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This is the Document Release Information
Article Number:	7Cav-AACD-005
Scope:	Supported Airframe Disclosure SOP
Version:	Version 1.0
Effective Date:	15MAY26
Last Modified Date:	15MAY26
Approving Authority:	Auxiliary Combat Detachment Commander
Point of Contact:	Auxiliary Combat Detachment HQ

Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish a clear and consistent definition of what constitutes a "supported" airframe within A/ACD. The intent of this disclosure is to encourage Troopers to fly the airframes they enjoy, while also establishing a reasonable standard for the unique nature of certain airframes and the expectations placed upon Section Leaders.

Scope

This SOP applies to all sections within the DCS area of operations.

Policy

Troopers are responsible for communicating their preferred airframes to their Section Staff.

Operationally Appropriate Airframes:

In the event a Trooper wishes to fly a unique airframe during operations, the mission controller reserves the right to decline the request on the basis of realism, mission integration, or the request being submitted too late in the mission-making process, such as during the brief.

Section Practice Appropriate Airframes:

Each Trooper requests a particular section prior to their initial primary billet transfer out of RTC. This also applies to transfers both internal and external to A/ACD. It is a reasonable expectation that, when choosing an assigned section or transitioning airframes, Troopers make every effort to match either the airframe or its role to the receiving section. Regardless, practice time will take precedence for the Trooper.

Unable to Switch:

If a Trooper is unwilling or unable to switch airframes to match the section, this is acceptable as long as the Section Leader is making a reasonable effort to include the Trooper in the practice. In DCS, each aircraft is effectively its own game. A Trooper learning an aircraft from the ground up will need to practice both during SP and outside of it to support their own enjoyment and proficiency. SLs are not expected to hold up an entire section to extensively train a Trooper on a differing airframe.

Newly Added Airframes:

In the event of a newly added airframe in DCS, the PL has a recommended minimum observation period of two weeks. This cooldown period is recommended, but not required, before allowing the airframe to be used during an SP. This allows Eagle Dynamics and third-party developers time to address immediate bugs associated with the airframe and gives Troopers time to determine whether they intend to continue using the airframe in the future.

Definition of Supported Airframe

In the case of a section not already established around a particular airframe, once the section is stood up, the primary airframe or airframes of that section must be either rotary-wing or fixed-wing, but not both. Once this distinction is made, the airframe designated for use within that section is officially considered "supported." Supported airframes are intended to have basic airframe courses developed for them, allowing Troopers an opportunity to achieve their Senior and Master Wings.

Rotary Wing MOS - 15T & 153A

Fixed Wing MOS - 155F & 155A

Refer to 7CAV-R-001 in regard to section minimums. It is recommended to have six Troopers total to establish a section: one Section Leader and five Troopers. This is to ensure parent unit health and prevent section closure due to lost membership.

Exceptions

Approving authority for rotary/fixed-wing mixed sections is the PL. The MOS 155F and 155A will take precedence for assignment to all Troopers within that section.

In the case of a section that has five Troopers assigned to a specific airframe, but cannot afford to split without negatively affecting the parent section or platoon's health, the section must maintain no fewer than five Troopers on said airframe for a period of no less than four Cav weeks to ensure sustainability.

The authority responsible for notifying Company Staff and the DCS ITW S7 Lead of an additional airframe being added to the list of active airframes with developed courses is the Platoon Leader of the subordinate section in question.

Accountability

Failure to adhere to the outlined requirements has historically resulted in higher attrition among new Troopers. The DCS AO also cannot reasonably expect to sustain growth if it locks down sections to specific airframes without flexibility.

Effective Date

This SOP is effective immediately upon publication and remains in force until amended or revoked by Company-level directive.