This Handbook is sent by HPG to all new Lyran Officers.  It is standard issue and was created by Kommandant Buffalo Six and edited/revised by Archon Talon in 3043 and 3058, respectively.

Cadet Handbook Index

Introduction

Let me first welcome you to the beginning of your new life.  While we hope that you will one day join the active ranks of warriors in the LAAF, which will remain largely up to you.  Entering a War College is easy...graduating, I assure you is NOT.  You are here today to have me issue you cadet Handbook to you.  This book will enlighten you to a few things that make the LAAF work as well as it does.

Handbook number 139A2C4 is issued to LCAF_Yourname_SR

Chain of Command/Salutes

Now let me explain a few items for you. In this unit we follow a chain of command.  What is that you ask?  It is based on Rank.  Running from the Archon all the way down the "hill" to you the cadet.  Officers expect prompt salutes when you enter a room or when you enter a room they already occupy. This is done by this symbol: <S> or <Salute> if you like to type.  Always salute the highest-ranking officer in the room.  Learn the Chain of Command to find who is the ranking officer. All we ask is that you show us the respect our positions merit.  A simple greeting will suffice in this situation.  Further, salutes don't need to be made every time a officer walks out (leaves) the
room and returns or every time they return from a mission.  A simple welcome back (wb) will do.

Now you may find all this hokey.  But it is how we operate.  It makes things run smooth and gives the team a role-playing aspect we all enjoy.

Online Chat Protocols

When the room is filled with just us (LAAF personnel), feel free to voice ideas, talk, ask questions, shoot the breeze, whatever, with the members present.  Keep the language somewhat clean and out of the gutter.  If a member of the Command Lance calls for a meeting, then we use meeting protocol. That means keep quiet unless you have a question or comment.  You can tell the meeting chairman you wish to say something by typing: ! (for a comment) or ? (For a question).  He will then give you the floor to make your statement and maybe ask or further comments.  When you are finished or have had you question answered you will type: Done. This tells the meeting Chair that you are done and he can move to the next person.

When our room has members of another team (friend or foe), you will let the ranking officer handle the discussion.  You will make no comments.  If you have something to add to the conversation, use your pager to tell the ranking officer or your current unit CO what it is you need to tell him or her.  We keep a ordered and united front in the face of our foes.  We will not tolerate any discussion breaking down to a "Liao Fire Drill".

If a person enters our room and is not affiliated with a League team or unit, be polite.  Ask what you can do for him or her and be polite.  They may be just like you were when you were looking for a home.  Show respect, and in return you will earn respect.

If you feel you need to voice a opinion or need to talk to someone regarding unit issues, please feel free to talk to me in email form or in a room in private.

ZoneStats Protocols

You will need to change your Zone call sign to LCAF_Yourname_SR.  This is most easily done by creating a new ZoneStats account.  This indicates your cadet status in the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces (LCAF) and/or Lyran Alliance Armed Forces (LAAF).  Also do not use a font type that is difficult to read in your E-mail and post.  This irritates Commanders; they tend to take a negative view on cadets doing that.  Also pick a font color that is easy to read clearly, for example: Blue is hard to see and read to our older members (like me), please don't use that color.

Welcome/Practices

You should also be receiving welcome letters from our Brigade Commander, General Arturus Steiner.  You set your training schedule. We will have 1 to 2 scheduled weekly unit practices.  You may attend these to get to know your fellow Rangers.  But until you complete your training and score some kills, you will not be able to participate in league combats representing the Skye Rangers.  This is a security measure and one I am sure you can understand.  Feel free to attend if for no other reason than to get to know the troops.  We also encourage you to get "Fun Games" in whenever you are on-line and a member of the LAAF is not.  If you come on and see a couple of LAAF members on in a room, join them and ask if they would care to do a training drop, one that you are currently working on.  This is not a Formal training drop and does not count towards your graduation, but everyone handles a mission differently.  This may show you some insight on a particular mission or tactic that you have not seen.  Also it lets others, which are not LAAF, see how you work in a mission.  We are like a large extended family here, being such; we don't like to let members of our family fail.  If members have the time, they will help you in any way they can. If you have any further questions please feel free to email our Brigade Commander, General Arturus Steiner.

Archon's Closing

That is all cadet, return to your studies.

DIS-missed!

Sincerely,

Archon Talon Steiner
Commander in Chief
Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces
Royal Hall, Tharkad
©3058 Lyran Commonwealth