Who are we?
Our Mission
We were founded in 2020 with the goal of providing our members the ultimate mil-sim experience both inside and outside of DCS. We are continuously looking for ways to improve the product that we deliver to our pilots and to the fight. We also understand that this is not, and should not be a second job for anyone. We maintain a No Activity Required Policy to stay in the squadron once complete with training.
The qualities that make up the Spads are:
S – Skilled
P – Precise
A – Aggressive
D – Disciplined
We welcome any skill level to apply, but we are not for everyone. We are looking for motivated pilots that desire to learn and sharpen their skills and that are willing to contribute to an organization to make it better.
SPAD TO THE BONE!
457th VFS
The 457th Virtual Fighter Squadron, or the Fightin’ Spads is based off of their real life counterpart at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Carswell Field. The 457th is our combat coded squadron where mission ready members reside and conduct missions, joint training with other units, and participate in large scale exercises in DCS Red Flag.
182nd vFS
The 182nd Virtual Fighter Squadron, or Lonestar Gunfighters is based off of their real life counterparts at Joint Base San Antonio, Kelly Field. The 182nd conducts B-Course for the F-16 in real life, and is the squadron members are assigned to for Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF) and F-16C B-Course. The 182nd vFS is operated as D Flight within the 457th vFS, providing continuity of leadership and admin channels when transitioning to the 457th vFS.
Formal Training
We offer several formal training courses for our members. All new members must complete IFF and the B-Course within 90 days of joining the squadron. Formal Training is typically taught in a 1 on 1 environment for optimal learning.
Formal Training Courses
- Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF)
- F-16C B-Course
- 2 Ship Flight Lead Upgrade (2FLUG)
- 4 Ship Flight Lead Upgrade (4FLUG)
- Instructor Pilot Upgrade (IPUG)
Miscellaneous Courses
- Forward Air Controller Certification (FAC-A)
- Aggressor Certification
- Air Battle Manager Certification (ABM)
- Air Traffic Control Certification (ATC)
Squadron Jobs
Our members are assigned to one of several “desk” jobs within the squadron upon completion of training. The jobs help push the squadron forward and delegate tasks among various members to develop new products, missions, and tactics at a rapid pace.
- Flight Commanders
- Mobility/Plans
- Scheduling
- Snack-o
- Tactics
- Training
Missions
We participate in various missions and joint training opportunities with other mil-sim units. Our typical flight times are Fridays and Saturdays at 2000 EST, but you can find pilots on the servers on almost any given night.