Run missions and invite newbies along. Nothing teaches a newbie faster than a flock of veterans around him.
When I first joined the MA, I was recruited by the 490th Battlin' Bulldogs. Some of the best people I've met in this game game were a part of that squad. They taught me how to use some many different things, from the keypad - key to how to properly calibrate bombing from E6B. They were an amazing group, but they started to drift away at that time.
From there, I went briefly to the BoPs because I'd see so many people landing kills and I equated it with skill... Unfortunately there was no squad cohesiveness and almost zero training involved with the squad, and it was a Red Army victory by numbers game which I did not enjoy.
After that, I went to the Unforgiven which I still consider my squad. I love seeing them land kills and wreck shop. My one issue is I honestly prefer to be able to switch sides, and going back to BoPs, I kind of got burnt out on the bishop play style. Not that there's anything wrong with it, it's just not the way I wish to play.
So I graduated to my solo squad. I still try and get involved in scenarios and FSO when I have a chance, and still FSO with my Unforgiven buddies. But the way the game has gone, I find more enjoyment being able to run solo.
All that being said... I would not be the pilot today I am without a squad and learning from others. Guys like the old 490th need to come back because having hands on small group work is amazing, and I truly believe the megasquads and massive overwhelming number missions tend to neglect skill and become a crutch. I'm not saying everyone will have the same experience, but I truly believe the small squad groups are better than any training arena or large group action because they teach you to not only be a better pilot, but how to work with your team to get kills, bases, strats, or whatever your crack is.
...And if AKAMixer wants to jump sides and run a few typhoon or M-Jug runs... I'd love to wing back up with you brother!
