Colonel
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Group Leader. Running a squadron is tough. Running a bunch
of squadrons is ridiculous. A Colonel has to coordinate the activities of
multiple squadrons, including cross training, group scale mission planning,
keeping an eye on the squadron CO's to make sure they're doing everything
right, while at the same time knowing how to delegate authority and trust
a squadron CO's decision. And he still has to watch his section in combat
just like any section leader.
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Lieutenant Colonel
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Group Executive. Yeah, ok, the Colonel's job is hard. But that's
why he keeps an executive officer around. A group XO has to take charge
of anything and everything that slips off the group leader's plate, whether
it's mission planning, training, or taking over in a combat situation when the
group leader is unavailable. Worse yet, the XO has to magically know when to
do everything, since the CO is probably to busy to tell him anything useful.
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Major |
Squadron Leader. Sixteen aircraft depend on the judgement
and capability of a Major. In combat, he must do everything a section leader has
to do, but strategically he is responsible for everybody's welfare on a
higher level. Not just planning and executing full squadron size missions,
but rewarding pilots appropriately, punishing them if needed, setting up
special training for a pilot, or recognizing how a pilot could train others.
A major has to keep a constant lookout to make sure the entire squadron is
functioning, both tactically and individually.
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Captain
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Section Leader. You thought watching out for your wingman was
tough? A Captain leads 4 aircraft into combat, including his own.
Strategic planning is added to tactical planning. A captain has to
understand how to delegate responsibility to the 1st Lt. that commands
his second element, how to work with him and trust him. A Captain
has to monitor his entire section's energy state and situation, and
know when and how to engage and disengage.
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First Lieutenant
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Element Leader. A 1st Lt. has developed a strong set of skills when it
comes to his own plane. It's now his responsibility to share those
skills with a wingman, and to watch his wingy's butt. He better be
good because he can't concentrate on his own airplane 100% anymore.
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Second Lieutenant
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Wingman. A 2nd Lt. is assigned to a wing leader and does his best to
protect him, fly with him, learn from him, and kick ass. A 2nd Lt. is
concentrating on their own airplane, and leaves worrying about everything
else to someone else.
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