Talk to Your Pilots

Communication. Absolutely vital above all else. Without it, the organization would be in complete disarray. Too many times, we have seen chaotic moments break squadrons simply because CMDRs did not even attempt to respond to their member’s questions. So when we say communication is key, we aren’t being cliché about it. Talking with your squadron is key to running a successful squadron. Your squad members look up to you for guidance, and you will more than likely be the first person they go to when they start asking questions. Also, keep in mind the TIE Corps policies on AWOL declarations (30 days of no communication or activity), and do your best to prevent your pilots being declared AWOL unnecessarily. We will go into more details as you read more into this section, but as you do start getting a sense of how communication is already run within your current squadron. How does it flow? Do questions get answered? How fast and efficient? A good guideline for communications as a CMDR is to respond to messages within 24 hours. With these questions, there are no exact “right or wrong” answers, but there are good and bad ways to handle them, and we will be exploring several of them here.

Squadron Executive Officer Expectations

The choice of a Squadron Executive Officer for your squadron should be made with careful consideration. Are you looking for one to just help with day-to-day paperwork? Needing help in increasing morale with your squadron? Finding someone to maybe one day take your place as the squadron’s next CMDR if/when you step down? All three of these questions are good starting points to consider when choosing an SQXO, as maybe one day you might need to find someone who can help with all three questions.

If you do make the determination to delegate work to your SQXO, make sure you’re doing so in a purposeful and deliberate way. Choose things to delegate that will help prepare your SQXO for the next step. Sloughing off busy work might make your life easier, but it doesn’t help your SQXO grow and develop. Begin with the end in mind and help them develop into the leader they can be.

Squadron Flight Leader Expectations

Like with the SQXO choice, choosing a Flight Leader must also be considered with care, as they will be in charge of three of the (up to) 12 pilots a squadron can house. While not as “serious” of a role as SQXO, it is still important nonetheless, as they will also be leaders within the squad that others will look up to. Always find the mentors or role models folks look up to when deciding on Flight Leads; they tend to be the best candidates for the position. Failing that, someone always eager to prove themselves for advancement is always a good sign, so long as they aren’t overeager.

New Pilots

The first thing to do with pilots who first join the TIE Corps (TC) right off the bat is NOT to rush them to get to work. Greet them and aid them in settling into their new position because they will be either entirely overwhelmed or not have the slightest clue what’s going on. Although not required, it is helpful to have a welcome email prepared with some introductory information on what the TC has to offer them. This could include playing games (and how to submit), taking intro-level IU courses, writing fiction, or even creating graphics are all good starting points. All of these activities will earn them their first promotion, which can help encourage pilots to continue to engage. Again though, don’t bombard them with wanting them to push for everything all at once. You don’t want to scare them right off the bat.

When Problems Arise

Despite your best efforts, you may occasionally have to deal with a problem pilot. Our goal in the TIE Corps is always to help our pilots grow and develop. If you see a problem or someone who isn’t performing their best, use it as an opportunity to coach and mentor that pilot. Helping our pilots be their very best will make for a stronger organization.

When you need to have that difficult conversation, take the time to put your thoughts together before you sit down with them. It’s important to outline what the expectation is and how you expect them to get there. Once you set the expectation clearly for the pilot, it makes it much easier to hold them accountable. Make sure that you’re offering your help in getting in line with those expectations. Some people are going to need more guidance than others, and we want everyone to improve and develop. Sometimes it’s helpful to sit down and outline the coaching session before you go to talk with them via a DM or a Voice Call. It’s important to take a minute and determine your end goal and keep that in mind when you have the conversation.

Sometimes problems arise that are beyond a normal conversation. We strive to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and any kind of communication or activity that is antithetical to that cannot be tolerated. It is highly recommended that, as a new Squadron Commander, you spend some time becoming acquainted with the Code of Conduct and Articles of War. If there is an issue that could be eligible for a Category 1 penalty per the Code of Conduct, it’s important that you put a stop to it immediately. This would include discriminatory speech or posting content in Discord that is deemed to be above the PG-13 standard for language. If you’re not sure if it’s in violation of these rules, do a quick gut check. In these cases, your first instinct is very often correct. We all have a responsibility to perpetuate the culture of belonging and inclusion that we’ve developed in the TIE Corps. Once the behavior in question has been stopped, the follow-up conversation about how to correct the behavior going forward is critical.

As a final note in dealing with troublesome pilots, don’t be afraid to leverage your SQXO or FL, if they have a good rapport with that pilot. Sometimes a kind word from someone they trust goes a long way towards correcting bad behavior. At the same time, don’t forget you have your Chain of Command in the event you need backup. As a Squadron Commander your Battlegroup Commander is your direct supervisor and they will be able to support you if you are running into issues you may be having.