I have found that with the several squads I have been in and the two I was CO of (VF-27 HELLCATS & JG 3 UDET) that the best way to run a squad is just like the Military does.
SET-UP:Get with your guys and make up a set of rules and code of conduct and you stick to them. When starting up you get all the members to agree on the best times for squad nights and practice nights.
Once the rules are set ENFORCE THEM. Sure you piss off some and may loose a few but it will be better in the long run. Make sure your current pilots and any new recruits know what is expected of them. Explain at first and if they still don't come around show them the door.
COMMAND:As CO you will set the pace of how things work in your squad. While it is encouraged to take suggestions and ideas from your pilots don't let your leadership process fall into a "debate" on everything. If you do that you will spend more time debating than flying. YOU are the CO - the buck stops with you and you make the final decision.
Pick a couple of the most dedicated pilots that know how to lead and fly and make one your XO and the others leaders of flights. Never try to do all the work yourself - spread authority to those that are capable. Encourage the others to work to get command positions - they will come along as your squad grows.
SQUAD NIGHTS: Keep this serious but still fun. Listen for ideas from your Leutnants for missions or just general fighter sweeps. Look over all the situations and see which will get your pilots the most kills for the least losses. Then call the mission, brief the pilots and take of. Success will weld your group into a SQUAD faster than anything else. Encourage them to fly like a SQUADRON not a mob all flying the same way.
PRACTICE: Keep this lite but business like. Exercise your squad in various things like formation flying, working together as wingmen, bombing a target, etc. Practice like this and working together will bring your bunch of individuals together as a team.
The second part of the practice seccession should be something to let them blow off steam and relax. We often do the KOTH in the dueling arena like the LANCERS. First couple of times with our squadron rides to get in some extra A2A practice then last couple is winners choice of aircraft. All the pilots in our squad really have a good time with this. Always fun to shoot one of your buddies down!
MISC: First, a real help in recruiting is a sharp website. Have seen this many times - it is the impression most get of your squad. I have asked and many pilots have said this influenced their decision to join.
Second, get a private forum for your squad here on the BBS. This will also give you a since of "Community" and give your squad a place to post stuff just having to do with your squad.
Feel free to look over our website for JG 3 UDET for any ideas that might help you. Link is in my signature below.
Ultamately, the best advice I could give you is to forget about the MA and come fly in the CT. You won't regret it.
Good Luck with the Squad.
!
