VOLCBAT
History
The Volunteer Commando Battalion (also known as VOLCBAT or VCB) is a British-based co-operative squad. Active since 2002, we offer a unique gaming experience. The old cliche about striking a balance between fun and realism is actually true of VOLCBAT.
What sets us apart from other British squads is that we have an intensive and enjoyable training course for new recruits that is run by a number of serving and ex-forces personnel, and an all-pervasive level of squaddie humour. We have a fair number of members and games are held at least every other evening, if not nightly.
Armed Assault 2
With its release two years ago, VCB now use Armed Assault 2. Operations have been underway for the length of this period and with a strong stable of UKF's British releases, we're geared up for operations! If you're interested in joining VCB for ArmA 2, post an application on the following forum:
http://www.volcbat.com/forum/index.php
Structure
HQ Section
Consists of the Platoon Comander, the Platoon Sergeant, and a dedicated Radio Operator. HQ's role is to co-ordinate the rifle sections and their support during operations, as well as handling the out-of-mission administration.
1,2 & 3 Section
Rifle sections consisting of 6 - 8 men and led by a Corporal. They are the backbone of the battalion and handle most infantry-based tasks, they're primary mission being to engage the enemy in close combat. They operate as Armoured Infantry using the Warrior IFV and are equipped with a wide range of weapons to suit all roles, from GPMGs to 94mm LAWs.
4 Section
Provides armoured support with the Warrior IFV and the Scimitar CVR(T). Adept at spearheading assaults, when working in close co-operation with our rifle sections they are a highly effective fighting force.
5 Section
Provides our highly needed air support during operations. Duties include logistics runs, deep insertions, tank-hunting as well as aerial reconnaissance. Roles within the section range from door-gunner/loadmaster to gunship pilot.
Recce
Provides intelligence regarding enemy strength and disposition. Performing long distance patrols or manning OPs, Recce can also provide sniper support. Each member of Recce is hand-picked, and transfers are on a strictly invitation-only basis.
Recruitment
Applicants of any age and nationality are welcome. However, please bear the following points in mind:
- The average age within the squad is around 25, and as such a fair level of (im)maturity is to be expected. - A decent grasp of spoken and written English is required. This also extends to native English-speakers. - Games are usually held around 8pm-11pm GMT on Sundays and Wednesdays, so major time differences may cause problems.
The general rule of thumb regarding non-UK applicants is that pings and time differences are tolerable if you live two hours either side of the GMT timezone. However, if your pings are acceptable and you don't mind playing early/late, there's no problem. We have no demands regarding participation other than that you're present for a mission/operation at least once a month if reasonably possible. If there are temporary circumstances that will limit your free time (connection problems, work, illness, etc.) then there's no problem if you're 'missing' for a few weeks.
Selection
Successful applicants will be asked to attend a Volunteer Commando Training Assessment (or, for short, VCTA). The course is split into three one-hour sessions that can be run when suits the candidates. The course is not a test of skill, it's simply an assessment of your attitude, potential, and willingness to learn. The sessions are as follows:
Phase 1: Basic Infantry Training And Assessment
Recruits are given basic instruction in Map-reading and navigation, voice procedure, section size attacks and the mechanics of an operational patrol. In this period we put emphasis on skills that will maximise your potential as part of a section (to the point of drowning you in knowledge that you'll likely forget half of as soon as it ends), not 'game skills' that by this point we'd expect you to know (firing weapons at targets, getting a weapon out of a crate, driving a van). This will culminate in recruits being taken through a training exercise, putting in recon and seizing a barn held by the dreaded 24th Soviet Blue Target Infantry Division.
If you make it through past this stage and you've made chummy, then you will likely be able to consider yourself a member of our unit and come and destroy the enemy wherever they may be, including full access to our server and proprietary addon package.
Phase 2: Advanced Infantry Skills
Recruits are introduced to a collection of standard VCB weapons, taught basic anti-tank weapon drills, and are instructed in fire and movement, vehicle drills, room clearance and basic demolitions.
Phase 3: Final Exercise
Armed with the basic skills required of a Volunteer Commando, the recruits will be introduced to briefing procedure and led by a full member in a mock attack.
After the VCTA, recruits will be rejected or accepted depending on how they conducted themselves. If rejected, a recruit is given the opportunity to retake the course at a later date. However, if they fail for a second time, they will not be allowed to re-attempt again.
Addons
VCB uses UKF's excellent British addons in its missions. It also draws from many of the excellent OPFOR addons to add variety into every mission. A full list of required addons is provided to every succesful applicant.