Post by PoorRichard (AKA - The Guido) on Aug 23, 2013 22:38:01 GMT -8
1) Which rank are you requesting?
Non-Commissioned Officer
2) Do you meet the outlined criteria for your Promotion (copy and paste the specific requirements)?
-Must be in the Outfit for at least two months
Have been a member since approximately March
-Must be at least Specialist Rank
Unfortunately I do not meet this requirement as I have never applied for specialist. I hope an exception to the rule can be made in this case.
-Takes initiative to Squad/Platoon Lead when available
When I know, for sure, that I will be on long enough to be useful, I do. Especially late night platoons as that is when I am guaranteed to be on for more than an hour.
-Must Start Certing into Squad Beacon
Have rank 4 or 5.
-Works well with peers
Absolutely. Teamwork is the key!
-Demonstrates a working knowledge of game mechanics and strategy
In recent months, I have applied myself to learning these much more in depth and I think it shows in my abilities now.
-Must be willing to learn and take constructive criticism
There are no "thin skins" here. I'm open to any criticism that will apply to my development as a leader within the outfit.
-(Optional) Special Commendation or Recommendation from a Superior
I am posting this application in response to a recommendation from Talron. Also, I spoke with Odaddy and he voiced his support to me in this endeavor.
3) Why do you want a Promotion?
I feel that with my devotion to the outfit, during the off hours, by providing squad leadership and recruitment help I have earned this position. Also, I feel that I proved myself this past week as a competent platoon lead. I am in no way saying that I am the best or completely confident, but am saying that I am ready to step up my game and position in the outfit to contribute in any way possible when possible.
4) How active are you in recruiting new members for the outfit?
I am usually on during our off prime time hours and help the late night platoons with simply typing in the outfit website while platoon lead makes the announcement. I have also helped a member or two in the past with how and where to post outfit applications. Whenever I am involved in our "pubbie" platoons, which is often, I try to set an example to the pubbies by being respectful, friendly, and helpful. Essentially, what we are about. I believe that those things exemplify this outfit and is part of what makes us great. Hence why I have remained with this outfit and why I hold us with such esteem.
5) Since you have entered Leadership what have you done to make TXR a better outfit?
Most of my activities have involved recruiting on the late night platoons. However, I would like to think that I am becoming a better example of why we are great and have offered myself up to squad lead many times. The better question would be, "Why would my promotion to leadership make TXR a better outfit?" In this case, I offer up my service in the U.S. Army and the experience of thus. I can bring infantry tactics to the front line and keep a cool head under stress. As a leader I lead by example and lead from the front. I expect myself to be at the head of the charge to take the objective, at both the large and small scale. I do this even as a squad member.
6) What rank would you love to see yourself in eventually?
In the short term, I can see myself as a Captain within 6 months, but would like to see Commander in a year or so. As long as I am able to continue to develop, the sky is the limit. My personal goals are secondary to the goals of the outfit.
7) What ideas do you have to make Total Recoil better?
I would like to see a bit more interaction between members. By that I am talking about taking a more developmental standpoint on membership. This doesn't have to be pre-planned training days, but one-on-one mentorships. I would like to see senior leadership taking other members under their wings and developing them to the next level. Odaddy is very good at this, whether he realizes this or not. When he leads he spells out his thoughts on what he is doing or trying to do. This helps people like me, begin to understand the big picture and apply it rather than attempting to do it on my own and stumble with it without guidance.
Leadership Application
Planetside2 is a MMO-FPS, and as most MMO’s go there very time consuming, being a Outfit Officer can be even more time consuming, In some ways it can be even described as a second job, we want you to understand what your getting into with wanting to be a Leader in TXR. Understand there are no real right or wrong answers, This application is just to give us a general idea of what kind of leader you would make for TXR.
For those wanting to apply to the TXR leadership program please answer the following questions with your own personal application on this message board.
1. Explain how do you meet the following requirements:
The following is laid out above as a part of my NCO application.
-Must be in the Outfit for at least two months
-Must be at least Specialist Rank
-Takes initiative to Squad/Platoon Lead when available
-Must Start Certing into Squad Beacon
-Works well with peers
-Demonstrates a working knowledge of game mechanics and strategy
-Must be willing to learn and take constructive criticism
2. Why do you want to lead? What motivates you?
For one, I enjoy being a part of the big picture and affecting it. Leading also gives me the opportunity to be the one making the mistakes I see other leaders make. We are in no way perfect, but we all strive for perfection. My entering into leadership is me striving for that perfection that I will never reach. What motivates me is being a part of the greatest outfit in Planetside and wanting to offer more to that greatness. As I said above, my personal goals are second to the outfit's.
3. Why should we trust you with our Squads/Platoons?
I am a strong believer that teamwork is absolute key. That's not to say that one individual can't change the course of the battle, because if that individual is the squad leader or platoon leader, they can. I don't question orders and follow them to the letter and will offer up suggestions if needed and also take suggestions into consideration as well.
4. How do you handle stress and heated situations?
Stress just turns into sweat on my back and I push through it with a cool head. Getting angry and frustrated only slows down the process of winning the battle and can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Yelling doesn't get anything done. Even if your morale is low, it's your job to keep the morale of the troops high. A leader isn't the only one on the battlefield and needs feedback from his squad leaders about the micro situation in order make decisions on the macro situation.
5. Are you able to diffuse situations before they escalate into bigger problems?
I would say so. Throughout my life I have always been the diplomatic one. I would like to say that I am the voice of reason when all reason has been lost. People tend to listen to me, and I understand people quite well (at least I would like to think so).
6. How is your experience with dealing with inter-outfit conflicts?
I haven't had any experience with this, since it is mostly the senior staff that deals with things like TTA. However, I can recall a time when I led a squad with NEON in the early morning hours with, I assume, one of their leaders running a pubbie platoon. So, as for inter-outfit relations, I would say that I'm good. I gave their staff the same respect I would and do give ours.
7. How would you rate your strategic knowledge of Planet Side 2?
I would rate myself well. Since the addition of the lattice, this has made it a bit easier in being able to define the big picture. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say about a 7. I have a lot to learn, but I need the experience in leadership positions in order for this figure to grow.
8. How would you describe your leadership ability out of 10?
Here, I would give myself an 8. Why? I bring some good things to the table, like multi-tasking, decisiveness, integrity and selflessness.
9. What are your biggest contributions you can bring as a leader to TXR?
I feel that because of the times I can get on, I bring more to the table in the way of recruiting and can contribute to training, especially in the area of infantry tactics as well as some armor tactics. As I said above, I am a veteran of the U.S. Army and can bring my skills from there in the form of tactics. Some of those skills can be room clearing, flanking maneuvers, etc. In the form of armor tactics, I need to find a way to adapt them into PS2 tactics or at least I can give those experiences over to the experts in the outfit so that they can adapt them.
10. How do you feel TXR can benefit from you being in a leadership position?
Most of that is laid out in question 9. However, with me in a leadership position, this will allow our most dedicated leaders a chance to take a back seat, ride the battle out, focus on their individual abilities and stats, and assist in the development of new leaders like myself.
11. Have you ever been a Guild(Clan, Outfit, Corporation, etc. pending on your gaming history) Leader, Officer, or a Event Organizer?
Back in the day when Star Trek Online was new and pay-to-play, I was a member of the Clan Hunters. I was in a position to be a junior officer and it probably would have happened, but moving to eastern Kentucky and working off of slow satellite internet prevented me from playing the game at all and thus forcing me to drop out altogether. While at Fort Knox, though I was a Specialist, I was entrusted with the maintenance and 4-5 drivers of a scout platoon of humvees on a semi regular basis. Also, the NCO in charge of OPFOR operations at Checkpoint 37 requested me on a regular basis to lead up to 6 soldiers in conducting OPFOR missions in the training of brand new Lieutenants.
12. TXR Troopers have been taunting a fellow TXR for being a Brony, This Trooper has had enough and chosen to retaliate by team killing, not only fellow TXR but allied TR, even going as far as selling us out to the enemy. How do you deal with this situation? Why do you choose this path?
First is always the diplomatic solution, by trying to defuse the situation by working out the differences. If needed take the offenders to a different channel and talk it out. Given my low level in the outfit, the next step would be to approach officers about the situation to see if a ban would be the solution but ultimately it would be up to the officers of the outfit for this extreme solution. I would provide my recommendations and account of the situation to the leadership. This type of offense should be dealt with swiftly and under my leadership, I would hope that this situation would be defused before it got to this point. Sometimes people have a bad day and may do things they normally wouldn't. Maybe putting one or both of the individuals on probation or something could be a solution, but then again it also has to do with "how did we get to this point in the first place?" We have a code of conduct and everybody should be held to it. Every situation is different and should be dealt with accordingly.
13. Every Field Commander has there preference in battle strategy - Offensive, Defensive, Guerrilla play styles, or Infantry, Armor, Air force favorites. What’s your command style and why?
I prefer the Infantry fight. You can have all the armor and all the air, but it all boils down to feet on the ground. Being former cavalry, mobility is of the essence. As TXR, we do an excellent job of this already. I believe in keeping up the momentum. When we know we have won the fight "here", push a squad to the next objective to disrupt a possible defense that could halt our movement and bog us down into a knock down, drag out battle. I would much rather stay on the offensive, don't give any ground if you don't have to. If moving to another lane to bolster a defense and turn it into an offense is needed, then do it if the situation permits. Everything is situational and one must adapt. Demoralizing the enemy by keeping them on their backfoot is paramount to breaking an enemy and taking ground.
Also, I believe, when possible, the Platoon Leader needs to be just that. Not a squad leader too. This opens up the PL to keep his mind on the big picture and not have to worry about things like squad beacons and the like. It also gives the PL freedom on the battlefield to check different positions and ensure strategies are working. I used this to great effectiveness this past week and will implement when possible.
14. Communications have broken down in your Platoon, the order to “Clear Comms” has been ignored and casual conversation is persisting, The battle your Platoon is in is very intense, your force is on the verge of defeat. What action do you take to convince people to get tactical and fight rather then talk?
In my experience, numbers rule. If only the PL is calling for "Clear Comms" and it's not working, hopefully somebody else in a higher position will back the PL and help to cease the casual conversations. Sometimes a simple, stern speaking voice can clear the chatter as well. If you sound serious, they'll get serious.
16. Do you understand the responsibilities that come with TXR leadership?
Absolutely!
Also, as an aside. I realize that I never applied for specialist. To be honest, I had the requirements for NCO and specialist mixed up. Otherwise, I would have applied for specialist months ago. Given my time in the outfit, I am hoping this can be overlooked and I can be advanced to NCO with due haste. I thank you for taking your time to read through this. I tried to be as thorough as possible and I assure you that I will apply this thoroughness to my leadership role.
Non-Commissioned Officer
2) Do you meet the outlined criteria for your Promotion (copy and paste the specific requirements)?
-Must be in the Outfit for at least two months
Have been a member since approximately March
-Must be at least Specialist Rank
Unfortunately I do not meet this requirement as I have never applied for specialist. I hope an exception to the rule can be made in this case.
-Takes initiative to Squad/Platoon Lead when available
When I know, for sure, that I will be on long enough to be useful, I do. Especially late night platoons as that is when I am guaranteed to be on for more than an hour.
-Must Start Certing into Squad Beacon
Have rank 4 or 5.
-Works well with peers
Absolutely. Teamwork is the key!
-Demonstrates a working knowledge of game mechanics and strategy
In recent months, I have applied myself to learning these much more in depth and I think it shows in my abilities now.
-Must be willing to learn and take constructive criticism
There are no "thin skins" here. I'm open to any criticism that will apply to my development as a leader within the outfit.
-(Optional) Special Commendation or Recommendation from a Superior
I am posting this application in response to a recommendation from Talron. Also, I spoke with Odaddy and he voiced his support to me in this endeavor.
3) Why do you want a Promotion?
I feel that with my devotion to the outfit, during the off hours, by providing squad leadership and recruitment help I have earned this position. Also, I feel that I proved myself this past week as a competent platoon lead. I am in no way saying that I am the best or completely confident, but am saying that I am ready to step up my game and position in the outfit to contribute in any way possible when possible.
4) How active are you in recruiting new members for the outfit?
I am usually on during our off prime time hours and help the late night platoons with simply typing in the outfit website while platoon lead makes the announcement. I have also helped a member or two in the past with how and where to post outfit applications. Whenever I am involved in our "pubbie" platoons, which is often, I try to set an example to the pubbies by being respectful, friendly, and helpful. Essentially, what we are about. I believe that those things exemplify this outfit and is part of what makes us great. Hence why I have remained with this outfit and why I hold us with such esteem.
5) Since you have entered Leadership what have you done to make TXR a better outfit?
Most of my activities have involved recruiting on the late night platoons. However, I would like to think that I am becoming a better example of why we are great and have offered myself up to squad lead many times. The better question would be, "Why would my promotion to leadership make TXR a better outfit?" In this case, I offer up my service in the U.S. Army and the experience of thus. I can bring infantry tactics to the front line and keep a cool head under stress. As a leader I lead by example and lead from the front. I expect myself to be at the head of the charge to take the objective, at both the large and small scale. I do this even as a squad member.
6) What rank would you love to see yourself in eventually?
In the short term, I can see myself as a Captain within 6 months, but would like to see Commander in a year or so. As long as I am able to continue to develop, the sky is the limit. My personal goals are secondary to the goals of the outfit.
7) What ideas do you have to make Total Recoil better?
I would like to see a bit more interaction between members. By that I am talking about taking a more developmental standpoint on membership. This doesn't have to be pre-planned training days, but one-on-one mentorships. I would like to see senior leadership taking other members under their wings and developing them to the next level. Odaddy is very good at this, whether he realizes this or not. When he leads he spells out his thoughts on what he is doing or trying to do. This helps people like me, begin to understand the big picture and apply it rather than attempting to do it on my own and stumble with it without guidance.
Leadership Application
Planetside2 is a MMO-FPS, and as most MMO’s go there very time consuming, being a Outfit Officer can be even more time consuming, In some ways it can be even described as a second job, we want you to understand what your getting into with wanting to be a Leader in TXR. Understand there are no real right or wrong answers, This application is just to give us a general idea of what kind of leader you would make for TXR.
For those wanting to apply to the TXR leadership program please answer the following questions with your own personal application on this message board.
1. Explain how do you meet the following requirements:
The following is laid out above as a part of my NCO application.
-Must be in the Outfit for at least two months
-Must be at least Specialist Rank
-Takes initiative to Squad/Platoon Lead when available
-Must Start Certing into Squad Beacon
-Works well with peers
-Demonstrates a working knowledge of game mechanics and strategy
-Must be willing to learn and take constructive criticism
2. Why do you want to lead? What motivates you?
For one, I enjoy being a part of the big picture and affecting it. Leading also gives me the opportunity to be the one making the mistakes I see other leaders make. We are in no way perfect, but we all strive for perfection. My entering into leadership is me striving for that perfection that I will never reach. What motivates me is being a part of the greatest outfit in Planetside and wanting to offer more to that greatness. As I said above, my personal goals are second to the outfit's.
3. Why should we trust you with our Squads/Platoons?
I am a strong believer that teamwork is absolute key. That's not to say that one individual can't change the course of the battle, because if that individual is the squad leader or platoon leader, they can. I don't question orders and follow them to the letter and will offer up suggestions if needed and also take suggestions into consideration as well.
4. How do you handle stress and heated situations?
Stress just turns into sweat on my back and I push through it with a cool head. Getting angry and frustrated only slows down the process of winning the battle and can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Yelling doesn't get anything done. Even if your morale is low, it's your job to keep the morale of the troops high. A leader isn't the only one on the battlefield and needs feedback from his squad leaders about the micro situation in order make decisions on the macro situation.
5. Are you able to diffuse situations before they escalate into bigger problems?
I would say so. Throughout my life I have always been the diplomatic one. I would like to say that I am the voice of reason when all reason has been lost. People tend to listen to me, and I understand people quite well (at least I would like to think so).
6. How is your experience with dealing with inter-outfit conflicts?
I haven't had any experience with this, since it is mostly the senior staff that deals with things like TTA. However, I can recall a time when I led a squad with NEON in the early morning hours with, I assume, one of their leaders running a pubbie platoon. So, as for inter-outfit relations, I would say that I'm good. I gave their staff the same respect I would and do give ours.
7. How would you rate your strategic knowledge of Planet Side 2?
I would rate myself well. Since the addition of the lattice, this has made it a bit easier in being able to define the big picture. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would say about a 7. I have a lot to learn, but I need the experience in leadership positions in order for this figure to grow.
8. How would you describe your leadership ability out of 10?
Here, I would give myself an 8. Why? I bring some good things to the table, like multi-tasking, decisiveness, integrity and selflessness.
9. What are your biggest contributions you can bring as a leader to TXR?
I feel that because of the times I can get on, I bring more to the table in the way of recruiting and can contribute to training, especially in the area of infantry tactics as well as some armor tactics. As I said above, I am a veteran of the U.S. Army and can bring my skills from there in the form of tactics. Some of those skills can be room clearing, flanking maneuvers, etc. In the form of armor tactics, I need to find a way to adapt them into PS2 tactics or at least I can give those experiences over to the experts in the outfit so that they can adapt them.
10. How do you feel TXR can benefit from you being in a leadership position?
Most of that is laid out in question 9. However, with me in a leadership position, this will allow our most dedicated leaders a chance to take a back seat, ride the battle out, focus on their individual abilities and stats, and assist in the development of new leaders like myself.
11. Have you ever been a Guild(Clan, Outfit, Corporation, etc. pending on your gaming history) Leader, Officer, or a Event Organizer?
Back in the day when Star Trek Online was new and pay-to-play, I was a member of the Clan Hunters. I was in a position to be a junior officer and it probably would have happened, but moving to eastern Kentucky and working off of slow satellite internet prevented me from playing the game at all and thus forcing me to drop out altogether. While at Fort Knox, though I was a Specialist, I was entrusted with the maintenance and 4-5 drivers of a scout platoon of humvees on a semi regular basis. Also, the NCO in charge of OPFOR operations at Checkpoint 37 requested me on a regular basis to lead up to 6 soldiers in conducting OPFOR missions in the training of brand new Lieutenants.
12. TXR Troopers have been taunting a fellow TXR for being a Brony, This Trooper has had enough and chosen to retaliate by team killing, not only fellow TXR but allied TR, even going as far as selling us out to the enemy. How do you deal with this situation? Why do you choose this path?
First is always the diplomatic solution, by trying to defuse the situation by working out the differences. If needed take the offenders to a different channel and talk it out. Given my low level in the outfit, the next step would be to approach officers about the situation to see if a ban would be the solution but ultimately it would be up to the officers of the outfit for this extreme solution. I would provide my recommendations and account of the situation to the leadership. This type of offense should be dealt with swiftly and under my leadership, I would hope that this situation would be defused before it got to this point. Sometimes people have a bad day and may do things they normally wouldn't. Maybe putting one or both of the individuals on probation or something could be a solution, but then again it also has to do with "how did we get to this point in the first place?" We have a code of conduct and everybody should be held to it. Every situation is different and should be dealt with accordingly.
13. Every Field Commander has there preference in battle strategy - Offensive, Defensive, Guerrilla play styles, or Infantry, Armor, Air force favorites. What’s your command style and why?
I prefer the Infantry fight. You can have all the armor and all the air, but it all boils down to feet on the ground. Being former cavalry, mobility is of the essence. As TXR, we do an excellent job of this already. I believe in keeping up the momentum. When we know we have won the fight "here", push a squad to the next objective to disrupt a possible defense that could halt our movement and bog us down into a knock down, drag out battle. I would much rather stay on the offensive, don't give any ground if you don't have to. If moving to another lane to bolster a defense and turn it into an offense is needed, then do it if the situation permits. Everything is situational and one must adapt. Demoralizing the enemy by keeping them on their backfoot is paramount to breaking an enemy and taking ground.
Also, I believe, when possible, the Platoon Leader needs to be just that. Not a squad leader too. This opens up the PL to keep his mind on the big picture and not have to worry about things like squad beacons and the like. It also gives the PL freedom on the battlefield to check different positions and ensure strategies are working. I used this to great effectiveness this past week and will implement when possible.
14. Communications have broken down in your Platoon, the order to “Clear Comms” has been ignored and casual conversation is persisting, The battle your Platoon is in is very intense, your force is on the verge of defeat. What action do you take to convince people to get tactical and fight rather then talk?
In my experience, numbers rule. If only the PL is calling for "Clear Comms" and it's not working, hopefully somebody else in a higher position will back the PL and help to cease the casual conversations. Sometimes a simple, stern speaking voice can clear the chatter as well. If you sound serious, they'll get serious.
16. Do you understand the responsibilities that come with TXR leadership?
Absolutely!
Also, as an aside. I realize that I never applied for specialist. To be honest, I had the requirements for NCO and specialist mixed up. Otherwise, I would have applied for specialist months ago. Given my time in the outfit, I am hoping this can be overlooked and I can be advanced to NCO with due haste. I thank you for taking your time to read through this. I tried to be as thorough as possible and I assure you that I will apply this thoroughness to my leadership role.
