Call clans "squadrons"

[Preble]

Call clans "squadrons."  Mainly an aesthetic thematic suggestion, but such a naming convention would open possibilities for a new clan structure, with different types of clans depending on size and function.  For example, naval squadrons and trading companies.  Naval squadrons could have the equivalent of player ranks depending on size, e.g. detachments, divisions, squadrons, fleets, and even regional stations, Trading companies might start as import/export shops and progress on up to full-on East India Companies (or West India Companies, since it's the Caribbean).  Clans/squadrons/companies could then potentially have their own internal rank structures and chains of command, with subunits to match, for their player members (so a port might be conquered by the 1st Frigate Division of the British Jamaica Squadron, etc.).

[Sir Lancelot Holland]

Traditionally  ships that served in the Caribbean were referred to as the West Indies Squadron,  (today colloquially the Windies guard-ship,) so there is merit in the idea as a name. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_America_and_West_Indies_Station

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indies_Squadron_(United_States)

 

Both the Royal Navy and the still young United States Navy had a Squadron operating in the area, under command of a rear or Vice Admiral, (who for the RN was based either in Halifax or Bermuda).  

While an internal chain of command would actually be beneficial it would be of little use without an external chain of command directing overall strategy with the clan or squadron commands carrying out the day to day tactical issues regarding such strategy. 

Sadly, in-game,  the history of such command, especially with regard to the GB nation has been woefully lacking, Council's simply provoked dissent with no cohesion among members, so inevitably the confusion and dissent meant many a good idea fell by the wayside and battles that should have been won were lost, with the fallout making a bad situation worse.    The U.S. have a form of Congress which seems to work marginally better but still have issues with cohesion.

The more successful nations in-game appear to be better organised by  a long way despite suffering from similar issues, France appears to have found a way to get over her issues and will eventually become more effective. 

It may be possible that an elected 'Admiralty board' of officers with a board 'President' could be a way forward whose function would be to decide strategy  and allow the clans/squadrons to implement that strategy on a tactical level, planning operations, then carrying them out:

for example the board decides to relieve pressure on Belize, gives the operation to clan 'A' who cooperates with other clans to put together a series of operations to achieve  superiority locally in the Belize area.

No single clan has the power to single handedly win any campaign independently, but as a directed group their chances are much improved, and when such operations are not ongoing the clans maintain autonomy to do  as they wish, or submit plans to the board for future consideration as national policy.

There will naturally be dissent, not everyone will agree all of the time, it is impossible for any group not to have disagreements, perhaps the way forward would be to settle more serious disputes, a form arbitration body whose decision is binding on the clans involved in the dispute. It may work, it may not, but I do know that what we have currently definitely will not work. 

 

[Hethwill]

 

[NavalActionPlayer]

2 hours ago, Hethwill said:

 

Not sure if you are supporting the idea or rejecting it? That's not a criticism - I just don't know what you mean, so please explain for the thickos like me

[Hethwill]

I am supporting it of course ; and sharing the views on the same subject since a while ago.

 

[NavalActionPlayer]

12 minutes ago, Hethwill said:

I am supporting it of course ; and sharing the views on the same subject since a while ago.

 

cool  makes 4 of us then

 

[Sir Lancelot Holland]

I think it may be a thought to put into perspective where Squadrons, flotilla's and half-flotilla's fitted into the greater scheme of things:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squadron_(naval)

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flotilla

Fleets in general were the largest unit, ie the Navy as a whole, divided into squadrons for specific tasks, areas (or ship types as in the U.S practice) and made up of Flotilla's of different classes  or rate ship.

The best example of Squadron usage was the Red, White and Blue Squadrons of the Royal Navy prior to 1864.