There will be a 30-DAY PROBATIONARY PERIOD for all new Cadets. Participation in at least four flights is required during
the initial 30-day period. After this time period the Cadet's participation will come before a Board of Review consisting of senior officers. This review will determine if a Cadet will be allowed to stay or be removed
from Squadron Membership. If the Cadet is not accepted, one re-submission will be allowed. Cadets must wait at least 30 days after the first Board of Review to re-apply for Squadron Membership. After being accepted in
the Warbirds, members are expected to fly a minimum of four (4) flights, missions, meetings or combination thereof, per month with Squadron members present to qualify for accrual of Longevity and Good Conduct Awards.
Any combination of two or more members qualifies as a mission or flight. If after one month you have not flown and have not contacted the Warbirds, you will be placed on the inactive list. Fly as little as you want, or
as much as you are able. Keep in mind that family, friends and real life are more important than the game and try to maintain perspective on your participation. It is expected that members who know of leave of absence
in advance will send an e-mail note to the squadron (51stwarbirds) reflecting that leave, then Longevity and Conduct awards, which are based on tenure, continue to accrue.After being accepted into the Squadron,
members may resign or otherwise quit (in good standing) no more than two (2) times and ask for consideration for acceptance of their application for re-admission. Applications will be considered only after meeting
requirements of Article 1, paragraph 1 of the Cadet Handbook at least 30-days after the first Board of Review, resignation, or other departure circumstances. After the application has been received, testimony will be
heard and evidence accepted by the Board of Review pertinent to whether the applicant meets standards for re-admission to Warbirds
2. COMMUNICATION
2A.
Communication Protocol. The object of the communication protocol is to minimize the number of inquiries to Officers (via e-mail, HyperLobby messages, etc.). A liaison officer has been assigned to handle the Cadet's questions and concerns. The Cadet Services Officer will field ALL correspondences from the Cadets. If he can't help you, or it pertains to an area that is handled by another Officer, he will forward the matter up the Chain Of Command appropriately. Recognize that this does not mean you can not ask the Commander (CO), the Executive Officer (XO), or anyone else questions on voice chat (comms) or contact them to get an IP or what have you. You will soon learn that it bites when you come up to fly and are bombarded with a ton of chat messages and e-mails. HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ON COMMS, GO FOR IT!!!
If there are any questions or concerns regarding any of this please contact one of the Officers. Please do not bombard us with questions on the game screen chat box. We will accept your messages if
we are not flying at the time, or use comms if there is not training or a mission dominating the airwaves. You'll know when the time is right to ask. If in-depth assistance is required, a separate comms channel can be
established for one-on-one help.
2B.
Chain of Command. The diagram below lists the chain of Command. This is the way we do business. Without a Chain of Command, things would get out of control. Please KNOW this and USE it.
You
Cadet Services Officer or the Assistant (WB_CO_Jocular or WB_Col_Titan)
Flight Training Officer (WB_Col_FlashOver)
Division Commanding Officer (None Current)
Squadron Executive Officer (WB_XO_Air)
Squadron Commanding Officer (WB_CO_Jocular)
The chain of command is to be followed at all times. The only time we would
deviate from this is during a mission or training flight in which rank is not the factor (i.e., the mission/flight officer is in command). It is your responsibility to find out who is in command and direct all your
questions and concerns through the appropriate channels. You are not allowed to direct a question pertaining to the flight to another officer other than the flight officer.
2C.
Radio Communications (comms) Protocol. This section is a guide to proper communications protocol when flying on missions and training. The use of comms is not mandatory during all flights, JUST in training and missions.
The first protocol of comms use relates to joining a session. When you join a comms channel, stop and listen. Do not just start talking, as you will walk on whoever is talking. Announce your presence by saying,
"(your name) is up". This will allow all to know that you are on line and to acknowledge your presence.
The second protocol relates to use of the comms once your connection is established. Communications
should be concise and spoken in an enunciated and clear manner. Communication connections are not always perfect and others may be straining to hear you. To communicate to a specific pilot say the pilot's name first
followed by your name. The pilot will respond "Copy so-and-so, go ahead". If other pilots are talking and you have something important to say, or a dialog does not seem to have a stopping point, announce your
interruption by saying,"(your name) BREAK". Your break will be acknowledged and you can then proceed with your communication. Please do not interrupt others if it is not important. Also, please avoid excessive
chatter on comms. This allows other pilots to communicate important flight information or combat situations.
2D.
Yahoo Groups. All Cadets will use Yahoo Groups to check for news, info, and downloads. YOU ARE ALL REQUIRED TO CHECK YAHOO-GROUPS FOR POSTED FILES AND MESSAGES ON A REGULAR BASIS.
3. DOWNLOADS
3A.
Required Downloads. A list of the required downloads is available at the Warbirds web site. Please download and install the required files as soon as time permits. We require certain things because it's essential to the mission planning for everyone to have the same game version, game lobby, and added items like the Bomb site table. So, please get the following within the first week of your probationary period, if possible.
TeamSpeak 3 Client (available at www.goteamspeak.com) and (mic and headset or at least a mic with headphones to prevent feedback)
HyperLobby.
(available at http://hyperfighter.sk /)
4.08 patch for IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 available on this site in the required downloads page.
4.09m patch
for IL-2 Sturmovik 1946 available on this site in the required downloads page
UltraPack 2.0n (or latest version) from http://ultrapack.il2war.com/index.php
3B.
Additional Downloads. Eventually you may need additional downloads for participation in all of the squadron's activities. You do not need to get all of these downloads right away. No need to spend your first week with the squadron on your 56k connection downloading every mission, utility, and add-on. However, if you want to, go for it!!!
4. CODE OF CONDUCT
4A.
***NUMBER ONE*** WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE ON COMMS. SOME PEOPLE ARE USING COMMS WITH OPEN MIC'S AND SPEAKERS AND HAVE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE HOUSE LISTENING. THE OCCASIONAL SWEAR WORD HAPPENS, BUT DO NOT BE BLATANTLY USING PROFANITY ON COMMS. Also, avoid swearing in the public arena and on the in-game chat. This type of behavior is unnecessary and reflects poorly on the Warbirds squadron. Certain situations (e.g. TS crash, mission glitches) may frustrate you, but please keep the language acceptable.
4B.
All members shall respect others, squadron members or not. Your conduct reflects on the entire squad. This squadron is an extended family and a band of brothers. Like any family, squabbles occur. However, at no time is it acceptable to belittle, threaten, or otherwise insult a fellow Warbird. Disputes within the squadron will be kept within the squadron. If a dispute disrupts the squadron it will be taken before the Board of Review in consultation with the Executive Officer for resolution. Violation of this policy may result in a warning to members involved, suspension, or removal from the squadron.
4C.
DO NOT cause trouble on the HyperLobby or other public places. Defend yourself and/or the squadron, but do it cleanly. Keep in mind that ignoring someone who is messing with you on the main chat may antagonize that person more than if you had insulted him or her. No member of the WB shall conduct themselves in a manner that would be detrimental to the reputation of the WB. This includes disrespect to other squadrons or any member of any other squadron in public (message chat, game room chat, squadron message boards, etc.) regardless of who said what about whom on public chat.
4C1.
DO NOT insinuate or outright accuse another team or player of cheating. If you don't like the way something appears in a game, quietly but politely leave the room. Understand that lag, connection issues, and gremlins can disrupt a game easier than a player trying to use dishonest means to beat you. However, if you feel cheating has occurred make a personal note and save any proof. Utilize your chain of command. A decision will be made by the Commander, in coordination with the Board of Review, whether or not to pursue the matter with the squadron or superior officers of the accused. Real time accusations are not acceptable and bring dishonor to the squadron and are subject to disciplinary action.
4D.
DO NOT TALK DOWN TO OTHERS!!! Some people pick up on things slower than others. If they are having trouble understanding something, do not talk to them like they are stupid. This will not be tolerated, PERIOD!!! This rule applies to Officers as well. Nobody was born with a flight stick or mouse in their hands and computer literacy rates vary, so let us all be patient and help each other out. All of us got where we are in the game with the help of others so return the favor. It will make the squad run smoother if we all stick together and help each other out.
4E.
We are a military-oriented virtual squadron. We have ranks and rank advancements for the simple fact that it gives incentive for members to get better at the game. When a member has something to shoot for, they will work to attain the goal. Because of that we require that EVERY member give proper respect to Ranking Officers of this squad. We require members to salute (by typing ~S~) when entering a game room or when communicating with members of squadrons outside of our own. Within our own squadron, it is not necessary to take it to the point where it becomes ridiculous. If we have a game room, an initial ~S~ is sufficient upon entry. Officers are in charge of squadron games over the rest, and certain privileges will also be afforded to them outside the games as well.
4F. Follow any and all Communication Protocols outlined above. This includes going up the Chain of Command with requests, questions, etc., and using proper communication protocol at all times.
4G. NO CHEATING WHATSOEVER in games by using cheat programs, modified aircraft, or by any other means to gain an unfair advantage. ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CHEATERS!!!
4GE.1
**VIOLATION OF POLICY**
If found to be in violation of the Warbirds code of conduct, depending on the seriousness of the violation, you will first be warned. If the problem persists, it will be noted in the Code of
Conduct violation log, and you will then come before a Code of Conduct Violation Review Panel consisting of three senior officers. The CO will preside over the proceedings. The Panel will go over the allegations with
you and give you an opportunity to speak for yourself. You will also be allowed to have written testimony from other members of the squadron submitted for your defense. The panel itself will also have in its possession
reports and any other evidence concerning the incident. After hearing both sides the panel will make a ruling on the incident. We want to give everyone a fair chance to answer any allegations against him or her. We also
want to maintain a high degree of professionalism in the squad.
4G.2
Probation. If found to be guilty of a Code of Conduct violation, you will be placed on 30 days probation while punishment is decided upon. If found guilty of additional Code of Conduct violations within this 30-day period, you will be removed from the squad!
4G.3
Recurrent violations. If found to be in violation of the Code of Conduct three times in a six-month period, you will come before the entire officers corps who will then vote on your removal. If you are voted out, you will be removed from the squad immediately. If you are not voted out, the review panel will give the proper disciplinary action depending on your record.
4H.
Honor System. The honor system is in place for the squadron and all pilots are expected to follow it. If a flight leader instructs that no tags, or cockpit only should be used, there is no way to check up on you, so it is on your honor to follow instructions. Gaining an unfair advantage in the game does not help anyone become a better pilot or squadron member. The point of the game is to have fun, not to win at any cost.
4H1.
Honesty and Integrity. Any person found to willfully mislead the squadron, misrepresent themselves, or otherwise knowingly lie to another squadron member, will meet the Board of Review and may face warning, suspension, or removal from the squadron. We fly with friends and to willfully or knowingly deceive them is not acceptable conduct.
4I.
Inactive List. An inactive list is created for those members who do not meet the minimum required flights, missions or meetings, or comply with other requirements as outlined in the Cadet Handbook. If a member is placed on the inactive list, then accrual of Good Conduct and Longevity Service will not be earned and only continued once the member becomes active in Squadron participation. There will not be a monitor of the required participation and the reason will simply fall to section 4H of the Code of Conduct. However, it may be brought to the attention of the Board to review, if any member appears not to have complied with the requirements.
4J.
Appeal. Any member may appeal a decision of the Board of Review to the Commander of the 51st Squadron, who may petition the Board to reconsider its decision. This petition may be forwarded which is based on potential new information that would have the likelihood of modifying or reversing the decision.
COMMANDING OFFICER
8 AF 353rd Fighter Group
51st Warbirds Squadron
European Theater of Operations