Our focus this edition is an outstanding member that has been involved with many division of TAW...Slautter. A CO in the TF2 division, Slautter was hand picked from the ranks of TAW's Arma division to take the reins in-game for the crew in Team Fortress. CherryLaneKilla of the newsletter crew had a few words with Slautter and here's what the newly stationed CO had to say.
Let’s start by telling everyone a little about you.....
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
That is a hard one. Probably, that my life dream when I was young was to be a fighter pilot.
Do you have any special hobbies or activities outside of online gaming/TAW?
Yes, I love to work on cars and motorcycles, and most of all drive and ride them. (Fast)
What brought you to TAW and more importantly, what brought you back to TAW after leaving us for a brief time?
Originally, I joined to learn the game of Arma2. I was only gone for 1 day. I came back. Because some of my comrades in the Arma 1st Bn. sent me emails wanting me to stay. I have befriended a few guys that I really respect and love to play with, so I came back and asked to be put in the Reserve Division
So I could devote more time to mission editing and practicing for badges. I was SO for nine months and had little time to devote to myself.
Up until recently, you were in the ARMA reserves. Now TF2 has moved you in as a CO, what brought about this change and how was the opportunity presented to you?
As Staff Officer for Arma 1st Bn, my old XO (LKinchelo) and I had been discussing me taking the XO position to help out in the TF division. When I stepped down from the SO position in Arma I decided to take him up on the offer. It turned out that his 4th BN CO stepped down, so I took that position.
A campaign victory tab, Operation Glass House, and three TAW medals are credited to your call sign in just ten months. Tell us about which of these many accomplishments you are most proud of.
I am very proud of the Medal of Resilience. I was recommended for this by my closest friend and comrade in TAW Louderthanu. He recommended me for the hard work I did as his FL in Foxtrot, and Bravo squad, and for helping 2nd Battalion in their time of need for a SO to do their onboarding after a mass exodus happened. As DI and as SO I made myself available to help anyone...any time.
Are you continuing to play ARMA as well or is TF2 now your sole concern in terms of gaming?
My true gaming interest is still Arma, but I enjoy TF. I came down to TF for a new challenge and to become a better leader. Much easier with a smaller group, to try and learn the skills necessary to command a battalion
As a CO, what do you feel is your role in rebuilding and strengthening the division?
I feel my role as CO is to create and maintain a well-organized and fun environment for our members to have every day. Beings that I am new to the game of TF, I am currently
watching, learning and making subtle recommendations for minor changes. I feel that my highest priority is working on recruiting new members to the TAW TF2 Division. I feel that change must be slow and steady, as to not upset the balance in a radical way.
What strengths do you feel you bring to the table as a CO that will assist in driving the division to future victories and accomplishments both in TAW and in TF2?
I bring a wealth of knowledge on on-boarding and have a lot of experience in managing people in RL. I am patient, and steady. I like to think I know when to be firm and when not to be. I have a cooperative attitude and am willing to listen to my subordinates.
What upcoming improvements in the division are you looking forward to that will help it appeal to other members of TAW and to public players in general?
Currently, I am working on a recruiting plan/procedure for our members to follow, so that we aren’t pushy, but yet, get the right message out to the public. I am basically taking one area at a time and seeing what advice I can give that might help our battalion in training, onboarding, and member retention.
Any parting comments or things you would like to add about TF2 for other TAW members?
TF2 is a really fun game. We have a relaxed atmosphere, and the stuff you find and trade for is a lot of fun.