Marksmen DLC and Server Security

Hey everyone!

Marksmen DLC

As I'm sure everyone is aware by now, the Marksmen DLC is out! I won't go into detail about all of the features that have been added to the game, but suffice to say that it brings a fair amount to the table.

However, I would like to briefly touch on what this means for everyone in the outfit. Luckily, this update has been fairly painless in terms of how it affects our current modset, and so the server is generally playable with only a handful of bugs to squash. Still, we've kept track of all of the mods that have updated since last quarter, and the list is pretty extensive. In addition, a lot of mods are bound to put out updates in the near future to either fix or add features in the wake of the Marksmen release. While we aren't pushing anything just yet, expect an update to the modset in the next couple of weeks.

Server Security

Another topic I'd like to cover is some recent changes that have been made to the TeamSpeak server, as well as to overall security of both of our servers:

Permissions are now separated and organized by rank.

This change is primarily for aesthetic and organizational purposes. Now, each member above Recruit will be able to see their rank icon in TS. Users will also be organized by rank in descending order, making it easier to find a specific individual for messaging / pulling / etc. There hasn't been any major changes in what powers each rank is given, so it shouldn't affect most of you other than in how things look.

In order to receive their rank-specific permissions, a member must have their tags set in both TeamSpeak and in-game.

In the past, we've allowed members to wear their tags in TeamSpeak as an optional choice. This is no longer the case. While on either of our servers, members will be required to wear their rank tag so as to keep everything consistent. Users who join our TeamSpeak server will have "Applicant" permissions by default. These do not allow the user to switch channels without being manually moved by someone else, so it is highly recommended that you get your tags sorted ASAP if they haven't already been set.

The NCO and CO Quarters' sub-channels are now locked to users below the required ranks for each specific sub-channel.

While we are still determined to leading this outfit in an inclusive manner that is as transparent as possible, the truth is that these channels are for working in. Recently, the open-door policy on all of the channels has turned them into hangouts, which is not what we intended when we made them. If you need to speak to an NCO / CO, the parent channels ('NCO Quarters' / 'CO Quarters') are still open. Simply join the channel of whom you need to speak to, and then send them a Steam message. To counter this, I've gone ahead and created two additional lounge channels that are open to everyone. There is also now a channel specifically for technical help, so that users can receive help with their mods (or other issues) without having to talk over others.

Server passwords will now be changed each quarter.

This is something that we've thought a lot about in recent weeks, and we've decided that it's finally time to venture away from our dear friend, the number 135. In order to keep the servers secure, passwords will now be cycled out quarterly, and will only be available to members on the forums.

With this change, we would like to re-iterate that our TeamSpeak and Arma 3 servers are only accessible by members of Black Watch International. We understand that many of you would like to bring guests in to play on the server, or to hang out with while you play other games. However, our servers can only hold so many people, and those slots are solely reserved for those who offer us their time and other resources to keep us afloat.  Black Watch International is more than just an organization; it is a community. As the administrators of this community, it is our responsibility to deliver a certain experience to each and every one of our members. It is important for us to know the people who use our servers personally, in order to ensure that this guarantee is met.

As always, if you have any questions / comments, feel free to message me or one of the other CO's,

Thanks.