To the OP:
Yes, squad commitment is important. The AK’s lowered their commitment because we weren’t meeting ours some nights, or cut it really close. Keep in mind, this time of year folks are getting ready for the coming holidays, so perhaps next December lower participation should be considered. Others mentioned doing “something different” (B-29’s). Most of the bombers that are flown in FSO have almost useless defenses.
BFOOT1:
Don’t be so hard on yourself. In time, you will get better. It’s not an easy thing I am sure.
Viper:
I am personally offended in your tactic. It’s been stated that it was a violation of the rules, and IMHO was a violation of the spirit of FSO. Sadly, you weren’t able to make a good enough plan to hit your objectives, so you decided to sit it out. You should be ashamed. Your continued defense in the matter tells me you aren’t, but I hope that the CM’s never give you CIC duty again. For those in your squad, let me apologize to them for a waste of their evening.
I can say that the AK’s get put in bombers on missions that are clearly 1 way all the time. We frequently get decimated usually just as we see the base. There are times though that the CIC planned well and executed well, and we leveled the base, most of us returning to land. It’s a roll of the dice, but sometimes it works.
As long as I am CO of the AK’s, my S5 (CO of FSO) will NEVER create a plan such as Viper did. That plan was shameful, just shameful.