Gecko / GECKO

GECKO is a UEE friendly organisation with a difference. Our aim is to create a body of semi-autonomous units that operate under one flag and come together for fleet operations, as well supporting each other and just having fun. This means that on a day to day basis Unit Commanders will be deciding what their unit is doing and how they are doing it, and the council will not get involved.

When it comes to fleet level operations, the council gives the OK and then relays the operation to the Unit Commanders to keep everyone on the same page. This also helps us coordinate other things for the best chance of success while inviting lots of input from our members for large scale fleet operations. We have a range of different units with different roles for everyone. If we don’t have a role you want and you can make it work, we are happy for you to try and will support you doing this.

Below are examples of some of our units so far, described by their Unit Commanders:

The Recon Rangers

We are a different type of unit. We are those who operate on the edges. We are a less clear-cut unit as we will mostly be operating independently on a day-to-day basis in areas where Citizens don’t usually tread. Operations can span anything from scouting and navigating Vanduul space, making connections with the Xi’an and Banu to explore new areas, or building contacts in the less savoury parts of Human space. Each of us will have a specialisation and an area that we know better than anyone else, so if citizens need to operate in this area they can come to us for information and escort services. In fleet operations, we do the same scope of tasks to effectively work as the grease between the gears of battlefield intelligence and battlefield logistics. We’re the eyes and ears of the fleet’s combined effort and I won’t pretend it’s an easy job, especially in some areas, but it’s an important one.

Snowdonia S.C.

Snowdonia Search and Care is a vital formulation which acts as the primary medical, engineering, and logistical unit for support camp of GECKO. Snowdonia S.C. also acts as good samaritans at-large when possible, helping those in need no matter what path they walk. Of course, the well-being of members and innocent Citizens comes first. We might, for example, fix a pirate’s ship and provide medical attention, but while also removing any lethal weapons and replacing them with non-lethal versions if possible. The unit is split into three sections, logistics, medical, and engineering.

The core of the unit is the logistics section, where all our information and resources are collected and distributed. The medical and engineering sections meanwhile can be thought of as two sides of the same coin, with medical maintaining people while engineering maintains ships. If possible, all our non-combatant ships will have their weapons replaced with extra sensors, fuel tanks, and other more task appropriate equipment. We hope to essentially replace pew-pew with stuff that makes us better at our jobs and less likely to die. Any combat ships in the unit will be using non-lethal weaponry to deter or disable any attackers. If it turns out that there’s no Geneva Conventions or extra-large punishment for war crimes, then we’ll have to put non-lethal weapons on noncombatants and lethal weapons on the unit’s combat ships. I personally believe that lethal weapons shouldn’t be on any of our medical, repair, resupply, or refuelling ships under any circumstances as it completely contradicts their purpose, but I’ll put it up to a vote if needed.

The Movers

Where Snowdonia’s logistics focuses on maintenance and medical support, The Movers aim to provide the cash backbone required by any large fleet. To do so, The Movers will ship anything allowed under UEE law with the goal of making as much profit as possible. The Movers rely on the other fleet units for intel, protection, and repairs. When not supporting the fleets monetary backbone, they are always researching new ways of making a profit— be it mining, manufacturing, refining, parts tweaking, or winning Freighter Class Racing Cups. If you like going from A to B whilst seeing the galaxy, and making a good profit, then we want you! Sign up now and get Moving!

We are a young organisation, and now is a great time to get on board for a role in moulding GECKO as we grow. Our charter which is still under construction can be found through the below link, and gives you all the further information about how we plan to run GECKO.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CVPydK9ie_ebtZIsnm-LupYHmxwUL3XGaM9NutQ65Rk/edit?usp=sharing

To join our discord server use the link below:

https://discord.gg/0vXEGeXB41VJKRma

Please let us know if you have any questions!

Mission Statement (What We Want to Do out There):

The aim of GECKO is to establish self-sustaining units which will be able to create and maintain their own missions, as well as work with the UEE and other UEE friendly organisations in situations where they need extra support or specialisations.

Goals (How We Achieve This):

To be a group of like-minded players who are having fun.
To respect other members, their beliefs and opinions.
To remain in contact within the game, and outside of it, by means of voice comms.
To remain friendly to the UEE, but not necessarily follow UEE law.
To form units within the fleet, that have their own specialisations.
To allow the units to be self-sustaining and autonomous outside Fleet operations.
To allow units to manage and create their own operations within the fleets rules.

Community Tools:

GECKO utilises two main tools of communication, a forum on Spectrum for written discussion and information exchange, as well as a Discord server to allow for voice and chat communication. It is our belief that voice communication is extremely important to be able to respond rapidly to situations.

Once Spectrum is completed with both VoIP as well, we will be transitioning to it fully.

Discord:

https://discord.gg/UTGcYUq

Structure (How Is GECKO Organised):

GECKO is based on two different ranking systems. One is the military ranking which is used in-game during both fleet and autonomous operations as the chain of command, and the other is the community ranking used outside of the game to denote seniority.

The choice to differentiate is based on honouring each personal strength. Some of us are good leadership material, others good administrative aids, while some are just good at community involvement. The split ranking is used to separate effective command in-game from the effort put into the community.

Overarching both grade structures is the Council, which serves as the main strategic nerve centre of GECKO.

The Council (Strategic Operations and Community Management):

GECKO strives to have each and every member able to voice their opinion, we respect and value these opinions. Too many contradicting opinions will lead to a democratic stalemate and drama amongst the community. The Council thus leads GECKO as an open-minded dictatorship. To prevent power abuse, the Council is split between inner and outer sections, with its members coming from any rank or position within the fleet.

The goal of the Council is to lead GECKO on a strategic level.

Although the Council is the highest rank in both the operations and the community, they will not intervene in the day to day running of units unless absolutely necessary.

The Inner Council (3-way Deadlock):

The inner council always consist of just three members. This is to prevent deadlocks in decision making and to make sure the knowledge is spread lest something bad happens to one of its members in real life.

The main goal of the inner council is to make the strategic decisions in both the community and in the operational sections of GECKO— to lead GECKO in its entirety.

The inner council relies heavily on input and feedback from the outer council members to stay informed of all things happening within GECKO. This is a two-way interaction of both requesting and being advised on matters concerning the governance of GECKO.

The Council as a whole is on the top of both the community and operational ranking, they will only in certain circumstances exert their power directly.

The Outer Council:

The outer council size varies with the growth, recess, needs and demands of GECKO. Their numbers are therefore not a fixed size but will fluctuate over time.

Outer council members are chosen by the inner council from any position within GECKO. No matter the operational or community rank, anyone can as such become an outer council member upon invitation.

The goals for the outer council is to worry about the strategic governance of GECKO and from that standpoint advice the Inner council on topics and decisions. They help in leading GECKO at-large and confer with inner council members about any pressing GECKO concerns.

To be able to provide support to the inner council continuous communication is essential. This is a two-way interaction with both bringing topics to attention and handling requests for more information and advice.

Military Ranking:

Within the military ranking, we all initially belong to the reserves as a fleet member. From there one can ask to be placed into a specific unit. Units are groups of members focusing on a set of primary and/or secondary objectives. Each unit, therefore, can have a different playstyle while functioning autonomously from other units.

Military Ranks:

The Council
Unit Commanders
Lt. Commanders
Unit Members Rank 5
Unit Members Rank 4
Unit Members Rank 3
Unit Members Rank 2
Unit Members Rank 1
Reserves

Council Member:
The Council members run the fleets high-level strategic decisions and have the highest chain of command authority. They will decide on the fleets major missions and operations. They will never issue operational orders as a council rank.

Fleet Commander:
Exceptional Unit Commanders might be asked by the Council to become Fleet Commanders. Their role is to oversee the fleet’s missions, as such, they can need to direct any unit with orders.

Unit Commander:
Is the leader of his unit. They manage the unit actions, finances, and operations in both fleet based missions and autonomous operations. They also create and accept missions for the unit when working autonomously. Unit Commanders are picked by the GECKO Council based on ability to lead, seniority, and reputation within the fleet.

Lt. Commander:
This is a Junior Unit Commander, fulfilling all the roles of a Unit Commander until they gain seniority and experience to manage a larger unit. Can also be simply the Unit Commander’s second in command.

Unit Formation:

Any member in GECKO can propose the formation of a new unit to the Council. The proposal should contain at least the following information:

Unit Name
The benefit of the new unit to the fleet
The primary role of the unit
The secondary role of the unit
The autonomous goals of the unit
Unit ranking structure

Unit Member Rank X/#:
Each unit can have up to five ranks as decided by the Unit Commander. These can be named as the unit sees fit.

Unit List (Current):

GECKO Reserve – Main reserve unit ( Default )
The Immortals (EU Fighter Squadron), Unit CO, LtCmd Zombie
Crazy Canucks (CA Fighter Squadron) Unit CO, LtCmd Rainboq
Snowdonia S.C. (SAR Squadron), Unit CO, LtCmd DutchJones
Recon Rangers (Specialist Recon Squadron) Unit CO, Ranger Inc

(More to formed by the Council)

Unit Roles:

Fighter
Trading
Mining
Protection
Scouting
Bomber
Bounty Hunting
Exploration
(more to be defined by members)

Organisational Ranking:

The organisational ranking is separate from the military ranking. It is used as an indicator of the participation level and achievements of the members of GECKO. Service done is considering both community participation as well as in-game operational participation. Those that perform admirably in combat, help out the community, support the organisation, or do other feats beyond the “I’m a member” mentality will find they will rise in community ranking.

Be advised that community ranks are a reward for effort. Striving for a specific rank will not guarantee obtaining that rank. Especially not when going the egoistic route of asking for a promotion.

Community Ranks:

The Council
Veterans
Seniors
Regulars
Juniors
Recruits

Council-
The Council runs the community on a strategic level. This requires exceptional continuous dedication in both effort and time, bordering on a second full-time job. All council positions are invitation only and deserve the utmost respect.

Veterans-
Only those that have performed exceptional deeds for GECKO over a prolonged period of time will be regarded as Veterans. Continued Excellence can be awarded in the form of Service Stars. Take note that reaching Veteran level constitutes a continuous major effort over a very long time, and should as such be taken with the highest regard.

Seniors-
Those people who put in the extra effort towards GECKO’s community will be regarded as seniors. Indicating their prolonged effort and advanced understanding of the community of GECKO. Take note that reaching Senior level requires prolonged effort on the side of the member, and should as such not be taken lightly.

Regulars-
Those who regularly participate in GECKO’s community and in-game Operations will be regarded as regulars. They completely understand the ways of GECKO and put forth the continuous effort. This rank will form the majority of our community and as such deserves respect.

Juniors-
Those who have learned the basic ways of GECKO will be regarded as Juniors. This rank shows a growing effort to be part of GECKO after the initial joining.

Recruits-
Those who seek to join or recently joined GECKO will be regarded as recruits. It is the default rank in the community for new members. This ranks also indicates that these members will need guidance, role models, and support from higher ranking members.

Organisational Rewards:

Besides the organisational ranking as rewards, some feats are based on actions that are so exceptional they constitute a reward title. These titles can be worn beside the community rank. Members who have a title deserve due respect.

Founders Award:
Those who founded GECKO will forever be remembered and bear the right to use the title “Founder” in conjunction to their organisational rank.

Ace Rewards:
Those who perform extraordinary battle fleets during operations can be put forth by their military commanders as eligible for an Ace award. This reward denotes their exceptional ability in combat, and as such should not be handed out lightly. Those who earned the Ace award bear the right to use the title “Ace”. Upon earning this reward multiple times one bears the right to use the title “Multi-Ace”.

More Awards:
More awards to be defined by the community and the Council.

Politics:

GECKO is a UEE Friendly Org.