MAX-G - An ELINT/RECON/Intelligence metagame/mission framework for large group missions.

[BlackDragon]

Hello! I am BlackDragon from the DCS group Shack Knights.  Our typical Sunday Missions consists of 6-20 players who typically have a strike objective with some light narrative to give it fluff.  I created a new mission framework to help support this style of mission and change it in significant ways that change how DCS feels.  I figured I would share this with the broader DCS community rather than leave it as a mission tool only used by one group.  So allow me to explain what it is and how it works!

The Goals of MAX G are the following:

1. Create variable levels of intelligence, discarding pinpoint certainty of target locations, defenses, and red air.
2. Allow for less commonly run mission types to exist and have an impact, such as RECON, ELINT, and Helicopter pilot participation.
3. Allow for mission briefings to be given using entirely player gathered intel, and mission planning that requires intel analysis, rather than an A to B and back again style bombing runs.

 

What is a MAX G mission?

A MAX G mission is a mission framework/metagame that is meant to include uncommonly used DCS mission types.  Things like ELINT, Recon, and transportation.  These can be run as smaller, lower intensity missions that then support the greater effort for the big mission.  The goal being that the smaller steps in the mission can be run needing only 1-4 players, rather than herding cats and getting dozens of players to coordinate.

An example of an Intel Report (generated from player lead efforts)

Okay but how is this actually executed?

We have a Mission Maker who will work directly with a Mission Commander.  The MC will make choices based on the world presented to him by the MM which will then inform which missions get run.  The current codified steps are SIGINT > ELINT > Recon.  With optional missions sprinkled throughout that process at the MCs discretion.  The goal of each of these steps and the missions they contain is to build up context and usable intelligence data that is then used in a final mission that takes the shape of what we’ve come to expect out of a usual Shack Knights Sunday session.

But what if we can’t get players for a step?

Through the glorious power of automation I’ve scripted an entire sequence that will allow us to simulate intel teams working at getting information from the mission to our briefings. This should theoretically make it so that if we don’t get a single other player for any of the extra missions, that the only step that needs players is the standard Sunday Session that we would have played normally outside of this framework.

 

How do I get started on my own version of this?

I have created and maintain a series of documentation that should guide you through the whole process, should you wish to make a MAX-G mission chain for the people you wish to play with! You can find said documentation here:

Master Mission Maker Guide (Which links to the copy-able Intel sheet)

Mission Commander Guide

ELINT Mission Guide

RECON Mission Guide

Special Operations Mission Guide

 

 

As this is the first time of this framework hitting the wild, I'm sure some snags will pop up as what is obvious to me may not be obvious to others.  If you run into issues or have questions feel free to let me know!  Otherwise, I hope you enjoy our mission framework and I hope it allows you to have awesome briefing dossiers for your next big mission!

Edited June 10, 2023 by BlackDragon
line merge, whoops

[Backy 51]

Interesting. Do you have any Excel or Powerpoint files to expand on or assist in framework development?

[BlackDragon]

2 hours ago, Backy 51 said:

Interesting. Do you have any Excel or Powerpoint files to expand on or assist in framework development?

The linked docs at the end contain everything I've got, including the master gsheet intended to be copied.  That sheet also has the javascript file for automation if you're curious about the code it runs.  Certainly nothing in the way of someone who would like to try and use that as a springboard to create more things!

[Backy 51]

20 hours ago, BlackDragon said:

The linked docs at the end contain everything I've got, including the master gsheet intended to be copied.  That sheet also has the javascript file for automation if you're curious about the code it runs.  Certainly nothing in the way of someone who would like to try and use that as a springboard to create more things!

Okay, thanks. Found the spreadsheet link embedded in the documents. Maybe put a hyperlink to that as well in your index list.

[BlackDragon]

6 hours ago, Backy 51 said:

Okay, thanks. Found the spreadsheet link embedded in the documents. Maybe put a hyperlink to that as well in your index list.

Excellent idea, done!

[uri_ba]

Great initiative!

Just a little tid bit to get your wheels working. If Hound is used in the mission, you can on command (manually or via mission trigger) a hound instance to dump all the contacts it has to a csv file.

You can use that file to do what ever you can think of

[BlackDragon]

Thanks! Shack Knights typically uses that as part of the dataset when building briefings for future missions, we do find use of it!