That's a hard call to make between the two. Option 1 reflects a true Command Style whereas Option 2 reflects a "laissez-faire" environment. Each has advantages and disadvantages. They both have to ensure everyone "gets their turn at bat".
Ideally, Option 1 would be the best method to truly simulate combat missions.
However, I would have to choose Option 2 for the simple reason that this being a game. The Option 2 method would give more flexibility to cover all the scenarios that happen to a CIC including:
1) Squad No-Show
2) Squad below minimum attendance
3) Squad(s) not reading orders
4) Squad(s) reading orders and not following assigned orders
5) Squad(s) reading orders and confused by orders resulting in Objective not accomplished
If every squad participating would agree on creating another FSO Rule (We always enjoy when another comes into place). The new FSO rule stated something along the lines. "All squads are mandated to follow the assigned CIC's orders to the letter. This is to simulate real life combat mission planning and combat mission execution. This environment will gauge how successful or non-successful the CIC plans are."
Of course, nothing like this would ever come into fruition. Option 1 would have to rely on one simple fact. Of the 400 plus players in the FSO, not every single player has had any real life military training to understand the need for a "Chain of Command" and "Obey the last order you were given".
For example, as a CIC few times now in FSO, I would be considered a General for playing purposes. As a military officer with one or more stars on my shoulders, my battle plan would be carried out to the letter by my subordinate commanders. Sample orders:
Strike Mission Able:
Escort : LCA (P-51B)
Strike : Swampdragons (B-24)
Forward Sweep : Rolling Thunder (P-51D)
To: CO, LCA, DakOne
From: CIC, Allied Command
You’re to lift from A23 with P-51B’s for escort of Swampdragons. You’re to take 100% fuel and Drop Tanks for long distance mission. You’re to maintain a minimum of 5000 feet over the bombers and no more than 5K in front, rear or flanks. A forward sweep will be designated to another group ahead of your group to drag the enemy CAP over the target, A56.
Priority 1) Keep enemy fighters away from bombers till bomb release
Priority 2) Ensure bombers are clear from any enemy trailers on bomber egress route
Priority 3) Communicate with other squad commanders on tactical information
Secondary Mission: After Priority 1 and 2 have been fulfilled, Priority 3 has been discussed and consensus on situation allows, you’re released to hunt down and destroy all remaining enemy fighters.
To: CO, Swampdragons, Jackraid
From: CIC, Allied Command
You’re to lift from A23 with B-24’s with formations enabled. You’re to take 50% fuel and 500 lb bombs. Climb to 22,000 ft and level off. Follow assigned ingress and egress routes outlined with accompanying maps to and from A54. Drop all hangars on first pass and any strats as possible. Fly 20 miles away from target and return for second pass to destroy any remaining objects. After all ordinance has been expended, RTB for recovery operations. Make sure target is hit before T+60.
Priority 1) Destroy all high valued targets
Priority 2) Destroy all remaining targets
Priority 3) Communicate with other squad commanders on tactical information
To: CO, Rolling Thunder, nikomon
From: CIC, Allied Command
You’re to lift from A23 with P-51D’s for forward fighter sweep over A54. You’re to take 75% fuel and fuel tanks. Climb to 25,000 ft and level off. Engage any defending CAP over target as least 10 minutes before arrival of bombers and drag away from target.
Priority 1) Drag enemy fighters to lower altitudes than bombers
Priority 2) Destroy as many enemy fighters as possible
Priority 3) Communicate with other squad commanders on tactical information
Secondary Mission: When bombers are clear on final egress route, join with escorting P-51’s and augment Search and Destroy Mission.
Notice that I didn’t assign a Strike Commander or an Escort Commander. I gave detailed orders to all 3 squads with primary missions and secondary missions for 2 squads.
This type of format for CIC orders works only if certain conditions are met
1) Squads agree to abide by them
2) Assigned CIC has the free time to do them
3) Assigned CIC has the means to create detailed maps
4) Assigned CIC has orders mailed no later than Wednesday
5) Squad CO’s actually read, disperse to squad the information, and practice the mission
Personally, I would prefer the Option 1 method. It makes a good sound simulation and determines who was the better planner between opposing CIC’s. Both planning and execution could be measured with a baseline from the orders written in stone.
Option 2 just allows for one thing. The wildcard factor. Strike groups heading west of target rather than south of target. Aircraft flying NOE instead of 25,000 ft. Execution would be varied from written orders so no accurate way to determine if results would be greater or lesser than Option 1 method.
Trying to get 400 plus players to agree on Option 1 would be well after HTC incorporates the B-29 Super Fortress and then still be another 2 weeks. Looks like Option 2 will win by default.
