S2 Department - Regulations and Procedures

This is the Document Release Information
Article Number:	7CAV-DR-02
Scope:	S2 Department - Regulations and Procedures
Version:	Version 1.2
Effective Date:	23MAY20
Last Modified Date:	03MAR24
Approving Authority:	SECOPS OIC
Point of Contact:	S2 1IC

Introduction

The S2 Military Intelligence Branch is the first line of defense against undesirable players. As an S2 Investigator one of your main jobs will be to carefully investigate the gaming background of recruits and ensure that we and by proxy the Cav only allow the very best, mature, reliable, and reputable people to join our organization. It is our duty to ensure that any recruit who does not meet the above criteria does not gain entrance in our community. We accomplish this through a basic gaming background check of each applicant that we receive from the Recruit Training Command (RTC).

Upon enlistment, each potential recruit is run through an application process. This process starts with their application for admittance into the Cav. Once the application is approved, it is then forwarded for processing to the RTC drill instructors, who in turn create the respective trooper's personnel file while S1 MILPACS creates the trooper's MILPACS.

In parallel, S2 security begins the process of investigating the applicant's gaming Background. While the S2 duties are not restricted to background checks, this training manual will mainly focus on this area as it represents the main part of your work in the S2 Department. Reliability, a strong sense of curiosity and dedication to the task at hand is required to be a successful S2 investigator. An eye for details and a good knowledge about different aspects of gaming will help you perform well.

It is absolutely vital that you treat every recruit with respect and maintain absolute Confidentiality. While this is a position of significant gravity, the application of your abilities is expected to be executed with only the most careful consideration at all times.

Chain of Command

The S2 Branch is led by the S2 First in Command (1IC), assisted by the Second in Command (2IC), and the S2 Lead Investigator.

The Chain of Command in the S2 Branch is: 1. S2 1IC 2. S2 2IC 3. S2 Lead Investigator 4. Senior Investigators 5. Investigators 6. Investigators in Training (IIT)

The S2 Department forms half of the Security Operations Department reporting to the SECOPS Chief. The department has an 1IC, 2IC, and a Lead Investigator. It is supported by a staff of Investigators. These are divided up into Senior, Investigator, and Investigator in Training. Each Senior is assigned a staff of Investigators who primarily report to them to form an evenly spread escalation route.

This chain of command is to be utilized in all situations where the issue cannot be resolved here and then. It is to be used as the primary method of communications via the Forums to provide an on-record auditable archive of all queries to command and all resolutions. Consult the “S2 YYYY (QQ) Communication PM” Private Message for each. This can be seen by everyone in the department up to and including the SECOPS Chief, and as such the content of such requests should be formal, comply with the General Orders and never bring the department into disrepute.

Where possible, discuss the issue you've posted on the forum communications post at the earliest possibility with the next person in your chain of command. If at any time you are unsure who is in your chain of command, consult the “Investigator’s AO Assignment” thread which illustrates the department in greater detail.

Roles and Responsibilities

Definitions

Each role listed below will be separated into Daily, Weekly, and Monthly duties as it relates to that specific position. The Strategically section will list any special duties or responsibilities that position holds in addition to its regular duties.

S2 First in Command

The S2 First in Command (1IC) is charged with the oversight and execution of all S2 matters and reports directly to the SECOPS Chief.

Responsibilities

Frequency	Responsibility
Daily	Review any and all S2 checks forwarded to him from the NCOIC or Senior Investigators. Review PAFs, monitor LOAs and ELOAs of all Investigators. Communicate to S2 Staff any updates to SOP or Procedure.
Weekly	Appointment and removal of Leadership positions. Processing of all Discharges up to, but not to include, Dishonorable Discharges.
Monthly	Departmental performance for each month. Attending Command Staff Calls or delegating attendance when unavailable. Posting of total performance to S2 Staff regarding Activity and check completion.

S2 Second in Command

The S2 Second in Command (2IC) is charged with carrying out the duties assigned by the 1IC and SECOPS Chief. In addition he is charged with acting in the stead of the OIC when unavailable or on leave. The 2IC reports to the S2 1IC.

Responsibilities

Frequency	Responsibility
Daily	Review any and all S2 checks forwarded to him from the NCOIC or Senior Investigators. Departmental response times and adherence to SOP. Carry out all decisions made by S2 1IC. Responding to requests for help promptly. Oversight of all Training. Communicate to S2 Staff any updates to SOP or Procedure.
Weekly	Department activity and training of new departmental personnel. Reviewing department capacity, recruitment, training of S2 IITs (instructors in training). Appointment and removal of S2 1IC Approved Leadership positions. Processing of all Discharges up to, but not to include, Dishonorable Discharges.
Monthly	Departmental performance for each month. Attending Command Staff Calls or delegating attendance when unavailable. Posting of total performance to S2 Staff regarding Activity and check completion.

S2 Lead Investigator

The S2 Lead Investigator is placed in charge of both S2 Check Departments, Initial and Final Checks. All investigators within those departments report to their Senior Investigator. The Senior Investigators report directly to the S2 Lead Investigator. The S2 Lead Investigator reports directly to the S2 2IC.

Responsibilities

Frequency	Responsibility
Daily	Maintain the presence of Investigators and activity within the departments. Carry out all decisions made by the S2 1IC/2IC. Be available for all trooper concerns and respond to them promptly. Handle all Check issues escalated by investigators. When you check or edit a folder, follow the proper standards because those below you will see you as an example and use your work as a reference. Delegate tasks when necessary. Communicate with the Seniors and have them pass down information. Encourage Seniors to cooperate with each other. i.e., covering for each other during LOAs, and helping IITs get live interview training Make an effort to be present when a staff member is needed for a live interview or exam.
Weekly	Monitor team activity and training of new departmental personnel. Review department capacity/recruitment/training of S2 IITs (Investigators in training), informing S2 IITs of their progress. Perform random spot reviews of checks completed by investigators for any missed items or deficiencies and ensure checks are moved to either Cleared Initial Checks or Completed Checks depending on the department. Ensure the new folders are created, and checks are evenly and fairly distributed amongst the S2 Teams. Move finished folders into the Completed Checks area of the forum. Review re-enlistments to make sure they previously received a Clear
Monthly	Departmental performance for each month. Attend at least one CSC every three months. Review the status of trainees and determine graduates of the department school for processing. Assist with ensuring S2 Google Drive email/permissions are up to date. Forward all proposed changes to SOP, especially regarding changes in training, to 1IC/2IC.

S2 Senior Investigator

The Senior Investigator is charged with the leadership of a group of investigators within one of the two S2 Investigations departments. The Senior Investigator reports directly to the S2 Lead Investigator.

Responsibilities

Frequency	Responsibility
Daily	Ensure all assigned checks are being processed prior to the following Sunday. Maintain the presence of troopers and activity within the department. Carry out all decisions made by the CoC. Be available for all trooper concerns and respond to them promptly. Handle all minor check issues escalated by investigators.
Weekly	Responsible for the direct training of all new departmental personnel. Review department capacity/recruitment / training of S2 IITs (Investigator in Training), informing S2 IITs of their progress. Review all checks completed by investigators for any missed items or deficiencies and move checks to either Cleared Initial Checks or Completed Checks depending on the department. Prompt creation and updating of all IiT Trainee folders.
Monthly	Review and report the status of all trainee folders to CoC. Execute Random comprehensive reviews and interview sit-ins with Investigators to ensure no degradation in performance.

Folder Assignment SOP Senior Investigators will assign folders on Sundays during the week, and in situations where there is an abundance of folders, the Seniors will start assigning more folders throughout the week as needed to ensure the department is completing checks in a timely fashion. When assigning folders to your Investigators, ensure that you are issuing them out equally not to overburden individual Investigators. You, as the Senior, are responsible for knowing the status of the Investigators under you. If an Investigator goes on LOA, it is now your responsibility to re-assign active folders to other Investigators and assign new folders to the others in order to maintain the department's efficiency. We do not wait for an Investigator to return from LOA to complete investigations. This is a part of your weekly responsibilities as a Senior within the S2 Department. Failure to assign folders within 7 days of creation will result in issuing a Developmental Counseling Statement and further disciplinary action in cases of repeat offenses.

S2 Investigator

The investigator makes up the bulk of the department. They are the front line in defending the 7th Cavalry from the threat of foul play and indecency among our incoming membership and they serve at the leisure of the S2 OIC. An investigator is held to a superior standard and must be timely with their workload. Any and all issues should be reported up to the Senior by Tagging them in any post in which the investigator identifies a problem.

Responsibilities

Frequency	Responsibility
Daily	Check for new assignments and follow up / complete previous week incomplete checks. Carry out all decisions made by the Chain of Command.
Weekly	Ensure there are no checks that were left with information or procedures incomplete.

S2 Investigator in Training

The IIT is charged with learning the Procedures for investigation within the scope of the S2 Department of the 7th Cavalry Regiment. The IIT reports to the Senior Investigator to whom they are assigned and will attend weekly training sessions on this manual, participating in investigations and checks where requested.

Responsibilities

Frequency	Responsibility
Daily	Be available to whom they are assigned as an investigator in training, and obtain observations of behavior from Investigators and Sr Investigators to aid in education and progress towards becoming an investigator. Follow all directions issued by the Senior Investigator and communicate your status with them frequently. Carry out all decisions made by the CoC.
Weekly	Attend sessions with the assigned Senior Investigator to review the SOP manual and train on check completion.

Documentation of Work

Google Drive

Google Drive is a cloud based server that the S2 department uses to coordinate its efforts and paperwork in a secure manner. Within it you will record all possible evidence and recordings, plus other S2 related business when instructed by the Chain of Command. Once you are accepted to join the S2 Department, you will need to provide your email address to the S2 1IC so that you may be added to this Drive account. Once added you will be given an orientation in the proper use of the Google Drive folders.

S2 Quarterly PM

Every 3 months the 1IC, 2IC, or Lead Investigator will create a new PM for all investigators. This thread is used to inform the team about new checks, anything that is relevant for our work and to throw out questions to the team and get a second opinion or in general ask for help. Only General Staff, 1IC, 2IC, Lead Investigator, S2 Investigators and Investigators in Training have access here and confidentiality applies 100%.

Discord

Discord is a voice and chat tool that the Cav uses as a complement to our existing tools. S2 has a specific channel we use to inform the team about specific events or just ask a short question. It is not mandatory to use discord, but see it as an add-on to the forums. There is an extension for the cell phone as well. Once you get accepted into S2 you will get access to the S2 channel. Please keep all chat here confidential.

Retention of Data

At no point is any S2 evidence to be stored on a local machine or other means of hosting other than specified above. You can hold data temporarily on a local machine but all evidence must be uploaded to the S2 Check Folder and deleted from any other means. After a check is completed as Clear it may be deleted from the storage medium. The maximum amount of time to hold such data is two weeks from the closure of the check.

Background Check Standard Operating Procedures

The main task of the S2 department is the recruit gaming background check. Below is a description of the various parts and forum areas you will need for your check. Please refer to Appendix 1 for a more detailed workflow.

Forums Utilization for Background Checks

To conduct comprehensive background checks on recruits, you will engage with three key sub-forums. These forums are instrumental in gathering essential information and assessing the suitability of recruits to enlist in the 7th Cavalry.

RTC Folder	The RTC Folder is a crucial resource for initial background checks. It contains basic information on recruits. Any behaviors or concerns that arise during the recruit's time with the department and catch the attention of RTC will be documented here. This folder serves as an early indicator of potential issues.
S2 Folder’s	S2 checks are conducted after RRD has approved a trooper's enlistment. These more detailed checks aim to ensure the recruit's compliance and integrity. The following areas are scrutinized: SteamID Searches: Conducting Google searches of the recruit's SteamID to uncover potential dual-clanning activities. Steam Groups Analysis: Investigating Steam groups for signs of dual-clanning or inappropriate content. Digital Footprint Examination: Review comments, reviews, name history, screenshots, and other publicly available data on Steam. Regimental History Search: Utilizing regimental assets (as specified in the template) to check for previous interactions with the trooper. Gaming Site Reviews: Checking any gaming sites the recruit may be associated with for relevant information BattleMatrics Important Guidelines: Accessing a recruit's social media for background checking is strictly prohibited. However, Twitch is exempt from this rule as it is not considered social media in this context. Information from a recruit's Twitch account can be collected if linked to their Steam profile, provided it does not delve into personal or social media-related areas.
Enlistment Papers	The Enlistment Papers section allows for the review of a recruit's formal application and declarations. This document provides foundational information about the recruit, serving as a base for initial assessments.

Folder Time Completion

It has been established that IIT and investigators are given a period of 7 days to commence or finalize their tasks on an assigned folder. In case they are unable to complete the task within the specified timeline, they are welcome to request an extension or reassignment from the senior investigator.

Recruit Status Determination (Prefix)

Note: Checks are labeled with the colors GREEN, RED, or YELLOW.

There are nine statuses that a recruit can potentially have during their course in the investigation. Two statuses of special note are the “Clear” or “Hold”. The hold status can be initiated as soon as the initial check phase of the recruits process.

Clear

Note: CLEAR needs to be colored with the color GREEN

Once a recruit has been fully investigated, the matter is considered clear.

S2 Hold

Note: S2 HOLD needs to be colored with the color RED

Some HOLD's will require an interview, some examples of this would be:

• Multiple recent aliases with clan tags
• Many active clan associations
• Milsim group membership
• Missing or unclear information
• Racist Content

A valid reason for HOLD is any inconclusive information. When in doubt put the trooper on hold and conduct an interview to clarify your findings. Send a PM to the trooper and copy your S2 Lead Investigator / Senior Investigator on it. The title of the PM should, for example, read “S2 Action Required - RCT.Anderson.M”. Paste the respective HOLD template message in the PM. Make sure to follow up on the PM. If there is no response within 72 hours send a reminder. Check also the recruit folder Of RTC to see if there is an update.

In Progress

Note: IC CLEAR needs to be colored with the color YELLOW.

For private steam profiles, recruits are no longer placed on “S2 Hold”. We put them under “In Progress” and they will have 7 days to acknowledge. If no acknowledgment is made then they will be S2 DOR’d from the cav. The PM that is sent to them will request they add the investigator as a friend or set their profile to public. This is a mandatory step.

Denied

Note: denied needs to be colored with the color RED

Recruits that fail the initial check are denied, and then are set as one of the following status:

S2 Drop on Request

Note: S2 DOR is posted without a color.

When the member is denied during the IC progress, they will be Dropped at the S2 level.

Recruit Training Command Drop on Request

Note: RTC DOR is posted without a color.

When a recruit discharges or is discharged through RTC.

Discharged

Note: DISCHARGED is posted without a color.

Once a recruit is fully discharged.

Denials

In order for a denial to be issued to a recruit, there needs to be sufficient evidence that the recruit meets criteria for such denial. That evidence needs to be gathered and uploaded to Google Drive and must be logged and recorded accurately and in a timely manner in the Check Folder. Informational accuracy is absolutely key.

Denied for a VAC Ban Under 5 Years Old

In case of an active VAC ban in Steam under 5 years the recruit can be denied with approval of S2 CoC. This approval needs to be a formal approval. Post your findings in the S2 recruit background check and update the status of the background check. Inform the S2 CoC (use the monthly S2 thread). The CoC will check the facts, update the RTC recruit folder and handle the discharge further.

Note: As of NOV2018, VAC-banned players who's bans are 5 years old or older are permitted within the Cav.

Other Reasons for Denial

There can be other reasons to deny entry to a recruit:

• Recruit has shown racism in his Steam profile.
• Recruit is currently a member of another FPS gaming clan. In these cases you recommend DENIED and document your evidence in the S2 recruit background check.

In most cases it is beneficial to conduct an interview first to verify data and gather evidence. As General Command Staff or S2 1IC/2IC need to approve the denial of entry, precise proof and evidence is required. Inform the S2 CoC (use the monthly S2 PM and post a short message on Discord ) and wait for a decision. The 1IC/2IC (or someone they delegate) will check the facts and OIC will decide. DO NOT act further. If a recruit is denied it is fair and transparent to inform the recruit of the reason. This will commonly be handled by the 1IC/2IC of S2, but it can happen that the 1IC/2IC asks you to handle this as you have had previous conversations with the recruit and a rapport has been established. Be polite but clear in your communication. Even under negative circumstances we want to maintain a professional, polite and collected demeanor.

Interview Process

Due to a recruit being placed on HOLD status, you may be required to conduct interviews with potential members of the 7th Cavalry via Discord. These interviews serve to address any concerns or issues identified during your initial investigation, as well as to confirm information provided by the recruit. Although interviews can be scheduled at a specific time, flexibility is often necessary, allowing for impromptu sessions when the applicant is available. Key elements of the interview include:

• Initiating the recording with timestamps at both the start and end.
• Introducing yourself and identifying all participants.
• Briefly outlining the mission of S2 (safeguarding the clan's integrity).
• Reviewing the Code of Conduct and General Orders.
• Confirming the recruit’s age with a date of birth.
• Discussing past or current affiliations with other clans (requesting documentation of termination from previous clans, if applicable).
• Gaining verbal confirmation from the recruit on their understanding and acceptance of our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), General Orders, and other rules and policies.
• Creating a comfortable dialogue by engaging in light conversation about their reasons for joining the Cav, gaming interests, etc.
• Investigating targeted questions allows the recruit to express themselves freely.

This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation, fostering a positive and informative exchange between S2 personnel and prospective members.

Note for Investigators in Training (IIT)

As an Investigator in Training (IIT), it is imperative to be accompanied by a senior investigator or a full-status investigator during interviews. This requirement is in place to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the interview process. Exceptions can be made, but only with prior approval from the Chain of Command (CoC) of S2.

Your S2 colleagues play a crucial role in supporting you through these sessions. They will:

• Observe the interaction closely to catch any subtleties that might escape your attention.
• Provide constructive feedback on your interviewing technique and overall performance.
• Ensure that the interview proceeds without any unexpected complications.

Their expertise and oversight are invaluable, ensuring that you are well-supported as you develop your skills as an investigator.

How to Conduct an Interview

Conducting interviews is an art form where each investigator brings their unique approach. The essence of a successful interview lies in staying adaptable and responsive to the conversation's natural flow. Paying attention to the content of what recruits say and their manner of speaking and behavior can provide invaluable insights. While there's no one-size-fits-all method to interviewing, the following guidelines offer a foundational strategy that can be tailored to accommodate different personalities, unexpected topics that arise, scheduling constraints, and more. Preparation is key: outline your objectives and the information you need to verify, always representing the Cav professionally and respectfully. Structure of an Effective Interview:

• Initiation:
  • Inform the recruit that the session is an S2 interview and will be recorded, ensuring they consent to proceed. Address any hesitations, clarifying that refusal may impact their membership application.
  • Upon agreement, begin the recording. Introduce yourself and any others present, offering a warm welcome. Engage in light conversation about their experience with the Cav, the games they play, or their home country to alleviate any nervousness, dispelling myths about the S2's intimidating reputation.
• Purpose and Verification:
  • Clearly state the interview's objective, emphasizing your role in verifying their application details. Start by reviewing the information provided, asking direct questions, and addressing any discrepancies with prepared evidence. If the recruit becomes defensive, tactfully shift the conversation to lighter topics before revisiting any concerns.
  • Open Dialogue:
  • Encourage the recruit to speak freely, providing them the space to share their thoughts. This open dialogue can often lead to spontaneous revelations, offering deeper insights into their character and honesty.
• Conclusion:
  • Conclude the interview by thanking the recruit for their cooperation. If discrepancies or policy conflicts are confirmed, explain the implications for their membership candidly. Inform underage recruits of the age requirement and invite them to reapply.
  • Offer the recruit the opportunity to ask questions, ensuring you respond with helpfulness and professionalism. Commit to following up on any agreed actions or inquiries.

This approach ensures a thorough and respectful evaluation process and fosters a positive and open environment that benefits both the investigator and the recruit.

Post Interview Process

Immediately following the interview, it's crucial to concisely summarize your perspective and document this in the S2 folder section on the forums. This summary should capture all pertinent details, including the applicant's demeanor, manner of speech, and responses to questions. Such insights are invaluable for future reference, especially in resolving potential disputes. Ensure you meticulously update the S2 folder section on the forums, adjusting the recruit's status accordingly. In cases of uncertainty, seek guidance from your Chain of Command (CoC) before taking any action. Lastly, securely upload the interview recording to the S2 Google Drive, ensuring it's properly shared within the designated Check Folder. This systematic approach guarantees a thorough and organized evaluation process, maintaining the integrity of the recruitment procedure.

Other Duties

Investigations

From time to time we receive information regarding other Cav members that need to be investigated. Common events are concerns about age, failure to follow 7th Cav policies or violation of UCMJ, hacking, or dual clan membership (commonly called dual clanning). These investigations are relayed to the GOA/XO and only started per their instruction. It is extremely important that all internal investigations remain confidential and all results are immediately shared with the S2 Lead Investigator, S2 2IC and the 1IC of S2. If information is brought forth by another Cav member outside S2, the results of the investigation are not to be discussed or shared under any circumstances. When in doubt discuss the matter with the S2 CoC.

Investigator Work Ethic

You probably have heard of the common expression: What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. It is quite similar with your work in S2. Everything that happens in the Security Operations Department is CONFIDENTIAL, and under no circumstances to be shared with anyone outside of S2. It is paramount that any result of an investigation stays sealed and is not discussed in any way outside our department, without prior permission of S2 OIC. There are no exceptions to this rule. You will occasionally be asked by other members of the Cav why an applicant was denied but you must never discuss any case with anyone. Even if a senior member of the Cav orders you to disclose information of an investigation, you will politely decline to comment on it, and refer them instead to the OIC of S2. You may be threatened, or told you will be punished etc., but it is extremely important to keep the privacy intact of what we do here. You will have the full support of the S2 Command Staff if you follow this rule. To many members in the Cav, S2 is a department they do not know much about and this sometimes gives S2 a mystical appearance. Some members may ask you what we do and how we do it but we simply don't discuss it, other than to state that we are the Security Operations Department. Your loyalty must be with The 7th Cavalry always, and confidentiality is important, regardless if this is about your buddy or a recruit.

Failure to follow Confidentiality Policy

Failure to follow these standards will result in disciplinary measures up to and including removal from the S2 Department, and possibility of further disciplinary actions from command staff.

Failure to Follow SOP

In the event The Regiment becomes aware that Investigators have acted outside the scope and authority of their role, that member will be suspended from participation in investigations for the duration of any review. A review will be conducted by the Regimental Commander, Regimental Executive Officer, and any other designee into the allegations. If upon completion of that review, there exists sufficient material to affirm the allegations of misconduct, a Court Martial may be convened. If there is a final judgement of malfeasance, the prior investigator will be removed from The Regiment with immediate effect, and stripped of all titles and regalia, with a dishonourable discharge. It is the responsibility of Investigators to be mindful of their actions, and to report any deviation from the policies. Members who are directly aware of such misconduct, but who do not report it, while not directly responsible for the misconduct, will still be removed from the department and may face reduction in grade or other relevant action.

Day of Training	Chapters Covered
1	1-3
2	4-6
3	7-8
4	9-10, Final Exam