As the CIC of the Allied forces in frame 3, and as it happens one of the pilots of Rolling Thunder which were designated to defend A32 I have some input on this for you Boxboy....
First of all, I agree with WxMan on this. A good deal of the issue here is Communications. As CIC I spent a good 15+ hrs on my work, and ensured credible forces as dictated by the rules were assigned every defensive and offensive operation. I've seen orders come out that just say "Squad XXX hit field XXX in this plane" and that's it. It's a spreadsheet and no map. I've seen complicated orders sent out with maps, spreadsheets, directions and even some flavor added in. Saxman had a great set of orders a few FSO's back. The point is, someone needs to put in the time to get squads coordinated.
I'm also in a unique position of having been the CO of a smaller 4-6 FSO squad. I was CO of the Haze for quite a while and we found that our experience in the FSO would be enhanced if we joined a bigger squad. Over the course of the next year we went squad shopping and met some outstanding pilots in many squads. We looked at a good many squads, and flew with some for quite a while looking for that perfect Jive Mojo for our group. All the squads we flew with had a great group of guys, but many had different flying styles. We finally settled with the Rolling Thunder a while back and have been happy campers ever since. A big <Salute> to those other squads we flew with. Much respect and gratitude for allowing us a chance to fly with you.
Secondly, Not all CIC's give the small squads the shaft. Again this comes down to how much effort a CIC puts into his orders. I looked at rides flown in previous frames, requests for certain aircraft, and the capabilities of a squad to do the job assigned to them. I know some squads are better off than others at bombing, some better at escorting, etc. And in the case of having smaller squads as flight lead, absolutely I did. Squads build a reputation and by that reputation get known. I know I can count on some squads to do EXACTLY what I tell them. I know other squads are a little more "rouge" if you will. Perfect example, I knew the 68th Lightning Lancers could handle a VERY tough assignment to bomb A127, with only a light escort of their own pilots and they pulled it off brilliantly, if at a cost to themselves. <S> 68th! Flight lead is the same way, I assigned a 4-6 squad flight lead of a larger force, because I knew I could trust that squads judgment. So not everything is cut and dry.
If you want to remain as a small squad, communication is going to be VERY important. Email the squads your assigned with (because you should be assigned at LEAST a 7-10 or more as companions), get in touch with them, and find out their plan. Assign someone to their comms to monitor position and orders. Communicate via text channels. You have to make an effort to stay in formation with them. Coming in piece meal will just get you shot down.
Lastly, FSO is an unknown factor. Sometimes people show up, sometimes they don't. Sometimes you get the dirty bucket for detail, sometimes you don't. What you put into it, is what you'll get out. If you just show up to fly, knowing where you need to go...well that's all your gonna get. Above all, conduct your squad in a manner that reflects you positively. Make that effort regardless of outcome. Even if you all go down screaming and in flames.....you tried your best to accomplish the mission the CIC set to you, and that's the best you can do. No one will fault you for that, and in the end, people will realize that you can handle yourselves, assign you the good duties, and even put you in charge of a flight group.
Hope that helps muchacho!
<S> Sir.
