RS World Project/Operations Manual

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Operations Manual

The Operations Manual is much like Bylaws and is also of great importance to the Rebel Squadrons. It too is one of the more vital items needing to be translated.

To begin a new translation, please follow the steps outlined at RS World Project/About, applied to this page.

Current translations:

Original version

Operations Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the Rebel Squadrons! If you are reading this, you are either interested in joining our ranks to help fight the Empire and all other sorts of galactic villainy, or you are already a member and are simply looking to further your own understanding of the Rebel Squadrons. In either case, you have come to the right place because the Rebel Squadrons Operations Manual is the primary source and gateway for all general RS knowledge.

Next page: About Us

About Us

The Rebel Squadrons is an internet-based Star Wars club that supports both gaming (online and off-line) and non-gaming activities. The Rebel Squadrons (RS) is both international and non-profit and is dedicated to providing a fun and appropriate atmosphere based in the Star Wars universe. That universe, created by George Lucas, is still vibrant and lively after over twenty-five years. The RS is led by Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Michael Raven and is home to Fleets dedicated to almost every LucasArts Star Wars game. The RS also supports fiction writing and Role playing (simming) opportunities. Whether it involves an Interactive Tour of Duty, online melee matches against members of other clubs, or writing run-on stories, the Rebel Squadrons is all about Star Wars.

The RS is more than just an institutional club: it is a community of fans and friends. Whether it is simple gaming, administering an Interactive Tour of Duty, writing a campaign, creating a webpage, or creating a story, the sole goal of this organization is the generation of an enjoyable situation for everyone involved. All RS members from the very top of command to the newest Cadet are a part of this community and help to reinforce the joy of being a part of this club. In a very real sense, the RS is its members.

So, what does it all mean? Well, quite simply, you have joined the Rebel Squadrons to help immerse yourself in the universe created by George Lucas. During this experience, it is our hope that you will make great friends (even if you never meet them face-to-face) and have some great times. It is also our hope that you may even learn a little bit about leadership, improve writing skills, or even learn how to make a web page. And you will have a chance to do it all with people who love the same thing that you do: Star Wars.

Next page: Fleets


Fleets

Redemption Fleet

Redemption Fleet (RF) is where new RS units are created at the wing level before they are graduated to fleet status. This fleet is the most diverse in the RS because its units each have different purposes. The units in this fleet do not have enough members to maintain fleet status under the RS Bylaws. Each of them is given near-independent command to direct their activities.

  • Righteous Indignation Division (RID) is the home of tactical combat within the Rebel Squadrons. RID makes use of the game Empire at War, and represents the RS in a number of multiplayer competitions.
  • Commando Division (CD) is the base of all RS ground operations. The games supported by the CD range from Jedi Knight to Star Wars: Battlefront, relying much on custom levels and multiplayer events. As a participant in the Inter-Club Training Event (ICTE), the Commando Division is a large part of the RS' multiplayer force.
  • Strategic and Tactical Command (STC) supports the games Galactic Battlegrounds and Rebellion. The STC conducts online operations with squads competing against each other and also sponsors ITODs.

Patriot Battle Fleet

The Patriot Battle Fleet (PBF) is one of the oldest and most popular fleets in the RS. Supporting all versions of the popular game X-Wing, the PBF follows a story-driven tour of duty with monthly-released missions. It was formed by the merging of several fleets that originally played X-Wing in the early years of the RS.

  • Retribution Wing (R2F/R2W) is one of the oldest units in the RS and utilizes the game TIE Fighter and the Empire's own ships against them. ITODs also drive the unit much like other flying fleets in the RS. The R2W merged with the PBF in July of 2006.

Allegiance Battle Group

The Allegiance Battle Group (ABG) is the role-playing community of the RS. It provides a unique environment for simmers to conduct their simulations through IRC channels in lieu of formal, face-to-face meetings. Allegiance's library contains numerous entries that may be useful for other units of the RS.

Aurora Force

The Aurora Force (AF) is the fiction writing community of the RS. Largely independent from the club-wide storyline, the AF conducts many operations in its own sector of space. Writers are assigned to units according to their profession of choice.

Vigilance Starfighter Group

The Vigilance Starfighter Group (VSG) is the other flying fleet in the RS that utilizes the custom Interactive Tour of Duty system. Its most unique feature is the multiplayer environments of X-Wing vs.TIE Fighter and X-Wing Alliance, allowing the fleet to provide custom online missions. This fleet also competes in many multiplayer competitions.

Vanguard Fleet

The Vanguard Fleet (VF/RSPA) is the RS Player Association in the massive multiplayer online game Star Wars Galaxies. Within the RS, the fleet is called Vanguard, but in game and in the SWG community it is simply referred to as the RSPA. The RSPA resides in the Starsider server of Star Wars Galaxies on the planet Rori. As the founder of the Rebel-aligned city New Horizon, the RSPA is one of the most active and fastest growing guilds in SWG. The RSPA Forums are located off-site.

Next page: Bylaws


Bylaws

The Rebel Squadrons Bylaws is a document that outlines the procedures and guidelines of the RS as established by RS High Command. All Rebel Squadrons members should take the time to read over the Bylaws.

The Concept of HIER

The acronym HIER, which stands for Honesty, Integrity, Equanimity and Respect, is a principle that every RS member must strive to make the model of their participation. This principle can basically be described as an everyday golden rule: to treat people with respect and to remain honest and fair.

RS Bylaws Section 1: Mission Statement

1.1 Mission Statement

The Rebel Squadrons is an online gaming fan club, based on the Star Wars universe, dedicated to being a rewarding and fun experience for its members. The Rebel Squadrons also strives to encourage the growth and development of creativity, sense of responsibility, leadership strategies and good judgment amongst its members. In accordance with these goals, and the New Republic ideals it is pledged to defend, the Rebel Squadrons subscribes to the combined principles of HIER (pronounced 'higher'): Honesty, Integrity, Equanimity and Respect.

1.2 Membership Participation

It is intended that each member is to have the opportunity, if they so choose, to advance through the ranks to the limits of their leadership capabilities, and that all members be allowed freedom of choosing the extent to which they will, or will not actively participate.

A Brief Summary of the Bylaws

You are highly encouraged to read the rest of the Bylaws in their entirety. Section 2 describes the administration of the RS, including the roles of High Command, the Fleet Commander, and the Executive Officer; it also defines the concept of a Chain of Command. Section 3 describes Fleet structure and what it means for a unit to be a squadron, wing, or fleet. Section 4 lists the ranks of the RS and describes how one receives a promotion. Finally, Section 5 covers the RS judiciary and provides a list of offenses and a list of punishments that may be meted out for those offenses. All offenses may be avoided by following the concept of HIER as outlined above.

Next page: Structure


Structure

The management and command structure of the Rebel Squadrons is laid out in the Rebel Squadrons Bylaws in Section 2: Administrative Structure and Section 3: Fleet Structure.

The Rebel Squadrons is by definition an oligarchy. The highest and final authority in the club is the High Command (HC), which is comprised of a certain number of Aldermen and Fleet Commanding Officers from each Fleet. A simple majority vote by the High Command makes decisions and establishes new policies.

The High Command elects the Rebel Squadrons 'Fleet Commander' (FC), who is the leader, figurehead, and officer with the highest individual executive authority in the Rebel Squadrons. As a result, the RS FC's primary responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of the Rebel Squadrons, executing policies, and moderating RS High Command discussion. The Fleet Commander also has an Executive Staff that works for him to assist in the daily running of the club. Additionally, the Rebel Squadrons Executive Officer (RSXO) works as the Fleet Commander’s direct second-in-command.

The Rebel Squadrons is a federation of Fleets. Each individual Fleet is broken down according to the game the members of the respective Fleet play.

The Fleet Commanding Officers(Fleet COs) are below the Fleet Commander and the RS Executive Officer. Each Fleet CO is responsible for their respective Fleet, and has a Fleet Executive Officer (Fleet XO) to assist them. Each Fleet may also have Wings, each with a Wing Commanding Officer (Wing CO) and Wing Executive Officer (Wing XO). Fleets are required to have Squadrons, which are below the level of the Wings, each with a Squadron Commanding Officer (Squad CO) and Squadron Executive Officer (Squad XO) of their own.

The standard Fleet organizational structure is generally Squadron -> Wing -> Fleet -> RS.

Therefore, the standard Chain of Command in the RS is Squad XO/CO -> Wing XO/CO -> Fleet XO/CO -> FC -> HC.

As a general member, you are entitled to email the High Command with any suggestions, praise, or criticism that you may have. However, for general issues it is best to follow your Chain of Command when asking questions, or to solve a problem. As a last resort, the Rebel Squadrons Council of Justice is available to redirect judicial complaints or handle them if necessary.

Unit commanders may also create other support positions at their discretion. These may include Second Officers, Internet Officers, or ITOD Officers.

Members of the RS may join as many units as they desire, pending the approval of the unit's Commanding Officer.

RS members may declare a single Fleet as their Primary Fleet. This is the Fleet where it is assumed that a member is most active, and where the member intends to do their best work. Promotions may be granted by personnel in a member's Chain of Command or by club-command personnel (HC, FC, RSXO). New and prospective members will be able to select their Primary Fleet on the RS Roster Database once they have achieved full membership.

Next page: Command Staff


Command Staff

The Command Staff (CS) are the people that guide the RS and are responsible for daily operations of the club. Putting countless hours into their positions, the CS are always ready and willing to help members and are constantly striving to find ways to make the RS a better place.

The Fleet Commander (FC) is essentially the leader of the Rebel Squadrons. All individuals report to him or to people under him, and he makes the final decisions on any day-to-day issues. Like any other officer in the RS, his actions may be reversed by a majority vote from High Command, but this rarely occurs.

The Executive Officer (XO) is the second-in-command of the RS and answers directly to the FC. He or she takes charge whenever the FC must take a leave of absence for a certain amount of time, and provides guidance on many major issues discussed on High Command.

The Internet Officer (IO) maintains the RS internet presence, including RebelSquadrons.org. While the IO is technically an executive officer and not on the command staff, he is involved in most discussions due to the closely linked nature of projects and the website.

Next page: Executive Staff


Executive Staff

The Executive Staff (frequently "Executives" for short) are a series of departments that supervise RS-wide matters under the auspices of the FC. The Executives were all originally created to decrease the burden of the workload on the FC and thus exist solely at the FC's pleasure. The FC may create or disband an Executive Office as he pleases, and may appoint whomever he pleases to each existing office.

The Internet Office: The Rebel Squadrons Internet Officer (RSIO) is to maintain the RS domain (RS webpages, Roster Database, forums, email redirects, etc.) to the best of his or her ability, as well as to oversee other internet related activities (such as official RS IRC Channels). The accuracy and content of all data on the domain is under the control of the RSIO. Additionally, they are tasked with continuing to develop new and innovative Internet tools for the organization. Website

The Operations Office: Headed by the Operations Officer (OO), the Operations Office is responsible for coordinating all inter-club competitions between the Rebel Squadrons and outside organizations. This also includes the administration of the RS Merit System and the nomination of medals for participation in multiplayer competitions. Website

The Council of Justice: Led by the Rebel Squadrons Minister of Justice (MoJ), the Council of Justice serves to interpret the Bylaws and disseminate justice on such cases where it is needed. The CoJ will be on-hand to answer questions about the Bylaws and to direct the complaints of RS members into the correct channels. The CoJ will hold cases when appropriate and adhere to the judiciary chain of command and procedures outlined in Section 5 of the Bylaws. The CoJ, however, is not the final word on the Bylaws, and is not a substitute for the High Command. Website

The Logistics Office: Led by the Logistics Officer (LO), the Logistics Office is responsible for tracking all the fictional and non-fictional records of the Rebel Squadrons. This includes the RS Order of Battle, the Gaming Repository, and the management of the Rebel Squadrons cohesive story line. Website

The Training Office: The Training Office, under the command of the Training Officer (TO) is responsible for the training and education of all Rebel Squadrons members. The TO and his staff supervise post-graduate courses and also run the Beginner's Path system. Website

The Office of External Affairs: Led by the Minister of External Affairs (MoEA), the Office of External Affairs has two primary responsibilities. Firstly, the OEA must represent the Rebel Squadrons to other organizations, both online and offline. Additionally, the OEA is responsible for club-wide recruitment efforts. The Recruiting Directorate, organized under the direction of the Minister of External Affairs, is responsible for maintaining recruiting efforts throughout a variety of mediums. Website

The Historical Office: Headed by the Historical Officer (HO), the Historical Office is responsible for gathering information about the Rebel Squadrons' past and maintaining a record of important events within the club. The HO is also tasked with archiving of off-site pages that belonged to the retired members who have led the club in the past and the collection of articles written by members of the Rebel Squadrons. Website

Next page: Medals


Medals & Uniforms

Medals

In the Rebel Squadrons, you may find yourself being recognized for your efforts with a medal or award. Medals and awards fall into two categories: Fleet and Club. These medals can be viewed on your uniform, which is found in your RS Roster Profile. Only Club medals will show up on your uniform; however, both Club and Fleet medals will show up in the listing of medals which is stored in your RS Roster Profile. For an example, see the profile of former Fleet Commander, ADM Rahj Tharen.

The Fleet Commander awards Club medals. The Executive Officer or High Command may also award them. Additionally, any member of the Rebel Squadrons can nominate another member for a Club medal. The Fleet Commander will evaluate the nomination, consult with the necessary parties, and make a decision as to awarding the medal.

Club awards in the Rebel Squadrons are divided into four categories: Service, Commendation, Combat, and Graduation. Below, each category is listed in rank order. However, the highest three awards in the Rebel Squadrons are the first three awards of the Commendation category.

Fleet Command Staff take care of awarding Fleet medals. They are not categorized in the manner of the Club medals. Also, once again, Fleet medals do not show up on the RS uniform.

Medals awarded at the squadron and wing level are also not listed in your RS Roster Profile.

Commendation Medals

  1. Excellency of Service
  2. Tatooine Suns
  3. Distinguished Service Cross
  4. Kessel Cup
  5. Burdine Cluster
  6. Iridium Spire
  7. Alvace Star
  8. Dagger of Courage
  9. Merit Commendation

Service Medals

  1. Veteran Service Medal - 10 Year
  2. Veteran Service Medal - 9 Year
  3. Veteran Service Medal - 8 Year
  4. Veteran Service Medal - 7 Year
  5. Veteran Service Medal - 6 Year
  6. Veteran Service Medal - 5 Year
  7. Veteran Service Medal - 4 Year
  8. Veteran Service Medal - 3 Year
  9. Veteran Service Medal - 2 Year
 10. Veteran Service Medal - 1 Year

Combat Medals

  1. Coruscant Star of Valor
  2. New Republic Medal of Honor
  3. Alliance Dagger
  4. Greeop Defense Medal
  5. Endor Victory Citation
  6. Tour Champion Award
  7. Yavin Victory Citation
  8. Anchorhead Key Citation
  9. Dantooine Key Citation
 10. Gallant Combat Citation
 11. Heroic Combat Citation
 12. Dauntless Combat Citation
 13. Valiance Combat Citation
 14. Operational Development Pin
 15. Violent Cluster

Graduation Medals

  1. Beginner's Path Ribbon
  2. Beginner's Path Honors Ribbon
  3. Beginner's Path Master's Ribbon

For a complete list of medals, see the medals page.

Uniforms

Your uniform, which is maintained automatically by the Rebel Squadrons Roster Database, displays a variety of information. Your rank can be found on your shoulder, while the number of stars you have on your collar indicates your position. The stars' relation to your position can be found below. Information on the individual rank insignia can be found below.

  * 1 Gold or Silver Star - Squadron CO or XO
  * 2 Gold or Silver Stars - Wing CO or XO
  * 3 Gold or Silver Stars - Fleet CO or XO
  * 4 Gold or Silver Stars - Rebel Squadrons Fleet Commander or Executive Officer
  * 1 Gold and 1 Silver Star - Member of the Executive Staff

See FA Kaz Falcion's uniform for an example. Club medals are located on the breast of the uniform. The sash running across the uniform has pins in it for each Fleet (beyond your primary) that you are a member of. Your primary Fleet is represented by the color of the uniform. Each Fleet has a different color scheme. Between the RS Roster Database and the RS Uniform System, you can tell a lot about what an individual member has accomplished.

Next page: Ranks

Ranks

Promotions are covered more thoroughly in Section 4 of the Rebel Squadrons Bylaws, including time in grade requirements. However, basic promotion and rank procedures are put forth below.

All new members enter the Rebel Squadrons with the rank of Cadet (CDT). Once they have confirmed their wish to join, they are immediately placed in the Fleet(s) for which they signed up. Each Fleet may have a different structure and therefore graduation requirements will differ among Fleets. Initial promotions may be received through the Beginner's Path system. After this, members may be promoted by the Chain of Command of their unit or by the Rebel Squadrons Fleet Commander and Executive Officer.

The best way to get promoted is to be active over a period of time, consistently participate in activities, and make worthwhile contributions to your primary unit.

Level I: Squadron Ranks

   * Lieutenant Junior Grade (LJG)
   * Second Lieutenant (2LT)
   * First Lieutenant (1LT)
   * Captain (CPT)

Squadron Ranks are awarded for consistent performance at the squadron level of the Rebel Squadrons. They are to be awarded by a member's squadron commander.

Level II: Wing Ranks

   * Major (MAJ)
   * Lieutenant Commander (LCM)
   * Commander (CMDR)
   * Lieutenant Colonel (LCL)
   * Colonel (COL)

Wing Ranks are awarded for consistent performance at the wing level of the Rebel Squadrons. They are to be awarded by a member's wing commander or by the Fleet Command staff.

Level III: Fleet Ranks

   * Brigadier General (BGN)
   * Major General (MGN)
   * Lieutenant General (LGN)
   * General (GEN)
   * Commodore (COM)

Fleet Ranks are awarded for consistent performance at the fleet level of the Rebel Squadrons. Additionally, they may be awarded for club contributions. They are to be awarded by the Fleet Commander or a member's Fleet CO.

Level IV: Club Ranks

   * Rear Admiral (RA)
   * Vice Admiral (VA)
   * Admiral (ADM)
   * Fleet Admiral (FA)

Club Ranks are awarded for consistent performance that benefits the entire organization. They are awarded only by the Rebel Squadrons Fleet Commander or by High Command at large.

Promotions are generally handled in newsletters, in which all the promotions are announced. Sometimes, the promoting officer will take a few sentences to explain his reasoning behind the promotion. Once you have received notice from the Rebel Squadrons Database of your promotion (an automated email will be sent to you), you are authorized to utilize your new rank.

Next page: Fiction


Fiction

There are some basic facts about the position of the RS in the Star Wars universe that every member should be aware of: RS Fictional Origins

The Rebel Squadrons' fictional origins began right after the infamous Battle of Endor. Admiral Ackbar ordered the establishment of a self-sufficient task force to help protect New Republic interests in the region of the Outer Rim Territories. Where is the RS in time right now?

The Logistics Officer is responsible for maintaining the RS timeline. The fictional timeline will progress at a constant ratio to the progression of real time. Currently the RS is in year 44 of the Great ReSynchronization (Date: 44:2:26), or approximately late 8 ABY (years After the Battle of Yavin) and therefore on the verge of the events surrounding the attack of Grand Admiral Thrawn.

RS Territory

The Rebel Squadrons operates within and controls three sectors of space along the Outer Rim: the Greeop Sector, Cadrel Expanse, and Binaural Sector. The headquarters' planet and main base of the Rebel Squadrons is located on the planet Blerthmore of the Greeop System, in the Fleet Domed Command Complex.

RS Order of Battle

The RS maintains a full Order of Battle that lists all the ships that are used regularly in RS fiction.

Next page: Formalities


Formalities

There are a few simple guidelines on formalities in the Rebel Squadrons.

1. When you meet a superior for the first time, err to the side of being formal. They will relax the situation if they want to.

2. Sir and ma’am are nice terms. Officers always like to hear that once in awhile. Although, said officer will almost always let you know if such formality is not required.

3. The Rebel Squadrons has no set, formal ID line as many clubs or organizations do. However, try not to drag around half the alphabet with your name. There is no need to list all of your awards and positions for a short, two-line email. For most purposes, here is the suggested sign-off, which would include only your highest position in your Primary Fleet or the Club:

     John Q. Doe, Major, Rebel Squadrons
     Claw Squadron CO
     or:
     Major John Q. Doe, Rebel Squadrons
     Claw Squadron CO
  

4. To show respect to another RS officer, or to open or close any conversation with them, you might try the Rebel Squadrons salute: (:"

5. Once you have "broken the ice" with an officer and they are comfortable with you, it is generally okay to move to first-name terms. When in doubt, wait for the senior officer to make the move. Usually, however, senior officers do not keep things formal unless they think there is a reason to.

6. In formal emails to a large group (Wing or Fleet), you should utilize a person’s full name and rank or just rank and last name. In a squadron setting, you can generally be more personable. However, in larger settings (Wing announcements and higher) you should always act more formally.

7. Do not worry about wondering if you are ever being too formal. Chances are that people will tell you to relax if it is unnecessary. The RS does not stand too much on ceremony, and although the RS is based loosely on a fictional military, these formalities are mostly for role playing purposes. Nonetheless, they are encouraged to add to your RS experience.

And above all, if you have a question...always feel free to ask someone!

Next page: Abbreviations


Popular Abbreviations

Fleets

   * ABG Allegiance Battle Group
   * PBF Patriot Battle Fleet
   * RF Redemption Fleet
   * VSG Vigilance Starfighter Group
   * AF Aurora Force
   * VF Vanguard Fleet

Other Units

   * RID Righteous Indignation Division
   * RSCD/CD Rebel Squadrons Commando Division
   * RSPA Rebel Squadrons Player Association
   * STC Strategic and Tactical Command

Former Units:

   * R2F/R2W Retribution Fleet/Wing
   * IBG Intrepid Battle Group
   * RgF Renegade Fleet
   * RSI Rebel Squadrons Imaging
   * RSMM Rebel Squadrons MultiMedia

Executive Staff

   * FC Rebel Squadrons Fleet Commander
   * HC Rebel Squadrons High Command
   * LO Rebel Squadrons Logistics Officer
   * MoEA Rebel Squadrons Minister of External Affairs
   * CoJ/MoJ Rebel Squadrons Minister of Justice
   * OO Rebel Squadrons Operations Officer
   * RSIO Rebel Squadrons Internet Officer
   * RSXO Rebel Squadrons Executive Officer
   * TO Rebel Squadrons Training Officer
   * PO Rebel Squadrons Publications Officer
   * HO Rebel Squadrons Historical Officer

Position Abbreviations

   * ACO Acting Commanding Officer
   * AXO Acting Executive Officer
   * CO Commanding Officer
   * IO Internet Officer
   * SO Second Officer
   * 'XO Executive Officer
   * TCO Training Commanding Officer
   * TXO Training Executive Officer

Games

   * BF BattleFront
   * DF Dark Forces
   * GB Galactic Battlegrounds
   * JK Dark Forces II: Jedi Knight
   * JK2 or JO Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast
   * JK3 or JA Jedi Knight II: Jedi Academy
   * SWG Star Wars: Galaxies
   * TF TIE Fighter
   * XvT X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter
   * XW X-Wing
   * XWA X-Wing Alliance
   * EAW Empire at War

Organizations

   * DB The Dark Brotherhood
   * EH The Emperor’s Hammer
   * IO The Imperial Order
   * NR5F The New Republic 5th Fleet
   * RS The Rebel Squadrons
   * SV The Star Vipers
   * VE The Vast Empire

Miscellaneous

   * B&G RS IRC Room: #RS_Bar_and_Grill
   * AIM AOL Instant Messenger
   * CoC Chain of Command
   * email@rs.org shortened form of email@rebelsquadrons.org
   * IOTOD Interactive Online Tour of Duty
   * IRC Internet Relay Chat (our primary chat method)
   * ITOD Interactive Tour of Duty
   * ORW Outer Rim Wars (also, there is ORWII: Outer Rim Wars II)
   * PCoC Primary Chain of Command
   * RSDB Rebel Squadrons Database

Next page: Credits


Credits

The Operations Manual was originally written by General Lamin Zykara and Admiral Rahj Tharen. It was reworked by Rear Admiral Licah Fox and is kept up to date by Rear Admiral Joshua Hawkins and Fleet Admiral Dave Trebonious-Astoris.