Varies – mostly US time zone (Easter, Central, Western)

None – though flying these jets like we do is a perishable skill (with few exceptions, you’ll need to spend time training if you have not flown in previous 90 days before you can join a mission)

90 days for DCS world pilots

No.

No.

No (leave politics at the door).

No (there’s paid professionals that can help – ridiculousness destroys online groups).

Yes (we have each other’s backs as wingmen and much like the military your reputation as a team player follows you and affects everyone’s trust that you’ll have their back).

Heck Yes (we have active duty, reserve, retired and veterans of all branches…. civilians welcome too). This has resulted in a combined experience which greatly enhances immersiveness of missions.

Yes (life/family/work comes first – fly when you can… just let leadership know if you need to be gone for an extended period so you don’t get dropped).  

Intense (while we have to keep it fun, we strive to keep operations & missions as realistic as possible and as challenging as possible – training wheels off!).

Yes.  DCS Open Beta Server (patched to current).

DCS Open Beta (patched to current).

NTTR (this is our main training map).

Syria, Persian Gulf, Caucuses (minimum if you want to frequently run missions).

Yes – DCS Simple Radio Standalone (SRS).

Yes (no way to efficiently execute formation flying & combat missions with just a keyboard).

Yes (provided you let someone in leadership know).

No.

At minimum – able to takeoff, land, navigate and basic understanding of your desired primary airframe (exception is UPT but we do NOT hold year-round UPT).  We can teach formation flying.

Yes, we offer B Courses for the A-10C II, F-16CM, UH-60L, F-15C, F-22A, and F-15E (when it releases).

Yes (FAM Flight doubles as an EVAL Flight).  

Yes.

Yes (typically 1-2 months).

Yes (we even encourage cross training but suggest every pilot reach at least BMC in their primary airframe first).

Yes (with very few restrictions).

-Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT)
-Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF)
-Basic Course (B Course)
-Basic Mission Capable (BMC)
-Combat Mission Ready (CMR)]
-Instructor Pilot (IP)
-Section/Flight Lead

Yes.
-Low Altitude Step Down Training (LASDT)
-Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
-Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD/DEAD)
-Close Air Support (CAS)
-Forward Air Controller Airborne – FAC(A)
-Rotary Wing Qualified for CSAR, FAC(A), RESCORT, Troop Transport, Sling Loading.

Yes. We have a leadership team that administratively runs 23vEW. Individual squadrons at full strength have squadron leaders and each flight has a flight & section lead.

Yes.  Those wanting to run ATC, operating as a JTAC, commanding ground forces as ground commander or making missions as a mission designer are encouraged to do so – all contributions are voluntary but welcome (we encourage participation at the level you feel comfortable participating.

Yes (based on USAF/USN & USA open-source documents). Some Examples of documents we use can be found on the Training Library page.

No – 23vEW IPs and leadership extract what we can use in DCS World from this documentation to maintain good balance of realism/immersion with fun.

No – but.… given that DCS World aircraft are study level simulations, expect some reading, watching videos and practice will be required on your part (experienced 23vEW pilots and IPs cannot do everything for you).

Some common starting points we send new pilots to include:
– Chuck’s Guides: A great collection of reading light quick reference manuals for most DCS World aircraft.  You can find Chuck’s DCS World Guides here:   

Yes. DCS World has study level simulation aircraft so learning the aircraft requires reading, watching videos, practicing and spending time on the aircraft and tactics with other pilots in 23vEW.

Yes. A common discovery upon learning a DCS World aircraft surrounds the requirement for solid tactics (knowing the aircraft, systems and weapons is not enough). The end game of DCS World involves wingmen and flights working together to accomplish mission objectives. All modern air combat tactics are built upon wingmen & formations as Mutual Support (SA and Firepower Multipliers ) -> You must be flying in formations and you must have other pilots to explore and master these tactics (the AI simply doesn’t cut it for fun factor or realism).

Yes. Learning by doing is a viable method (though it still requires motivation and self-study to succeed). In many cases, even after reading the entire manual + chuck’s guide, you will not understand your learning deficiencies until you stumble across them. With respect to formation flying, the only way to learn is flying with other people (you can get in the ballpark flying with the AI but flying with other DCS pilots will get you there on skill much faster).

Yes.

Yes.

Yes (typically installing 476 Range Objects Pack + Grinelli F-22 will be sufficient though when UPT classes are in session, you’ll need the A-29 mod as we use the A-29 to simulate the T-6 for UPT). This may change but we try to keep the mods as light as possible.

a LOT. We run CAS, SEAD, CSAR, DCA, OCA, Deep Strike, Recon, and many more types of missions.

Yes Sometimes (particularly Retro Nights).  

Yes.

– No (except bragging rights when we do BFM/ACM workups). We are a PvE wing.

DCS A-10C II, F-16CM, F-15C, F-22A, F-15E (when released)

All primary + DCS UH-60L, AH-64D, UH-1H & more