From Firebird Squadron CMDR GN Master:

It is my distinct honor to recommend Hector Von Ricmore for promotion to the esteemed rank of Commander.

Hector has excelled in his role as Flight Leader, exemplifying excellence as a pilot and dedication as a leader. With consistently outstanding skill, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to his squadron and ship, his contributions have significantly elevated the status of Firebird Squadron.

For these reasons and countless others beyond what can be summarized here, I am proud to offer my wholehearted recommendation for Hector's promotion. He is truly deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations, CM Hector Von Ricmore!

For giving us a first insight into his Character through the INPR, SL Alerius of Tempest Squadron has been promoted to full Lieutenant.

Congratulations, LT Alerius!

Under Colonel Maston Dane’s enthusiastic and tireless guidance through four completed tours of duty, Rho Squadron ascended to the TIE Corps Commander’s Escort honor for a second time in a five year period. Colonel Maston Dane’s full accomplishments have been celebrated in recent awards and promotions and we stand proudly and gratefully for all he has done. The time now arrives for his next chapter.

In continuance of the mission set by Admiral Hav Antiel in reactivating Rho’s hangar bay, and the commitment to expanding and sharing Rho’s leadership as proposed by Vice Admiral Adom Wietu, a new candidate has been identified for Rho Squadron’s open Executive Officer position.

With a future commitment to follow in the footsteps of Vice Admiral Adom Wietu, Colonel Westric Davalorn, Colonel Alexandre Morgan, and most recently Colonel Maston Dane, we proudly announce that Captain Jai Thorne has been selected as Rho Squadron’s new Executive Officer.

Captain Jai Thorne has made an explicit commitment that he will join the rotation outlined above after a minimum of two tours of duty in the SQXO position to fully integrate and prepare. Until that time, we welcome Colonel Alexandre Morgan back to the Rho Commander position and thank him in advance for mentoring Captain Jai Thorne through the journey with his new squadron.

From Battlegroup II BGCOM VA fr0Zen:

Between the time of his prior promotion - on the ninth day of the ninth month in the previous Imperial year - and recently when Lieutenant Colonel Maston Dane was awarded a Palpatine Crescent, the Rho Squadron Commander has guided his crew to the Escort Squadron title and managed three morale building competitions for his Battlegroup and the Fleet.

A top tier pilot, Lieutenant Colonel Maston Dane has amassed 229 Legions of Combat and 368 Legions of Skirmish during this time. Lieutenant Colonel Maston Dane has now reached Ace 3rd and Ace Ranger 3rd combat ratings, and as a result reached the pinnacle of Flight Certification at the 21st Echelon.

Lieutenant Colonel Maston Dane undertook a project to identify methods of rewarding pilot efforts in additional thematic simulators as yet not approved for recognition within our fleet. The result was a proof of concept and a deep record of future alternatives to serve our organization’s membership.

We count on Lieutenant Colonel Maston Dane to be an endless font of positivity, support, and encouragement for all pilots across the fleet - valuing each member he encounters with equal honor and respect. He uplifts his Squadron and Battlegroup daily with opportunities to better know our peers and find reasons to further connect personally..

For these contributions and in celebration of his accomplishments, we proudly recommend Lieutenant Colonel Maston Dane be awarded the rank of Colonel - with all rights, privileges, and responsibilities entailed.

Congratulations, COL Maston Dane!

Escaped! Again! This is twice now that this new type, Resurgent-Class, Star Destroyer has escaped us. First in our battle over a week ago and now against the MC90 Renegade this last week.

They may have the luck of a sabacc player but eye witness reports say that the hull integrity of the ship was at a critical state.

We must now move onto getting into position for attacking Zephyron but I hear that AD Setzer has deployed our probe droids looking for our damaged quarry...

From Spear Squadron CMDR CPT Sam Arsio:

LT Steel, since your return, your activity, communication and battles have increased steadily, you also took on two roles, ROA and Flight Leader. with the second Merit medal, you are more than ready for your next rank. I expect even more from you, and i can't wait for your ideas in regard of improving even more our squadron for the future.

I, Captain Sam Arsio, Commander of Spear Squadron, recommend Lieutenant Steel for the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Congratulations, LCM Steel!

From Scorpion Squadron CMDR GN Jarek La'an:

LT Thalios has continued to impress, undertaking IU courses and flying an increasing number of sorties since joining the squadron. Having earned a 2nd Palpatine Crescent for activity in Feb 2025 and having previously completed TCCORE he has met all the conditions for promotion to LCM. Well done!

Congratulations, LCM Thalios

LT Steel, formerly a Flight Member in Spear Squadron, has been appointed to the Flight Leader position for Spear Squadron. Congratulations and good luck in your new role!

Major Sid_amos has completed two Tours of Duty as Spear Squadron’s Commander. During this time, we consider the Squadron’s renewal to active status a resounding success, with an eighth place finish in the Squadron Rankings just two months after launch during Raise the Flag 2024, a full roster of active pilots, and an expanding culture.

Major Sid_amos has been instrumental in populating the Squadron’s Wiki records and in providing the opportunity for a Squadron patch to be commissioned. He has an incredible run of Silver Stars earned via monthly evaluations, and has directed several competitions for the benefit of fleet morale.

Major Sid_amos has always been up front about wishing to share leadership opportunities to expand our talent base. With this in mind, Major Sid_amos has asked to be replaced as Spear’s Squadron Commander and to take time for other focuses with a stint in the reserves.

We thank him for all he has done, and welcome his nominated replacement, Captain Sam Arsio. We expect great things for Spear Squadron’s future from Captain Sam Arsio, as he brings a broad set of experience in Imperial University studies, exemplary performance in both flight and ground operations, and the operation of culture building events. Cheers, and welcome to the Imperial Bureaucracy, Captain Sam Arsio!

From Kappa Squadron CMDR GN Aardvark:

Since returning to active duty, LT WarperJawa has proven to be a valued member of Kappa Squadron. They have participated in combat patrols and engaged in multiplayer PVE combat as well as participated in combat and graphic art competitions.
Having completed the requisite time in service as well as earning the required merit medals, I recommend that LT WarperJawa is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Congratulations, LCM WarperJawa!

ATTENTION! Pilots of the TIE Corps we have many combat actions on going against these First Order clowns. Over in BG2, they are engaged with a recently damaged Resurgent Class Star Destroyer that escaped them this last weekend. While here in BG3 we have two battles underway.

First the MC90 Renegade and her escorts have found our own Resurgent that got away from our main fleet a few days ago, where as the MC40 Roost has come across a asteroid installation bristling with fighters and bombers. We will need all pilots to man their ships for these battles if we are to emerge victorious once again.

For completing the TCCORE Imperial University course, SL Superpak of Scorpion Squadron has been promoted to full Lieutenant.

Congratulations, LT Superpak!

To the Pilots and Leaders of the TIE Corps Fleet,

Rho Squadron, the reigning Escort Squadron of the TIE Corps, is opening fleet-wide applications for the position of Executive Officer.

Rho Squadron upholds a culture of unwavering dedication to its members, mutual support of all identities, a collaborative uplifting spirit, and unity in pursuit of victory. Leadership transitions occur after two to three tours of duty to enhance capabilities while preserving identity and purpose.

Applicants must commit to at least two tours (eight months) as Executive Officer to integrate into the squadron’s culture, followed by an expectation to assume command for two subsequent tours. Completion of the Squadron Management 6 course will be required.

To apply, submit an electronic mail statement of intent to Vice Admiral Adom Wietu at adomwietu@gmail.com. Candidates will complete an interview process, with the final selection determined by Vice Admiral Adom Wietu, the current Squadron Commander, and Rho Commanders Emeriti.

Deadline for applications is 11:59:59 pm ET on Wednesday, March 19th 2025.

For the Empire. ⚡

For giving us a first small insight into his character through the INPR and for completing the TCCORE Imperial University Course at an impressive 100%, SL Ferris Madine of Tempest Squadron has been promoted to full Lieutenant.

Congratulations, LT Ferris Madine!

Ha, we showed those arrogant "First Order" pilots that we are no meek imperial splinter group, but the TRUE torch bearers for the true vision of order the Emperor had for the galaxy.

Each of our Battlegroups faced what seemed to be a heavy cruiser class ship, that records from after the battles show are known to the enemy as "Maxima Class Heavy Cruisers." And our forces decimated their paltry fighter screens and we here, and in other Battlegroups to, if my sources are correct, we managed to get Hammer's Fist stormtroopers aboard and to the command areas quickly enough to not only take the First Order cruisers out of the fight, but to capture them as well. As we move further into the system, the CRV Reaper and M/CRV Predator are working to tow the captured cruiser "Basilisk" out of the area and firmly into the hands of the Science Office.

If nothing else, this campaign has started off with a bang and a resounding success, thanks all to the valiant efforts of each and every pilot in the Corps. But we should not let our guard down, something tells me that this First Order has more forces in this system than just a few heavy cruisers...

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Sector Admiral Sarin's passing. In recent years Sarin has been more active in the Brotherhood and his friends Dracaryis and Valhavoc posted details there - Dark Jedi Brotherhood - In Memoriam.

While I shared my thoughts and feelings on the Brotherhood's post, I would add here. Sarin was the Executive Officer of this club during a challenging time. He had to manage through the decline in Star Wars games in the early 2000s, the transition of many of this club from teens into college students, and (above all) Astatine as Fleet Commander.

For those that knew Sarin he was a direct man. He was an officer in the US Army, how else would he be? Yet he always believed in this club and this community. He was my friend and I idolized him and while I may have become the Executive Officer and a Sector Admiral I have so much more to learn and do to be like Sarin.

If you knew him please read the post on the Brotherhood's site. At this time they are asking no one attempt to contact the family. As more information becomes available it'll be shared.

Below is what I shared within the Brotherhood's post:

When I first met Sarin, I was a teen and he was already a Captain in the Army. I remember thinking how cool that must have been, though I never told him that. He seemed somehow wiser than me, despite being just a few years older than I was. Yet, somehow, he always had that cool, calm, collected, captain Matt image in my head.

To no surprise, Sarin rose quickly through the ranks of the Emperor's Hammer and the Brotherhood and I gravitated towards him in a desire to learn how I could be as impactful. Over the years we agreed and disagreed on a wide variety of things. Sometimes we were in lock steps. In other times, he'd delete his telegram messages and we'd start over. That is the way of things with someone like Sarin who could see beyond today and tomorrow. He saw the potential this club and people could be and he wanted us all to get there with haste.

There are two key memories for me for Sarin that have forever stuck in my memory.

1. On September 3, 2005 he sent an email to a small group of us when he was XO of the Emperor's Hammer and Astatine removed him. That email starts "All of the people on this email have received this letter because they are either my friend or because they are of a like mind..." and I cannot tell you what it meant to me to know he considered me a friend.

2. In 2020 while the world was isolated and I was spending considerable time in the hospital with my wife and, later, our youngest son in the NICU, I got to speaking with Sarin again and he reminded me of this community and invited me back. I, in a wishy-washy way, said I'd come back if I could have my dossier restored to where it was before the Exodus. I thought he'd give me some run-around and it would die. Sarin, to my surprise, said "We can get that done" and the rest has been history.

I've been on several podcasts over the years where I talk about what this community has meant to me. It means what it does because of people like Matt. I've been processing my emotions since I learned this news...and, honestly, right now I'm mad. Matt and I would talk about Disney and how much he loved it and he said anytime you're down here we'll finally grab that drink. My wife and I finally are booking that trip for September and the day I found I was going to tell him that I was going to buy the first round.

I'm not okay. We're not okay...but we will be. All of us will be. There will be sad moments but so much more joy and smiles and deep barrel laughs of the memories. So, for tonight I'm going to cry. I'm going to toast the legend, and then tomorrow I'm going to keep striving to be like that Captain I met years ago and wanted so badly to be as cool as.

XO/SA Kamjin Maverick Lap'lamiz/CS-2/SSD Avenger
MoH/IC/GOEx2/GS/SSx3/BSx5/PCx5/ISMx4/IAR/MoI/MoC-4doc-3poc-4goc-7soc-35boc/MUA/IS-GW-3BW-4SR-5BR-CR/ORA/LoC-IS/LoS-CS/CoLx4/CoB/LoA/OV-29E [Aquilifer] [Marksman 2nd] [Private 4th]
{TCCORE-MCBS-MP/2-SM/2/3/5-XAM-XMD}

STAND DOWN!? SUBMIT?! OBEY?!

Who does that "Grand Marshal Takeda" think she is!? The Emperor’s Hammer was formed by the Emperor's orders directly! And we haven't had to hide out here in the Unknown Regions to stay safe from the Rebels. We took what we wanted and dared them to try to pry it from our hands.

To your ships! Let us show her where the TRUE power lies in this system.

Imperial Storm, the TIE Corps annual exercise kicks off at 00:01 UTC which is in about three hours time from this post. This year as highlighted in the earlier post the enemy at the gate is the First Order - we as the EH will be attempting to take control of a fueling depot to aid our onward journey into the unknown regions...

As with the past installments of Imperial Storm, the game is a map based - over the next 2-3 weeks each battlegroup will advance up a rectangular map depicting the approach to the Gasriese System. Each battlegroup has a targeted to square to be at for a weekend battle that lasts 48 hours, but between those battles can roam the map looking for enemy vessels to attack and destroy or capture. Once they reach the end of the map, the three TIE Corps battlegroups will join forces to make the final assault of the First Order fueling depot and it's defenders.

We will be kicking off THIS weekend with a initial confrontation, fictional elements will be posted to discord in two channels -

• imperial-news-network is staffed by volunteer reporters who will bring you news from the front
• imperial-storm-hub will contain game specific updates

Battles in this years Imperial Storm are fairly simple, each battlegroup has a quartet of FREE missions they can fly, one from each of the following platforms (TIE Fighter, X-Wing vs TIE Fighter, X-Wing Alliance, TIE Fighter Total Conversion). How well you score against the existing High Score will feed into some math to determine the damage your battlegroup will do. This is also added to a percentage of all Legions of Combat and Legions of Skirmish earned over the weekend.

Damage to the First Order is made up of the following:

• An automatic 10% of fleet attack rating
• 10% of LoC score x fleet attack rating
• 5% of LoS score x fleet attack rating
• 5% of the total summed HS% x fleet attack rating for each of the SP platforms.
• Weekday battles will see a 10% bump to all TC scores as we all work or study!

Damage to the TIE Corps will be determined by the EHXO and WO based on the forces involved and overall performance by the TIE Corps.

So, without further ado please find assignments for this weekend at the links below courtesy of some FA Pickled Yoda wizardry!

• Battlegroup I: https://tc.emperorshammer.org/competitions.php?id=7943&view=scores&round=1
• Battlegroup II: https://tc.emperorshammer.org/competitions.php?id=7943&view=scores&round=2
• Battlegroup III: https://tc.emperorshammer.org/competitions.php?id=7943&view=scores&round=3

I have heard back from my sources around the Fleet, and it seems what General Master found out there is some sort of Imperial Remnant! This could be huge. Are we about to find a hither to unknown group of allies in our fight to bring order to the Galaxy?

True, they did scramble fighters at the sight of Master's reconnaissance patrol, but as they we are Infiltrator Wing craft, and therefore look like Rebel craft, this isn't too surprisingly or concerning.

I also hear that the Command Staff will be sending out a Corps wide broadcast soon so we hopefully will soon know more of what is to come.

Battlegroup III has been in good hands with VA Locke Setzer at the helm. With his long history of service to the ISDII Challenge, appointing him to the BGCOM role felt like a natural fit and it's been playing out exactly like I hoped it would. I've gotten to speak with him directly more than just about anyone else since he's been a consistent participant in my CMDR+ meetings, which has been great and given me a lot of insight into things we're doing well and things we could be doing better. He's surpassed my expectations of a Vice Admiral and I'm proud to promote him to full Admiral.

Congratulations, AD Locke Setzer!

RA fr0Zen has been doing excellent work for Battlegroup II as its BGCOM, leading by example and going to great lengths to make sure that the pilots under his command have everything they need. I enjoy the opportunities that I get to chat with him and I'm sorry that there haven't been more; his questions and comments have consistently been keenly perceptive and pleasantly accommodating which make him a joy to work with. I'm pleased that the ISDII Warrior has been cared for so well especially since it's been my home for the past long while. fr0Zen's promotion to Vice Admiral is well-earned and I look forward to seeing what VA fr0Zen has in store for us.

Congratulations!

RA Genie demonstrates the dedication he has for the pilots under his command every time we discuss something happening in Battlegroup I. We haven't always seen eye to eye in those discussions, but I admire Genie's determination to find solutions that address all concerns. I feel like I have things to learn from Genie, even after all this time, about seeing things from other points of view and when to read between the lines to go beyond surface-level interpretations of what's going on. Today I want to recognize RA Genie's long and continuing service as the commander of BGI by promoting him to Vice Admiral.

Congratulations, VA Genie!

In his time as an Admiral, AD Phoenix Berkana served with distinction as the Commodore of the ISDII Hammer, became one of the first wave of Battlegroup Commanders when that position was brought back, went above and beyond the call of duty in the Simulations Officer position until it was reworked into the Warfare Officer role, and has been an insightful contributor as part of the TIE Corps Command Staff. Having him take on event and competition management has been a great help to me and a boon for the Corps overall. His promotion to Fleet Admiral comes after years of dedicated service, throughout which he's been a pleasure to work with and I hope that we can keep that going.

Congratulations, FA Phoenix Berkana!

RA Colo Delste has been weathering the ever-shifting multiplayer landscape for us, altering the submission requirements as needed while leading the team of reviewers that keep the Legions flowing and creating multiplayer events to bring pilots together. Many of the Corps' competitions and events rely on the work of RA Delste and his assistants, and having someone so reliable and determined in the COO role has been critical to the Corps' ongoing success. To properly recognize him for exceeding the expectations we have for a Rear Admiral, I'm proud to promote him to Vice Admiral.

Congratulations, VA Colo Delste!

There is a Storm brewing out there pilots of the TIE Corps, and warriors of the Emperor’s Hammer as a whole. My sources aboard the MC90 Renegade reported to me that they witnessed General Master return from a recent scouting mission visibly out of sorts. They even reported that he had a frown on his face! This is troubling news indeed if he found something to trouble his affable soul.

And even more concerning, after he filled his initial report with Major Drosa, he was almost immediately placed on a shuttle, and I am told, taken to report directly to Grand Admiral Rapier. If whatever he saw wiped his ever-present smile off his face AND caused the Grand Admiral to actually want to risk having HIM aboard the Grand Admiral’s ship, we know that a Storm of momentous size is about to strike us all!

But we here on the Challenge know all about how to weather a Storm for we are on "The Storm's Eye" and "Storm is our business, destruction is our target, fear is our ally."

Be sure to have a glance at the latest Warfare Officer Report for news on Imperial Storm!

For earning a first set of Legions of Skirmish in Helldivers 2, SL Myky_92 of Spear Squadron has been promoted to full Lieutenant.

Congratulations, LT Myky_92!