Sparkiii - Commanding Officer Application

Commanding Officer Application - Sparkiii

What is your BYOND key?

Sparkiii

What is your Discord ID?

sparky...

What is your timezone in UTC?

CEST

Player Name You Use Most?

Kiyomi Niyomi

Ban Appeals, Whitelist and Staff Applications:

Sparkii - Commanding Officer Application | CO, denied

Have you been banned in the last 3 months?

No

If so, why?

None

Command Knowledge:

How familiar are you with command positions?

I can confidently say I am very familiar with primary command positions; those being XO, SO, and SL. While I have some hours as SO, I have gathered a more decent amount of hours in the XO and SL roles.

Hours in XO:

111.9hr

Hours in SL:

96.1hr

Character Information:

Why did your character decide to become the CO of a ship?

Kiyomi fares from Japan. She finished her education and graduated from college top of her class.
She was destined to follow in her mother’s steps and join Weyland Yutani; however, she has opted to join the TWE EXCOM force and explore the stars.

Kiyomi took pride in her work, often visiting the planets directly with the research staff; however, during one of those expeditions, they discovered a planet infested with xenomorphs. Her team was cut off from their ship by the xenomorphs and forced to hunker down with what little supplies they had. They’ve sent a distress signal and contacted Weyland-Yutani for support. The company, however, opted to ignore their cries for help, leaving Kiyomi and her staff to die so they could later conduct research on the planet and the xenomorph inhabitants.

This betrayal led her to hating the company and the TWE for allowing them this much power in the empire. She opted to desert the TWE and travel to UA under a green card, serving in the USCM as a commissioned officer

How did your character attain the position of CO?

After being rescued from LV-543, she decided to remain with the UA and obtained a green card. After some time, she joined and completed the USCM’s officer training program and got commissioned becoming a Second Lieutenant and was assigned to the intelligence department of a ship. Over time, due to good conduct and competence in her field, she was promoted to First Lieutenant and assigned to an Arikara-class ship.

It was only until Operation Nightfall that Kiyomi’s true test would come.
At the start of the operation Kiyomi’s captain was killed in an IED explosion. To prevent the collapse of command structure Kiyomi decided to step in and take the responsibility of seeing the operation to its success, even though a pyrrhic victory. For her actions and display of leadership that day, she was promoted to Captain and assigned as the Executive Officer of the same vessel.

This operation was the beginning of many more counterinsurgency and rescue operations to come.
Over time, Kiyomi proved herself as a capable leader in these operations, which made her a candidate for a newly christened USCM vessel.
As the offer for the position came from high command, Kiyomi eventually accepted and was shortly promoted to Major and given command of her own ship.

Provide a short story of your CO.

Command Actions:

When do you believe it’s appropriate to pardon a prisoner?

Pardons are an essential tool allowing a CO to forgive any marine for their violation of marine law. They should be used carefully and sparingly, as they can come back and haunt you if the marine you pardoned proves themselves to be an issue. With that being said, I’d first ask myself why I want to pardon someone. “Are they useful?” “Can we succeed without their expertise?” “Will they break ML again when they get out?” “Why did they commit the crime in the first place?” Based on the answers to these questions, I would or would not pardon, specifically looking at the context of any given situation. If they did it to help because we were in a really tough spot, I would seriously consider pardoning them.

For example, A Marine has been arrested for ignoring a direct order from their overwatch officer.
While the order was, by all means, legal, it was a poor order that would more than likely result in unnecessary loss of life or take away assets from key areas with a very poor potential reward. I WOULD pardon the marine after a thorough investigation into why he disobeyed it and redeploy them ASAP.

Give some examples of when you would or would not use pardon.

A doctor has deployed without authorization to assist groundside with surgery. After an investigation, it has come to my attention that we already had a fobdoc, and he simply had too many patients. After a nurse has been deployed to assist, the doctor has returned and been arrested. I would NOT pardon him.

The Corporate Liaison’s bodyguard detains a marine for trespassing in the CL’s office and doesn’t hand them over to the MPs. The bodyguard is arrested for kidnapping. After an investigation, it turns out the bodyguard simply wasn’t aware he was required to hand them over. Due to the fact that it’s an incredibly poor defense, I would not pardon the bodyguard.

When do you believe it’s appropriate to use a Battlefield Execution?

BEs are an essential tool of a CO. They can be applied to anyone in self-defense, to maintain control over the operation, and to punish LRP or sexual behavior. With that being said, executions should be handed out extremely carefully, as they simply ruin rounds for others. Being permanently removed from a round by YOUR OWN commander sucks; there’s no other way around it. Thus, I’d always ask myself, “Are there MPs that can just throw them in the brig as punishment?” and “Does this deserve round removal?”

For example, it’s hijack; everyone has been called to the hangar for a hold and attempt to eliminate the xenos, but a few marines choose to rebel and threaten to kill me if I don’t call evacuation. I WOULD BE the marines as it’s hijack, things are moving fast, and it is key that marines maintain cohesion, and the death of a CO would greatly inhibit any chances for victory.

Give some examples of when you would or would not use Battlefield Execution.

The round is going poorly for the Marines, and they have to evacuate the FOB.
Our DP launches early due to cowardice or other reasons, disregarding orders from command to wait for the rest of the force to board. There are MPs on board the Almayer, so I instead opt to place them under arrest.

During combat I get shot in the back and killed by a private. Upon being revived, I would not execute the private as it is entirely plausible that he is simply new and did it on accident. Getting BE’d during your initial few hours of the game can have a huge impact on how you see the game as a whole, and command.

If a marine makes explicit sexual or gross out-of-character comments, I would BE said marine with no hesitation.

There are no MPs, and a marine plants a C4 inside the CIC, and attempts to destroy the consoles. I WOULD BE the marine for sabotaging the operation directly by threatening the safety of the command team and potentially disabling vital equipment.

5 Likes

Good answers.

Has applied several times, and I for one have thought their commanding more than matches the standards of the whitelist for quite some time now. That still hasn’t changed. They have good awareness both shipside and groundside, and have taken advice from several COs over the past few months. They’ve improved on the things that needed improvement last time. I believe they’re ready for the whitelist.

+1

3 Likes

i honestly didnt even realize you had played skadi before. You’re great as kiyomi, especially as an SL, you stand out. You’re positive, relatively fearless, and decisive. I can’t ask for much more of someone who’s leading. Been a while since I’ve seen you play XO since I’ve been away, but I remember you as being attentive and aware.

+1

2 Likes

Thank you two!
And yeah I used to play Skadi Elsher before though I felt like it was so long ago it wasn’t worth noting.

2 Likes

an excellent CO- hyper aware, superb communication, exceptional tactical ability and expresses their character well via their command despite having to juggle command and shipside matters

+1. Go far major. Ill see you around in CIC some time.

3 Likes

Heya. I’ve known you for a long time and I can confidently say you got MUCH better at commanding since your last application. You told me earlier that you had taken advice from some great COs and it really shows. As others have said, you are very vocal, you can express yourself clearly and are well aware of the situation both on the field and in the CIC. I hope this app gets accepted, good luck.
+1

3 Likes

Scenario 1:

Delta SL has been arrested. Marine side is in trouble and you really need some better leadership down there. He has requested you to do his appeal.

The Delta SL has been charged with Interference, Assault and insubordination.

In his appeal he claims that before briefing, the CMP was trying to arrest a marine for DASO that happened in Charlie/Delta prep. The Delta SL in his appeal says that it was a good idea from him to tell the CMP to leave the marines alone, and even threaten the CMP so to make him back off saying that he should just shake off the insults that were hurled at him. He maintains he did this in good faith to prevent an arrest, that in his opinion was menial. He further argues that he is a squad leader and is really needed to be leading the squad planet-side.

His timer still shows 15 more minutes. The CMP is SSD, however MPs are present and the warden as well.

How do you process this appeal?


Scenario 2:

A QM is arrested and still has about 15 minutes to serve. His charges are assault and neglect of duty.

He admits to the assault charge, which upon closer investigation, seems to have been a PVT who jumped the table in Req and caused trouble, whom the QM beat up. However he wants to appeal the Neglect of duty charge. He claims that the CMP applied the Neglect of Duty charge because the QM holds an officer rank.

He also claims that he has effectively operated cargo the entire operation and has not neglected any of his duties. He wants the charge removed from him.

Cargo Techs are handling requisitions and cargo and logistics have not been a problem this operation.

The CMP is SSD, however MPs are present and the warden as well.

How do you process this appeal?


Scenario 3:

A marine has been arrested under the charge of Assault. And requests you to handle their appeal.

Upon investigation, you discover the circumstance in which it happened was in medbay. The marine claims that another marine from his squad was being bullied or verbally abused by some other marines in medbay while waiting for the Alamo.

They said they asked the CMP to do something about it, and the CMP argued that he did not have to interfere as no Marine Law clause was violated. Because of the disappointment and frustration they shoved the CMP and called him names.

The marine argues that it is in his belief that the CMP and the MP department should be defusing such situations and not allowing them to happen in their presence and believes the CMP was simply not doing the job they were supposed to do and neglecting his duties.

The marine still has 5 minutes in his timer. The CMP is the only MP present in the department. How do you handle this appeal?


Scenario 4:

The marines have recovered a CLF survivor from planetside. They found him in the LZ upon landing and revived him. He is currently in the Alamo.

There are no MPs on board to handle the prisoner. You have 2 SOs and one XO in the CIC.

How do you handle this situation?

4 Likes

Hi Alan!
Here are the answers!

Scenario 1: After listening to both sides of the story, I would not approve the SL’s appeal as all 3 charges stick. Additionally, even though we need leadership groundside, I’d opt to either deploy myself, or a SO, or even possibly the XO, depending on the situation, to provide leadership on the ground instead of pardoning the SL.

Scenario 2: The QM didn’t do anything to deserve a NoD, so we approve that and leave the QM with the Assault charge. I would explain to the CMP that the ML changed and NoD is no longer applied to officers AND that the QM is not an officer.

Scenario 3: The marine did assault the CMP, so the charge sticks. I would not approve the appeal. I would ask the CMP to be more proactive in maintaining order, though.

Scenario 4: I would ask the marines groundside to cuff the CLF, then look for a deputy shipside, initially looking for a synth or someone from my CIC, then expand the search to any commissioned officer.

2 Likes

Hello Sparkiii! I have seen you play the game a lot since you have posted the app and have noticed the dedication you put in to this application. Through the rounds I had with you in CIC I could safely say that you were very responsive. You know to run CIC and make reasonable tactical call outs, most importantly you know how to co-ordinate with your SLs groundside so that is a huge plus for me.

+1 good luck champ!

3 Likes

Alright so;

Most of the scenarios I brought up here are based on real scenarios that have happened and that you can expect to deal with as a CO. Sometimes alone and under crazier circumstances. Nonetheless I find the answers to be correct and good enough to get an idea of your approach. It also tells me something about your approach to MPs and having a structured mindset for command.

With that being said.

From what I have witnessed after seeing you multiple times in the roles of XO and SL.

  • The ability to quickly give direction to the operation, regardless of circumstance.

In one particular instance where the previous XO had cryoed and you inherited an operation already underway. You managed to quickly organize the marine force and give them the right directions for them to reach the hive.

Additionally in almost all the rounds I have seen you as XO, you have been able to craft up a coherent strategy and actually make it possible for it to be applied. Although the strategies are usually aggressive, it’s usually needed in the beginning of the rounds and shows good initiative.

  • General awareness of the operation and on what’s going on

Here I have also seen a very decent approach to monitoring the operation. Keeping good track of where the squad positions are relative to the xeno movements, especially the queen. For instance I have noticed a decent ability in combining camera footage along with positioning to understand xeno movements, and here i believe the time put in as SL comes in handy.

  • Speed of and information included in announcements

I have noticed also a fast response time when it comes to announcements and passing of information. Sometimes one announcement console’s cooldown just isn’t enough for you. In other words, constant instructions being given constantly. That kind of level of communication is a good sign as it’s needed for those hectic high-intensity rounds where a queen is very mobile or a lot of variables are at play simultaneously which we often found ourselves in.

Additional remarks:

  • The ability to RP is also there and evident. You will have the chance and potential to develop that aspect further with time. This is a good thing.

  • The difference between the old application and the new one has a big difference and shows a very big improvement. Additionally you have been very willing to learn from my rounds as CO and a generally quick learner in most aspects.

  • Over time you will obtain more experience in calling in/adjusting OB fire missions which will also enable you to have more tactical success.

  • While very competent and more than competent on your own, your choice to delegate some tasks allows you to easen up your burden at times.

Overall asessment:

I believe you are certainly talented and have the potential to make for a decent CO. You have had a net positive impact on the rounds I have joined in as CO and let you handle the operation as XO just to test you. In all instances you have managed to organize the marine force putting them in the best positions as instructed with not much interference from my side.

As an SL you are more than capable in leading a squad planetside to where your squad needs to be and make their push as effective as it can be.

My advice for the remainder of your application is to keep playing a combo of XO/SL or even SO/FTL/Rifleman so that people can be more familiar with you and so that the other command, CO and council players get a chance to see you and provide their feedback for you as well.

Best of luck. Do yourself proud.

+1

4 Likes

I don’t play CIC but as someone often left with aSL after my SL gets a lunge special, they are very good at keeping squads aware of what’s going on and more importantly, where shit is happening.

One of the few times I played survivor they were willing and happy to rp with me a as UPP without interrupting the round (a capable SO handled announcements for a few minutes)

Frequent announcements and just good flow of information overall, it’s never felt like CIC is unaware or just not reacting when they are running it. Rounds with them at the head are greatly improved in my opinion. +1 from me

4 Likes

Thank all of you for the +1s!

Especially you Arbs!
Your mentorship has taught me a lot and continues to impress me to this day!

3 Likes

Been playing underneath as a rifleman where you are leading multiple times now. I’ve noticed nothing egregious for me to complain about regarding your planning or your decision making during the operation (which is good).

The only thing that I have noticed/will nitpick is your name. To me it seems sus, although I am very ignorant and I will like you to explain how you came to choose that name.

Otherwise, +1.

4 Likes

Easy +1 in my books. Sparkii has proven to be incredibly reliable both as SL and XO. Your decision-making is really good — I personally like how quickly you can adapt to situations, and your RP is amazing. Zero complaints about them.

3 Likes

+1 Seen you play XO often, communicative and pays attention to what is going on. Nearly always on the ball.

3 Likes

Although my playtime in recent months has been spotty, I have always been pleasantly surprised to encounter Kiyomi Niyomi as a name whenever playing. They are quick-thinking, reactive, and always provides fun roleplay.

+1

2 Likes

I’ve felt nothing but confidence seeing them as my SL, and have no complaints in regards to their performance as an XO.

I’d feel pretty alright seeing them as my CO. +1.

3 Likes

The Council has voted to accept your application. Welcome to the Commanding Officer Whitelist, Major Niyomi.

11 Likes