Concept of Operations Welcome to St. Ives Armored Cavalry (SIAC). It is SIAC's main goal to ensure that every single pilot has fun. That is why we are here. At the same time, we want to have a structure to work with so that we will have order, along with a framework for expansion. This document is an application to provide all pilots within SIAC with a reference of what to expect in the now, as well as in the future. If you wish to become more than a skilled pilot, to become a character in this Solaris soap opera, to enter in the wonderful world of leadership, then I suggest you read this. Skill can be taught, but it takes a certain someone to lead the masses. >DB< - RCol DarkRogue SIAC Commanding Officer The Concept of Operations (ConOps) is broken down into 4 basic sections. They include: Rank Structure, Unit Layout, Rank Duties, and Ammendments. Each section contains a detailed description. Section 1 Rank Structure It is vital to have ranks in any ordered group of people. Almost all units in MPBT have it and SIAC is no different. Since we are a regiment of St. Ives Military District (SIMD) and a militant unit of Liao, we bear the Liao ranks which are these in order from lowest to highest: 1. Recruit 2. Lance Corporal 3. Lance Sergeant 4. Assistant Force Leader 5. Force Leader 6. Captain 7. Major 8. Senior Major 9. Regiment Colonel 10. Assistant Force Commander 11. Force Commander 12. Director 13. Senior Colonel 14. Military Coordinator (HXO) 15. Chancellor (HL) In order to maintain order, we follow a Chain of Command or CoC. All of those above you should be considered your superiors, but, you will find in SIAC that we treat each other as friends rather than troops or soldiers. If a SIAC or SIMD pilot of higher rank makes a command, it is imperative that you obey that command. Disobeying a command is disruptive to a unit and cannot and will not be tolerated at any time. We focus on cohesiveness and combining as one. Those who wish not to be a part of a team will eventually be removed. Promotions are a big part of the unit. Promotions signify unit growth in skill, power, and size. SIAC's view on promotions are that the pilot must show not only skill to earn promotions, but must also show the want and desire to take responsibility as well. Promotions will be done in a Trial by Fire fashion. The nominee must already be considered to bear the qualities in question. The trial is an opportunity for the pilot to show his or her "stuff". At a certain point, some ranks are appointed by higher officers. Below is what is required to reach the rank of Assistant Force Leader: 1. Lance Corporal (LCpl) - Must be able of use at least 1 mech of each weight class with relative success. Be able to target, fire tics, strip opponents weapons, use weapon ranges effectively, understand basic lance tactics, jump and torso twist. 2. Lance Sergeant (LSgt) - Must be able to use at least 2 mechs of each class with relative success. Be able to strip mechs effectively, manage heat, jump on mechs (DFA) with some ability, understand basic to advanced lance tactics, begin Lance Leader (LL) training. Must recruit 1 pilot to test for the rank of LSgt. 3. Assistant Force Leader (AFL) - Appointed rank. Must be effective in at least 3 mechs of each class. Be able to do all that is required of LSgt as a minimum. Be able to Lance Lead also. This pilot must show that he or she is willing to take on some responsibility within the unit. Must recruit at least 3 pilots to earn this rank. These ranks are to create value to each of those obtained. It will also prove that any pilot earning such a rank has the qualities to deserve that rank. Some units hand out ranks as if they grow on trees. SIAC believes that ranks will be earned and pilots bearing these ranks and higher deserve respect for such accomplishments. Section 2 Unit Layout SIAC is determined to maintain a closeness of all pilots. In order to do this, all expanding must relate to each other in some way. The regiment is commanded by a Regimental Command Lance. It houses these 4 pilots: RCol. - Commanding Officer (RCO) SrMaj. - Executive Officer (RXO) Maj - Operations Officer (OpsO) Maj - Communications Officer (CommsO) A description of each is detailed in section 3. These 4 pilots are responsible for all actions within SIAC. They create and enforce the policies in which the unit operates under, provided they DO NOT violate policies of SIMD. In the CoC, the RCol. is in charge during any operation. Should that pilot not be present, then the SrMaj is next in line and in charge of all operations, and so on. The Command Lance sends information and orders to the Battalions within the regiment. Currently, SIAC has only 1 battalion. Therefore, I will concentrate on that. A battalion has a Command Lance identical to the Regimental Command Lance. They bear the same positions but listed as Battalion (BCO, BXO, etc...). They command the three companies in the battalion. They also create and enforce policies within the battalion provided they DO NOT conflict those of SIAC or SIMD. The CoC again is used to maintain order of operations and follow down the line. Only battalions earn names in SIAC, and all companies within it are sections of that battalion. For instance, if the BCO names the battalion "Greg's Kat Killers" then all companies have the designated {GKK} in their handles. Companies are designated by assignment on the roster only as GKK1, GKK2 and GKK3. All companies bear 3 officers of note: Force Leader (Company Commander), and two Assistant Force Leaders (Company Executive Officer & Company Operations/Communications Officer). The rest are enlisted that will help in carrying out all the action. I will use GKK1 as an example: Force Leader (CCO) Assistant Force Leader (CXO) Assistant Force Leader (O/CO) 4 Lance Sergeants 5 Lance Corporals Notice that there are no recruits in this example. This is due to the fact that recruits will not be assigned to a company unless they receive the necessary training and are requested by a Force Leader of a company. At that point, they will receive a trail and if successful, will gain the LCpl. rank along with a company assignment. This is intended solely to ensure that recruits get the training they need, make sure they are in the company of their choice, and give those FL's with the motivation to grow larger. In summary, the unit layout works like this diagram: SIAC REGIMENT COMMAND LANCE BATTALLION 1 BATTALLION 2 COMPANY A COMPANY A COMPANY B COMPANY B COMPANY C COMPANY C With layout of the units, more focus will be done within the battalions and not just within the companies. It is much easier to group together 40 pilots in a battalion than a maximum of 12 in a company. The idea here is to promote closeness in the battalion, thus, creating a more effective and fun unit to be in. Pilots can be pulled from any "company" and lances can be created on a whim. This will also create less confusion in the SSW's and bring about better attendance. All officers (AFL and higher) must know the way the unit layout works and how it is implemented. Section 3 Rank Duties As a pilot progresses in rank, he or she will be called on to take on more of a responsible role in the unit. On Solaris, anyone can strap on a Col. uniform and claim to have what it takes to lead. Therefore, skill is not the main focus on promotions after the rank of LSgt. What is focused on for promotions beyond the LSgt. rank are: attitude, attendance, leadership and then skill. Pilots with great attitudes are always an asset to a unit, but if they do not show up often enough, their impact is not felt. A good balance of each will allow those to rise to the top. What will basically be looked for is a pilot who is fun to be around, is on regularly, shows ambition, and is a skilled pilot. A pilot that meets this criteria will then become and officer along with some duties to fulfill in the unit. Below is a list then a detail explanation of duties within SIAC. Regimental: Commanding Officer (RCO) Executive Officer (RXO) Operations Officer (ROpsO) Communications Officer (RCommsO) Battalion: Commanding Officer (BCO) Executive Officer (BXO) Operations Officer (BOpsO) Communications Officer (BCommsO) Company: Commanding Officer (CCO) Executive Officer (CXO) Operations/Communications Officer (OC/O) Commanding Officer: The CO is not only in command of all those beneath him or her, but is ultimately responsible for them as well. This position is demanding since they make the necessary decisions that affect the rest of the unit. We generally do not hold authoritarian views (rule with an iron fist) but in some instances, it is necessary. All CO's are bound by orders and policies created by his or her superiors, and must be passed down to those in that CO's command. This position is one of judgement, relations, delegation, and peak leadership. The CO must respect their command and likewise, be respected by them. This position also requires to fulfill the needs of his or her command. They make sure they receive the necessary training and take care of all promotions within. As a rule of thumb, the lowest CO will perform any trial for a particular rank, meaning, that if a Recruit is up for a LCpl trial, the Company CO will host that pilot's trial, not the Battalion or Regiment CO. Should any problems arise, then the CO is the last stop for resolution before it moves up the CoC. Executive Officer: The XO is basically the "Right Hand" of the CO. They share the responsibility for all under the command as well. The XO position is one of a support role. They aide and guide the CO in matters that are difficult or not easily solved. They are also the main link between the CO and the rest of the command. They hold all the powers of a CO, should that CO not be present, therefore, requiring similar attributes in judgement, relations, delegation, and leadership. They will also provide as well as receive the same respect as a CO. The XO may also perform a trial in an emergency situation should the CO be gone for an extended period of time. They can also perform trials should a superior officer order one for a pilot as well. Operations Officer: The OpsO is the "Left Hand" of the CO. They handle the executive orders and ensure that operations are at peak performance. With this in mind, the OpsO ensures that training is available, morale is high, and that the unit is running smoothly. They also are in charge of the rosters in arranging pilots where they belong, as well as helping in recruiting. This rank requires that the pilot have a great attitude and be willing to teach and help others. They need to be able to keep morale high and set a standard for the rest of the command to follow. They must also be willing to take the leadership role in a moments notice. The OpsO needs to analyze problems and bring them to the attention to the CO and XO if overlooked. Communications Officer: The CommsO is the eyes, ears and mouth of the CO. They make sure that all pilots are aware of current situations and events. They also make sure that all pilots under their command have the necessary information like the RoC, ConOps, the roster, etc. They listen and present complaints or suggestions to the CO and XO as they present themselves. The CommsO also looks for problems that arise, like the OpsO does and notifies the CO and XO if they are overlooked. This position is key for the Command to know what is really happening with the troops under their command. This rank also requires someone with a good attitude, is articulate, has great people skills and good problem solving tactics. They must also be able to handle a leadership role at a moments notice, should the rest of the command not be available. Operations/Communications Officer: The O/CO is a company rank only. Since it is a unit of only 12 troops, not much is demanded of this rank in any one particular area. They must have the relative qualities of each, while not excelling in one in particular. There is not much difference between company to company in a battalion, so the two duties could be combined and still maintain a mild work load. Again, this position is relative to the rank that would be held, so, not much demand is placed on this rank. However, performance is still judged in comparison of the others in the same rank should a promotion be available. One of the things not mentioned in any of the Rank Duties is attendance. Attendance is a basic requirement of all of these ranks. Simple fact, if you are not here, then you cannot be effectively helping and training your troops. In essence, you are not allowing your troops to have as much fun as they could be having. It is a duty of all of SIAC's officers to ensure that all pilots get the chance to do something. Those that do well will be rewarded. Those that fail will be guided positively towards success. As an officer, you have earned the rank to lead and command others, and in doing so, you have assumed the responsibility of those men and women. We shall make it our duty to have as much fun as a team that is possible. Section 4 Ammendments Ammendment 4-01: Pilot Review - Upon attaining the rank of Lance Corporal, the pilot will be reviewed by his or her Commanding Officer. They will be briefed on both strong points as well as weak ones, and both will determine how to make improvements if there need be. These reviews will also be a platform for the pilot to express comments and/or opinions to the Commanding Officer. This review will also determine the pilots direction within the unit. (See remaining ammendments below.) Ammendment 4-02: Pilot Direction - There will be 3 paths that a pilot of SIAC can choose to take: A) Leader Type B) Special Officer/Enlisted C) Enlisted/Troop Leader Type: Those who want to be leaders within SIAC, meaning leading Lances, Company Officers, Battalion Officers, etc, must follow the guidelines stated previously in this document. Within these same guidelines, there is no predetermined limit as to what rank the pilot may reach and they will be in accordance to the ranks as set by House Liao Command. Any other issues are to be followed as stated in this document previously as well. Special Officer/Enlisted: Those who do not want to lead but show the want to help within the unit can opt to be Special Enlisted, and eventually Special Officer. The maximum rank for any special enlisted and/or officer will be the rank of Major, for any further rank requires a leadership role nearly in its entire. The role of the Special Officer/Enlisted is more of an operational role, dealing with - training, liason duties, communications, black operations, and/or whatever the Commanding Officer and pilot concerned will decide is best. Recruiting is not a requirement to earn a trial, yet it will be replaced with a special project by the Commanding Officer, which may include the SIAC Command Lance Operations Officer. This project will be specific and will have a time requirement, which will be generous, and must be completed by such time to earn a trial for rank. Any and all issues will be handled as they happen and will be in accordance to the CoC. A pilot that wishes to move beyond Captain must fullfil the requirements of that of the leader type as stated above. Enlisted/Troop: Should the pilot have little concern for rank and wishes only to learn to fight and be merely a skilled warrior without obligations, then may choose to be a SIAC Trooper and remain as an Enlisted. The highest rank for such a pilot would be Lance Sergeant, since to move beyond that point would mean requirements and obligations would have to be filled. Keep in mind that tenure and loyalties to the unit may allow the pilot to have involvement in policies, ideas, and programs that could affect the unit as a whole, but will not be the deciding factor in that instance. All members of SIAC can voice their comments and opinions concerning any matter involving the unit, enlisted or officer. To advance to Lance Sergeant, the pilot must be able to fulfill the requirements as stated in this document originally, less the recruiting and lance leader training requirements. Ammendment 4-03: Pilot Duties and Ranks - With the ammendments to the roles of the duties among SIAC Enlisted and Officers, there may be some confusion as to what role that player will play in accordance to rank. The ranks must follow as they are set as per Liao Command, and therefore, no other ranks can be added, or the current ones changed. They are set in reference to 3025, and must remain that way until changed further by Liao in the future. With this in mind, any AFL or FL and above must also have to ability to lead lances. This will keep confusion to a minimum on events such as raids and the Solaris Succession Wars (SSW's). Whether you are operations or a leader type, you must be able to lance lead at any time at the rank of AFL and above. Outside of these conditions, the Officer in question must uphold their honor and perform their duties that they have taken upon themselves at their present rank. So ends the Concept of Operations for SIAC. It is a guideline to help you understand your role as a pilot within our unit. It has been formatted in sections so that additions and amendments can be done easily. Should any pilot have questions or comments regarding this document, they should contact one of their Command Officers for more information.