BRONZE SQUADRON STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP)

1. PURPOSE

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes the official guidelines, expectations, and operational standards governing all activities conducted within NSWDG Bronze Squadron. The purpose of this document is to ensure consistency, accountability, operational readiness, professionalism, and mission effectiveness across all unit functions.

This SOP serves as the foundation for daily operations, training activities, mission execution, internal communication, and personnel conduct. By adhering to these procedures, the unit maintains a structured and disciplined environment capable of operating efficiently under dynamic and high-pressure conditions.

This SOP is intended to:

• Standardize operational procedures across all divisions and attached personnel.
• Promote professionalism, discipline, and accountability at every level.
• Improve coordination and communication throughout the chain of command.
• Ensure personnel maintain readiness for training and operational deployments.
• Preserve professionalism, immersion, and realism within the unit environment.

2. SCOPE

This SOP applies to all personnel assigned to, attached to, or operating under NSWDG Bronze Squadron authority. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Command staff
• Team leaders
• Operators
• Intelligence personnel
• Communications specialists
• Medical personnel
• Logistics support
• Attached operational elements and partner units

All personnel are required to understand, comply with, and uphold the procedures outlined within this document regardless of rank, role, or assignment status.

Failure to comply with this SOP may result in corrective action, disciplinary review, temporary suspension from operations, or removal from the unit depending on the severity of the violation.

3. UNIT ETHOS

FACTA PORTARUM

Makers of Doorways

Bronze Squadron operates under a professional ethos emphasizing:

• Loyalty to the team and mission
• Professional restraint under pressure
• Adaptability in dynamic situations
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Pursuit of operational excellence

All personnel are expected to embody these principles during both training and operational activities.

4. CORE PRINCIPLES

5. IMMERSION

Personnel are expected to maintain a highly immersive and realistic operational environment within the MilSim structure. Members shall:

• Follow realistic military procedures and protocols
• Utilize authentic communication practices and terminology
• Participate actively in coordinated operations and training
• Demonstrate professionalism during tactical scenarios
• Maintain in-character discipline where applicable

5.1 Operational Activities

Operational activities may include:

• Patrol operations
• Reconnaissance missions
• Convoy security
• Direct action operations
• Objective-based tactical missions

5.2 Professional Development

Personnel are encouraged to improve their understanding of:

• Military tactics and formations
• Operational planning
• Briefing and debriefing procedures
• Chain-of-command structure
• Tactical communication methods

5.3 Immersion and Breaking Immersion

Generally, breaking immersion is greatly frowned upon. There is never a reason for a casual break in immersion when in-game by any unit personnel. This includes talking about things going on in the background of your house, what's currently on TV, voice activation issues, and more.

If able, someone experiencing a technical issue needs to try their best to explain their issue immersively. The most common example of this is saying "off comms 1 mike" when going to the bathroom instead of "afk to pee". Other examples include:

• "I have a rock in my boot" when experiencing the enhanced movement bug that makes you move slower, or when someone has a computer that runs Arma slowly and they're lagging behind.
• "You need to stretch out your back" when someone is having the bug where they are permanently leaning for you
• "Your weapon is malfunctioned" or "You need to reload" if a 249 or 240 gunner is having the glitch where it looks like the feed cover is stuck up

If a bug, glitch, or issue is so bad that it needs to be explained in order to get it fixed, that is more or less the only time that breaking immersion is authorized.

Filling in - Make sure your subordinates know how to handle fill-ins and what the fill-in SOP is.

5.4 "Flipping the Switch"

"We are a realism unit first, and a gaming community second". This distinction is important to understand as it relates to the overall operation of the unit. The area that many other realism-based units fall apart from is normally trying to foster a community first and foremost over enforcing their own unit standards. The overall goal of Bronze Squadron is to provide an extremely immersive in-game realism/roleplaying ArmA experience. We use realistic rank structure, SOP, and CoC to emulate this. This leads to it being a little more difficult to meet and talk to people above you in the CoC of the unit. This is intentional, as it helps foster the expected environment of realism both in and out of game.

That said, it is as important to understand when to "turn the realism on" as it is when to "switch it off". We call this "flipping the switch", and it comes naturally for some, and not at all for some others (this is when it is the responsibility of leaders to guide/fix these behaviors).

In-game, flipping the switch should be easy. From load-in time to the beginning of the briefing for the mission, the levels of immersion should gradually be rising until personnel are fully immersed into realism/roleplaying mode. This is when the out of game joking, discussions, references, etc is completely stopped and the seriousness, professionalism, maturity, discipline, and immersion completely takes over. At the very latest, this starts immediately when the mission or mission briefing begins.

Out of game is when flipping the switch is more muddied and difficult, especially when surrounded by friends. Flowing from talking about random things to having serious discussion about official unit related topics and back again, comes naturally for some, but not for others. For those that have a hard time making the transition (flipping the switch), there are several ways to structure things to make people understand that they are now in an official unit conversation. The most efficient and easy way to do this is to address someone by their rank in a serious tone. That change of tone alerts everyone present that the conversation has switched to something serious and unit-related. Other ways include but are not limited to:

• Simply state "We need to talk about official unit things for a bit"
• Move to a different channel and send a PM in Teamspeak to the person involved to join you

5.5 Push to Talk (PTT) — Communications Configuration

All Bronze Squadron personnel are required to configure and use Push to Talk (PTT) for all in-game communications. PTT is mandatory for both radio and local voice channels without exception. Open microphone is not authorized during any Bronze Squadron operation, training event, or official activity.

PTT must be configured and confirmed functional before the operator boards the server on any operation or training night. Failure to have PTT operational is not an acceptable reason to delay the briefing or mission step-off — it is the operator's responsibility to verify their setup prior to arrival.

5.6 Why PTT is Required

Open microphone transmissions compromise communications discipline across the entire element. Unintentional audio — background noise, keyboard sounds, side conversations — degrades radio clarity, masks critical transmissions, and creates an unprofessional environment that impacts mission effectiveness and Immersion. PTT eliminates this entirely when configured correctly.

5.7 Configuration Requirements

PTT must be configured for both channels independently:

• Radio — Dedicated PTT key bind assigned and confirmed. Radio transmissions must be deliberate and keybind-activated only.
• Local Voice (Direct / Proximity) — Separate PTT key bind assigned and confirmed. Local communications must also be PTT-activated — local open mic is not authorized.

Both keybinds must be distinct from one another to prevent accidental cross-channel transmission.

5.8 Verification

Operators are responsible for testing PTT functionality before joining the server on operation and training nights. If a technical issue arises during an event, the operator must notify their COC immediately and resolve the issue as quickly as possible. An operator transmitting open mic during an operation will be directed to correct the issue on the spot. Repeat failures to maintain PTT discipline are subject to corrective action.

Strong immersion contributes directly to unit realism, teamwork, and operational effectiveness.

6. EVENT TYPES

Bronze Squadron conducts four distinct categories of official and unofficial events. All personnel are expected to understand the differences between them, as attendance requirements, immersion standards, and billet assignments vary by event type.

6.1 Operation

An Operation is an official, story-driven event that follows the unit's active deployment narrative over an extended period of time. Operations are the primary mission output of Bronze Squadron and represent the highest tier of official activity. Full attendance is expected. Immersion, billet adherence, and operational standards are enforced without exception. All Bronze Squadron SOPs apply in full.

6.2 Training

A Training event is an official event that brings the Troop together to develop and sharpen skills in a specific area within an immersive environment. Trainings are not optional — they are official events and carry the same attendance requirements as Operations. The focus is deliberate skill development, and the immersive format means conduct and standards expectations remain identical to those on an Operation.

6.3 Spinup

A Spinup is an official event that follows a condensed, self-contained story. Like an Operation, Spinups require the same level of immersion and professional conduct, but are shorter in scope and duration. Spinups may take place outside of the active deployment Area of Operations during deployment phases or FTX periods, allowing the unit to operate in varied environments without disrupting the primary deployment narrative. Attendance is required. All Bronze Squadron SOPs apply.

6.4 Funop

A Funop — or Fun Operation — is a non-official event that may draw from any setting, from historical operations to science fiction scenarios. Funops exist outside the standard deployment and training structure and are intended to provide a lower-stakes, recreational operational experience. Attendance is not required and will not be tracked for the purposes of the attendance SOP. Billet and role assignments may be adjusted at the discretion of the element lead. Standard conduct expectations still apply — Funop status does not suspend Bronze Squadron's code of conduct.

6.5 Summary Reference

| Event Type | Official | Attendance Required | Immersion Standard | Billet Adherence | |---|---|---|---|---| | Operation | Yes | Yes | Full | Yes | | Training | Yes | Yes | Full | Yes | | Spinup | Yes | Yes | Full | Yes | | Funop | No | No | Relaxed | At element lead discretion |

7. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

7.1 Unit Headquarters

The Unit Commander maintains final authority over all operational and administrative matters within Bronze Squadron. Responsibilities include:

• Approving operations and training events
• Establishing unit objectives
• Enforcing standards and discipline
• Coordinating with higher command structures

7.2 Operational Elements

The operation elements within Bronze Squadron are as follows:

7.2.1 NSWDG

Team Leaders

Team Leaders are responsible for:

• Direct supervision of assigned operators
• Tactical leadership during missions
• Maintaining team readiness
• Ensuring communication and coordination within the chain of command
• Carrying out disciplinary actions when appropriate (e.g., Counselings)
• Writing and submitting After Action Reports (AARs) in a timely fashion

Operators

Operators execute assigned mission objectives and maintain operational readiness. Operators are expected to:

• Maintain proficiency in assigned roles
• Follow command direction
• Support team coordination and mission success
• Maintain a high level of communication with their COC regarding LOA (Leave of Absences), absences, technical issues in regards to hardware or software, or other pertinent information

7.2.2 24th STS & 160th SOAR

Bronze Squadron operates with two permanently attached specialized elements: the 24th Special Tactics Squadron and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. Both elements operate under their own internal structure and chain of command while integrated into Bronze Squadron operations. All Bronze Squadron personnel are expected to understand the composition, callsigns, and capabilities of both elements.

24th Special Tactics Squadron — Callsign: Raven

The 24th STS provides Bronze Squadron with specialized fire coordination, reconnaissance, and medical support. The element operates under the Raven callsign. All Bronze Squadron operators are expected to know the Raven callsign structure and what each position provides before calling on them during an operation.

| Callsign | Billet | Role | |---|---|---| | Raven 6 | Section Lead | Commands the 24th STS element. Primary point of contact for Bronze Squadron leadership on fires coordination, recon tasking, and medical support requests. | | Raven 1 | CCT / TACP | Combat Controller / Tactical Air Control Party. Responsible for coordinating and controlling air assets, close air support, and fire integration. | | Raven 2 | Special Reconnaissance | Provides dedicated reconnaissance support — route recon, target area surveillance, and pre-mission intelligence collection. | | Raven 3 | Pararescue (PJ) | Pararescueman. Primary CASEVAC and personnel recovery capability for the element. First call for casualty treatment and extraction. |

160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment — Night Stalkers

The 160th SOAR provides Bronze Squadron with dedicated aviation support across assault transport, fire support, heavy lift, and precision attack. Aircraft assignment is determined by mission requirements and confirmed during the spin-up and briefing phase.

| Airframe | Designation | Primary Role | |---|---|---| | MH-60K Blackhawk | Primary Assault Transport | Insertion and extraction of assault elements. Primary personnel movement platform. | | MH-60L DAP | Direct Action Penetrator | Armed escort and fire support. Provides suppression and direct fires during insertion, extraction, and direct action operations. | | MH-47E Chinook | Heavy Lift | Heavy lift and large-scale personnel transport. Used for multi-element insertions and resupply operations. | | AH-6C Little Bird | Light Attack | Light attack and precision fires. Used for close-in support, reconnaissance, and precision engagement of high-value targets. | | Bell OH-58 Kiowa | Light Attack | Armed reconnaissance, target acquisition, and light attack. Serves as the unit's "eyes and ears" on the battlefield, scouting for enemy positions and designating targets with a mast-mounted sight. | | C-130J Hercules | Tactical Airlift | Designed to transport troops, military equipment, and supplies, and to perform airdrops into hostile or remote areas. Highly valued for its ability to operate from short, austere, or unimproved runways. |

All personnel will report through the designated chain of command unless otherwise directed by leadership.

8. READINESS STANDARDS

All personnel are required to maintain operational readiness at all times. Readiness standards include:

• Ensuring familiarity with assigned weapons systems and equipment
• Participating in mandatory training cycles
• Maintaining attendance and participation standards
• Remaining proficient in assigned operational roles
• Requalification will happen annually to maintain proficiency
• Maintain Mod pack to ensure ease of joining

All J-Shop SOPs are required to be presented and approved by Unit Headquarters.

Personnel failing to meet readiness standards may be temporarily restricted from operations until deficiencies are corrected.

9. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

9.1 Purpose

Professional communication is essential for operational effectiveness and team coordination. All personnel shall:

• Use clear, concise, and professional language
• Avoid unnecessary transmissions or disruptive behavior
• Confirm receipt and understanding of critical information
• Follow proper radio procedures and communication formats
• Respect the established reporting hierarchy and chain of command

9.2 APPROVED COMMUNICATION METHODS (FORUMS ONLY)

All official Bronze Squadron communication — administrative, operational, and personnel — is conducted through unit forums. Forums are the sole approved channel of record. Direct messages, off-platform chats, and verbal-only exchanges are not official and will not be recognized for action, tracking, or dispute resolution.

9.3 Communication Through the Chain of Command (CoC)

Routine matters move up the chain one echelon at a time:

Member → Team Leader → Squad Leader → Troop Chief → Troop Commander → UHQ

• Members direct requests, reports, and concerns to their immediate superior first.
• If a matter is unresolved or exceeds that leader's authority, the leader forwards it to the next member in the CoC or clears the member to escalate.
• Jumping the chain is prohibited except as authorized in 9.4.
• Leaders will acknowledge an action or forward subordinate communication in a timely manner.

9.4 Direct Communication to UHQ

Members may contact UHQ directly, bypassing the CoC, only in these cases:

• Misconduct, abuse, or complaint involving a member's own chain
• Sensitive or personal matters not appropriate for the chain
• Any matter UHQ has designated for direct submission

When contacting UHQ all members must be included in the forum message/request.

• Direct UHQ contact is submitted through the designated UHQ forum channel addressed to the relevant J-staff member.
• Routine matters sent directly to UHQ without cause are referred back to the appropriate CoC and may introduce disciplinary actions for not following the correct process.

9.3 Radio Discipline

All personnel shall maintain professional radio discipline by:

• Using concise and relevant transmissions
• Avoiding unnecessary communication traffic
• Confirming receipt of important information
• Following proper radio procedures and call signs
• Maintaining encryption standards where required

Improper radio use that interferes with operational effectiveness may result in corrective action.

Encrypted communication systems shall be utilized whenever required by operational conditions or command direction.

Communications during operations must remain disciplined to minimize confusion and maintain operational security (to include non-immersive language and subjects while in training/operational setting).

Unauthorized actions that compromise mission effectiveness, unit cohesion, or operational security are strictly prohibited.

10. MISSION PREPARATION

10.1 Purpose

Proper preparation is required prior to all operations and training exercises. Personnel shall:

• Review mission objectives thoroughly
• Understand assigned responsibilities and team roles
• Attend mandatory pre-operation briefings
• Review operational risks and contingency plans
• Conduct final inspections of all assigned equipment

10.2 Pre-Operation Briefings

Pre-operation briefings shall include:

• Leadership Planning Meeting
• Mission objectives
• Threat assessments
• Operational timelines
• Rules of engagement
• Communication procedures
• Emergency contingencies
• Extraction and fallback procedures

Team Leaders must confirm overall team readiness before mission execution.

11. OPERATIONAL CONDUCT

11.1 Purpose

During all operations, personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, immersion, discipline, and situational awareness. Personnel shall:

• Follow command direction immediately and professionally
• Maintain awareness of friendly positions, threats, and mission progress
• Avoid unnecessary exposure or risk
• Coordinate effectively with team members
• Maintain communication discipline
• Prioritize mission success while protecting team safety

All intelligence materials, operational documents, and sensitive information shall be handled securely and passed on to the SSE and Detainee Coordinator. Personnel shall:

• Encrypt intelligence during transmission
• Limit distribution to authorized personnel only
• Store information within approved secure systems
• Prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive material

All personnel will be required to be in the same voice channel during all Unit events.

12. POST-OPERATION PROCEDURES

12.1 Purpose

Upon completion of operations, all personnel shall participate in post-operation procedures to ensure accountability and continuous improvement. Required procedures include:

After Action Reports (AAR) are required by all leadership elements and will include the following:

• Medical Events: KIA/WIA
• Operational success or failure
• Comments and concerns from the event
• See COC for AAR format

12.2 Debrief Sessions

Debrief sessions shall include:

• Review of mission objectives
• Identification of operational successes
• Discussion of mistakes or deficiencies
• Recommendations for improvement
• Lessons learned for future operations

Following debriefing, personnel shall reset equipment and prepare for future assignments.

13. TRAINING AND EVALUATION

13.1 Purpose

Training is essential to maintaining operational effectiveness and mission readiness. Personnel are required to:

• Participate in scheduled training exercises (Reference Attendance SOP)
• Conduct section-specific training every 30 days (all sections/elements required)
• Maintain certifications and qualifications (See Section 8)
• Demonstrate proficiency in assigned duties
• Complete evaluations conducted by leadership

13.2 Periodic Evaluations

Periodic evaluations may assess:

• Tactical proficiency
• Communication effectiveness
• Leadership capability
• Team coordination
• Discipline and professionalism

Performance deficiencies shall be addressed through corrective instruction, retraining, or mentorship programs.

14. CODE OF CONDUCT

14.1 Purpose

All personnel are expected to represent NSWDG Bronze Squadron professionally at all times. Personnel shall:

• Treat others with respect and professionalism
• Follow lawful orders from authorized leadership
• Maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information
• Avoid toxic, disruptive, or unprofessional behavior
• Uphold the reputation and standards of the unit

In formal settings, rank must be observed. These include briefings and debriefings (not needed during operations).

Harassment, discrimination, insubordination, or conduct detrimental to the unit will not be tolerated.

15. DUAL-ENLISTMENT POLICY

15.1 Purpose

Bronze Squadron permits dual-enlistment. Personnel who are members of an outside unit or organization are authorized to maintain that affiliation while serving in Bronze Squadron, provided the following condition is met without exception:

Dual-enlisted personnel must be present and available for all Bronze Squadron Official Events. Outside unit commitments do not constitute an excused absence from Bronze Squadron operations or training. The attendance standards in this SOP apply in full — dual-enlistment does not modify, reduce, or supersede them.

Personnel who find that outside commitments are consistently preventing attendance at Bronze Squadron Official Events will be counseled regarding their availability and commitment to the unit. Continued inability to meet the attendance standard will be addressed through the disciplinary escalation process regardless of the reason for absence.

16. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

16.1 Purpose

Bronze Squadron is committed to ongoing improvement and operational refinement. Personnel are encouraged to:

• Provide constructive feedback
• Identify inefficiencies or procedural weaknesses
• Share lessons learned from training and operations

17. KIA & REINSERTION PROCEDURES

17.1 Purpose

When an operator is killed in action, or technically detached due to lag, game crash, or other technical failure, during an operation, the following procedures govern all actions from the point of separation through reinsertion into the element. These procedures apply to all personnel regardless of billet or assignment. Reinsertion is not self-directed — it is coordinated through the chain of command.

17.2 Upon Being Killed in Action or Technically Detached

The operator immediately notifies their COC of their status and declares readiness to reinsert. The operator does not respawn or rejoin the server and move independently. They hold in standby until the COC authorizes reinsertion and provides instructions on the method and timing of the reinforcement flight or reattachment.

The COC manages reinsertion timing based on the current operational situation. An operator who is ready to reinsert communicates that readiness to their COC and waits for direction. They do not pressure the COC for immediate action.

17.3 Kit Requirements Upon Reinsertion

All personnel — regardless of billet, whether killed in action or technically detached — will reinsert with fifty percent (50%) of their kit. This applies universally across every reinsertion event. There are no exceptions based on billet, role, or the cause of separation.

The kit reduction is enforced at the point of reinsertion before the operator rejoins the element. Operators who attempt to rejoin without meeting the 50% kit requirement will be directed to correct this before participating further in the operation.

17.4 Summary

• Killed in action or technically detached (lag, game crash, or other) → notify COC of status and readiness to reinsert
• Hold in standby — do not respawn or rejoin the server and move independently
• Await COC authorization and reinsertion instructions
• All personnel reinsert with 50% kit — no exceptions
• Kit requirement is verified before rejoining the element

18. LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) REQUESTS

18.1 Purpose

Personnel requiring temporary absence from unit activities must submit a Leave of Absence (LOA) request through the designated Operations Center forum section. LOA procedures include:

• Submission of an LOA request with reason and estimated duration on forums Operation Center
• Notification to the Chain of Command (CoC) via forum message
• Review of the request by leadership
• Approval or denial issued by the Chain of Command

Personnel are expected to submit LOA requests in advance whenever possible.

LOAs are only needed when the unit member will be away for a time greater than three days.

If an LOA extension is needed, a second LOA request will need to be filled out and follow the steps above.

Failure to notify leadership regarding extended inactivity may result in administrative review.

19. REJOIN POLICY AND RESERVES POLICY

Bronze Squadron recognizes that real-world obligations can pull members away from full-time activity. The Reserves exist to keep you in the unit without the operational tempo or mandatory commitment of Active status. While Reserve members do not earn promotion credit, you remain part of the Squadron as long as you maintain minimal activity.

| Status | Details | |---|---| | Reserves | Earns no event credit. Can fill in only as Standard Operator. 30-day wait to return back to billet. UHQ can approve Probation Status to bring the member back earlier than that. Reserves do not have to Report In. | | Probation | Member must attend all required events for 30-days. Zero unexcused absences for 30-days. Zero disciplinary action for 30-days. Can hold no leadership billet for 30-days. Probation lifted to Active Status after 30-days. |

20. DISCHARGES AND RETIREMENT POLICY

This section establishes the procedures and conditions governing separation from Bronze Squadron, whether through administrative discharge, general discharge, honorable discharge, dishonorable discharge, or retirement. All separations are processed through the chain of command and documented for unit records.

General Discharge

A general discharge is issued when a member voluntarily departs Bronze Squadron with less than two (2) years of service. This is a neutral separation — it does not carry the implications of a disciplinary discharge but does not qualify the member for honorable discharge or retirement status.

Early Departure — Under Two Years of Service

Members who voluntarily leave Bronze Squadron with less than two (2) years of service will receive a general discharge. This applies regardless of the reason for departure. Members separated under this condition are recorded as generally discharged in unit records.

2. DISCHARGE AND SEPARATION PROCEDURES

Honorable Discharge

An honorable discharge is issued when a member voluntarily departs Bronze Squadron with two (2) or more years of service and separates in good standing. This is a formal recognition that the member served the unit with commitment and professionalism for a sustained period.

Honorable discharge eligibility requires:

• A minimum of two (2) years of active service in Bronze Squadron
• Separation in good standing — no active disciplinary actions, strikes, or unresolved conduct issues at the time of separation
• Formal notification submitted to the COC prior to departure

Members who receive an honorable discharge are recognized for their service and separated with honor. Honorable discharge status is retained in unit records.

Administrative Discharge

A general discharge is issued when a member fails to meet a defined unit standard within the required timeframe. Admin discharge is not punitive — it is a recognition that the minimum conditions for active membership have not been met.

Green Team Completion Requirement

All personnel are required to complete Green Team Days 1 through 3 within thirty (30) days of joining Bronze Squadron. Members who have not completed Days 1–3 within this window will be administratively discharged. No extension is granted without command authorization prior to the deadline. This requirement exists to ensure every active member of Bronze Squadron has met the baseline operational standard — membership without completing that standard is not sustained.

WOC (Warrant Officer Candidate) are only required to complete Day 1 of Green Team selection but are required to complete Ground School and Air School within the same time frame.

Green Team members are able to request an extension through the Green Team Cadre if they are unable to complete Selection days 1-3. These requests are decided on a case by case basis and are up to training Cadre and J7 OIC.

No Contact — 14 Days

Any member who has had no contact with the unit — through the Operations Center, chain of command, or any official Bronze Squadron communication channel — for a period of fourteen (14) consecutive days will have an administrative discharge initiated. Leadership will make a reasonable attempt to contact the member before the discharge is processed. If no response is received within a reasonable period following that contact attempt, the discharge will be finalized. Members who anticipate an extended absence are expected to submit an LOA request in advance through the Operations Center per the Attendance SOP. An approved LOA prevents the 14-day no-contact clock from running.

Dishonorable Discharge

A dishonorable discharge is the most severe form of separation from Bronze Squadron and is reserved for members whose conduct has caused sustained harm to the unit, its personnel, or its standards. A dishonorable discharge is not issued for a single isolated incident — it is the result of a repeated pattern of disciplinary failures that have not been corrected despite formal intervention through the escalation process.

Conditions for Dishonorable Discharge

A dishonorable discharge may be initiated when a member has accumulated repeated disciplinary actions stemming from behavior within the unit — including but not limited to sustained violations of Bronze Squadron SOPs, persistent misconduct, harassment, insubordination, or conduct that is fundamentally incompatible with membership in the unit. The discharge is initiated by leadership and reviewed and finalized by UHQ before taking effect.

Consequences

A member who receives a dishonorable discharge is permanently barred from rejoining Bronze Squadron. There is no appeal through the standard chain of command. Any formal request for reconsideration — if entertained at all — is handled exclusively by UHQ and is not subject to input from troop or section leadership. UHQ retains full and final authority over all dishonorable discharge cases.

Immediate Dishonorable Discharge — Zero Tolerance Conduct

Certain conduct violations result in immediate dishonorable discharge without progression through the disciplinary escalation process. There is no warning, no counseling step, and no strike accumulation for the following:

• Acts of racism
• Acts of sexism
• Hate speech of any kind directed at any person
• Deliberate and purposeful sabotage of a Bronze Squadron operation

These behaviors are incompatible with membership in Bronze Squadron at any level and under any circumstances. A single confirmed incident is sufficient grounds for immediate dishonorable discharge. The standard dishonorable discharge consequences apply in full — permanent bar from rejoining the unit, no appeal through the standard chain of command, and any reconsideration handled exclusively by UHQ.

Rank, tenure, and prior performance record carry no weight in these cases. There are no exceptions.

A dishonorable discharge is permanent. It does not expire, it does not reset, and it is not negotiable at any level below UHQ.

Retirement

Retirement is the highest form of separation from Bronze Squadron and is reserved for members who have demonstrated sustained long-term commitment to the unit. Retirement is not simply an honorable discharge by another name — it is a recognition of three or more years of dedicated service and the lasting impact that service has had on Bronze Squadron.

Retirement eligibility requires:

• A minimum of three (3) years of active service in Bronze Squadron
• Separation in good standing — no active disciplinary actions, strikes, or unresolved conduct issues at the time of separation
• Formal notification submitted to the COC prior to departure
• Command acknowledgment of retirement status prior to separation

Retired members are recognized at the command level for their contribution to the unit. Retirement status is permanently retained in unit records.

21. UNIFORMS POLICY

21.1 Purpose

Uniform standards are established to maintain professionalism, immersion, and unit identity. Uniform requirements are determined by the SOPs of each division operating under Bronze Squadron, including:

• SEAL Teams
• 24th STS
• SOAR
• Attached support units

(include the link to the uniform wiki or document when it is created)

21.2 Uniform Configuration

Personnel shall wear the appropriate uniform configuration based on:

• Training environment
• Mission requirements
• Operational role
• Command direction

For any questions, comments or concerns, reference Uniform SOP (link to uniform SOP)

Unauthorized uniforms, unrealistic loadouts, or non-compliant equipment configurations are prohibited unless approved by leadership.

22. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

22.1 Purpose

Counseling provides structured feedback to unit members on performance, conduct, participation, and development. It maintains professionalism, accountability, and unit cohesion, and identifies strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

22.2 Punitive Articles

| Category | Focus Areas | |---|---| | PERFORMANCE | Focused on mission performance, teamwork, leadership, communication, and tactical execution. Conducted after training events, operations, or evaluations. Includes: Tactical proficiency, Teamwork and cooperation, Communication discipline | | CORRECTIVE | Used to address misconduct, rule violations, poor attitude, or repeated performance issues. Intended to correct behavior, not punish. Includes: Maturity and professionalism, Use of mods, equipment, and SOP compliance, Communication discipline, Attendance and activity participation, Chain of command adherence | | DEVELOPMENTAL | Reviews readiness for leadership positions, specialized roles, or advancement. Identifies training goals and leadership potential. Includes: Leadership performance |

22.3 Disciplinary Conduct

Counseling should be professional, respectful, objective, and confidential. Leaders will:

• Use factual examples and mission observations
• Avoid personal attacks or harassment
• Allow the member to explain their perspective
• Provide actionable recommendations

22.4 Punitive Actions

| Level | Action | |---|---| | LEVEL 1 | Written counseling statement | | LEVEL 2 | Written Counseling to include Promotion Rollback | | LEVEL 3 | NJP to include Billet Removal & Reclass | | LEVEL 4 | Court Martial to include Dishonorable Discharge and removal from Unit |

22.5 Documentation

Disciplinary sessions may be documented by squad leaders or command staff. Records should include:

• Date and time
• Reason for counseling
• Summary of discussion
• Improvement plan or corrective action
• Sign-off by counselor and counseled member (if applicable)

22.6 Follow-Up Procedures

Leaders should conduct follow-up reviews after corrective counseling. Progress will be evaluated during future operations and training. Continued issues may result in escalation through the chain of command.

22.7 Member Rights

• Members may respectfully explain circumstances or dispute inaccuracies.
• Members may request clarification on expectations or corrective actions.
• Serious disciplinary matters may be reviewed by command staff.
• Members have the right to appeal any disciplinary actions and push them to Court Martial. If this option is taken, a third party, who is impartial, will look over the request and advise the member what they have found and what actions should be taken.

22.8 Leadership Responsibilities

| Rank/Position | Authority | |---|---| | Squad Leadership and Above | Written counseling statement | | Squad Leadership and Above | Written Counseling to include Promotion Rollback | | Troop Leadership and Above | NJP to include Billet Removal & Reclass | | Unit Headquarters | Court Martial to include Dishonorable Discharge and removal from Unit |

NCOs in Leadership positions and officers are responsible for conducting timely disciplinary actions. Leaders must set the example of conduct and professionalism. Counseling should be used to develop members and improve operational effectiveness.

23. BILLET TRANSFER PROCEDURES

23.1 Purpose

This section establishes standardized procedures for personnel transferring between billets, divisions, operational roles, or specialized assignments within NSWDG Bronze Squadron. This process ensures accountability, maintains organizational structure, and allows leadership to properly manage personnel assignments and operational readiness.

23.2 Billet Transfer Requirement

All personnel requesting to change operational roles, transfer between divisions or detachments, assume additional responsibilities or secondary billets, leave a currently assigned billet, or swap positions with another member must submit an official Billet Transfer Request document prior to the change taking effect.

No personnel may assume, abandon, or exchange roles without approval through the established chain of command.

Submission Procedures

Personnel requesting a billet transfer shall:

• Complete the official Billet Transfer Request form / document (https://www.bronzesquadron.com/milhq/form/3/create-submission)
• Provide justification for the requested transfer or additional role
• Submit the request through the designated administrative or forum system
• Notify their immediate Chain of Command (COC) regarding the request submission
• Continue fulfilling current billet responsibilities until final approval is issued

Review Process

Billet Transfer Requests shall be reviewed by immediate leadership, division leadership (if applicable), and command staff or designated approving authority. Leadership will evaluate:

• Operational necessity
• Personnel qualifications
• Unit staffing requirements
• Activity and attendance history
• Leadership recommendations
• Training and certification status

Approval or denial will be communicated through official unit channels.

Restrictions

Personnel may be denied billet transfers if:

• Current operational requirements prevent reassignment
• The member lacks required qualifications or certifications
• The transfer negatively impacts unit readiness
• The member is under disciplinary review or corrective action
• Leadership determines the transfer is not in the best interest of the unit

Unauthorized role changes or assumption of duties without approval may result in disciplinary action.

23.3 BILLET TRANSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Upon approval of a transfer:

• Personnel shall coordinate turnover procedures with current leadership
• Required training or evaluation for the new billet must be completed
• Leadership shall update personnel rosters and assignment records accordingly

Members assuming specialized or leadership billets may be placed under evaluation periods prior to permanent assignment.

23.4 MULTIPLE BILLETS - SECONDARY BILLETS ONLY

Personnel requesting to hold multiple billets simultaneously must:

• Receive approval from all relevant leadership elements
• Demonstrate the ability to maintain activity and performance standards across all assigned roles
• Ensure secondary assignments do not interfere with primary operational responsibilities

Command staff reserve the authority to revoke secondary billets if performance, attendance, or operational effectiveness declines.

Dual Primary Billets are not authorized in any capacity

24. FINAL NOTES

This SOP is considered a living document and may be revised, updated, or expanded by unit leadership as operational requirements evolve.

All personnel are responsible for reading, understanding, and following the procedures outlined within this document.

Failure to comply with established standards may result in disciplinary review or administrative action as determined by unit leadership.