I've decided to abort the project before any serious attempt to recruit cadets takes place. The reasons are, as often, a lack of time and commitment among me and my core team. It should also be noted that the Project is aborted, not postponed indefinitely, at least in the sense that I personally will not launch another Project: Flashpoint. If anyone else wishes, he/she/they are free to launch Project: Flashpoint and I will assist in any way I can.
I apologise to any cadets already signed up, and hope that they'll find other things to occupy themselves with during the summer - outdoors activities recommended.
And I've recieved the question a few times, and no, there won't be a Project: Armed Assault either. There will perhaps be an ArmA-clan in the distant future with doctrines and methods vaguely similar to Project: Flashpoint's, although I have not yet decided.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
Project Postponed
The project has been postponed 1-2 weeks due to technical difficulties. The team is currently working behind the scenes so that when the project launches it'll go off with a bang, but has hit a few minor road bumps. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Project Plan
TYPES OF TRAINING
- Basic
Basic Training is taught to all cadets upon engaging in the project, and usually doesn't take more than one or two days to get through. Basic Training includes the most elementary teachings that is required of every soldier. It consists of:
- Controls
- Basic Flashpoint knowledge (the advantages of going prone, not running and shooting, etc.)
- Communication
- Personal Weapons
- Basic Vehicle Handling (driving wheeled vehicles, embarking, disembarking)
- Formations (wedge, line, column, staggered column)
- Basic Fire & Manoeuvre (overwatch, bounding overwatch, movement under fire, taking cover)
- Additional
Additional Training builds upon the basic training, and will make the cadet more versatile and reliable in combat. It is necessary in order for the cadet to become a part of an effective combat machine. It includes, but is in no way limited to, the following:
- Advanced Vehicle Handling (basic piloting, fast insertion, IFV-handling, etc.)
- Parachuting
- Reconnaissance and Spotting
- Orientation
- Taking Command
- CQB
- Additional Personal Weapons
- Cover & Concealment
- Specialist
Specialist Training is taught to those that are interested in a specific subject and it requires a lot more time than a standard "course" and is useful in limited ways. It includes, but is in no way limited to, the following:
- Advanced Piloting (both fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft)
- Advanced IFV/CV-handling
- Sniper Training
- Crew-Mounted Weapons
- Stealth
- Strategic Planning
EXECUTION OF TRAINING
- Run-Down
Run-downs are used when introducing a new element that the cadet has never heard of before. Basically it's a lecture by an instructor and sometimes include a demonstration. It is often followed by an exercise in the subject.
- Exercise
When learning new elements or refreshing old ones, exercises are often used. Exercises take place in friendly territory and no real opponents are present. Either there is firing at imaginary/dummy targets or no firing at all.
- Operation (Op)
Operations are thought-up scenarios against the dynamic AI we use. Live fire is present and becoming a casualty is a possibility. Operations doesn't focus on a specific element of warfare, but are instead utulized as a training tool for the purpose of giving the cadet experience and a chance to execute his learnt knowledge in a real situation.
- War Game
A War Game is an Operation where the opponent is not AI but other project members. Human opponents often make decisions that are not as bound by game rules as the AI is, therefore War Games are an excellent way of making cadets develop their imagination and help them assess situations.
- Custom Missions
Custom Missions, with focus on co-op missions, will make the cadets enter a scenario where the circumstances differ from the one that is present on the training map. It is aimed to make them more dynamic and versatile. Custom Missions are not included in the training per se, and is therefore a bit more free compared to the other ways of training.
- Debriefings
Debriefings are an important part of training and is held after every Exercise, Operation, War Game and Custom Mission. Cadets will here discuss with the advisors and instructors what went wrong and what went right, and what can be done to improve.
RANKS
- Cadet Third Class (C3C)
Cadets that have just entered the project will obtain the rank of a third class cadet. C3Cs are cadets who are too inexperienced to engage in operations against a real foe as they will endanger both themselves and their comrades. C3Cs are only allowed to enter combat if they are personally endangered or if ordered to by an instructor, and therefore they usually only participate in Run-Downs and Exercices. C3Cs only indulge in Basic Training. They are distinguished from other project members because they don't carry the Combat Vest 2000 and because of their helmets, as they use M37 helmets instead of the standard M90 helmet.
- Cadet Second Class (C2C)
Cadets that have finished Basic Training is promoted to Cadet Second Class. C2Cs are prepared for combat, however, they lack experience and are therefore always assigned to a C1C or an advisor/instructor. C2Cs indulge in Additional Training, but can also take part in Basic Training as a demonstrator for C3Cs or because they need refreshment. They are distinguished from other project members because they do not wear the Combat Vest 2000.
- Cadet First Class (C1C)
Cadets that have proven themselves to be an important asset in and outside the combat field are promoted to C1Cs. They are to be treated as advanced and scarred grunts, and are expected to perform in a professional and experienced way, showing less-experienced cadets how things should be executed. C1Cs indulge mainly in Additional Training along with the C2Cs, but can also just like the C2Cs take part in Basic Traing as a demonstrator for C3Cs or because they need refreshment. If there is time and interest, C1Cs can also indulge in Specialist Training. They are distinguished from other project members because they are the only ones to wear a "correct" uniform.
- Advisor/Instructor (ADV/BINS/INS/HINS)
Advisors (ADV), Basic Instructors (BINS), Instructors (INS) and the Head Instructor (HINS) are responsible for educating and training the cadets, as well as the administration of the project. The Head Instructor is responsible for the entire project, and is also the primary teacher for the cadets in both Basic, Additional and Specialist Training. At the moment, dmakatra is acting as Head Instructor, and will continue to do so throughout the project unless something unexpected shows up. Instructors are members of the project that are so experienced in our doctrines that s/he is permitted to train and educate cadets in Basic, Additional, and if experienced in a specific area, Specialist Training. Basic Instructors are members of the project that isn't quite as experienced, so they are only allowed to train the C3Cs in Basic Training. Advisors are members of the projects that aren't experienced in our specific doctrines, but extremely experienced in playing Flashpoint. They often act as assistant instructors. Sometimes they are however responsible for specific areas of the cadets' training, especially certain areas of Specialist Training. They are destinguished from other project members because they wear the M59 field cap instead of the standard M90 helmet.
TIME PLAN
- Phase 1: Malden
Expected Duration: 1-3 Weeks.
The first phase of the project will take place on Malden and will focus on Basic Training with Additional Training and Specialist Training if time allows it. The dynamic AI is near non-existant on Malden and therefore Ops will be rare and often very limited. The time on Malden will be used as efficiently as possible to create a good weld-together force that is knowledgable, disciplined and well prepared for real combat. 75% of the cadets are expected to be C2Cs or C1Cs when we leave Malden.
- Phase 2: Everon
Expected Duration: 2-4 Weeks.
On Everon we will meet significantly more resistance, and Ops will take a significantly larger role. C3Cs will of course recieve Basic Training and is prioritized, but Additional and Specialist Training is the object of focus. The time on Everon will mostly be spent on giving the cadets the battlefield experience that words, demonstrations and exercises can only prepare them for. Once we've beaten the enemy off Everon, it is to be expected that at least 50% of the cadets are C1Cs, and less than 10% of the cadets are C3Cs.
- Phase 3: Kolgujev
Expected Duration: 2-3 Weeks.
Kolgujev will present to us a much more aggressive opponent and focus will not be on traditional training but to actually survive and to fend off the enemy as they will try to attack us at any given moment. Should the enemy allow it though, we will continue with Basic, Additional and Specialist Training, prioritized in that order. When (if!) we beat the enemy off Kolgujev, it is to expected that at least 80% of the cadets are C1Cs.
- Phase 4: Nogova
Expected Duration: 1-2 Weeks.
The final phase will only take place if time allows it, as expected closing of the project will be the end of August. On Nogova, no Russians will be present and the time will instead be spent on War Gaming. Advisors and instructors will be little more than spectators during our time on Nogova, only participating in combat when additional units are required.
- Phase 5: Examination
As the last phase, a big ceremony will be held as the project is closed. How, where (and why) this ceremony will take place is classified.
MODIFICATIONS
The modifications and addons that will be used in Project: Flashpoint '07 are Swedish Forces Pack 4.17 and WGL 5.12. The reasons why these mods are used is because both me and my crew are used to these and feel comfortable using and training in them. They both also promote the use of teamwork and co-operation, moreso than vanilla OFP.
- Basic
Basic Training is taught to all cadets upon engaging in the project, and usually doesn't take more than one or two days to get through. Basic Training includes the most elementary teachings that is required of every soldier. It consists of:
- Controls
- Basic Flashpoint knowledge (the advantages of going prone, not running and shooting, etc.)
- Communication
- Personal Weapons
- Basic Vehicle Handling (driving wheeled vehicles, embarking, disembarking)
- Formations (wedge, line, column, staggered column)
- Basic Fire & Manoeuvre (overwatch, bounding overwatch, movement under fire, taking cover)
- Additional
Additional Training builds upon the basic training, and will make the cadet more versatile and reliable in combat. It is necessary in order for the cadet to become a part of an effective combat machine. It includes, but is in no way limited to, the following:
- Advanced Vehicle Handling (basic piloting, fast insertion, IFV-handling, etc.)
- Parachuting
- Reconnaissance and Spotting
- Orientation
- Taking Command
- CQB
- Additional Personal Weapons
- Cover & Concealment
- Specialist
Specialist Training is taught to those that are interested in a specific subject and it requires a lot more time than a standard "course" and is useful in limited ways. It includes, but is in no way limited to, the following:
- Advanced Piloting (both fixed- and rotary-winged aircraft)
- Advanced IFV/CV-handling
- Sniper Training
- Crew-Mounted Weapons
- Stealth
- Strategic Planning
EXECUTION OF TRAINING
- Run-Down
Run-downs are used when introducing a new element that the cadet has never heard of before. Basically it's a lecture by an instructor and sometimes include a demonstration. It is often followed by an exercise in the subject.
- Exercise
When learning new elements or refreshing old ones, exercises are often used. Exercises take place in friendly territory and no real opponents are present. Either there is firing at imaginary/dummy targets or no firing at all.
- Operation (Op)
Operations are thought-up scenarios against the dynamic AI we use. Live fire is present and becoming a casualty is a possibility. Operations doesn't focus on a specific element of warfare, but are instead utulized as a training tool for the purpose of giving the cadet experience and a chance to execute his learnt knowledge in a real situation.
- War Game
A War Game is an Operation where the opponent is not AI but other project members. Human opponents often make decisions that are not as bound by game rules as the AI is, therefore War Games are an excellent way of making cadets develop their imagination and help them assess situations.
- Custom Missions
Custom Missions, with focus on co-op missions, will make the cadets enter a scenario where the circumstances differ from the one that is present on the training map. It is aimed to make them more dynamic and versatile. Custom Missions are not included in the training per se, and is therefore a bit more free compared to the other ways of training.
- Debriefings
Debriefings are an important part of training and is held after every Exercise, Operation, War Game and Custom Mission. Cadets will here discuss with the advisors and instructors what went wrong and what went right, and what can be done to improve.
RANKS
- Cadet Third Class (C3C)
Cadets that have just entered the project will obtain the rank of a third class cadet. C3Cs are cadets who are too inexperienced to engage in operations against a real foe as they will endanger both themselves and their comrades. C3Cs are only allowed to enter combat if they are personally endangered or if ordered to by an instructor, and therefore they usually only participate in Run-Downs and Exercices. C3Cs only indulge in Basic Training. They are distinguished from other project members because they don't carry the Combat Vest 2000 and because of their helmets, as they use M37 helmets instead of the standard M90 helmet.- Cadet Second Class (C2C)
Cadets that have finished Basic Training is promoted to Cadet Second Class. C2Cs are prepared for combat, however, they lack experience and are therefore always assigned to a C1C or an advisor/instructor. C2Cs indulge in Additional Training, but can also take part in Basic Training as a demonstrator for C3Cs or because they need refreshment. They are distinguished from other project members because they do not wear the Combat Vest 2000.- Cadet First Class (C1C)
Cadets that have proven themselves to be an important asset in and outside the combat field are promoted to C1Cs. They are to be treated as advanced and scarred grunts, and are expected to perform in a professional and experienced way, showing less-experienced cadets how things should be executed. C1Cs indulge mainly in Additional Training along with the C2Cs, but can also just like the C2Cs take part in Basic Traing as a demonstrator for C3Cs or because they need refreshment. If there is time and interest, C1Cs can also indulge in Specialist Training. They are distinguished from other project members because they are the only ones to wear a "correct" uniform.- Advisor/Instructor (ADV/BINS/INS/HINS)
Advisors (ADV), Basic Instructors (BINS), Instructors (INS) and the Head Instructor (HINS) are responsible for educating and training the cadets, as well as the administration of the project. The Head Instructor is responsible for the entire project, and is also the primary teacher for the cadets in both Basic, Additional and Specialist Training. At the moment, dmakatra is acting as Head Instructor, and will continue to do so throughout the project unless something unexpected shows up. Instructors are members of the project that are so experienced in our doctrines that s/he is permitted to train and educate cadets in Basic, Additional, and if experienced in a specific area, Specialist Training. Basic Instructors are members of the project that isn't quite as experienced, so they are only allowed to train the C3Cs in Basic Training. Advisors are members of the projects that aren't experienced in our specific doctrines, but extremely experienced in playing Flashpoint. They often act as assistant instructors. Sometimes they are however responsible for specific areas of the cadets' training, especially certain areas of Specialist Training. They are destinguished from other project members because they wear the M59 field cap instead of the standard M90 helmet.TIME PLAN
- Phase 1: Malden
Expected Duration: 1-3 Weeks.
The first phase of the project will take place on Malden and will focus on Basic Training with Additional Training and Specialist Training if time allows it. The dynamic AI is near non-existant on Malden and therefore Ops will be rare and often very limited. The time on Malden will be used as efficiently as possible to create a good weld-together force that is knowledgable, disciplined and well prepared for real combat. 75% of the cadets are expected to be C2Cs or C1Cs when we leave Malden.- Phase 2: Everon
Expected Duration: 2-4 Weeks.
On Everon we will meet significantly more resistance, and Ops will take a significantly larger role. C3Cs will of course recieve Basic Training and is prioritized, but Additional and Specialist Training is the object of focus. The time on Everon will mostly be spent on giving the cadets the battlefield experience that words, demonstrations and exercises can only prepare them for. Once we've beaten the enemy off Everon, it is to be expected that at least 50% of the cadets are C1Cs, and less than 10% of the cadets are C3Cs.- Phase 3: Kolgujev
Expected Duration: 2-3 Weeks.
Kolgujev will present to us a much more aggressive opponent and focus will not be on traditional training but to actually survive and to fend off the enemy as they will try to attack us at any given moment. Should the enemy allow it though, we will continue with Basic, Additional and Specialist Training, prioritized in that order. When (if!) we beat the enemy off Kolgujev, it is to expected that at least 80% of the cadets are C1Cs.- Phase 4: Nogova
Expected Duration: 1-2 Weeks.
The final phase will only take place if time allows it, as expected closing of the project will be the end of August. On Nogova, no Russians will be present and the time will instead be spent on War Gaming. Advisors and instructors will be little more than spectators during our time on Nogova, only participating in combat when additional units are required.- Phase 5: Examination
As the last phase, a big ceremony will be held as the project is closed. How, where (and why) this ceremony will take place is classified.
MODIFICATIONS
The modifications and addons that will be used in Project: Flashpoint '07 are Swedish Forces Pack 4.17 and WGL 5.12. The reasons why these mods are used is because both me and my crew are used to these and feel comfortable using and training in them. They both also promote the use of teamwork and co-operation, moreso than vanilla OFP.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Project: Flashpoint '07 Initiated
During the second half of the summer of '06 Project: Flashpoint was launched. The project was created in response to the large amount of criticism that CS-players had recieved during the past years by other gamers who percieved them as immature, impatient, cheat-prone and childish. By recruiting CS-players from various communities and training them in the extremely demanding simulation game Operation Flashpoint (OFP) created by Bohemia Interactive Studios, dmakatra along with the assistance of several other OFP-Vets tried to prove that the CS-community was not full of idiots.
The result and conclusion drawn from the project was that while the CS-community is indeed packed with hordes of immature, impatient, cheat-prone and childish gamers there are plenty of mature and responsible people as well - they have just not discovered that layer of their mindset. The cadets were trained in the arts of patience, co-operation, communication and leadership. Out of the tens of people recruited (most of them being replacements to the original ten), only five remained when the smoke cleared and came out as fully-fledged Flashpoint-grunts.
The original blog for Project: Flashpoint is still up and can be found here:
http://project-flashpoint.blogspot.com
Now, nearly a year after the completion of the original, Project: Flashpoint '07 is launched. The reason has changed, but the principal stays the same - to teach people not only how to play the game Operation Flashpoint, but also learn how to co-operate, communicate and command your fellow project-members. This time Project: Flashpoint takes on a larger scale. Everyone is welcome, as long as s/he has an open mind, a microphone, decent knowledge in English (there is a Swedish platoon, but communication between the platoons are of course in English) and a decent computer and connection. The game itself is supplied by the project, unless you already own it. Skill, interest and maturity is not a requirement. Quite the contrary, Project: Flashpoint '07 is launched to show gamers of all tastes that you don't have to play the games that EA pumps out every year. Games that are basically the same but in a different package. Project: Flashpoint '07 will try to show gamers that it isn't big explosions, fast-paced action and pretty graphics that makes a game good - it's experiences, comradery with the man next to you, responsibility and the feeling that you are part of something bigger than yourself.
Interested in joining? You can either join now and be with us during the start (planned launch of project is Mid-June 2007) or hop in during the project. Please send a mail to dmakatra@hotmail.com including the following information:
- Nickname
- Age
- Have you played Operation Flashpoint before, and, if so, to which extent? Do you own the game?
- What other games have you played a lot? What types of games do you prefer?
- Connection
- Location
- How much time can you spend on Project: Flashpoint '07?
- Why do you want to join Project: Flashpoint '07?
OFP-Veterans are not only welcomed but also recommended to join as the training which you are put through in Project: Flashpoint '07 is similiar to the training that serious co-op clans engages in. Due to this you will probably learn to appriciate the game a lot more. However, we can't allow everyone to join due to server strains. Therefore people oblivious to Flashpoint are prioritized.
The result and conclusion drawn from the project was that while the CS-community is indeed packed with hordes of immature, impatient, cheat-prone and childish gamers there are plenty of mature and responsible people as well - they have just not discovered that layer of their mindset. The cadets were trained in the arts of patience, co-operation, communication and leadership. Out of the tens of people recruited (most of them being replacements to the original ten), only five remained when the smoke cleared and came out as fully-fledged Flashpoint-grunts.
The original blog for Project: Flashpoint is still up and can be found here:
http://project-flashpoint.blogspot.com
Now, nearly a year after the completion of the original, Project: Flashpoint '07 is launched. The reason has changed, but the principal stays the same - to teach people not only how to play the game Operation Flashpoint, but also learn how to co-operate, communicate and command your fellow project-members. This time Project: Flashpoint takes on a larger scale. Everyone is welcome, as long as s/he has an open mind, a microphone, decent knowledge in English (there is a Swedish platoon, but communication between the platoons are of course in English) and a decent computer and connection. The game itself is supplied by the project, unless you already own it. Skill, interest and maturity is not a requirement. Quite the contrary, Project: Flashpoint '07 is launched to show gamers of all tastes that you don't have to play the games that EA pumps out every year. Games that are basically the same but in a different package. Project: Flashpoint '07 will try to show gamers that it isn't big explosions, fast-paced action and pretty graphics that makes a game good - it's experiences, comradery with the man next to you, responsibility and the feeling that you are part of something bigger than yourself.
Interested in joining? You can either join now and be with us during the start (planned launch of project is Mid-June 2007) or hop in during the project. Please send a mail to dmakatra@hotmail.com including the following information:
- Nickname
- Age
- Have you played Operation Flashpoint before, and, if so, to which extent? Do you own the game?
- What other games have you played a lot? What types of games do you prefer?
- Connection
- Location
- How much time can you spend on Project: Flashpoint '07?
- Why do you want to join Project: Flashpoint '07?
OFP-Veterans are not only welcomed but also recommended to join as the training which you are put through in Project: Flashpoint '07 is similiar to the training that serious co-op clans engages in. Due to this you will probably learn to appriciate the game a lot more. However, we can't allow everyone to join due to server strains. Therefore people oblivious to Flashpoint are prioritized.
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