First as a bit of background: Back in the days of Air Warrior I was CO of a 60+ person squad, the Red Barons of the AZ. We were formed into four wings; a Command Wing, two Fighter Wings and a Bomber Wing. Leading such a large group was a big task. We had by-laws, a command structure, a grievance proceedure, ranks (CO, XO, Strategic Officer, Tactical Officer, etc.), squad nights, squad trainers, awards and recognitions, etc., etc., etc.
As Air Warrior went through it's transitions from AW to AWII to AWIII we slowly lost members, and when I moved from AWIII here I moved alone.
Having put myself through the excersise of being the CO of a large squad, I decided that I'd remain a loner in AH and I did from 2001 until about a year and a half ago, at which point I started The Wingmen. The concept of The Wingmen was to have a very small (10 or less) group of dedicated fighter sticks that could informally wing up if they felt like it. My qualification criteria were pretty stict (around 2 K/D, around 1 K/S, etc.) There are no ranks, no squad nights or any of that other stuff. We all have rights to sign or drop members. We are a group of equals.
The Wingmen reached a peak of seven members which I felt was just about right at the time. There were almost always a couple of us on. Over time, some left, some dropped out of the game, etc. and now we are left with myself and one other member.
During the peak of The Wingmen, I realized that I got bored not playing some of the other aspects of the game, and would find myself off GVing or bombing instead of winging with my squaddies.
What I've been thinking about, is getting back into this with another large squad with all the trappings, broken into fighter, bomber and GV wings but with smaller groups within; sort of a hybrid of The Red Barons and The Wingmen. I've got some really great ideas on how to structure this.
My criteria also have to change. What I'd be looking for are people who enjoy the game, are active, are adults (20+), are willing to be Bish and have good charachter. Vet or n00b wouldn't matter although I'd like to see at least a few months in-game so you have all the basics down at least. Fighter, bomber or GV enthusiast wouldn't matter either as I'd want to incorporate all aspects into the squad.
The reason I say I'm considering this is that I don't have a lot of time to dedicate to recruiting, running it, etc. although I do have some. I'll need to find someone I trust to take on some of that. I also realize that starting from 2 is going to be a challenge. So, if there's any positive response to this then I'll move ahead. If not then I'll stay the current course and maybe add a member or two to the existing gang of two.
If you are interested, either PM me here or in game. We'll wing up for a sortie or two before signing to make sure we're on the same page.
Oh... one more thing. I like to fight. I don't want this to be about NOE hoard missions of undefended bases but rather high alt level bombing with traditional fighter escort, etc. If you're good enough who cares if they see you coming. It's more fun that way.
