The Mountain Post - October 2009

J OINT S PECIAL O PERATIONS C OMMAND

THE MOUNTAIN POST V OLUME 1, I SSUE 2

1 O CTOBER 2009

A L OOK INTO A “R OUGE N ATION ”, This mission was created by =RTY= Shark Attack, and is entitled “=RTY= Rouge Nation Part 1.” This is a 22 slot cooperative mission which can be done with a minimum of 5-6 individuals. I believe this to be a really nice Special Forces Mission, and like almost all of Shark Attack’s missions he has paid attention to detail and is well thought out.

A brief synopsis of the mission is an Islamic Rebel Group recently severally damaged a C-130J (Combat Talon) by small arms fire and was forced to make an emergency landing at a small airstrip north of Krasnostav.

S PECIAL BY

R ED H AWK & C HEF

This Cargo plane was covertly aiding local troops in fighting separatist and communist insurgents with military supplies.

U.S Space Command s KH-11 satellites confirmed the plane is at the location and that the plane appears to be in good condition and intact. SAT Intel shows us that there has been heavy traffic movement between the airstrip and numerous off site locations, however they cannot establish or verify the exact location of the aircrew.

Your team is to carry out a ground reconnaissance on the four camps marked on the map. To locate and return the missing four man crew from the aircraft to the field hospital at the Airbase and prevent sensitive equipment falling into the hands of our enemies by destroying the stricken C130.

This mission was a blast, and really requires close work with ground and air forces.

Ground forces need to get eyes on the hostages and quickly secure them while air forces carefully engage the enemy without causing a Friendly Fire incident. The air

Roll Call time for your area; it’s minus 5 hours to the East Coast of the United States.

There are some additional add-ons for this mission and Chef has posted a link to them. I request all Applicants, Trainees, and Opera-



As of 28th of September the Joint Special Operations Command Server Donations reach 65% of our $100 goal. Let’s see if we can reach our goal this month!

Our current server fund balance is $131.00



The number of applicants is up and we need to speed up the our interviews.

I NSIDE

THIS ISSUE :

10 TH SFG MOS R EVIEW

2

O N P OINT ….

3

H OT S TUFF

4

T HE C LASSROOM

5

(Continued on page 2)

Operation Chernarus Shield II—Scheduled for 3 Oct 2009 Our unit is scheduled to participate in Operation Chernarus Shield II by United Front, on the 3rd of October, with a 7:30PM GMT, Muster (Roll Call) and an Operation Kick-off time of 8PM GMT. Please use the clock on the front of our website to compute the

POINTS OF INTEREST :

tors please monitor the forum, as things can change quickly. So far we have Joker, Winchester, ChefD, Dome and myself signed up for this event.

If you care to participate (even if you may be late) (Continued on page 7)

THE MOUNTAIN POST

P AGE 2

“ THIS IS A GREAT SPECIAL FORCES MAP AND IT WOULD BE GREAT TO GET THE 20 TH SFG AND THE SAS L ADS ON IT ”

A L OOK INTO A “R OUGE N ATION ”,

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(Continued from page 1)

forces can’t move across the map freely or they will no doubt encounter AntiAircraft Fire or a MANPAD SAMs. Ground forces cannot have prolonged fire fights or the hostages will be killed.

The map makes use of Norrin’s Re-spawn and Kronski’s Urban Patrol scripts. It also features the Fast Attack Vehicles that we previewed in last month’s issue of “The Moun-

tain Post.” So beware ye that drive like there is no tomorrow or your passengers can become projectiles.

10 TH SFG MOS R EVIEW ,

BY

THE

I do have a few issues with the mission and I have asked Candidate ChefD to take a look (Continued on page 7)

10 TH SFG/XO

I have directed five of our most experienced personnel to review and make recommendations regarding our Military Occupation Specialties codes or commonly referred to as our MOS. I have asked the committee to consider the following

We have to put a stake in the ground somewhere to get the ball rolling in other areas like training, missions, and recognizing our members for the great work they are doing.

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Current Rank of the individual



Current office or position held by the individual



The preference or desires of the individual



The innate abilities or talents of the individual

So by now you should have been talking to them individually or asked you to submit a paragraph in a thread or Personal Message stating why you prefer or would be better at a certain MOS. Below is what a U.S. Army Special Forces ODA Team would have and their approximate ranks: 1 – 18A (Detachment Commander), Grade – Captain 1 – 180A (Assistant Detachment Commander), Grade – Warrant Officer One or Chief Warrant Officer Two 1 – 18Z (Operations Sergeant), Grade – Master Sergeant

“A TOP TO BOTTOM REVIEW OF OUR M ILITARY O CCUPATION S PECIALTIES C ODES IS BEING CONDUCTED ”

1 – 18F (Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant), Grade - Sergeant First Class 2 – 18B (Weapons Sergeant), Grade – Sergeant First Class 2 – 18C (Engineer Sergeant), Grade – Sergeant First Class 2 – 18D (Medical Sergeant), Grade – Sergeant First Class 2 – 18E (Communications Sergeant), Grade - Sergeant First Class and a Staff Sergeant Below is what a U.S. Army Special Force ODB Team would have and their approximate ranks: (Continued on page 3)

V OLUME 1, I SSUE 2

P AGE 3

10 TH SFG MOS R EVIEW —C ONTINUED

“I’ M

(Continued from page 2)

2 - 18A (Company Commander - CO), Grade – Major 18A (Company Executive Officer - XO), Grade – Captain 1 - 180A (Company Technician), Grade - Chief Warrant Officer Three 2 - 18Z (Company Sergeant Major), Grade – Sergeant Major 18Z (Operations Sergeant), Grade – Master Sergeant 1 - 18F (Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant), Grade – Sergeant First Class 1 - 18D (Medical Sergeant), Grade – Sergeant First Class

HOPING SOON TO OPEN UP THE USAF/A RMY F LYING UNITS …. IT ’ S A COMMON SENSE THING ; NOT EVERYONE CAN BE A PILOT OR DOOR GUNNER OR WE WOULDN ’ T HAVE ANY GROUND UNITS .”

2 - 18E (Communications Sergeants), Grade - Sergeant First Class and a Staff Sergeant To these we will add other specialty units like Combat Controllers (FACs) to help round them out. Once this review is done it will be forwarded to the 10th SFG/CC for final approval.

There is no doubt that as we continue to get high quality players in that fit our unit, things will change again. But we have to put a stake in the ground somewhere to get the ball rolling in other areas like training, missions, and recognizing our members for the great work they are doing.

I’m hoping to soon open up the USAF/Army Flying units. But we need to have a full ODA, ODB and some extra personnel first. The flying units will have to go through the 10th SFG ground course prior to being transferred to an aviation unit. One other item, it’s a common sense thing; not everyone can be a pilot/door gunner or we wouldn’t have any ground units.

But if we all sit down I sure we can come up with an solution we all can at least live with and not have any major contentions.

O N P OINT ….

B Y R ED H AWK

By now you all have hopefully read “The Mountain Post” our little newsletter. This idea came from fertile mind of Operator Winchester. When I sent out my very first “Newsletter” he thought the unit may be better served by having a real newsletter in Adobe format. Its purpose is to keep you informed of what is happening and what may happen in future of our organization. It is a place for interesting, informative information in a format that you or a guest could download and take to work with them for some light reading material. I’m hoping that the membership will also provide some interesting articles. These articles do not have pertain strictly to ArmA II, but could also in encompass Armed Assault, Operation Flashpoint, other military games, Airsoft, or even an Opinion if properly presented. Like all things there are some rules that have to be put in place to keep things legal, non-offensive, and running smoothly.

In the forums you will find a thread called the “The Mountain Post,” please everyone provide me with some feedback on it. Do you like it? Do you hate it? Do you find it a value added product?

Which article did you like the best? Which article was the worst? Should we continue it or drop it? Would you mind contributing to it? The first volume took me about ten hours to research, write/type, format, proofread, correct and print. I didn’t have time to fix the “by” lines in the (Continued on page 5)

“D O YOU FIND IT A VALUE ADDED PRODUCT ?”

THE MOUNTAIN POST

P AGE 4

HOT STUFF, By Operator Gramps

HOT STUFF,

“ THERE WERE 3,320 CIVILIANS THAT LOST THEIR LIVES AS THE RESULT OF FIRE IN 2008.”

By Operator Gramps

Comrades…I have been tasked by the Editor to create a column that each month will provide safety tips for the protection of our Operators, Trainees and their families that are pursuant to the month at hand. This month I have chosen Halloween as a main topic with a side bar on kitchen stove top fires. I hope you find it informative as well as entertaining.

-or-Treat with you. 

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Plan your Trick-or-Treat route ahead of time.

Pick well-lighted streets.

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Cross only at corners.

Never cross between parked cars or midblock.

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Tell your family on which streets you will be Trick-or-Treating.

Tips for a Safe Halloween

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(For your kids)

“Be extra careful when driving as excited children can forget safety rules when crossing the street.”

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Try to Trick-or-Treat when there is still light outside.

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Wear a costume that makes it easier for you to walk, see and be seen.

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If you must go at night, make sure that your costume is light in color.

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Carry a flashlight with you, so you can see and be seen easily.

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Use reflective tape on your costume to be seen easily

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A mask may keep you from seeing well. Take off your mask before crossing the street.

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Use makeup instead of a mask.

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Ask your parents, older brother or sister to Trick

If someone older cannot go with you, Trick-orTreat with a group.

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If there no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.

Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat your treats.

Tips for a Safe Halloween (For Adults) 

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Be extra careful when driving as excited children can forget safety rules when crossing the street.

Appoint a designated

driver if you attend adult Halloween parties. 

Accompany children when they go out trickor-treating.

Tips for a Safe Halloween (At Home) Consider using only batterypowered lanterns, flashing lights or chemical light sticks instead of candles in decorations.

Small flashlight candles are the safest for use in jack-o'lanterns. If you must use a candle, try a tea light or votive candle in a noncombustible holder. Always keep candles, matches and lighters out of the reach of children. Place candlelit jacko'-lanterns on sturdy tables, away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave them unattended.

Candlelit jack-o'-lanterns should be kept away from landings and doorsteps where costumes can brush against the flame.

Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded with holi(Continued on page 7)

V OLUME 1, I SSUE 2

P AGE 5

T HE C LASSROOM — FIELDCRAFT This month’s subject is very board; in the USAF we call it “Field Craft”. Field craft is the sum of several basic military skills required to operate stealthily during the day or night regardless of field conditions.

Ok, I know some of you are saying just how does this apply in Armed Assault or ArmA 2? Well when playing against a computer’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) not all of it will apply, only part of it, but

practice makes perfect.

lessons.

Remember that in Armed Assault and ArmA 2 the sniper is scripted to lower your detection value automatically, this is to account for your concealment factor.

It does not make you invisible to the AI, you’re just harder to detect. The motto of field craft is "to see without being seen"; this is enforced by the various the skills learned during basic training in field craft

Skills include camouflage, understanding the difference between concealment from view and cover from fire, use of the shape of the ground and its features to move undetected, the skills of moving across ground and crossing obstacles, the ability to select good fire positions, hold/ lying up positions, camping

O N P OINT ….

“One is never lost, just temporally disoriented”

(Continued on page 6)

bership finds it entertaining and the training department finds it effective I hope to continue it at least for a while, maybe the Training Team will adopt it as an additional forum.

“M Y GOAL HERE IS NOT TO

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first edition I will not let that happen again.

So it is not terribly hard to make, but does take some time. I’m hoping to have each edition ready to go by the 1st of each month.

If you would like to contribute an article or would like to print your opinion about something. Then please send your article to me at z3us0lympus@comcast.net in one of these following formats: Microsoft Notepad, Microsoft Works, Microsoft WordPad or Microsoft Work.

Training I know some of our trainees are a concerned about training since Operator’s Jynx is absence, that is why I have placed a “Training” article in last month’s newsletter and there is on within this one as well. My goal here is NOT to replace the Training NCOs but to help supplement them. If I have the time I will try and re-enforce it with some sort of simulation or practical exercise. If the mem-

I would like to warmly welcome the following individuals to our unit and wish them the best of luck in the Special Forces Candidate School. 

Box



Bucko



Dome



Ranger



Striker



Zeron

I ask that our senior members please assist them in showing the ropes of the unit and how we operate. I hope each of you enjoy your stay with us and you will be a productive member adding your skills and talents to our terrific team and unit.

REPLACE THE T RAINING NCO S BUT TO HELP SUPPLEMENT THEM .”

THE MOUNTAIN POST

P AGE 6

T HE C LASSROOM — FIELDCRAFT (Continued from page 5)

positions and such, the ability to observe effectively, penetrating camouflage, and the ability to detect where enemy fire is coming from using a number of techniques.

So what is the difference between “concealment” and “cover”? Concealment is protection for enemy observation, while “Cover” is protection from enemy fire, either can be artificial or natural.

To camouflage is to conceal.

Camouflage can be artificial or nature. If we have a choice between “Concealment” and “Cover”, we always choose “Cover”.

T HE MOTTO OF FIELD CRAFT IS " TO SEE WITHOUT BEING SEEN "

In reality counter snipers/ snipers look for what is called “Target Indicators.” Target indicators is what a sniper/ target does or fails to do that permits observation. To this end we apply most of our senses; “touch”, “smell”, “hearing” and “sight” to locate or avoid being located.

Touch and Smell have no use in a PC game, leaving hearing and sight applicable in a PC game.

Of these, we as humans tend to concentrate on using sight and supplementing that with hearing. Don’t believe me?

Ok, be honest. How many of you have jumped when you heard the “Clink” of the chain link fence or gate? Or how about coming around a house corner and almost put or even put a few rounds into the Mr.

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Scarecrow or Mr. Rabbit? So why did you just jump or filch at a sound, but then you almost put a magazine into Mr. Scarecrow or Mr. Rabbit?

Sight gives an exact location while, any of the other senses will indicate an area. So we need to concentrate on not being seen, I’m not saying noise discipline isn’t important. It just doesn’t have that much of an effect, when compared to visual cueing in this game.

CAMOUFLAGE AND CONCEALMENT So how do we minimize or conceal ourselves in a PC game? Well it depends on whom you are trying to conceal yourself from? If it is a human player, then like in the military, we need to consider shape, shadow, silhouette, texture, spacing, and movement.

Shape – We need to blend in with your surroundings and break up your distinctive human shape as much as possible, this is why a Ghillie Suit is so effective.

Shadow - Keep in the shadows of larger objects and ensure your shadow is not alerting the enemy to your location.

Silhouette - Do not stand against the skyline or lean out of windows.

Texture - Do not contrast with your surrounding and

ensure neither you nor your equipment shines.

Spacing - Keep spread out.

Avoid regular spacing of personnel; keep vehicles and tents etc under cam nets.

Movement - Movement must be slow and cautious. Remember the human eye is drawn to fast movement, especially at night.

Your avatar or in game character is already provided a camouflaged uniform, to help blend into your surroundings.

But it leaves your hands and face unchanged; you can use an add-on that will help apply a camouflaged face and hands to your avatar. You could also make yourself a custom face, but a word of caution here, many servers, like ours does not allow custom faces or sounds. Why? Unfortunately this is a prime avenue the “Script Kiddies” or “Malicious Game Crackers” use to take over and control servers. So I wouldn’t recommend it. I like “Rocco’s Faces”; it has many camouflaged faces and hands.

When you select one, ensure the color shades are proper for the map environment you will be gaming on.

Ok, so how to we handle camouflage and concealment when we talk about the game’s AI? Well there is no real way, because it is scripted. So we have to work within or use the mission and game programming. This of (Continued on page 8)

V OLUME 1, I SSUE 2

HOT STUFF -

P AGE 7

(Continued)

fire is. Well wonder no more, please do not do this at home, at least not yours.

(Continued from page 4)

day lighting or special effects.

Keep exit doors unblocked.

Replace bulbs on outdoor lights. Check that the batteries in your smoke alarms work.

Keep pets safe by ensuring they stay away from the door.

Do not let them outside.

I hope these tips prove to be useful in providing a safe and enjoyable Halloween holiday for you, your families and the

http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=wux85VAnChg

folks in your neighborhood.

Lastly I’ve included a short video about stove top fires.

I’m sure you all know what to do, but have wondered what the effect of water on such a

A L OOK INTO A “R OUGE N ATION ”

As always, live life as if there is no tomorrow, and watch your 6.

-Fire killed more Americans than all natural disasters combined in 2008. These “Quick Stats” are

from the U.S. Fire Administration/FEMA

O PERATION C HERNARUS S HIELD II

(Continued from page 2)

(Continued from page 1)

and see if we can make a 10th SFG version of the map. I would like to see the mission start just prior to Dusk, as all recovery operations I have known, take place in the dark.

please sign up in the forums. The thread can be found under the “Alert Orders” forum, the thread is entitled “OPERATION CHERANUS SHIELD - PT2.”

The F-35 is just simply out of place and needs to be removed. Adding a few “locked” C130s (Like NZDFCrash/soldier2390 C130Hs and BIS C-130J) would be more in line with the story.

I would love to see a PAVE LOW with drops ropes. The enemy in the camps could be better placed and there is a need for an enemy Quick Reaction Force, to a try to take the Airfield back once the hostage there is secured or freed. I think we need to look and see there is a random placing of the Hostages on the mission. I think some of those castle ruins would make a great hide out for something like this mission.

Please, if you get a chance play the mission do so and tell us what you think about it.

84 percent of all civilian fire deaths occurred in residences

The operation will take place in/around the town of Berezino on Chernarus. I’m not sure if the 20th SFG will be participating or not. So it may be up to us to carry out the tasks. I believe the roles we will be conducting are Intel/Scouting, Close Quarters Battle and Hostage Recovery. Nothing like getting a little trigger time in! HOOAH! (Man… I have been hanging out with Jynx and Sniper 121 way too long… sigh)

“I BELIEVE THE ROLES WE WILL BE CONDUCTING ARE I NTEL / S COUTING , C LOSE Q UARTERS B ATTLE AND H OSTAGE R ECOVERY ”

J OINT S PECIAL O PERATIONS C OMMAND This organization and website is in no way affiliated with the United States Military or any Government entity. It is for recreation and simulation only.

E-mail: z3us0lympus@comcast.net

Our organization attempts to replicate the various military units for recreational and simulation purposes only. This organization and website is in no way affiliated with the United States Military or any Government entity.

We use ArmA 2 the latest military simulation game for PC DVD-ROM from Bohemia Interactive. ArmA 2 is set in the near future, in a fictional post soviet country called Chernarus. Players will be sent as members of the United States Military to this country and others to prevent further civilian casualties and ensure ongoing stability there.

ArmA 2 is based on the latest generation technology, offering large–scale game world, authentic and extremely detailed modern units, weapons, vehicles and environments, challenging single player and vast array of multiplayer options. We supplement this game with community created add-ons to make it more fun and enjoyable.

Our Mission

W E ARE ON THE WEB! W W W . J S O C - G A M E R . O RG

“Our mission is to provide the most realistic computer environment in which our membership can enjoy utilizing team work and military tactics to successfully complete Armed Assault and ArmA II game missions without those sessions being ruined by immature players.”

Our Vision “Our organization’s vision is to be one of the most respected and well known Armed Assault and ArmA II units in the gaming community.”

"ONE TEAM, ONE MISSION" “

T HE C LASSROOM — FIELDCRAFT (Continued from page 6)

course, has been a bane of us military simulation lovers, since the days of Operation Flashpoint. The bright side is it is improving all the time.

In the early days it used to be set solely on proximity.

Now it is not only based on proximity, it is based on several other factors such as the direction the AI is facing, the class your Avatar is playing, the class of the AI, and has the AI received information for other AI (shots fired, dead AI, day, night, night vision equipped or not, etc.) all of these are also based a percentage chance to see and the skill level of the AI. I’m

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sure you have encountered the scenario, where you have been tactfully moving along in your mind and “Bam” you’re dead. You were killed by Mr. AI at over 600 yards, and you were concealed in tall grass.

The problem here is the AI doesn’t see the grass and few other things as well. If grass is turned on it will hinder humans not AI. So is it pointless to hit the dirt or low crawl? No, not at all this minimizes your silhouette and if you’re real smart you will find depression in the ground to provide you cover. Some trees and thick bushes can provide you cover

depending on how the model is constructed the same can be said of some buildings.

Using your land navigation skills to use the terrain to your advantage will help tremendously.

The next thing you need to do is to Stop, Scan, and Listen for the enemy as you are moving to contact. Stop, you groups movement to minimize fatigue. When the ACE mod is released this will be more pronounced. Scan the horizon moving slowly back and forward along the terrain until you reach your immediate area. Listen, yes I did say listen. Sometimes, you can hear the enemy AI

driving vehicles and you can make out the type. I have played missions where the mission scripter was so talented he could have the enemy randomly couch, whistle, have a conversion to help tip you off. In one mission I really miss was a scripter made a dog bark and that bark sound volume was relative to the distance from you.

Remember the enemy is looking for you, do not make it easy for them; ensure you merge into your surroundings as much as possible.

Remember, he who sees the opposition first without being seen, has the advantage.