Our Operations Concept
Virtual CVW-8 Operations Concept
The Virtual CVW-8 Operations Concept has been designed by members who completed careers in Naval Aviation in an effort to provide an authentic representation of real-world carrier air wing training and operations. Our open-world training environments provide customization of threats to allow flight leads to execute specific training objectives for each flight. This building block approach allows members to learn each skill in a part-task training manner, gradually combining those skills together until they reach full integrated air wing operations. When we deploy, we deploy into an open world full of dynamic campaign operations that will require creativity and skill to accomplish theater objectives.
The Virtual CVW-8 Operations Concept is a bit unique among DCS groups. Rather than planning a major mission every week, we operate within the Fleet Response Training Plan. This plan takes the air wing squadrons through a stepping-stone approach towards training. It allows members to really experience what it would be like to be in a U.S. Navy fighter squadron, building smaller training missions with flight leads, and gradually increasing in challenge and complexity until the entire air wing executes large force strikes in an integrated fashion. When the air wing is embarked on the ship for underway phases such as TSTA and C2X, we operate according the the air plan, the ship’s flight schedule that dictates launches and recoveries and allows us to enjoy the awesomeness of cyclic operations.
In addition to our FRTP operations, Virtual CVW-8 will run what we call “sim-combat” missions about twice a month. These are missions that are outside the training continuum and allow members an opportunity to break from the training cycle and enjoy integrated operations together. These missions are complex and take time to build and develop, and the Wing is always looking for more mission builders to help provide these fun and challenging opportunities!
But, let’s back up a minute. What does this Operations Concept mean for new members? Well, it means that Virtual CVW-8 is a solid fit for those DCS pilots who are looking to grow in their understanding and ability to execute realistic tactics in a team-centered environment. We are a good fit for pilots who desire to learn how to plan and lead authentic training and combat missions within the DCS environment. That said, do you need to be ready to contribute in these leading roles right out the gate? Of course not!
Planning and leading a mission means processing a mission tasking order, analyzing available intelligence information, using tools like Combat Flite to create a strike route and plan, creating TACADMIN cards with flight specific information, and in Large Force Strike missions, creating a PowerPoint Mass Brief for the entire strike package. No one would ever be asked to do this cold. Experienced flight leads will teach those who are learning. But the expectation is that all Virtual CVW-8 pilots will have the motivation to learn, master, and eventually lead within the Wing. Similar to the real-world, Virtual CVW-8 utilizes a qualification program known as the Strike Fighter Weapons and Tactics (SFWT or “swiftee”) program. There are five levels. All pilots in Virtual CVW-8 will be expected to progress to Level IV, which is a Combat Division Lead. Plenty of time is provided to earn these qualifications…all it takes is desire.
Virtual CVW-8 is built on a culture-first mindset. That means, while tactical execution is important and we always strive to learn and get better…at the end of the day, it is the PEOPLE that make this Wing what it is. Ultimately, this is a video game (GASP!) and a hobby…no one has the time to dedicate full time effort to this thing! That is why it is so important for the Wing’s membership to have a desire to learn, master, and eventually step up to help plan and lead flights and missions - all while keeping a mature and fun-loving outlook towards what we do here with our hobby!
To be clear, this is not about needing to actually BUILD a mission in the Mission Editor. For those interested in doing that, we have a White Cell group they can participate in, and more mission designers are always appreciated!
Virtual CVW-8 is a place for Naval Aviation enthusiasts who are motivated to learn and contribute. We provide an authentic representation of life in a Naval Aviation squadron…earning qualifications and becoming a flight leader rather than just a good wingman is part of that authenticity!