**Grand New Changes For the Irregulars**

[Sam Hoy]

The past couple of months have been very much a period of transition for the Irregulars. We have lost many a good officers... and their replacements. We also have had to deal with new dilemmas from overextended leadership to the loss of veteran members. The dynamic Tactical Gamer community with the assistance of the many sets of fresh eyes has lead us to certain conclusions. We, of course, as always must maintain the central ideals of the Irregulars, however, these ideals are sometimes in contrast to the realities of the community. The officers, as leaders of the Irregulars have always tried to strike a balance of these competing factors to form an organization based around the maxim of entertaining, inclusive game play. The following list of changes and propositions are no different then any before them. Like others they represent the Irregulars ability to be a dynamic organization, able to meet new challenges. I think many of you will be rather pleased with the following list, but perhaps others of you may have questions or concerns about them. These I will be happy to address in this thread. But without wasting any more time here is the basic outline of the master plan for the Irregulars in the near future.

*Unit Subdivisions: The Irregulars, being the largest of any squad in the Tactical Gamer community, has numerous members over multiple games and playing styles. These subdivisions, dubbed platoons, will have no specific size restrictions, however, they will attempt to increase the cohesiveness and representation of each segment of the Irregulars. There will be multiple Platoons based in both Battlefield 2 and Battlefield 2142 supporting a variety of expertise. Although one should select a platoon which reflects the style of play they are most interested in one should feel no restriction to solely attempt that role.

*Platoon Sergeants: These individuals are a new tier in the Irregular's leadership. Each platoon will be assigned an active and competent sergeant who will provide direction both in game and out. The platoon sergeants will be responsible for holding and organizing platoon practice sessions as well as performing routine platoon readiness checks and any other task essential to the fluid operation of their platoon.

*New Avatar System: Axis has been hard at work developing and perfecting a new set of Irregular badges for us to brandish on the Tactical Gamer forums. In the past these badges have been primarily aesthetic, and they will continue to be with the appealing designs Axis has proposed, but, now these badges will add a whole new level of functionality. Moreover, there will be significant changed to the Avatar distribution policy.

*Frequent Training Sessions: In the past the Irregulars have hosted numerous training events and we hope to continue to in the future, however, on a much larger scale. Our aim is to host a practice each week. Although these practices will be organized by a specific internal platoon, and will generally specialize in their area of expertise they are still open to all Irregulars as well as the general public. We have expect these practices to start (with the cooperation of the Tactical Gamer administration) by the end of the month.

*Redesigned Hierarchy: The Officer's Corp of the Irregulars has undergone a substantial restructuring, from the addition of new Officer sectors to the utilization of new tools to aid in administration.

I hope these changes are able to redefine the Irregulars as a capable, organized fighting force but without sacrificing the fundamental flexibility the Irregulars were founded on.

Lastly I would like to thank the talented and dedicated members of the Officer Corp for making this possible.

[ikill4aliving]

practice makes perfect! maybe with all the training we can beat some of the harder IHS. (5th we're comin for u)

[Basic1]

cool, im interested to hear more on this platoon subdivision thing, ill await further updates!

ill follow whoever leads me, im happy to follow ikill4aliving in his quest to take out 5th mua hu ha ha ha ha ha ha


Later.

[spiff913]

That's great news, Sam. I'm a new member, and I would definately like to participate in a platoon as a squad member, and in the training sessions.

Take care,

Spiff

[JimmyTwoHand]

One thing about the platoon system was we tried that in the early days and it turned into a cast iron b***h to administer, even though it was very generic. If you can think of a way to simplify it or take the work out of the admin, all the better. If not be prepared for a little more "paperwork". Great to see the irregs still developing and remoulding to meet new challenges and conditions though.

[ctown.myth]

Actually, I think that with more people that have time on their hands to volunteer for the Officer jobs, I think that all of the traditional 'paperwork' will be easier to handle. And the rest of us might try to chip in too.

[Wimpinator]

For those that don't know, the platoon thing was Sam_Hoy's pet project and he put a lot of blood and sweat into it.

The Irregs have an outstanding officer Corps now with a lot of great ideas. Good luck with it guys!

edit: I hope this new platoon thing doesn't create more office work. Pirates don't handle office work well:

[eGoatBoy]

To the Irregs and their leaders, I say "Go forth and kick butt!!"

It really looks like the plans that were layed some time ago are now coming to fruition. Cool stuff guys!

Cheers,

[Icefoxen]

Nice. The old clans I used to play in seperated into game sub-divisions like this. It is a good idea, imho, and tends to run things a lot smoother once you get to a larger size.

This should be neat.

[MajWood]

Yarrrrrrrrrrrrr
I be drinkin my rum to this!

[Basic1]

And i be a'waitin' further news on it.

Sam, whats the latest?



BY THE WAY

LOVE THAT COMIC STRIP

[Axis of Eeevil]

Well, I may regret this, but here's a sneak peak of a late prototype for the new Irreg Badge. Expect some changes, constructive comments are welcome.

<Edit 5/15/07>Oops, erased them off my Flickr account by accident.
I'll get them back up this weekend. Sorry!



Here is an explanation of the Irregulars' Badge and it's heraldic symbolism.

A Spade sable with device of Crossed Swords blanc surmounted by a Skull blanc on a square field gules, IRREGULARS engraved above.
Platoon Sargents have Swords Argent, Officers have Swords Or and a Chaplet Or surrounding the Spade.

Spade-Traditionally, a leaf symbolizing life. Modern meanings include luck, death or being unbeatable.
Sword-Indicates the bearer to a just and generous pursuit of honor and virtue in warlike deeds. When crossed, indicates brotherhood in arms.
Skull-Remembrance of death and mortality
Chaplet-Granted for special service
Field Gules (Red)-Military fortitude and magnanimity
Blanc (white)-Patience, Peace
Argent (Silver)-Sincerity
Or (Gold)-Generosity


Most of the Pirate flags we see and know were the "coat of arms" of outlaws from the British and French Navies, and were a crude imitation of the symbols seen in Heraldry. The Skull and Swords flag was the device of an English pirate of the Carribean, John Rackham AKA 'Calico Jack'.

Further information on Pirates, their flags and symbolism, etc. can be found here.

Final badge design, platoon designations and other eye-candy will be revealed in the forthcoming weeks.

[Wimpinator]

Wow Axis nice work. It looks like the Irregs have a bright future.

[MajWood]

Very Good looking.

[HatefullSix]

I think those of us with an exceptionally crappy kill/death ratio ( that would be me) should have broken swords.