I can't grind? No, because recently I proved I can be as active as the most active ones and do it on the games most folks avoid. Suffice to say, in SM/6 you'll find that the general philosophy of commandership on TC is to see the pilots are having fun. Grinding is just one avenue for this but not the only one. On this, both SM/6 and the conclusions from my own experience converge greatly. Alpha Squadron will explore other avenues.
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(Fractalsponge's take on the MIS - go check his site at www.fractalsponge.net) |
Competitions |
Highlighted Competitions: So, Alpha's Slumber Party (yes, click here) :v ===Slumber Party will return after some brief advertisement from our sponsors :P === (Brief) Description: Every month, pilots from Alpha squadron will fly PvP matches against pilots of a designated squadron of the TIE Corps. Alpha will fly against every single other unit of the TC, one squadron per month. Performance metrics will determine the winning pilots and the winning squadron. The objective isn’t much to spam LoCs but to create unit cohesion, build unit morale and motivation and obtain field experience against real opponents. Get the ball rolling in terms of training towards participating in other online events. Full details can be found here (click) or here (click) |
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Pilot |
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LoS |
LoC |
Other Activity/Awards/Comments |
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[1:Alpha 1-1] |
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26 |
Communications:Discord, email....smoke signals :V Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0x (0x missions) ===none=== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) Trivia==none== INPR===none===Fiction===none===. Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:NEW_REPORT: Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 point===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none===
Observation: I'm just going to keep flying with local friends for fun and to have a presence here for a bit. EHTC will be happy if I just do something. |
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[2: Alpha 1-2] |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Communications:===none=== Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0x missions) ==none== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none=== Observation:. None.... |
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[3:Alpha 1-3] |
5 |
0 | 0 |
Communications:Discord Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 1 (5x missions) BATTLE_COMPLETED: MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battle Bug Reported (0x) ===none===
StreamingUploading YouTube videos about TFTC/XWAU gameplay Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities==none== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesAssigned:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none===
Observation: None this short week. |
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[4: Alpha 1-4] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:===none=== Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle Player===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0x missions) ===none=== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:Observation: None. |
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[5:Alpha 2-1] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:Discord Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0 missions) ===none=== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Trivia===none=== Secondary GamesGoH Fiction===none===Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none=== Observation: none this week. |
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[6:Alpha 2-2] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:===None=== Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0x missions)
MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== IU Courses Passed (0x) ===none=== Uniform update ===none=== Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none=== Observation: None |
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[7:Alpha 2-3] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:Discord Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0x missions) ===none=== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Uniform update ===none=== Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesParticipation in Sausage Week 2023. Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none=== Observation: I'd really want to convince you to participate. But I know this trend won't change. You are free my friend. |
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[8:Alpha 2-4] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:=== None=== Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0 missions) ===none=== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none=== Observation:None. |
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[9:Alpha 3-1] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:Discord Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0 missions) ===none=== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none=== Observation:none this week. |
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[10:Alpha 3-2] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:===None=== Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0 missions) ===none=== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none=== Observation: as agreed, InvolRSV. |
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[11:Alpha 3-3] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:===none=== Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0 ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0x missions) ==none== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 8xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none===Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Created INPR===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none=== Observation: You will be missed my dude. |
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[12:Alpha 3-4] |
0 | 0 | 0 |
Communications:Discord Flight Operations:Regular ActivitiesSingle PlayerFree Missions Completed: 0x ===none=== Battles Completed: 0 (0x missions) ===none=== MultiplayerPlayer Vs Environment ===none=== Player Vs Player ===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Auxiliary Operations:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Battle/Mission Review: 0xFree Missions Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Battles Reviewed (0x) ===none=== Trivia===none=== Wiki===none=== Extraordinary Activities===none=== Administrative Tasks:Regular ActivitiesSubmitted Reports:===none=== Created INPR===none=== Extraordinary ActivitiesUpdated Unit Information on Site: 0 words, 0/200=0 points===none=== Awards & Achievements:===none===
Observation: My kid, I will do my best to share whatever experience I have with you in hopes you can use it to learn and be the great pilot you're destined to be. |
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Promotions & Transfers |
Transfers:Outgoing
Incoming
Promotions:
Reassignments:
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Miscellaneous |
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Praise be the Lag! |
Commander's Task List |
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Pending:
In progress:
Completed:
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Monthly General Orders |
Schedule Planning:Have some rest for the next couple weeks while I sort things out.GoG XW SeriesThe classic Star Wars games (TIE Fighter, XvT, XWA, etc.) are available for digital sale at https://www.gog.com/ and http://steampowered.com/. The GOG version is generally preferred by most members for ease of patching with custom EH game content. You can buy the entire series for under $15 here https://www.gog.com/en/game/star_wars_xwing_vs_tie_fighter.TCCOREThis basic IU course will help you familiarize with EHTC's procedures. I highly recommend you take it in case you haven't. Update uniform, INPR and wiki character article!:This goes for me as well. Each time you get promoted or receive an award you should update your uniform. Yea, I'll update mine. |
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Commander's Analysis |
As I've told you, our focus for the moment goes two-fold. 1) For gaming, it goes into flying missions (SP) doing casual coop sessions (PvE) and casual sparrings (PvP) On the latter, seasoned players can help each other maintain in combat shape and help the new folks becoming familiar with the perks of PvP which I expect will help them become better pilots for any challenge they face , be it PvP, PvE or SP 2) For squadron lore, we go into both mission building and fiction. The club's Wiki is a good tool for storing our information. I invite our new pilots to build their character sheet. You can ask me for the template and since you're most likely lacking a EH wiki account atm, I'll be more than glad to create your page for you. I'll make an emphasis on the very casual nature of our activities as this is meant to be fun. I'll handle the admin part. You guys enjoy playing, being part of a team and taking your time to improve and achieve operative/tactical objectives. Needless to say, if you happen to share the same passion with others, you can invite fellow pilots to participate. The Empire is always needing pilots to fight the good fight. |
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Closing |
What do I expect from you as your CO? I want you to relax, have some fun and find happiness behind the controls of our fighters. (Mercilessly eliminating enemies of the Empire) Express yourself and enjoy life while sharing with your squad mates on a casual basis. Leave your problems behind and enjoy our shared passion.
Our motto says "Why did you destroy our base? Have you gone mad?"
So to the squadron my message is: let's just have fun. To the ship, my message is "we'll just have fun, if you want us to help you with points in an event, then come play with us" and to the TC our message is "We'll do things the old way and we'll focus on fun in an specific niche as proposed on SM/6. Please don't judge our success based on how much we fly. Just notice how happy we are. Happiness doesn't have metrics, it is felt. Happiness doesn't need medals, it is a reward in itself." That is all. Dismissed!
Yea, that's from Magadascar Penguins, not intending copyright things here, just a reference.. . March to victory my penguins! |
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Signoff |
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Respectfully submitted: Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro Araujo
Alpha Squadron/Wing I/ISDII: Hammer |
