The 412th is currently looking for new members to fill its ranks. Many times, squadron members will actively recruit new members as they are always on the lookout for P-51 pilots. Also, anyone interested in joining can contact any full member of the squadron and request to be considered for membership.
The new member process is rather simple, however it is important that all the criteria are met to achieve full member status.
1. Recruits MUST show an interest and desire to fly the P-51 (either B or D models) Mustang for at least 75% of the total fighter time spent in the Aces High MA. Other aircraft and vehicles are permitted, however for fighter usages, the 75% mark is maintained.
2. Recruits must be able to exercise discipline in the use of voice communications and transmit messages in an orderly manner.
3. New recruits are designated OTCs (Officer Training Candidates) and are required to join the squadron in the MA.
4. The OTC designation is held for two weeks, as the recruit is considered to be going through Officer Training Candidate School. During OTCS the OTC is expected to get to know the other squadron members and start to learn the basics of the squadron operations. Being signed into the squadron during this period helps the OTC, as they will be listed as a 412th member in the AH roster page and be able to participate in private squad communications in the text buffer. Also, with the AH squad highlight function, the recruit will be able to easily distinguish other squadron members as well as have the squadron members be able to easily identify the OTC.
5. If the OTC decides that the squadron is not for them, then they may leave the squad at their option at any time. Conversely, if the squadron members do not feel that the OTC is acting appropriately or trying to fit into the squadron structure, the CO or XO may remove the OTC from the squadron. It is expected that all OTCs understand this and no hard feelings will be held against anyone if that action is required.
6. At the end of OTCS, the new member is promoted to the rank of Flight Officer (FO) and becomes regular member of the squadron and is given full member access to this web-site and squadron BBS.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the 412th, review our website at http://www.brauncomustangs.org
and email pand@brauncomustangs.org for further instructions. 
A letter from the Commanding OfficerI would like to take a moment to personally explain why these requirements are here. My personal brand of fun, in regards to on-line war simulations, is to be in a structured group where there are specific goals and a clear chain of command. This means that the squad acts like a real military unit instead of everyone just getting together but still doing there own thing. When orders are given by higher-ranking members, it is expected that they be followed, however all members are encouraged to give opinions to help the officers in command make better decisions.
The real goal is for everyone to have fun. As CO, I understand that most people do not want to be ordered around while they are playing a game. In practice, I would like to think of this squadron as a team. But in order to be successful, even a team must be organized and has to be willing to follow direction. For the most part, we will be on the casual side during most unscheduled squad events. However, during squad night, or other scheduled activities there may be very specific orders given that will need true teamwork and effort. I hope that all members will be able to follow the plans and make whatever mission is undertaken a success.
I realize there are many different things that a person can do in "Aces High" and that always flying the P-51 Mustang may get boring for some. Please feel free to explore your options. Use various aircraft, drive ground vehicles or boats, man a gun turret on a ship, or whatever else you think might be fun. All I ask is that when it comes time to get together with the group, we all act as a team. You are encouraged to fly and practice in the P-51 as much as possible, but diversity is sometimes needed to keep people from burning out.
I am always open for suggestions and encourage members to talk openly about how they feel the squad could improve. No one is here because they have to be, and I want everyone to be happy with what this squad is doing, and what they are doing in it. After all, if you're not happy, you won't stay. If enough of you don't stay, there will be no squad.
All that being said, I hope you can understand and want to be a part of what the 412th FS is and will be.
Midnight CO, Retired, 412th FS "Braunco Mustangs"
