V57th Recruitment

[Dances]

The Virtual 57th wing seeks aircrew to serve as pilots in our training and operational squadrons. What sets the v57th apart is that our focus is not on learning the aircraft or its systems, but on transforming the virtual pilot into a precision weapon by making them tacticians and subject matter experts on weapons employment. We expect our pilots going through the training pipeline to have a solid grasp on switchology and aircraft systems. What you will learn here are the sight pictures, parameters, tactics, assessments, and comms that directly lead to integrated team lethality.

If accepted into the v57th, your training will begin with former USAF and NATO aircrew on an IFF syllabus in the virtual 469th, designed to make you a proficient wingman. Training blocks in formation (close and tactical), BFM, ACM, and Basic Surface Attack will prepare you for follow on aircrew training. IFF is conducted in the F-5 Tiger II in order to focus on the core fundamentals of fighter flying without the systems distractions of a 4th gen aircraft.

Once you and your class complete the IFF syllabus, you will begin 8th Fighter Squadron B-Course in the F-16. B-Course is designed to make you a competent and lethal wingman in the F-16. Your training emphasis will not be on systems, but on how to use those systems to achieve tactical objectives based on the acceptable level of risk, enemy capabilities, desired weapons effects, and the environment. This is really where your training as a tactician begins. B-Course takes your class through transition, BFM (now with a focus on 4th gen capes), ACM (visual arena and uncorrelated spikes), Tactical Intercepts and Defensive Counter Air, Basic Surface Attack, and Surface Attack Tactics. By the time you graduate you will have seen every F-16 mission with the exception of SEAD and CAS.

From B-Course graduation, you will track into the v36th FS to develop your newfound tactical skills to accomplish the Ops Plan requirements of the v36th. At this point, you will also encounter the v65th AGRS squadron who will assist in your continuation training as you work your way up through flight lead, and eventually undergo IP upgrade.

Requirements for v57th membership:

1. Be a good dude. Be humble, listen, realize that others may know what they are talking about.
2. Own a copy of the DCS F-5 and the NTTR map. F-16 ownership is required if you do not wish to be assigned as an F-5 IFF instructor.
3. Know how to fly your jet and do so as a stable and predictable platform in formation.
4. Have an enthusiasm for reading, learning, and flying. The fighter pilot skillset in the 4th gen world is a nerdy business. Be ready to read and think.

Preferred Candidates will also:
1. Own and use a head-tracking or VR system
2. Reside in a US time zone
3. Have a good understanding of theater level air war.

If these things interest you, please visit our discord to speak with a member of the command staff.

https://discord.gg/WS4ARQc2gN
Press!