8 Steps on how to be a Frame C.O. in Squad Operations1. The moment you get the 'objectives' from the Admin CM, (the person who designed and manages the current event) look them over and see if there is anything you don't understand. Objectives should be clear, including what targets you are to defend and attack. Look for any errors. Admin CM's may make a mistake. Objectives are what the Admin CM sends out to the CiC. Orders are what the CiC sends out to the C.O.'s of FSO for that particular frame.
2. You will need to log into the FSO events page to use and view some of the tools that are offered for the Squad C.O.’s.
http://www.ahevents.net/index.php/events/fsoIn the right hand column you will see several links. Two that you will use are:
*View Side Assignments
*E-mail Addresses
No longer do C.O.’s have to e-mail squads asking what ride they want. This information is available on the events site. On the View Side Assignments link you can view the side (Allied or Axis) assignments to see what squads you have available, who the C.O.’s are, and how large their squad is. This information is available in a table format or in a text format.
If you see any discrepancy's contact the Admin CM, (who sent you the objectives) and let them know. You may spot several squads that have not updated their squad information with the current plane set. This is normal. I suggest you try to accommodate squads who have updated their preferred rides first, then those squads who have not updated their information may have dropped the ball or are indifferent. Those that did not update their information you can place and assign them missions as needed. If you see a squad that has a 'dedicated ride' if possible assign that to them.
3. You should also e-mail everyone on your side using the E-Mail Addresses link. You will have to log in first, but once you have you will see a simple drop down menu that will allow you to:
-E-mail all squads
-Just Allied Squads
-Just Axis Squads
You will of course want to just e-mail the squads on the side you are currently assigned to. You may want to send out an e-mail to squads on your side letting them know:
-You’re the CiC for the next frame
-To contact you if they have any special request or questions.
Sending out an e-mail early on will also make apparent any squad e-mail address’ that are no longer valid. Contact the Admin CM and the head of FSO if any e-mails bounce. It is important that you let the Admin CM know if any bounce. If you assign a squad a particular mission in your orders and they never receive the orders then someone might be flying around for 2 hours and never see any action. All squads should have at least 3 e-mail contacts. This helps insure that communications between the CiC and squad C.O.'s remains open.
4. Once you have sent out the initial e-mail you can start in on the orders. You can be
specific and tell each squad:
- How much fuel to take
- What ordnance to load
- What route and alt to take
- When to hit the target
Or you can just assign the task and AC then leave the rest of it up to the C.O. of that squad how to complete that mission.
*It is important to remember that you must hit all your assigned targets within the first hour of the frame*
If not your side could lose substantial points which could cost you the frame. It is no fun to fly around for 2 hours without any action. If all targets are attacked and all targets have squads assigned to protect
them, then all squads will see action.
Details on the rules can be found here. Please review them.
http://www.ahevents.net/index.php/fso-rulesOnce you have a good idea on what aircraft squads are flying, you can send out a heads up, or ‘Warning Order’ to the squads on your side. That way squads can have a few days to practice what ride they are being assigned. Warning orders are not written in stone, but if you send one out as a courtesy to squads, do your best to stick with the assigned rides you listed.
5. Send out the orders as soon as you can. They should be sent out by [/b]Wednesday at the very latest![/b]. Monday or Tuesday is better. If you are the kind of Frame C.O. that likes to use several maps and great detail in your orders then watch the time. If it takes you three days to get it done then you are taking too much time. We have some sample CiC orders. Please take a few minutes and look them over.
http://www.ahevents.net/index.php/fso-example-cic-ordersSome are simple and others are quite elaborate. Do not feel you have to write a doctoral dissertation, so long as your orders are clear and within the rules you are good to go.
6. Watch for questions from the Squad C.O.'s. You may not have made something clear or you might have an error. Check your mail every day prior to the frame and respond as soon as possible.
7. On the night of the Frame try to show up early to answer any questions squad C.O.'s might have. Some Frame C.O.'s have a command channel they want squad C.O.'s to tune to. Channel 150 is commonly used. Some CiC's don't worry about it and let the C.O.'s run their squads and specific mission as they see fit. Just depends on your own style of leadership. Some CiC's stay on the ground and try to keep track of all that is going on. They want updated information from squads, when the enemy is contacted, how close they are to target, general locations, and any other relevant information. CiC’s who operate like that will be giving out orders to squads and making adjustment to plans as the frame progresses. Others fly and enjoy themselves and let each squad deal with the missions and problems at hand.
Some of the FSO’s involve the use of Task Groups. If yours does, then depending on the particulars you may need to contact the Setup CM (the person who manages the event that night) and let them know where you want the Task Groups. The Setup CM can jump the task groups to your desired location and direction. Again depending on the design of the Admin CM you may or may not be allowed to control the Task Groups.
8. Once the frame is done your responsibility is over till the next time you are asked to be a Frame C.O. Depending on how many squads we have in FSO it is usually every 6 or 8 months.
If all Frame C.O.'s followed these steps we would not have any squads complaining about lack of orders, or orders being late. Nor would we have squads complaining about the rides they get and being forced in rides they don't want time and time again. When I started Squad Operations back in 2001 we had about 80 players show up for the first few frames. CM's have worked and watched it grow to well over 500 on a Friday night over the years. Frame C.O.'s who don't do their job will be removed from Squad Operations, because they don't just spoil it for themselves, but possibly for over 500 other players who look forward to this event every week.
Lastly don’t be afraid to ask for help. Being a CiC for the first time can be a daunting task. Any of our CM’s will be happy to help you out and many of our veteran squad C.O.’s would also be glad to lend you a hand in designing the orders for a frame.
