CT Sideways, Publisher
18th August 2019

Avalanche 1
"We took a quite the beating on the opening invasion of Geonosis but we plan on giving it right back this coming weekend! Also Andromeda almost killed the entire Battalion." - CS-M Legia

Avalanche 2

Arturion (CR-C to CT), Bacon (CR-C to CT), Slyder (CR-C to CT), Eliza (CR-C to CT)

“We are nearly successful at Americanizing CC Lava.” - CC Crisis

Avalanche 3

“We are doing ok” - CC Ewik 

Avalanche 4

Doug (Sr. CT to CP), Frost (CR-C to CT), Wicked (CR-C to CT)

"We're trapped between a droid army and another, bigger, angrier droid army. All in all, it's pretty great." - CS-M Coward

Acklay

“Ricochets blood is all in his head due to the ground harness. This explains a lot” - CC Lava

Onyx

"Onyx is working hard to get back into shape, and we look forward to the future of the detachment." - CS George

Razor

Conner (CT to CX-W), Frisk (CT to CX-C)

“If you need anything picked up from the battlefield, give us a call” - CX-W Flog (Warden)

“DM CX-X Namenai “big thank, script lord” for a free gift” - CX-S Jackson (Razor)

Mynock

“You see that CC Point guy? Yeah what a champ.” - CS-M Verax

RTO

“RTOs are keeping at it as always, happy with how everything is going. Lavas floor is made of floor.” - CI-O Roadboy

Zeta

“Uh, Uh” - CP Fancy

Do you enjoy working in Eden Editor?

Do you feel pride when you see something you make being used?

Well then then the Mission Builders are right for you!

Mission Builders are responsible for making every official mission file that you see on our servers, from Fun OP files to Galactic Campaign Files. We work closely with the story writers to create immersive environments for the players to fight their way through, from Pantora to Christophsis! 

If you have wanted to help create the campaign this is a solid opportunity because Eden Editor can be picked up easily.

Follow the steps in this document to join:  Mission Builder Document

- CX-S Jackson

“Good luck, don't mess it up.” - BC Bondoer

CR Bean
CR Nuclear
CR Ruski
CR Stain
CR Foxxy
CR Goliath
CR Ritz
CR Sparrow
CR Touchy

CR-C Bandit
CR-C Dark
CR-C Deceiving
CR-C Ethan
CR-C Genesis
CR-C Ze

DID YOU KNOW?

To try out a different playstyle, increase the 'aiming deadzone' slider in the options menu. This allows you to adjust your aim independently of your viewing direction. It's pretty rare in games nowadays and tough to get used to, but has a cool feeling to it.

501st Trivia

BC Jay is the most trustworthy player in any multiplayer strategy game.

501st Discord

501st Patreon

501st Donation Page

^{501st News Team opinion doesn’t reflect the opinions of the entire community. If you’d like to help the news team bring in new information, you can, in many ways, including but not limited to, signing up for the news team, submitting an article, posting a piece of media or getting publicity for an event. For those interested, please contact either CT Sideways once of the editors for more information. Your voice matters, let it be heard. We’re currently looking for writers to collect stories, media and content. Feel free to leave comments feel free to leave comments below on what you think.  Also please consider donating to the 501st to help pay for server costs and help keep this community alive and well maintained.}

^{Publisher: CT Sideways}

^{Editors: CP Sense and CS Hoodoo}

^{News Writers: CT Ruse CX-X Shnuffles, CT Tom, CS Jupiter, CT Rayne, CT Momentum, CT Lucky, CX-C Canik, CX-W Sentinel and CT Silver}

^{Media Team: CS Jupiter, CX-W Sentinel, CT Shifty, CT Silver, and CT Rayne
Correspondents: CT Daku, CT Momentum and CX-C Canik}

    A unit home to well over three hundred active duty personnel, the 501st offers a variety of ways for players to participate in platoon-sized operations where both a serious mindset and a fun attitude can coexist, resulting in a professional, fun experience. For the growing masses that lack the time to be a part of these activities, there is another opportunity: Zeta. Not only does Zeta offer members who can’t make Avalanche Company events a chance to participate in our unit, Zeta also serves as an opportunity to train members and prepare them for slotted positions throughout the unit. This hands-on field experience promotes the 501st’s high conduct standard standard across the ORBAT among both slotted troops and active reserves.

Did you know?

In order to obtain a Zeus Qualification - You must become RTO Qualified. Soon-to-be or already qualified Zeus Permits without an RTO Qualification should seek out an RTO Instructor and leave an inquiry about getting yourself qualified.

THE ZETA OF YESTERDAY

A company created with the goal of deploying the unit’s growing number of reservists, Zeta first made its introduction in November of 2018. Zeta opened a door for upcoming members of the 501st that found themselves without any certain place in the unit after graduating from CTC and later UTC. The company of both active and inactive personnel offers positions found throughout the unit. This exposure significantly raised the bar for entry throughout the unit, as the troopers that were a part of Zeta would later find themselves in the many detachments composing the 501st Legion. Many that would not have had time to participate, real life obligations, etc. found Zeta “To be the ideal balance between participating in the unit while being able to both distribute and mitigate my own workload.” (CT Wolf).

The first hurdle Zeta hopefuls faced was the Operational “Check-Ins” that were conducted among the Sections. For CR-C’s, the set amount of Check-Ins required was kept at only one. How about more? At times, “there have been ideas drafted where members would be required to get two Check-In’s instead” to get members more involved coming out of Zeta Company and entering the unit, instead of only putting up a single screening process to prevent inactive members taking up slots better suited to community members (CP Grandpa).

Did you know?

CM Tom was defeated in hand-to-hand combat after picking a fight with the wrong deer.

“It laid on me.” (CM Tom)

THE ZETA OF TODAY

The sections that compose Zeta function similarly to the platoons in Avalanche Company; however, apart from Avalanche, “Zeta’s sections are platoons catered to people that cannot make current platoon times. The operations are tailored to the personnel in our platoon slots.” (CP Grandpa).

As a company, Zeta offers everything that slotted troopers would typically have available while in a position in Avalanche. Although due to size and time constraints the company operates on a smaller scale - typically in squad-sized exercises as opposed to the run-of-the-mill Platoon-sized exercises. Furthermore, Zeta troopers are offered the same qualifications and choices of MOS in the Legion that can be pursued in other detachments. All of the Company’s members are capable of interacting with the community’s C-Shops and becoming active members within the 501st.

 At the moment, Zeta doesn't have any regularly scheduled Operations, instead offering monthly section operation, one per section. The reason Zeta focuses on trainings is to provide challenging conditioning which will ensure that reservists are up to date with the galaxy of threats facing the 501st.  

”Currently we have two main purposes: One, is to make sure that troops moving into Avalanche or other parts of the unit are prepared to do that - So that we have a standard of troopers. Two, so that people who have time constraints still have a place in our unit and can participate in operations. Zeta is fulfilling its purpose extraordinarily well at the moment and has made it easier for squad leaders to find above average troopers from Zeta.” ( CT Wolf). In short, the Company makes sure that new and returning Troopers know what they are doing all while helping out Avalanche in the process.

Zeta Company offers a chance for people to learn more on how the Unit works, but its leadership wants its subordinates to find a place in the Legion that they feel is the best fit for them as individuals:

“Zeta offers positions already available in Avalanche - the Company itself can act as both as a community and a stepping stone for members. “Our first goal is getting members out; We prioritize getting members out of our ranks and into the places that they want to be in.” (CT Wolf). 

INTERLUDE: QUOTES FROM 501st MEMBERS

Zeta is a helping hand for finding one’s place in the unit, so the 501st has asked Zeta veterans as well as unit members across the board to reflect on the Company, both good and bad. Following are some excerpts from the News Team’s interviews.

“I really enjoyed my time with Zeta with my odd squad, Zeta 2-1. I had a really good time and I feel like it really benefited me - it's contributed to how am today.  I feel like it did prepare me, but also, at the same time, I was reserving a lot, so I was already getting a lot of experience both in and out of Zeta. I feel like it could have benefited me more, but it benefited me in the way I was hoping - in cohesion with my reserving. The way I believe it could be improved is being more like Avalanche.”( CT Swanny)

“Zeta, to me, is just like Avalanche, but the differences are they do fewer ops and they have people changing out more because it's not supposed to be a long term thing unless you don't have the time.” (CT Facade)

“I feel like it is sort of a pit-stop, a place for people to take a minute before they get into Avalanche, Acklay, Mynock or wherever they are going. There are some positives in that, but it’s a place you go to check off a list. I've seen a zeta squad training and a Zeta function, and it's just a fun op for the most part if I'm being honest, just a big fun op.” (CC Point)

“My view on Zeta? It's a much needed thing in the unit. It’s for people who can’t attend other times. I think it's needed in the unit, but at the same time it's going to hurt a lot of people.”(CT Chan)

Although many troops see the value in Zeta, there are clearly some mixed opinions about the Company. As a special report agreed upon in advance to receive and respond to feedback, we brought the criticism we gathered to Zeta Company Commander CP Fancy and his Company Executive Officer, CP Delta, to hear their replies.

“I think the reason for this feedback is that up to now Zeta hasn't really had a straight direction. We’ve been trying way too many things at once. Right now, where we’re at is we’re building a better direction for the group so it doesn't look like that reservists just have to check in for Zeta once in a blue moon, and then they will just get slotted in Avalanche. We are focusing on training here at the current moment so people can do more than just wait around for something to happen or to move into avalanche.” (CP Delta)

Did you know?

     If you’d like to better prepare yourself for saving lives in the field and treating your own injuries, a basic medical qualification is the best choice. Medics host trainings and tests for troopers looking to become better life savers and those interested in pursuing an MOS in the 501st as a medic. The trainings run on a weekly schedule of A Days and B Days - Drop by on an A Day to become better acclimated to saving lives, and take a test on a B Day if you’re looking to become a medic among the Legion's finest.

THE ZETA OF TOMORROW 

    Now, taking into consideration all the information the News Team has gathered, we can move forward knowing wholeheartedly that Zeta is headed in the right direction, and that the members of the 501st Legion should rest easy knowing that the Company is in the hands of leadership that is passionate about its improvement. So, considering all we’ve discussed - and the upcoming changes - we in the News Team have compiled a quick and dirty survival guide - a path to success in Zeta.

-Work with what you have.

     -Just because you won’t be exposed to the scale of Avalanche’s operations doesn’t mean you can’t prepare.

-It’s not about the size - it’s about how you use it.It’s never too early to become a part of the Community - you’re already a part of it.

-Plan ahead.

     -Zeta is only one of the many steps in ferrying you along to other positions in the 501st. 

     -Another one of those steps is finding that position.

-Never post cringe.

     -Not even once.

And, of course, find out how to join! Says Delta:

“It’s really easy okay. Once you finish UTC, all you gotta do is fill out the Zeta application form and join the Zeta discord, and then request Zeta tags in there. Links are in my channel, they are also in the main discord as well. Then, search for the squad leader that best matches your times. As around or find it in each section’s room in TeamSpeak. Once you get your squad you’re good to go!”(CP Delta)

^{Senior Trooper Ruse, Ensign Shnuffles, Senior Trooper Tom, Sergeant Jupiter, Senior Trooper Rayne}

The 501st News Team got the chance to catch up with newly-promoted Second Lieutenant Crisis of Avalanche 2 and discuss his time in the unit and his plans for the future of the platoon. 

WELCOME TO THE 258th

    In July of 2017, Crisis joined the 258th training corps. The what? Yes, the 258th. In those days, Recruits would need to graduate before selecting which GARC legion to join. Crisis, upper leader of the 501st, chose the 212th. He hoped to find a smaller community that was more tightly meshed than, in his own words, “the massive blob that is Garry’s Mod.” But, lucky for the Legion, it wasn't meant to be. Due to scheduling conflicts, Crisis would request and be approved for a transfer into the 501st. 

    Then-Cadet Crisis would then participate in the second ever CTC class. CTC was the original training course for the 501st before the transition to the UTC format. After completion of CTC, Crisis joined Avalanche 3-4 as the bravo team lead under the mighty Andromeda with grizzled veteran and our very own publisher Sideways as the alpha team lead. 

TRENCH PLATOON

Later, both he and Sideways would transfer to 3-2 where Sideways squad led and Crisis was his alpha team lead. Crisis credits most of his growth with 3rd platoon. Thanks to the guiding hand of Andromeda, Sideways, Ewik and former 3rd Platoon commander Machete, Crisis learned the skills to be an effective trooper and more than capable leader. 

GHOSTS IN THE SNOW

    After becoming an NCO, Crisis transferred to Blizard 1-1 as a squad leader. It “was an absolute blast, literally, cause we exploded over most objectives.” Not long into his service, Blizzard was shuttered and became Avalanche 4, where Crisis found himself in the Platoon Sergeant billet. “This was definitely a new challenge for me since I was left to run everything about the platoon by myself. However I did have help from the experienced leaders” Player, Klein, and Machete.

    4th platoon was to become Crisis’ home. But, as with all things, change is inevitable. Real life scheduling conflicts arose again, Crisis had no choice but to transfer to 2nd platoon. It was a bittersweet departure. 

MEMER AND COMMANDER

As Platoon Commander, Crisis had to balance his friendships with his duties. “I’ve lost a lot of friends because they were breaking rules or not doing their jobs, and when they had to be disciplined, I was blamed [...] I’ve gotten to know so many people, and it has been sad to see some of them go, either from leaving the unit or just growing apart.” 

    Crisis has a lot planned for the future. “I'm happy that I've been recognized for all the work, time, and dedication I’ve put into the unit. However, having CC in my name means the expectations are much higher now, and im ready to take on whatever I need to help the unit grow.” 

The plan hasn't changed much with the new rank, however. His goal is a simple one. “Provide a fun experience and an environment to improve” to inspire others to put in as much time and work into the unit as they can.

WAR STORY AND CONCLUSION

You’ve all hopefully heard a squad leader snap: “No war stories ‘til the end!” Well, here we are, and we weren’t about to let Crisis get away without one.

“IBERIUS, Coward’s Campaign. 3rd platoon was on the counter attack after suffering a brutal defeat the last weekend. At one point we had to investigate a possible CIS facility in a mysterious rock quarry. Leaving most of the platoon to watch our rear, HQ, ARC, and my squad, 3-2 were sent to investigate. 

It was empty, but after a moment, a trap was unleashed! Droidekas and B2s swarmed out of the quarry and from the surrounding woods. We were attacked from all sides. Everyone caught in the crossfire was killed, leaving only me, Machete, and one or two others, somehow alive thanks to our trusty 3rd Platoon trenches. I fished the radio from the remains of the RTO and called in support. When Machete and I walked out of our trenches that were surrounded in droid and clone bodies. We had killed a platoon of droids.”

If the current trend is anything to go by, the 501st should expect great things from Crisis. Congratulations to Crisis on his promotion, and if you happen to see the Second Lieutenant, be sure to send him your congrats. May the Force be with you, Lieutenant.

Until next time,

CT Momentum and CX-C Canik Signing off



^{Trooper Momentum, Veteran Trooper Lucky, Flight Cadet Canik, Petty Officer Sentinel, Senior Trooper Silver}

CT Sideways, Publisher
August 11th 2019

Battalion HQ

“When in doubt, meme CC Crisis” - CS-M Verax

Avalanche 2

Slyder (CR-C to CT), Charger (CR-C to CT), Merk (CT to Sr. CT) and Black (CT to Sr. CT)
“I have transcended the mortal plane” - CC Crisis

“2nd Platoon is sad to see Sergeant Lupin leave. He has been an excellent squad leader and has set an extraordinary example for his peers. We hope Lupin comes back to us safe, and wish him luck in his endeavors.” - CS Pompano

Avalanche 3

“We’re doing good” - CC Ewik

Avalanche 4

Train (CT to CP), Cholt (CT to CP), Garviel (CT to CP)

“"Hold on, I've got a quote give me a second." - CS-M Coward

Acklay

"I have been trying this “laying unconscious 8 hours a day” thing people keep recommending. So far it's okay." - CC Lava

Onyx

Korvus to Team Lead Cyrus, Flux to Team Lead Solus, Owl to Team Lead Beskar

“We are going through some changes in our structure, but we’re looking to the future and look forward to what our new team leads have to offer towards the unit.” - CP Ares

Razor

Erlien (CX-X To CX-P)
“Razor supports TFAR beta” - CX Scuba

Mynock

“Fus Ro Dah!” - CC Klein

RTO

"The RTOs are maintaining well, we finally have all of the platoon RTOs in Avalanche at the rank of Corporal, a first in a long time. In addition to this, I will be resigning on the 28th of August due to real life commitments and stepping down to inactive reserves as a veteran trooper until I can find the time to get back into the unit properly. It hasn't been an easy decision to make however I've enjoyed every minute leading the RTOs and progressing the MOS to what it is today.

Also Ewik is Estonian." - CI-O Roadboy

Zeta

“Just don’t die.” - CP Delta

"You've taken your first step into being a part of the greatest brotherhood in Arma 3, in your time here you learn from failure and maximizing your efficacy to inspire others to grow and learn. We are an army of one man, but the right man for the right job. Welcome brothers." - 71171 Command Sergeant-Major Verax, Battalion NCOIC

CR December
CR Drebien
CR October
CR Rash
CR Ryce
CR Saint
CR Shield
CR Trig
CR Valkyrr
CR Beowulf

DID YOU KNOW?

Holding Left Ctr & using your Scroll Wheel can manipulate your speed limiter while in vehicles.

501st Trivia

Euler trivia can be submitted to the news team!

501st Discord

501st Patreon

501st Donation Page

^{501st News Team opinion doesn’t reflect the opinions of the entire community. If you’d like to help the news team bring in new information, you can, in many ways, including but not limited to, signing up for the news team, submitting an article, posting a piece of media or getting publicity for an event. For those interested, please contact either CT Sideways once of the editors for more information. Your voice matters, let it be heard. We’re currently looking for writers to collect stories, media and content. Feel free to leave comments feel free to leave comments below on what you think.  Also please consider donating to the 501st to help pay for server costs and help keep this community alive and well maintained.}

^{Publisher: CT Sideways}

^{Editors: CP Sense and CS Hoodoo}

^{News Writers: CT Ruse CX-X Shnuffles, CT Tom, CS Jupiter, CT Rayne, CT Momentum, CT Lucky, CX-C Canik, CX-W Sentinel and CT Silver}

^{Media Team: CS Jupiter, CX-W Sentinel, CT Shifty, CT Silver, and CT Rayne
Correspondents: CT Daku, CT Momentum and CX-C Canik}

CT Sideways, Chief News Editor
Sunday, August 4th, 2019

Battalion HQ

“Don’t be a dick.” - BC Jay

Avalanche HQ

Pipit (Sr. CT to Vt. CT), Target (Sr. CT to Vt. CT), Vengeance (Sr. CT to Vt. CT), Tideend (Sr. CT to CP), Hoodoo (CP to CS)

“Avalanche Company’s doin’ grand: my dog’s ok, the press is censoring me, Odin is [REDACTED].” - CC Player
“That is completely false.” - CS-M Odin

Avalanche 1

Point (CS-M to CC), Kestrel (CT to CP), Tideend (CT to CP), Coin (CR-C to CT), Mustang (CT to Sr, CT)

“Excited for the FTX cycle and going to get some training in before campaign starts back up again.” - CC Point

Avalanche 2

Anta (CR-C to CT), September (CT to Sr. CT), Duke (CT to Sr. CT), Crisis (CS-M to CC)

“Ewik is losing the invasion against the Soviets” - CS-M Crisis

Avalanche 3

Knight (CT to Sr. CT)

Chan (Sr. CT to CP)

Muzzer (Sr. CT to CP)

“3rd Platoon welcomes back their Commander, Ewik, after his recovery from the near fatal bird attack.” - CS-M Andromeda

Avalanche 4

York (CR-C to CT)

Clock (Sr. CT to CP)

"Avalanche 4 is preparing for our next deployment in the galactic campaign. Currently we're working on dealing with highly aggressive and intelligent hostile elements and how to overcome them." - CS-M Coward

Acklay

Brandon (CP to Sr. CP)

"Those clankers are on the run! All I hope is LT Grub is safe." - CC Lava

Onyx

Korvus (Sr. CT to Vt. CT)

“Lot of changes internally and externally, looking forward to the future of Onyx” - CS George

Razor

“Razor is doing superb - Fantastic even. Standby for an announcement regarding this upcoming IEA. On another note, the Warden detachment is still looking for members to fill their ranks.” - CX-W Flog

“If you ever have questions about Razor or are interested in joining be sure to use #razor-open or DM a flight officer.” - CX Scuba

Mynock

“This is fine...” - CC Klein

Zeta

“Crab Champions looks to be a quality video game that I would encourage all members of the unit to purchase and play” - CP Fancy

DID YOU KNOW?

We really don't know how many clones there are out there.

501st Discord

501st Patreon

501st Donation Page

^{501st News Team opinion doesn’t reflect the opinions of the entire community. If you’d like to help the news team bring in new information, you can, in many ways, including but not limited to, signing up for the news team, submitting an article, posting a piece of media or getting publicity for an event. For those interested, please contact either CT Sideways once of the editors for more information. Your voice matters, let it be heard. We’re currently looking for writers to collect stories, media and content. Feel free to leave comments feel free to leave comments below on what you think.  Also please consider donating to the 501st to help pay for server costs and help keep this community alive and well maintained. Photo Credits: CT Guide}

^{Publisher: CT Sideways}

^{Editors: CP Sense and CS Hoodoo}

^{News Writers: CT Ruse CX-X Shnuffles, CT Tom, CS Jupiter, CT Rayne, CT Momentum, CT Lucky, CX-C Canik, CX-W Sentinel and CT Silver}

^{Media Team: CS Jupiter, CX-W Sentinel, CT Shifty, CT Silver, and CT Rayne
Correspondents: CT Daku, CT Momentum and CX-C Canik}