“Go in close, and when you think you are too close, go in closer.” – Thomas McGuire
A List
- Founded in 2023 with the release of the Strike Eagle
- Secondly, another item
- Thirdly, a concise point
- Fourth, a bit more description
Who We are
The (Virtual) 90th Fighter Squadron is a tight knit group of aviation enthusiasts who fly the F-15E Strike Eagle in DCS. We’re not a MILSIM group, though we do place a high emphasis on proper procedure, brevity, and operations. We take pride in our ability to operate the DCS F-15E to realistic standards.
That means deep technical knowledge of the Strike Eagle’s systems as modeled in DCS, an understanding and practice of proper military operational practices as well as standard aviation procedures. We’re not an air-quake unit.
Each crew is assigned both a Pilot and a Weapons Systems Officer – with each member proficient in their role; and an emphasis on excellent crew coordination. While we acknowledge the F-15E can be flown by a pilot alone, we recognize the enhancement that a full crew brings to the capabilities of this amazing weapons platform.
1st Air Force
Joint Task Force – 1
Joint Task Force 1 is made up of two commands, the 1st Air Force and Carrier Strike Group 1. There is also an attached Army AH-64 element, and MACS-2 who perform AWACS and ATC functions.
JTF-1, and the 1AF, perform large scale realistic campaigns inside of a structure of independent units like the 90th FS. Each unit has their own SOP, rules and requirements – though all fly together.
The JTF-1 Concept requires all units to assign pilots to aircraft, and have only as many aircraft as their real counterparts. For modules like the F-15E, AH-64, and F-14 this also means all-human crews. On campaign nights (Sundays) everyone is required to fly their assigned aircraft only.
The benefit of this structure is that each squadron is home to sim-aviators who know their aircraft like their real world counterparts – with a number of JTF-1’s members having been former real world aviators & crew.
Furthermore, JTF-1 is recognized as one of the top DCS Multiplayer Groups; with members being beta testers, SMEs, and moderators on Discords belonging to DCS Developers.
First Air Force Squadrons:
- 55th Fighter Squadron (F-16C)
- 480th Fighter Squadron (F-16C)
- 90th Fighter Squadron (F-15E)
- 492nd Fighter Squadron (F-15E)
- 67th Special Operations Squadron (C-130J)
A unique mission
Unlike the other squadrons of JTF-1, the 90th FS is unique in that it’s role in the organization is directly tied to a sister squadron: the 55th Fighter Squadron, a premier SEAD squadron in DCS. The 90th’s F-15E’s are tasked with direct support to this SEAD mission – providing direct fighter support and ground attack capabilities to enhance mission capabilities of both Squadrons.
As such – 90th FS Dicemen are required to not only understand the capabilities of their aircraft – but also the operational capabilities of the F-16C Bl50, Surface to Air Missile threats, understand how the SEAD mission shapes the battlefield while maximizing coordination in action with the 55th FS, and the rest of JTF-1. The result is both a DCS experience unlike any other, and a pride with being at the tip of the spear.
Requirements
- Flying availability Tuesday & Sunday nights
- DCS Flying Experience
- General familiarity with the F-15E (as annotated on the right)
- Razbam F-15E Module; NTTR, Syria, and PG Maps.
- Be able to read and speak English proficiently, and able to follow the Squadron SOP & training materials.
- Be 21 Years of Age
- Have Discord
the dicemen standard
Core members of the 55th FS started the 90th FS with one vision: enhance the capabilities of our premier squadron with those of the F-15E. As a result we demand the same level of commitment, training, execution and camaraderie as the legendary 55th FS. Unlike other JTF-1 units, the 55th and 90th are embedded in one another.
You’ll still be assigned to the 90th FS, you’ll only fly the F-15E – but we see ourselves as two sides of the same coin. We brief together, we fly together and we succeed together.
We are a procedure heavy group – that means that we place heavy emphasis on following our SOPs, flying correct departures and arrivals, proper radio etiquette, and bringing realism into every aspect we can inside of the DCS experience. Each crew is expected to fulfil their assigned duties, there are no free rides.
What we are not however is a MILSIM group – no one is calling anyone “sir,” and there is no rank. We do have a Squadron Commander, we do have qualified Flight Leads, IPs and other duties. Anyone can attain these qualifications and roles – but they are earned. We follow the USAF’s B-Course curriculum for training material.
Prospective Pilots should be capable of cold starting the F-15E, taxi, take off, flying programmed navigation, and landing. Pilots are expected to know how to fly formation, in-air refuel, and deliver all available ordinance. Pilots should be knowledgeable of BVR and ACM concepts.
Prospective WSOs should be capable of cold start procedures for their station, be competent in utilization of the AA and AG Radars, TPOD, Radios, and the PACS. WSOs must be able to navigate and utilize on board navigational systems; while following the air picture and giving the pilot an actionable plan of attack.
If you’re rusty on flying a departure, or a little shaky on knowing altitude restrictions for the TPOD or CBUs that’s fine. We recognize that DCS is a perishable skill and if you’ve not flown at this level before or recently we know you’re not going to be perfect. We’ll train you up to the Dicemen Standard – but we won’t teach you to fly the F-15E.
Recruiting Process
If you are ready to join the best F-15E Virtual Squadron in DCS – this is your flight plan:
- Join us in the JTF-1 Discord Server. Introduce yourself in the 90th FS Recruiting Channel.
- From there we will schedule an interview with the Squadron leadership. This is just to learn about your DCS background and see that you’re ready for a check ride.
- We’ll take you up for a check ride. This isn’t a final test, rather, it’s to see where your skills are at and if you meet our requirements. You don’t have to be perfect, just someone able to learn and fly with us at our level.
- When you pass the check ride – we’ll make you a Prospect in the 90th FS inside of the JTF-1 Community. That will grant you access to our internal Discord, and designate you to the rest of the JTF-1 community as belonging to us.
- Graduating from Prospect Status and becoming a full member of the 90th FS requires commitment. We fly twice a week, and while skills and competence matter – attendance is the No.1 factor considered. You can be a real Weapons School IP, but if we can’t rely on you to show up for missions it doesn’t really matter.
- Once you graduate from Prospect Status, you will become the new Snacko until the next graduate shows up. PunchOut will conduct your popcorn machine class, Rule No. 1 is very important.
being a diceman
We are a club of military aviation enthusiasts. Once you patch in and become a full member of the Virtual 90th Fighter Squadron you become a member of our family.
We don’t just fly together in DCS. We regularly hang out on Discord, we play other games together, and we’ve even met in real life and drank real beer together (hence the age rule).
Yet there are other major perks inside of DCS to joining the 90th FS.
You will be assigned to a crew and aircraft – that aircraft will have a historical 90th FS Board Number, and your name will be stenciled on the side for all in JTF-1 to see. We also do nose art for both the Pilot and WSO.
We generally fly crew-intact, however attendance and mission needs sometimes dictate a shakeup. What is great is you will develop a real connection with your crew, and you will enjoy opportunities to see how others do it.
You will also be a full member of JTF-1; one of the best DCS groups to be a member of. We have real former Top Gun IPs, current fighter pilots and WSO/RIOs, Vets from all branches and even other countries. Commercial and GA pilots, as well as those working on their PPLs or just enthusiasts can all be found in JTF-1.
We’re not affiliated with the USAF’s 90th FS (who now fly F-22s). That said, we’re very proud of who we are and we have earned our reputation in the JTF. Are you ready to count yourself amongst our ranks?