Well boys and girls... it's been about 2 months since we started supporting and playing America's Army here at Tactical Gamer.

(if too much too read, jump to the conclusion at the bottom, then more info is above the conclusion.)


We have had quite a few games, and quite a few lessons. We have developed a standard SOP, along with a few basic gameplay/teamwork rules and procedures. We have scheduled and have been practicing for our first outside scrimmage. We have had some good, deep talk about the direction of this game, these forums, the server, and us admins. We pretty much agree that we want to keep it fun and simple here.


But to bring a little order and organization to this game without going over board, I have seeked and received feedback from members, guest, and admins. So, below is a few new things worth introducing, but don't worry... AA will remain fun and free of tight control.


1. Currently we average around 6 to 8 players a night, usually peaking to 12 or so on Friday nights and Sunday nights. (We usually have a good amount of players for fun, unless theres a BF2 match or something simular... so occasionally there is no one playing.)
The most active gaming times seem to be around 8 PM (eastern) through 11 PM (eastern.)
In saying that, there is still not enough dedicated to this game for any formal in-group competition/scrimmages.


2. Realism Night: The high majority of members/gamers enjoyed the "realistic setting" night that was tested awhile back. Therefore Friday night will be coined "Realism Night", Whatever admin is on that night, will set the server up in the "realism" mode, the admin also makes the decision based on number of players, and input from the current gamers to do this, if there is no interest that night, then he may not do it... but the overall plan is to have it every Friday night. The admin will then switch it back to the agreed upon default settings after the realism night crowd leaves, or the admin has to leave.

3. I am announcing TURBO as the "official" scrimmage coordinator for our AA group. He has already worked hard and long setting up and practicing for our first scrimmage which is scheduled for this Sunday, so if you can be there... great, even if we have to many, at least be on the stand by list.
These scrimmages won't be the heart and soul of our AA fun, just an occasional chance to work as a team and test our skills. Once a month or every 6 weeks or so, depending on interest and the challenges received.
Turbo will make a "Scrimmage/competition SOP" and it will be posted in our AA SOP forum, so once up read it and join in the fun.

Note: a special thanks to Turbo for all he has done getting this AA group/server/scrimmage up and running.

4. I am announcing Sloppy Joe as the "official" training coordinator. It won't be like a basic training thing, where your required to attend and pass test. SJ has alot of experience with America's Army and has naturally helped out many newbies to the game, he has also posted a number of in game tips and hints, so it is only natural that he receive the title, and continue his work on teaching the in and outs of America's Army.

5. Death message clarification: We are sticking to the current SOP that you can say "down" or "I'm out" during normal server operation... the only exception will be on "realism nights", and you'll no this because there WONT be any death message text in the top left of your screen. When playing in "realism" mode, when you die... thats it... you die and say nothing.

6. nades and 203 clarification: we are sticking to the current SOP on this one, which is no nade or 203 shooting within the first 15 seconds. Now lets not make this more difficult then it is. This rule is ONLY here to stop players from shooting 203's and throwing nades to known spawn areas. Use common scene! If you have enemy contact or are engaged in a battle then use the weapons.. Use Common Sense on this folks. and I know we can't stop this when the server is open, but hopefully that won't happen to often, and if it does hopefully an admin is on to warn then kick the player for repeat offense.

7. and finally.. at this time there will be no ribbons or medals made or issued for America's Army... we will re-address this issue in 3 months or so depending on the want and need of the group, along with the AA following.


CONCLUSION:

In case you don't want to read all that above, here's the basics:

We have about 6 hardcore players, 12 on good nights.

Friday and Sun is our most popular nights.

Friday night is now official "realism night".

Turbo is our "official" scrim coordinator.

Sloppy Joe is our "official" Training coordinator.

You can say I'm down when killed, except on realism night.

no nades for 15 seconds unless engaged in combat.

no ribbons or medals for AA at this time.



I still want to keep the AA forum/game/server fun and simple... we needed a few minor organizational objectives and goals... but it boils down to this folks.

Join in on the fun, play on our AA server, play the way the game was designed with teamwork and goals in mind, play it the way TG was designed with proper tactics and teamwork.

Use common sense, don't make this game or playing on our TG server any more difficult then it is. K.I.S.S. (keep it simple sexy, lol)...

In game admins will control and monitor outside behavior and warn and kick as needed, admins shouldn't have to babysit TG members, so simply "Play the game, have fun."

Admins on duty will always keep the SM's wishes in the forefront of decisions, as long as those wishes keep the goal of the game and TG in mind, then there will be no problems.

See you on the virtual battlefield.