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Thank you everyone, truly appreciate the love. At the heart of it, these forums are nothing without all of you! I'm just the guy presently steering this large ship, and keeping us on course and heading in the right direction.

Thanks for the feedback, Thought that might be the case - I will leave it as it is! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A few used to weather that area but can't say I've seen that on any recent centurion applications. From references you don't really see any weathering there. Ultimately it would be up to the @Deployment Officer Team

RS Prop Masters website is up and operational. Very nice looking, and easy to use. Already ordered my commissioned full build!

When shopping for snaps, I find spending a bit more on quality snaps is a good idea. I had cheap ones from the local haberdashery store and they started popping loose. I replaced them with good quality sporting/yachting snaps and I haven’t looked back [emoji4] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I thought I’d done so already, but congrats Andrew! FISD is defo one of my top 16 favourite detachment forums [emoji12] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I don't use the sticky backed velcro as it tends to come loose over time. Any velcro will work depends where you want to apply it, I only use it on the shins, everywhere else is elastic and snaps. These links may be of help Strapping Systems Rivet Setting 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Snap Setting 101 by justjoseph63 (Print PDF) Snap Setting Hardware Solutions by TheRascalKing E6000 and Snaps Discussion by Harbinger, Snap Options by ukswrath Snaps with Rivet Heads by TheSwede Split Rivet Placement by DroidHunter How to Use a Rivet Tool by huttman How to Make Snap Plates by stukatrooper Elastic ABS Reinforcement by Cricket Magnetic Shin Closures by Cricket (Print PDF) Magnetic Shin Closures (supplement) by Zugor Alternate Magnetic Shin Closures by OddViking327 Types of Inner Strapping by Shinyarmour1 Internal Strapping by justjoseph63, nrgband RascalSnaps by TheRascalKing Thigh Garter System by Pencap510 Making Thigh Garters by Spectre Bicep Hooks by Pyrates and Brent Shin stabilization by Cricket and themaninthesuitcase

I would say with certainty that we have evolved as have the products and information available to us. Today we are spoiled with choice, so I would unequivocally say yes! Basic approval is the best it has ever been, has this cause us to look at EI and centurion to improve then, again yes. That necessity has and will continue to allow us and the higher levels to remain relevant. The last two years and now into this one, have been a journey of updating FISD across many facets, to remain at the forefront of what we do, and to keep the forums and all our content relevant. We have taken all feedback, both positive and negative, and actioned it where possible. Our CRL's and higher levels form a very important part of that as do our various members programs. Ultimately, you need traffic and members who want to participate to make anything work, evolution is the pathway to rejuvenation. I better get off my soap box now don't want to overdo it.

I think too it used to be - back in the day - that basic wasn't all that great. Black ab plate buttons, plastic belts, FX helmets, etc. Going EI made you look *much* better for a modest investment in time and accuracy. What was EI then is basic now, and Centurion then is more like EI today. In other words, as the base accuracy has gotten higher with better kits and parts, going EI doesn't always result in a better looking suit to the general public. So I think for the normal stormtrooper, there is less incentive to go higher when basic today looks pretty good (compared to years past). Is EI hard to get? I used to say $50 and a few hours of work. Is that still true?

I just want to point out something that has always been the case with how higher level approvals take place. If you read the information it tells you, not only word and images but to use additional references when looking to apply for higher levels. They are steps toward more accuracy and a standardised look (no gaffers tape, cracked and damaged areas) that's prop replication. This has worked well and been accepted for many many years by almost all that have applied, it has only been a few who have stepped away from it or pushed back so they are the exception and not the norm. Most of this occurs at centurion not so much EI, but it makes sense to recommend a change if they intend to apply for centurion. CRL review will be ongoing this year, and more changes will be made to the CRL's so the standards can be kept high. EI and Centurion are purely optional, no one is forced to make the step, it's something that either interests or excites you, or it doesn't. Everyone that has passed those levels is proud, they did what it took to get there, and we owe it to every single one of them to keep consistency and that high standard. We are 501st, we are known for quality, I for one believe in that, and have no intention on letting it slip. We will be having more Polls, and membership voting on amendments, so I think you will find this year, an expansion on what is already in our CRLs for Centurion, maybe a little on EI too, but we wont really know until we start to review each CRL. Having things mandated and in writing in the CRL should certainly take any resistance out of the equation form that direction, making the minority an even smaller group, and aiding in reducing pressure on the Deployment office. Easier for all process is the way forward.

I've had multiple that have submitted for EIB, received what felt like insurmountable criticism and not return. It's not the DO team's fault persay, and in fact, they have done a great job reaching out to folks to try to touch base, but it's another problem inherent with the system. Convincing people to submit for criticism is one thing, convincing them to change the armor they worked so hard on, and were approved with... especially, previously when some of the asks were not noted in the CRL... has been a challenge. I often help prep my mentees' threads even, sending them all of the photos we took and the template to fill out... still doesn't happen sometimes. You can lead a horse to water, but... Like with the coins mentioned, one idea would be to have EIB and Centurion patches/rockers always available for purchase once earned, kinda like the coins. It's a little more immediate gratification for going through the wringer, though someone would have to be in charge of this (I'd volunteer). And/or some type of patch or coin for armorers, like with Attache's to help motivate people. Since EIB photos are next to impossible to take alone, I think having active and motivated armorers is key - it's usually best to have someone else who KNOWS the CRLs and requirements expected (an ARMORER) to be the one who adjusts/checks you and takes your photos (it's why you see my fence in submissions somewhat frequently). It's been slow for in person mentoring due to COVID, but things are starting to turn around so it's a great time to revisit these programs, imo. If we have more Armorers, even moreso than Attaches, we should see more EIB and Centurion submissions follow.

Indeed

Hey John, you'll find that the Search function may also be very valuable for common questions as you get started.

No requirement to have them curved, although if you have access to a 3D printer (or someone who has one) there are some nice files here thanks to John.

NEW Detachment Leader Deployment Office Detachment Affiliation Elections Merchandise & Officer For Laughs Update Your Build Threads Around the Detachment INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS FISD Achievement Award Common FISD Acronyms and TK Glossary Pre Approval Forum 3D Section Field Exercise Award Imperial Attaché Program Fire Teams EIB & Centurion: What do these terms mean? Need Help Ask the Deployment Officers Advanced Tactics Awards Public Relations Staff List 2020 Follow FISD Greetings fellow Stormtroopers Elections are in full swing with Q and A open for Legion Commanding officer and no doubt plenty of garrisons and several Detachments. FISD elections on the other hand, ran uncontested this year, placing us in the envious position to get back to business some 10 days earlier than units now running the full cycle. The team and I are truly humbled that you the members, and all those nominated for the DL position but declined, believe that we have done a good enough job to remain in office for another term. It has reassured us that you also believe the detachment is heading in the right direction, and we wholeheartedly thank you. if you have visited the forums, you may have seen my announcement outlining some of the staff changes, a brief of the plan for this year and of course a mention of merch. Announcement Link Here This year gives us the opportunity to consolidate on everything we have worked towards over 2020/21. There will be a few more changes and upgrades to come, and the full vision for our detachment brought to reality. We look forward to engaging with you across our platforms and keeping FISD the place to be. With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK11469 "Sly11" Detachment Leader NEW CRL UPDATES Now that the voting is done and the dust has settled, please note the following official changes/additions in the Costume Reference Library for ANH Stunt/Hero and ESB. All items pertain to Level 3 (Centurion) approval with the exception of the Thermal Detonator details for Basic approval. These were set into place not to make life more difficult, but rather add to a more screen accurate appearance and clarify items often overlooked in the build process. If you should have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact any of us in the D.O. department here: @Deployment Officer Team 1. ANH Stunt/Hero Thermal Detonator details (Basic approval)- Link here 2. ANH Stunt/Hero/ESB Thigh ridge gaps- Link here 3. ANH Stunt/Hero/ESB large ab-button plate- Link here 4. ANH Stunt/Hero/ESB Ear placement- Link here 5. ESB Hand guards- Link here 6. ANH Stunt/Hero/ESB Blaster details- Link here With Unquestioned Loyalty Joseph Pedigo TK-10963 "justjoseph63" Chief Deployment Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Mario E RT TK-48117 "TKSpartan" Deployment Officer With Unquestioned Loyalty Jose Maria Sanchez TK-30173 "Chemi" Deployment Officer With elections starting at the beginning of February it's time to check your detachment affiliation. OK so you look at your Legion profile and it shows that your detachment affiliation to FISD is pending, or otherwise incorrect. Why does this happen, and what is detachment affiliation anyway, and what will FISD do about it? The answer is that detachment affiliation is only ever used once a year, and for one purpose. The only time the Legion ever uses it for anything is to determine who can run for DL and who can vote in detachment elections. That's it. Otherwise it is pretty much ignored and not used for anything. The process of validating detachment membership is cumbersome and time consuming because people use different email information between their Legion and detachment logins, and that there is no way to bulk update the rosters. For a small detachment it is not a big deal to do this manually, but for a detachment the size of FISD with hundreds and soon thousands of 501st members, it's impossible. Fortunately we have technical folk both on FISD and in the Legion web team. Once a year they take a feed from FISD's database and do a bulk update on the Legion database. This occurs right before the election cycle starts and is done once per year. Pro tips: 1) Ensure the email address you use on the Legion & FISD boards are the exact same. 2) Ensure that your FISD profile has the correct TKID. 3) IMPORTANT! You MUST be in the right security group. It should be "501st Stormtrooper" in order for the automated system to pull you over. This thread is where you get your detachment access updated. 4) If after the bulk update is complete and your profile is still not updated, and you are 100% sure your info is in sync between the two boards, then ask for to the Legion web team. They should get feedback on why this isn't working. 5) If all else fails, ping the FISD staff. Which basically means that we'll simply tell the 501st web team to bulk approve everyone 6) If still you have no luck you can contact the legion web team directly via email: [email protected] To check detachment affiliation go to the 501st holocron here, login using your 501st forum username and password, click on YOUR PROFILE DATA, then look down the lower part of the page for YOUR UNIT AFFILIATION, then under DETACHMENT AFFILIATION. If you do not see FISD listed reach out to your GML (garrison membership liaison) as they can add it if you are an approved Stormtrooper. If FISD shows as PENDING it should be automatically updated just before elections, if not you can contact our DL @Sly11 and request a manual update. FISD Detachment Leader 2022-2023 With only one accepted nomination for FISD Detachment Leader congratulations go out to our continuing leader Andrew "Sly11" TK11469 2022 Legion Election Timeline Nominations Closed: 4th February 11.59pm If only one person was nominated for a particular position then it was filled and the election process ended. If more than one person was nominated Q &A Starts Q & A's for Garrison, Squad, Legion Commanding Officer and other Detachments has begun Starts: 5th February @ 12.01am GMT Ends: 9th February @ 11.59pm GMT Closing Statements: Starts: 10th February @ 12.01am GMT Ends: 10th February @ 11.59pm GMT Voting: Starts: 11th February @ 12.01am GMT Ends: 15th February @ 11.59pm GMT Transition Period: 16th February @ 12.01am GMT to 20th February @ 11.59pm GMT Take Office: 21st February @ 12.01am GMT Election Issues/Access You may reach the Legion Election Moderators by emailing [email protected] Cast your vote here Link to legion election forum here Costume Approval Information - Legion Elections 2022 With the Legion election period underway the membership database will be in lock down, during this time new member applications through your local garrison/outpost/squad can not be finalized, you may however still submit them but they won't be processed until the end of this cycle. This does not affect the addition of any new costumes to an active members roster/profile, however it does affect any membership status changes ie: active / reserve / retired and any personal information updates. The period of membership database lockdown for 2022 starts Feb 1st and ends Feb 21st Merchandise & Branding Officer That's right, FISD now has a designated Merchandise & Branding Officer, we welcome James Silvius (jsilvius) TK- 12953 to the team. Keep an eye out on the newsletter and social media for upcoming exciting new merchandise. CLOSED 15th Anniversary Coin Run EXCESS FUNDS After all costs were accounted for and documentation was submitted to Detachment Leadership, we ended up with a excess of funds from the coin run of about $0.34 per coin. At this point we would like to offer you 2 options: 1. Refund- You can receive the ACTUAL difference back for any over payment on your order. (If opting for a refund, I will PM you). Please allow up to 3 days for this and note that anyone on a group order WILL need to go through the person who paid for the order. -or- 2. Donation- Your difference can actually make a difference by donating it to the Detachment's legacy charity, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation - info here. All funds donated will be tallied up and sent to JDRF at one time** in the name of the FISD. For transparency, that transaction will be made available for viewing afterward. If members could post their preference on this thread NOTE: The thread will close in 30 days (11 Feb 2022) 2022 Celebration Patch RUN OPEN As always we highly recommend group orders where possible. Talk to your Squad, Unit or Garrison mates to help lessen the blow of freight. This run is being handled through Endor Finders, please see the link & password below. The Password to access the patch is: celebration2022 You can find the thread here Run will close on the 14th February so the patches can be ordered before the end of Feb and new term Hello Fellow Troopers! My name is James Silvius (TK-12953) of Garrison Tyranus, and I am honored to have this opportunity to serve this great detachment and would like thank Andrew and the rest of the FISD staff for giving me this chance. I do reside in the US. Richmond, VA to be exact. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Therese (DS-32076) and we have one child, Jarod (TK-12140). I have been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember, and there is nothing more iconic to me in Star Wars than a Stormtrooper. I was born in Illinois and visit home often (Hello MWG), served in the United States Army for 4 years and settled in Virginia. I currently work as Network Engineer for a company that does food distribution for mostly military commissaries. I am an avid collector of the Hasbro 6-inch Star Wars Black Series figures, and of 501st Challenge Coins (jsilvius in the DB). I am also a hobbyist 3D printer (I own an Ender 3 Pro and a CR-10 S4). I was first introduced to the 501st Legion in 2013 at a local Con and was just as excited to see the amazing kits as my then 13-year-old son was. While it would be 6 years before I joined, when I did It was as an OT TK (there is a bit of a story here that maybe I can share with some of you over adult beverages and coin trading at Celebration). I hope that I will be a valuable member of the FISD Staff and look forward to working with them and getting the input of the detachment members for the creation of fun and representative merchandise. Feel free to PM me ideas for what you would like to see this term and be on the look out for some post by me for new merchandise already in the works for this term and requesting ideas for what troopers would like to see going forward. With Unquestioned Loyalty James Silvius TK-12953 "jsilvius" Merchandise & Branding Officer "FISD Memes" Thank you to Luca "Morgi" TK66744 for starting a FISD specific meme thread, hope to see more of these in the future not only by you but by others as well. You can find the thread here WE NEED YOU TO UPDATE YOUR BUILD THREADS As most would be aware we are diligently working through the forums updating watermarked images, missing images and broken links, this has taken over a year so far and has been a monumental task but there is still a lot of work ahead of us. Members build threads are one of the biggest areas of watermarked/missing images and we are asking you the membership to help and update your build threads yourselves as this is just too big a task for staff. Build threads requiring updates are being moved over to this area https://www.whitearmor.net/forum/forum/241-build-threads-requireing-maintenance/ Thank you in advance for your cooperation. New FISD Tri Fold Brochure We have just launched our newly revised Detachment Tri Fold brochure. It's been quite a long time since we actually had these available and since then many things have changed leading us to updating some of the text to include new costumes, and have more relevant information. Originally these were done in a limited run by the member who created them, but nowadays, we have moved this to a print your own service making them accessible to all countries around the globe. Files are available to all full 501st members on request, and are completed in a very high resolution to ensure quality in a finished product. The thread can be found here for more information and how to access the files. The ANH E-11: Sterling -v- Bapty Differences Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 has put together a great comparison thread between a standard E-11 and Bapty versions, head over to this thread to view. If anyone has any additional information Joseph will gladly add it to his post. INFORMATION & AWARD PROGRAMS For a full list of FISD awards head here Joseph Pedigo "justjoseph63" TK10963 as many of you can attest, gone over and above, consistently doing something to benefit the detachment, things that go well outside of his deployment office duties, year upon year. Everything he has done was of his own volition, and done with passion for the benefit of as many members as possible. I find no one more deserving of this, our detachments highest accolade, and feel privileged to be able to bestow it on Joseph for his continued and outstanding efforts over so many years of service. Thank you Joseph, your "How to" guides are legendary, your sales items incredible in detail, and your generosity and loyalty unquestionable. Please join me in congratulating Joseph on his hard earned and well deserved award. Past recipients of the FISD Achievement Award here More info on the FISD Achievement Award here With Unquestioned Loyalty Andrew Franke TK11469 "Sly11" Detachment Leader Are you new to the FISD and wondering what the heck all those abbreviations and strange sounding terms mean? To help you @justjoseph63 has started a list of the most commonly used ones that will give you some insight. If you have ANY questions about a particular term that is not listed or suggestions for new ones please contact Joseph. You can find the list here Pre Approval Forum allows future Troopers the opportunity to submit photos of their completed build to be reviewed by the Staff, Imperial Attaches and others in preparation for forwarding it to their GML for approval. Any and all advice/suggestions given will be specific, constructive, helpful and respectful. Please note that this program will NOT take the place of your local GML, as Detachments are not chartered for costume approval and can not override a GMLs decision, but is instead a peer review program designed to help you look your best and offer guidance and positive feedback. For more information on this program, please visit the link here Don't forget to visit our 3D section when next surfing the FISD forums, there is plenty of useful information to potentially help you on your next TK adventure. You might be feeling may generous and share with our community a new TK related 3D file and maybe win yourself a 3D contributors award so check out the details below and be part of the in house 3D community. Here is a link to the FISD 3D Contributor program. Don't forget to create a troop log here on FISD and get awarded for your adventures The list of accomplished troopers keeps growing, so get on board and register your troops today Simply start (or update!) your troop log, keep the running total in the title, and post (at least!) a date and name for the official 501st event where you wore your TK! Once you've hit a milestone count, go over to the "Field Exercise Awards -- Post your milestones here" thread to request your profile be updated! Simple, right? Award Recipients January - February TK41469 "Hesikaya" Scott Are you an approved TK that spends more time on the boards than the average Trooper? Do you enjoy using your knowledge to help out future and existing Troopers? If so, we would like to invite you to join the Imperial Attaché program! Members of the I.A. team are chosen to help out not only those here on the boards, but on a local level as well. Our aim is to have at least one in each and every Garrison, Squad and Outpost in the entire legion to be the eyes and ears of the FISD on a local level. For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here Some of the benefits: Access to exclusive Attaché merch., including patches, IA patch , IA Rocker For a complete list of Imperial Attaches, go here You may also be in the running for an Imperial Attaché Award Imperial Attaché Award for those attaché's who have gone above and beyond [minimum 1 year of service]. You can find a list of prior recipients here Want to setup a "Fire Team? the Fire Team program is completely optional, and is intended to help form a common identity and spirit of camaraderie among 501st Legion Stormtroopers in the same geographic area/garrison that troop together. Fire Teams are not officially recognized by the 501st Legion nor the FISD, although they will be able to access a Fire Team sub-forum on the detachment website. You can find more information here So what exactly are and levels? These programs were designed for those who choose to take their armor above and beyond the minimum requirements for basic 501st Legion approval. It gives you the chance to show a level of dedication and pride that takes your armor closer to being as "screen accurate" as possible, without as much extra work as you may realize! You can find more information on the programs here ASK THE D.O.s For those of you who have a particular issue (or issues) before or after submitting for Expert Infantry / Centurion level approval, in order to get you an answer faster you can now privately contact the entire Deployment Officer team at one time! Questions about fitting, repairs, CRL standards/requirements or anything pertaining to reaching Levels 2 and 3 are not only welcomed, but encouraged. Keep in mind that no question is too small, and that your queries will only be seen by the D.O. Staff. We are here to help in any way we can, so please feel free to send us a message by clicking on this link: @Deployment Officer Team and we will get back to you A.S.A.P.! This area lists all those who have gone above and beyond basic approval toward screen accuracy and obtained EIB or Centurion or both. FOR January - February the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment would like to congratulate the following. Expert Infantry Badge Award: Chris "Lazerjock" TK84215 EIB 1041 GREAT job on your approval, now on to Level 3! Request your free EIB certificate here You can find a list of multiple award recipients here --------------------------------------------------------------- Centurion Badge Award: Ardeshir "equuspolo" TK42128 EIB TLJ-E 6th Award Ardeshir "equuspolo" TK42128 EIB TLJ 7th Award Outstanding job on reaching Centurion, Troopers! Request your free Centurion certificate here You can find a list of multiple award recipients here If you see any of these Troopers around your Garrison or Squad, be sure to congratulate them! Newsletter Editor Well looks like your'e all stuck with me again for another 12 months (health permitting) If anyone has any content for the newsletter please contact me via PM For anyone interested in having a look through any of the older newsletter they have now been moved to a new archive sub forum which you can find Here With Unquestioned Loyalty Glen "Q" Rhodes TK-85421 "gmrhodes13" PRO Newsletter Staff List 2022 -2023 Detachment Leader (DL): Andrew Franke (Sly11) TK11469 Executive Officer (DXO): Steven Sheades (starsaber25) TK-10466 Chief Deployment Officer (DCA): Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Mario E RT (TKSpartan) TK-48117 Deployment Officer: (DCA): Jose Maria Sanchez (Chemi) TK-30173 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Dan Branton (CableGuy) TK-42911 Provost Marshal (DCOG): Tim Waychoff (Dark CMF) Provost Marshal (DCOG): Chris Pearson (themaninthesuitcase) TK-10911 Personnel Officer (PER): AC (Novatie) TK-5597 Fire Team Relations (PRO): Mark Ryner (Captsafe66) TK-4584 Content Editor At Large (PRO): Christoph (Danny) Lauber (Ripper_L) TK-55550 Content Editor Support (PRO): Tony Jobe (ukswrath) TK-10116 Content Editor Awards (PRO): This will be handled by the XO Newsletter Publisher (PRO): Glen Rhodes (gmrhodes13) TK-85421 HOF Director (PRO): Aaron (Bronx) Gibson (Pyrates) TK-99725 Attaché Ambassador (PRO) Frank Peranteau (Frank75139) TK-75139 Merchandise and Branding (DMBO) James Silvius (jsilvius) TK- 12953 Social Media Relations (PRO): Teresa Nuthall (Soulart) TK-41307 Social Media Relations (PRO): Jim Ferrell (Rat) TK-95970 Systems Administrator (DWM): Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) TK-9674 Systems Administrator (DWM): Mathias (Locitus) TK-2959 Detachment Founder (DF): Paul (Daetrin) TK-8020 Trading Cards Content Support (IPM): Eric Ho (Hoda) TK 77520 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Brien Edick (Harbinger) TK 92802 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Jeff Salt (wingnut) TK 50297 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Richard Tibbitts (CallMeMrTibbles) TK 46116 Imperial Propaganda Machine (IPM): Adam Wolf (revlimiter) TK 11469 Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitearmor Facebook Group: 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment (FISD) Official Twitter: www.twitter.com/FISD501st or @FISD501st Instagram: www.instagram.com/fisd501st On behalf of the 1st Imperial Stormtrooper Detachment Command Staff and the Imperial Propaganda Department

The display for the Denix DLT-19 Stormtrooper rifle is ready. Considering the full metal MG34 from Denix has about 8 kg, the support had to be very solid to hold this heavy piece. I'll still upgrade the DLT-19 with various parts and greeblies in the future, but glad the display is finished:

Dear FISD members, I am once again honored with your continuing support as detachment leader for the 2022-2023 term. Thank you. We have a busy year ahead of us, which I will shortly give an update on, but first I’m sure you will want to know who your staff will be for the year. I would like to congratulate Steven Sheades (Starsaber) TK-10466 for taking on the position of Detachment XO. Steve has many years of experience both as one of our DCOGS, but also as a GML, GPRO and second seat in council for his garrison. Thank you Steve for stepping up and taking on your new position. Tim Waychoff (DarkCMF) TK-51878 will be moving into a DCOG roll and offering his expertise with our moderation team. As many of you are aware, Tim has several feathers in his cap, as a prior FISD DL and XO and Attache ambassador. Thank you Tim for taking on the position. This term we will indeed have a DMBO again, it’s been a few years running without this roll filled, but it is time to change that. Please congratulate James Silvius (jsilvus) TK-12953 for joining the team and taking on this challenging position. James held our 15th anniversary coin run, and did so exceptionally. His accounting spreadsheet and immaculate record keeping made my job very easy communicating the fine details with the LMBO team. Thank you James for accepting this position. There are a couple more additions to come to the IPM team as we will be focusing on more improvements to FO CRL's in the very near future. I shall announce those when we are ready to go. All other staff positions are currently remaining the same and are as follows. Deployment Officers Joseph Pedigo (justjoseph63) TK-10963 Mario Reyes (TKSpartan) TK-48117 Jose Sanchez (Chemi) TK-3017 DCOG Chris Pearson (themaninthesuitcase) TK-10911 Dan Branton (Thecableguy) TK-42911 Mark Ryner (captsafe66) TK-4584 DMBO Trading cards Eric Ho (Hoda) TK-42911 DPER AC (NoVaTie) TK-5597 DPRO Christoph (Danny) Lauber (Ripper_L) TK-55550 Tony Jobe (ukswrath) TK-10116 Aaron (Bronx) Gibson (Pyrates) TK-99725 Frank Peranteau (Frank75139) TK-75139 Glen Rhodes (gmrhodes12) TK-85421 Jim Ferrell (Rat) TK-95970 Teresa Nuthall (Soulart) TK-41307 DWM Eric Brager (Darth Aloha) TK-9674 Mathias (Locitus) TK-2959 Founder Paul Hoeffer (Daetirn)TK-8020 What lies ahead The last two terms have focused heavily on the forum refresh, uncluttering archiving and restoring. As you can imagine very time consuming, i also undertook a member data base clean up which hadn't been done in a long time. My vision has always been to leave this place in better condition than I found it, making it easier for anyone that comes after me and giving them a clean pallet into the future. This treatment will continue on this term although alot of the heavy lifting has finished or is nearing completion. This allows us to focus on things that are more beneficial to members, like our various programs, and the introduction of a new one as well. We will lead out this term back to work on our First order CRL updates. Discussion threads are already open, proposals will be written and membership polls set up so you can continue to participate in the evolution of our costumes, their quality and standard. We have a big year with Celebration, the patch sales thread is open until sold out, and I received an update from the vendor today that we have around 200 patches left. If you haven't ordered, now is the time before they are gone. I hope plenty of you have a chance to go to Celebration, meet fellow members, make new friends and have a blast. New Members section update will commence with an adjustment to the forums, a gate keeper so to speak, and hopefully an easier start for those brand new to FISD and costuming. Lets talk about some more fun stuff, like the FISD Coffee table Book. Work will continue, and a larger team will be formed for various parts of the building and design process. This is a huge project and we still have several hurdles to face, before it becomes a reality. It will be a first of it's kind for the detachment, and we can't wait to have more information available to you all. FISD Shirt run, needs to get underway quickly, so I will be working with our new DMBO James. to motivate that into action in the next couple of days. More Merch to come, and we continue to look towards items we haven't done before, we have ideas, we will be working on designs, slot planning and time frames. Now It is time for me to get busy in the background, onboard our new staff members and get the discussion going with your new team on the full plan for the year. Thank you all once again for the ongoing support, and we look forward to serving you all to the best of our ability. With Unquestioned loyalty TK11469 (Sly11) Andrew Franke.

I think I can safely say that anyone who has gone Expert Infantry or Centurion can relate.

As the resident expert regarding relationships, with exactly zero experience, I'd suggest you communicate and win an ally in your quest for ultimate nerd-y-ness