1-Year Giveaway - Results & Next Steps

First of all, thank you to everyone who took the time to reply!

I received a relatively small number of responses compared to the more or less 450 potential respondents. Perhaps the summer period played a role. While slightly disappointing from my perspective, it doesn’t diminish the value of the answers I did receive. Quite the opposite: the quality of the feedback is great, and I want to make the maximum out of it.

Tier 1 – General Feedback & Suggestions

The majority of you emphasized the clarity, depth, and realism of the content. Many highlighted how the articles and missions go beyond “fly-and-forget” and integrate real-world doctrine into DCS.

Several people made requests for planning tools, more structured missions/campaigns, and more rotary-wing/CSAR content. Afghanistan and Iraq remain the most desired theaters, though Cold War Germany and Syria also came up.

Among the best recommendations, I keep in mind the idea of episodic campaign structures, trying to come up with structured debriefs, and ideally help plan/organize complex missions (COMAOs, large-scale exercises).

Tier 2 – Names & Identity Proposals

Three entries, three winners... Perfectly matching numbers :)

• Moe: Legio Victrix – “Semper Victoriosa”

• S3ntry: TAC Brief – Beyond the Map

• CPTIr1sh: Understanding Sand & Stone – “The land remembers”

All three entries were potentially interesting. At this stage, however, I won’t keep any of the proposals, because I am still reflecting on the long-term direction of the page and what identity would suit it best. That said, your ideas are helpful, and they will remain part of my thinking process as this evolves.

Tier 3 – Masterclass Proposals

The ideas ranged from Air Reconnaissance to Airbase Defense and Campaign Planning.

The most comprehensive and valuable comment came from Posohm, who outlined a full spectrum of potential classes: ACO/ACP building, AOD design, targeteering, 5-day battle rhythm, Weapons Attack Guides, and more...

He also mentioned the C-130J. I’m not certain I’ll be able to create decisive content specifically for this aircraft. That said, just like helicopters, it will remain within my spectrum, and whenever topics are relevant to tactical or strategic airlift missions, I’ll make sure to include them.

Winners

• Tier 1:

  • Most helpful comment: 163sleepy

  • Random winner: Zev

• Tier 2: only winners

  • Moe

  • S3ntry

  • CPTIr1sh

• Tier 3:

  • Best proposal: Posohm

I will shortly contact you individually!

Coming in September

Starting in September, I will begin hosting monthly masterclasses for “Combat Pilot” members. The first session will be dedicated to “CSAR missions in a COIN environment, with an introduction to doctrinal documents as well as a comparison of the differences and similarities with high-intensity contexts. The exact date is still to be determined, but several proposals are already open for voting on Discord so that members can help me identify the best timing.

In parallel, I will also open a new membership tier that gives a small group of subscribers the opportunity to fly a complete mission with me. Each session will last approximately three hours and will cover the entire process, from briefing to debriefing. To keep this manageable and to ensure the highest quality, the number of slots will initially be limited to five participants per month. More information can be found directly in the tier membership details.

Thank you everyone!