NOTICE: This document is continuously undergoing review and revision. Changes may occur without notice.
The following eight sections document the policies and procedures under which this squad is conducted. The spirit and philosophy of our squad is also described. All members are required to be familiar with our Rules & Regulations. Any individual interested in joining BRIG should read closely. BRIG is not for everyone. The only way to really find out if it's for you is to spend time with us in the game, TeamSpeak, our forums, and to read our official published documents.
-BRIG- members shall embrace and strive to demonstrate these four core values.
Courage - mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
Respect- to consider worthy of high regard
Loyalty - unswerving in allegiance
Honor - a keen sense of ethical conduct
Everything that we do shall be guided by the principles of these core values.
Only by doing these things shall we present ourselves in the fashion
that is in the spirit of -BRIG-.
Section 2 ~ -BRIG- Code of Conduct
-BRIG- Code of Conduct
We are here to play hard and have fun while conducting ourselves respectfully and honorably.
BRIGADE (-BRIG-) soldiers are bound by honor to display respect toward other squads and soldiers. Remember that you represent the Brigade squad on the battlefield at all times! Never argue with other players during game play (stat or pub). If you have an issue with another -BRIG- player, wait until after the match or practice and address it
using your chain of command.
No foul language; remember we have younger players in the Gaming community (Do not type anything in team or general chat that you would not be comfortable saying in front of your family or friends). We worked hard to earn respect in the Delta Force and Call of Duty communities; let us keep that respect!
Never harass or belittle other players, never berate players for thier choice of weapon loadout, tactical movements or gamestyle (i.e. nade launchers, jugger, betties, marty, tanks, claymores, rocket launchers, 357's, rifles and sniper rifles). Never complain about lag. In public games, the host probably already knows about it, and chances are they have done everything possible to reduce it. If it is too bad, thank them for the games, and find another server that has less lag. In servers, people who lag probably already know they have bad connections or they may be from another country. No BRIG member speaks out in a server about any of the above without direct permission from thier fireteam leader or the CO, usually the CO or fireteam leader will handle the issue but it is up to the leaders to decide the appropriate reaction and response.
When playing on a BRIG supported FPS game, you are required (outstanding circumstances aside) to have X-fire and Ventrilo up and running. This allows other -BRIG- squad mates to know who is playing and to join in. Away setting can be set on X-fire, it will tell which game and/or server you are in; so when squad mates come online, they can easily join you.
You are expected to participate in official training meetings. We understand that school, work, family, etc. are more important than this game! Just let your chain of command know if you will not be present at a practice or a match. If you cannot be present, reasonable notice is required. A space will be available under the Members Only section of the Forum for this purpose.
Wear your -BRIG- Tag and Call Sign correctly and proudly. This identifies you as an official member of -BRIG- if you do not wear it correctly, we will assume you no longer want to be a member, and take appropriate actions.
Cheating will not be tolerated!... This includes: (intentional) “glitching”, intentional) “lagging”, and “stat-padding”. -BRIG- members are prohibited from using of any type of modification or manipulation of the games, servers, or networks in order to gain an unfair advantage. No exceptions!!! If you are caught cheating in ANY server, you will immediately be banned from -BRIG- and any -BRIG- servers! Any accusations will be fully investigated, with the accused having the benefit of the doubt. If positive proof is presented, YOU WILL BE BANNED!!! No warnings and no second chances. If you suspect anyone of cheating, get screenshots or some other form of proof and present it to the -BRIG- chain of command. DO NOT
accuse a person of cheating while playing. Make sure you have proof before making accusations. If you do not have proof, don't makethe accusation at all! This is something we take very seriously, so be positive before pointing the finger. Have other players in the server also verify this.
Leadership will be the moderators of our dedicated server. Leadership can modify, rearrange, and edit a server as well as police and kick/ban players as needed. BRIG dedicated server is running pure and as of the last test are still blocking current released cheats, if anyone is seen cheating verifiably they will be permanently banned by key code. If anyone suspects a particular cheat is in use, please report to any leadership so a test may be run on the server to determine if it has been compromised and correct steps can be taken to alleviate the problem.
It is the individual member's responsibility to visit the forums. It is highly encouraged to check the forums daily. Failure to do so may cause logistical problems for the leaders and the squad. Please try, so you can be informed of all the latest information. As well as just keeping up with fellow teammates. This also includes the "Allies" forums. Also, members must make an effort to check the calendar at least once a week, as it is subject to change.
-NEW- It is each individual's responsibility to play the squad's current primary game with the rest of the squad. Also, when they are available, it is each member's responsibility to promote the BRIG game and voice servers . BRIG members are required to spend a minimum of 10 hours in the BRIG game server each two weeks. Game time will be measured using reporting tools such as GameTracker, etc.
Members shall demonstrate the core value of loyalty by not participating in any other Military FPS squad. Further more, members are prohibited from sharing confidential information with any individual or organization outside of -BRIG-. Violations of this type may result in immediate expulsion from the squad.
Our most important rule: -BRIG- plays for fun! Have pride in -BRIG-!!! Remember that whenever you are wearing your -BRIG- tag, you are representing the whole team. Play hard, play clean, and have fun!!!
Failure to adhere to this code of conduct may lead to disciplinary action including but not limited to the following:
Temporary kick from the current Ventrilo channel
Temporary kick from the game server
Temporary ban from the current Ventrilo server
Temporary ban from the game server
-NEW- Exclusion from competitive events
Demotion and/or loss of office/position
Mandatory Administrative leave
Expulsion from the squad (Dishonorable Discharge)
Section 3 ~ Roles and Responsibilities
Roles and Responsibilities
This section attempts to explain the chain of command as well as the roles and responsibilities of the various positions within the squad. Again, as the squad changes, so will this section. Whenever there is a change in the squad roster, members are advised to review this section.
Section 3.1 ~ Chain of Command
Chain of Command
It is important to understand and follow the chain of command with regard to orders and grievances. This is especially important during field operations as well as when in garrison.
On the filed knowing your chain of command will reduce confusion, resulting in increased battlefield awareness, and ultimately increased survivability; not only for yourself, but for your fire-team, and possibly the entire squad.
When in garrison, it's important to know and follow your chain of command so that needs may met, and issues can be resolved as quickly as possible.
Remember, every individual in your chain of command has proven themselves to be a leader. Please work with your immediate supervisor before "jumping" the chain of command. This does not mean that you cannot directly contact the senior members of your chain of command with regards to important needs and issues. Just remember that it will reflect better on you if you at least try to follow your chain of command.
The BRIG chain of command is as follows:
NOTE: The concept of BRIG cadets is fairly new and have not been graphically integrated into the chain of command. However, as a rule of thumb, all cadets are subordinate to any BRIG soldier, NCO, or officer. The relationship of cadets to the other roles and how they fit onto the chain of command will be defined in later revision of BRR Section 3.
Section 3.2 ~ The Command Staff
The Command Staff
The Command Staff consists of the Commanding Officer, the Principal NCO, and the Executive Officer. Together their job is to manage the squad through the development and practice of policy and procedure. Their focus is on the squad as a whole, and not necessarily on the individual squad member. Their will is typically executed via the chain of command. The specific duties and responsibilities of each office are detailed in the subsequent subsections.
NOTE: During field operations the members of the Command Staff may either compose their own fire-team or be assigned to other existing fire-teams as needed. Although unlikely, during field operations, members Command Staff reserve the right to assume command of a fire team where they deem necessary. The standard operation procedure, however, is to allow the Team Leader to command his or her own fire-team.
Section 3.2.1 ~ Commanding Officer
Commanding Officer (CO):
The Commanding Officer it the ultimate authority over the unit. His primary duty is to ensure the fitness of the unit through regular evaluations of his Staff, his staff, and his Fire-Team Leaders. He will oversee the efforts of, and work closely with the Principle NCO with regards to field operations, the Executive Officer with regards to administration, and the Public Affairs Officer with regards to public affairs.
Section 3.2.2 ~ Principal Noncommissioned Officer
Principal Noncommissioned Officer (PNCO):
The Principal Noncommissioned Officer, usually a Command Sergeant Major, is primarily responsible for ensuring the combat readiness of the unit. He works with his Commanding Officer as well as the XO, and the Fire-Team Leaders to ensure personnel within the squad are trained to a level that fits the spirit of the unit. The PNCO will be responsible for taking the lead in the development of both tactics and strategies to be employed during scrimmage and match play. Although only second in command, he is the principal leader on the field. He will supervise and assist the game-server administrators in ensuring that public and private servers are established for practice and match play. The PNCO along with the XO and CO will assist the Public Affairs Officer in coordinating scrimmage, match, ladder & tournament play.
Section 3.2.3 ~ Executive Officer
Executive Officer (XO):
The Executive's Officer's primary duty is to act as an aid to the Commanding Officer by completing or facilitating of the CO's administrative duties. These functions include, but are not limited to:
Finance (PayPal & bank account) management
Electronic Treasury Administration
Database development and administration
Facilitate member evaluation processes.
Web site development and administration.
Email administration
Assist in developing and maintaining additional administrative and management solutions for the squad as the determined by the
Commanding Officer.
Note: Although, (as an officer), the Executive Officer technically outranks the
Principle NCO; in -BRIG-, the PNCO, (for all intents and purposes), *is* second in command.
Section 3.3 ~ Public Affairs Officer
Public Affairs Officer (PAO):
In contrast to the other -BRIG- offices, where the focus is on the squad, the Public Affairs Officer's duties are primarily focused outside of the squad... His duties include but are not limited to:
Oversight and coordination of all BRIG recruiting efforts. This will include marinating records of the recruiting efforts as well as preparing and delivering written and/or oral reports to the Commanding Officer and/or his staff.
Seek out scrimmage, match, ladder and tournament opportunities for the squad. He will also take the lead role in coordinating these events.
Seek out opportunities to participate in and contribute to the military FPS and online gaming community in general.
Monitor The overall image and reputation of -BRIG-, while developing strategies to help maintain the highest level of respect for the squad with in the military FPS and online gaming community.
Section 3.4 ~ Fire-Team Leaders
Fire-Team Leaders:
Fire-Team Leaders will be required to regularly evaluate their individual team members and recommend them for promotion where appropriate. This will include maintaining records and submitting written evaluations to the command staff for final approval. The
Fire-Team Leaders are responsible for all employed strategies of his or her fire-team. Team Leaders work closely with the Commanding Officer and Command Sergeant Major to determine the best course of action during field operations. In garrison, the team leaders are expected to contribute to the forums, especially on topics regarding squad business. Fire Team Leaders are the first in the chain of command of the individual soldier and thus bear much responsibility in the participation, performance, and morale of their team members. Fire Team Leaders must set the example for their team members, by abiding by abiding by the BRIG general rules of conduct, participation is forum discussions and polls, and play time.
Section 3.5 ~ Fire-Team Members
Fire-Team Members:
The primary responsibility of the fire-team members, whether they be soldiers or cadets, is to follow the orders of their chain of command while adhering to the BRIG Code of Conduct
Section 4 ~ Membership
Membership
Requirements
"Soldiers" must be twenty-one years old or older.
Broadband Internet access is required.
You must have the full licensed version of the squad's primary game with all of the latest updates.
X-fire and the Ventrilo Client applications are required to be installed and running whenever a member is playing online/multi-player games regardless of whether or not it is the squads current primary game.
Members are required register with our website and forums, and are expected to read their private messages and squad related forums at least once a week while on active duty.
Because of the level of loyalty and dedication that BRIG members are expected to display, membership in any other squad, clan, or guild is strictly prohibited. Any existing memberships in other squads, clans, or guilds must be canceled before an application can be considered. No exceptions!
Applicants who meet the requirements *and* are voted into trainee status and will be considered "trainees" for four weeks (1 month) from their date of appointment. This is a training/probationary period where the trainee has the opportunity to demonstrate his/her level dedication and participation. Note: Players who are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one can apply for membership as a soldier with a waiver. However these applicants will be required to participate in an eight week training/probationary period.
Trainee status does not guarantee full admittance into -BRIG-. Although removal from trainee status and non-acceptance into the squad is possible, it occurs only rarely. But remember, it is possible to removed from trainee status if the -BRIG- Command Staff deems it necessary. Good attitude, participation in games, practices, forum discussions, and a willingness to obey the orders of your chain of command is a must. The best way to ensure admittance into -BRIG- is learn and live by the -BRIG-Code Of
Conduct.
Application Procedure
If you have aspirations of becoming a member of -BRIG-, please fill out an
application. There is also a link in the navigation panel on the left under the heading "Squad Related".
Once an application is filled out, we will contact you to inform you of the status of your application. In the meantime we suggest that you browse our forums. And although it's not required, please consider posting a "howdy" message in the Recruiting Station to introduce yourself to members that may not have had an opportunity to play with you yet. NOTE: You will be required to register with our web site in order to post in the forums.
After the Public Affairs Officer has reviewed your application, you will have a instructor assigned to you. Your instructor will then contact you at their earliest opportunity. NOTE: The review and assignment process may take up to seventy-two (72) hours, however twenty-four (24) is the average.
If we feel you are the type of player we are looking for in BRIGADE, we will arrange a series of try-out sessions; so all of our members may get a chance to play with and against you.
We will arrange an evening session that will be on a designated evening (our regularly scheduled practice sessions). As stated above, your trainee status will last 30 days upon appointment.
At the end of tryout sessions, we will conduct a vote by all -BRIG-, members whether or not to accept you into the squad. At this point, if you are accepted, you are required to have all programs available and running and you're -BRIG-, tags on.
The BRIG Uniform
The BRIG "uniform" consists of two basic parts:
The members name or "call sign"
The BRIG tag , i.e. "-BRIG-"
Call Sign Guidelines
Your call sign is your selected name and the -BRIG-
identification tag in the FPS gaming community. You will become well known by your -BRIG- call sign. Choose
it carefully. Example; Sage-BRIG-
Call signs be no longer than 10 characters (excluding the -BRIG- tag).
Make
sure the call sign you choose is one that will last you throughout your
time with -BRIG-. Changing call signs is strongly discouraged, and
must be OK'd by the chain of command.
Uniform Instructions
Below are instructions on how a members uniform will appear in each of the venues we commonly participate.
Web site: Each member will display their name (call sign) and squad tag
only. The BRIG squad tag is to be displayed in all uppercase letters
bracketed by hyphens on each side with no spaces between it and the
member's name.
NOTE: Rank and squad association, including cadet or trainee, will NOT
be displayed as part of the web site "uniform". Those designators will
be controlled by the leadership and command staffs as they represent
the member's official personnel record.
Xfire "uniform"... Xfire Nicknames will include the member's
rank in all uppercase letters, followed by a period as a delimiter. The
rank is followed by the player's name. It is acceptable to use special
character's to represent the member's name providing the name is still
legible. The name will be followed by the BRIG tag bracketed by hyphens
just as it is as in the website uniform. Cadre, Leadership, and Command
Staff will display an approved abbreviation representing their primary
roll after the BRIG tag. Cadets will append their cadet designator in
front of their rank with only the 'C' being uppercase.
NOTE: The requirement for the open and closed brackets "[]" has been
deprecated and are no longer part of any BRIG uniform. Please do not
use them.
CoD2: The CoD2 uniform is exactly the same as the Xfire uniform with two distinct exceptions...
Cadets do not append their Cadet designator to their rank.
The
entire uniform is to be displayed in color. Rank and name will be
green. The BRIG tag including the hyphens will appear yellow. Primary
role designations will appear red.Examples: COL.Sage-BRIG-CO , CSM.Cowboy-BRIG-PNCO , MSG.Ranger-BRIG- , CPL.FoxPoint-BRIG-
CoD4: The CoD4 uniform is identical to the web site uniform.
Ventrillo: The Ventrillo uniform is identical to the web site uniform.
Other forums: Members should use the same name on other websites as the do the BRIG site.
Avatar & Signature Guidelines
"Sigs" and avatars must be kept clean and in good taste. Apply your core values of "Respect" and "Honor"-BRIG- when choosing both your "sig" and your avatar. Although some "PG-13" creativity is permitted; remember the site must be family friendly. There are many young players who will see us proclaiming to be respectful and honorable. Let's not ruin that wonderful opportunity by being anything but. And remember, the sigs and avatars you use on other websites/forums will also reflect upon the squad. If your "sig" or avatar is out of acceptable limits you will be notified by your chain of command.
Section 5 ~ Leave and AWOL
Leave and AWOL
Active but paid No dues = loss of access to forums, vent and the
server
Members unable to play a minimum of 10 hrs every two weeks for a month will
be placed on Leave and inactive.
Inactive members lose all squad accesses, have no squad dues to pay and will
have the opportunity to return at a later time.
Members who require leave should post their request in the appropriate
forums for approval.
Leave and no dues = inactive
Leave and inactive status will reduce a members level of access to the
public level
Leave (member dues still apply) = public access and permissions but able to
participate in practices
Leave w/ minimal 3 hrs gametime every two weeks = access to squad initiations
This will insulate the member from being categorized as "AWOL"
(absent without leave) which will ultimately result in dismissal from the squad.
Definition of AWOL:
Any member who fails to participate in both games and the forums for four
consecutive weeks without contacting their chain of command shall be classified
as AWOL. Members who are AWOL beyond one month are subject to recategorization
by leadership. Members with whose military obligations prohibit them from
contacting their (-BRIG-) chain of command are exempt from this rule.
Procedure for AWOL member's chain of command:
When the -BRIG- Command Staff determines that a member is AWOL the
Commanding Officer will be advised.
It is the duty of the
player to ensure he/she is participating as required, we are adults and
expect behavior reflecting such.
Contact will be
attempted by the leadership, but is not required before changing the
status of an AWOL player
Section 6 ~ Separation
Separation
Honorable Discharge:
Any -BRIG- member in good standing may request an honorable discharge
from the squad at any time without fear of reprisal or repercussion.
Retirement:
Alternatively, Any -BRIG- member in good standing and with a minimum of three years
active service may request to be "retired". Retired
-BRIG- members remain listed on the -BRIG- roster in a special
"Retired" section for life. Retired members also have
the following benefits.
Continued access to the members forums
Continued access to private voice application (TeamSpeak) channels.
Tags After Departure:
Regrettably, both honorably discharged and retired members will be required to no
longer wear their -BRIG- tags.
Re-enlistment
Generally, -BRIG- does not permit former members to re-enlist in the squad.
Exceptions however may be permitted.
Honorably discharged and retired members:
Honorably discharged and retired members may submit a request for review to
return to the ranks of the squad.
Former members requesting a review should do so in writing (email or
post) stating their reasons for wanting to return to -BRIG- and how
their return will benefit the squad.
The Commanding Officer will perform the review and his decision will be
final.
Note however, that even if the request is indeed granted, no
guarantee of rank or standing will be made.
Dishonorably discharged members
Dishonorably discharged members may not request a review.
Section 7 ~ Competing
Competition
Member Responsibilities & Expectations
All -BRIG- Members
Whenever competing in any matches, scrimmages, ladders, tournaments, etc., all BRIG members shall strive to adhere to the -BRIG- Code of Conduct while demonstrating our four core values, courage, respect, loyalty & honor.
PAO & Command Staff
Although games are primarily coordinated by the Public Affairs Officer, they
may on occasion, arranged by the Commanding Officer and his staff.
It is preferred although not necessary, that only an officially
designated representative of the opposing squad initiate the
challenge. However, confirmation and scheduling will only be
facilitated via an officially designated liaison of the challenging
squad. Although this process can be facilitated via TeamSpeak
or telephone, it should however, also be documented via email,
and/or forum posts. (-BRIG- has a "Lock & Load" forum
dedicated to this purpose.
The opposing squad in a match vs. -BRIG- must have read and be in
agreement with both our Match Conduct and Specific Match Rules in
the following sections.
-BRIG- reserves the right to refuse a squad's application for a challenge
match.
Fire-Team Members:
Sign up for the match at least 2 days prior to the match. Post it
in the squad forum under the match column. Specify if you want
to be primary or alternate (standby) for that match. All
members who sign up and are on the roster will play. Players
will be rotated in during map changes.
Be online with XFire and/or Team Speak at least 30 minutes before the
match.
Know the passwords (game and team) at least 15 minutes before the start
of the match.
Be ready at least 15 minutes before the match is to start. Have
your match (battle) tag ready, (where applicable).
Display your Battle Tags properly during the match, (where applicable).
In order for a member to participate in competition events such as scrimmages and matches, they must have participated in the practice immediately preceding the event.
Event Coordinator
Post all scrimmages and matches in the forum as soon as possible, at
least one week prior to the match when possible.
Highest ranking Leadership will identify all starters and substitutes and
communicate the line-up for each map at least 15 minutes before the
match is to start.
Send (via e-mail or X-fire) all passwords (game and team) to each member
at least 15 minutes before the match is to start.
Ensure that all participants are displaying their Battle Tags properly during the battle (where
applicable).
Section 8 ~ Promotions
The promotion schedule is based on the TIS and TIG matrices below.
(The formatting is a bit screwy. I'll try to fix it later.)
We also haven't figured out if the cadet promotion schedule should be different and if their will be a particular rank at which they can "crossover".
TIS and TIG chart for enlisted promotion
E2
Pvt
to
E3
PFC
30
days (training)TIS*
AND
20
days TIG
E3
PFC
to
E4
Cpl
2
months TIS*
AND
20
days TIG
E4
Cpl
to
E5
Sgt
6
months TIS*
AND
5
weeks TIG
E5
Sgt
to
E6
SSG
12
months TIS*
AND
4
months TIG
E6
SSG
to
E7
SFC
24
months TIS*
AND
8
months TIG
E7
SFC
to
E8
MSG
48
months TIS*
AND
16
months TIG
TIS and TIG chart for officer promotion
O1
2nd Lt
to
O2
1st Lt
3
months TIS*
AND
8
weeks TIG**
O2
1st Lt
to
O3
Cpt
6
months TIS*
AND
8
weeks TIG
O3
Cpt
to
O4
Maj
12
months TIS*
AND
4
months TIG
O4
Maj
to
O5
Lt. Col
24
months TIS*
AND
8
months TIG
O5
Lt. Col
to
O6
Col.
32
months TIS*
AND
8
months TIG
O6
Col.
to
O7
Bgen
40
months TIS*
AND
8
months TIG
O7
Bgen
to
O8
Mgen
50
months TIS*
AND
8
months TIG
O8
Mgen
to
O9
Lgen
60
months TIS*
AND
8
months TIG
O9
Lgen
to
O10
Gen
72
months TIS*
AND
8
months TIG
O10
Gen
to
O11
GOA
84
months TIS*
AND
6
months TIG
* TIS = Time in service
**TIG = Time in grade
Note: All times used for promotions must be "active duty". Time spent on leave or TDY do not count toward
promotion.
Section 9 ~ Participation Requirements NEW
ACTIVE MEMBERS
All members must play a minimum of 10 hours in the squad server every two weeks. This is tracked using gametracker and xfire.
All members must be on ventrilo and xfire when playing, regardless if it is in the squad server or not
All members are required to participate in 1 practice per month
Members who wish to participate in scrimmages and matches must participate in thepractice immediately preceding the event.
All members are encouraged to participate in the forums daily, but are only required to check the forums once per week. Failure to keep up in the forums could result in missed connections and opportunities.
INACTIVE MEMBERS
All members are required to contact the squad periodically with an update while inactive, no contact could result in dismissal from the squad
MEMBERS ON LEAVE
All members are required to keep up their membership dues while in Leave status or they will be classified as Inactive
All members are required to have xfire and ventrilo running when playing periodically while on leave.
NOTE: These requirements are under revision and review, they are subject to change.