Command Structure - The structure of the virtual I./JG51 is based on the military system. The WWII Luftwaffe fighter Gruppe was generally commanded by a Gruppe Kommandeur with a rank of Hauptmann or Major. It had a Stab (Staff) Schwarm, with, in addition to the Kommandeur, an Adjutant, Technical Officer and Medical Officer. The Gruppe was made up of from 3 to 4 Staffel (squadrons), of 9 to 16 aircraft, each commanded by a Staffelkaptain, with a rank of Leutnant to Hauptmann.

Our squadron adapts history as follows. We are commanded by a Gruppe Kommandeur, with the rank of Oberleutnant to Oberst. The Stab Schwarm consists of the Adjutant, Technical Officer and Training Officer (We have no need for a Medical Officer ;) ). Their rank will range from Stabsfeldwebel to Oberstleutnant. Staffelkaptains rank can range from Stabsfeldwebel to Major. Individual pilots ranks are from Unteroffizier to Hauptmann.

Adjutant - The Adjutants job is to assist with the daily activities of the squadron. He is to attend to recording of squadron members points, medals and all other data associated with squadron activities and awards. He is also to act as the CO's assistant as needed.

Technischer Offizier - Otherwise known as the Operations Officer. This officer coordinates the wartime activities and takes a primary role in the planning and execution of these activities. He is also responsible for obtaining new technical data on EAW patches, files, community activities, etc. and keeping the squadron informed of important developments. He should also be the squadron "expert" in technical matters and problems.

Training Offizier - This pilot should be one of the most experienced and skillful of the squadrons members with the ability and willingness to share this with others. It is his responsibility to schedule and arrange training sessions for the squadron, recruits and individuals needing additional training. When training is underway, he is the CO of the squadron and is to be treated as such.

Staffelkapitan - Commanders of the individual Staffels. They are responsible to their Staffels to insure that the above Stab officers do their jobs correctly ;). They also fill in the stab positions when empty at the request of the CO.

Pilots - New members to the squadron start out as a Unteroffizier (Corporal) and advance through the ranks as their accumulated points dictate. Experienced pilots, who wish to transfer from another EAW squadron, are awarded a higher rank as appropriate, upon agreement with JG51 Stab.

The Reality - The above structure is projected. Hopefully, we will gain sufficient recruits to fill out the Gruppe with at least one Schwarm per Staffel. At the present time we will run the squadron as a single Staffel. Until further notice command order will be as follows: CO, Adjutant, Technischer Offizier, Training Offizier, 1st Staffelkapitan, followed by Luftwaffe rank as posted on the roster page. This is all subject to change and is presently based on who is participating, experience in EAW, their capabilities and indicated wishes for command. During an offical mission the ranking officer is expected to take charge and lead the JG51 team into battle. All other members of the squadron are expected to follow their orders and give support and aid to the pilot in charge whenever possible. (command is a tough job, folks..........well, if done right :) )

At the present time rank in I./JG51 is awarded after a staff conference. Advancement is influenced by time in the squad, level of participation, skill in the air, attitude and abilities in teamwork.

Medals are awarded by the Stab after a conference. Recommendations for a medal to be awarded can be made by anyone and should be passed through your Staffelkaptain. Staffelkaptains have the right to screen out such recommendations if they see fit. Recommendations for Stab members to receive a medal or award cannot be handled by the member involved and must be deferred to the remaining members of the Stab.