In almost every "In The Scope" interview there is at least one question that essentially asks "What is it about TAW that keeps you coming back to us everyday when you play?". The answer to that question is almost universally "The People". The people in leadership and the people in the enlisted ranks are what make TAW, TAW. TAW has some real characters and no one better exemplifies this that the whimsical Captain serving as XO of ARMA 2's 2nd Battalion, Metalcoholic. QuinoaAOC of the newsletter team took a few minutes of the good captain's time and delved into what it is about the people that has drawn so many players to the AM division. In a strange turn of events, Metalcoholic actually beat the opening question to the punch with a thanks and a question of his own.
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At first let me say thank you...I think...for this honor. Are cupcakes incuded? Can I bring some?
You're most welcome but alas, there are no cupcakes, if you bring them, please bring enough for everyone, my home is secure but 1452 angry, cupcake craving TAW mebmers may be a bit more than I can handle.
You have spent the last four months as the XO for the European Battalion of Arma II, but you are listed from Nevada. Do you live in Europe now or is there another story as to how an American came to help lead an EU Battalion?
Well I had spent some time in our AM 1 USA Batallion and as much as I loved it.. The pratice times were not jiving with the Las Vegas life style, not to mention 4pm on a sunday, cuts into my football. So I moved to over to AM 2 EU and well, had a blast. As time went on I found myself fixing more than I broke and ended up a Master Gunny. That was tons of fun, I'm defnitely an NCO at heart and love to hang with the guys, but as the (sneaky) TAW gods saw fit it wasn't long before I found myself XO in the very company I "grew up" in as a PFC and NCO. A bit of a wild trip in retrospect, but this division is full of great guys. things happen because of them, and they make me shine.
Tell us a little more about yourself. What makes you you?
The lack of sleep and an all meat vegan diet. Maybe The 17th Century ganster rap.
Oh and of course I dont take life to seriously, life is to short to be taken with any sort of consideration.
Plan for the worst, make for the best. Respect the future but live in the moment. I thnk im happier for it.
Do you have any hobbies or other activities outside of gaming to occupy your free time?
Well I play a bit of guitar, and I'm loving DADGAD right now. If I'm not home you could find me at the local pub during happy hour (happy day really),
or banging away on my Toca drums on the Strip.
And I'm sure the guys in AM 2 battalion will tell you... I do love my guns, and I do a fair amount of shooting if i can. If I can't then there is always shooting at the kids in the desert with my Airsoft m249. Good fun.
If its not that its all music. I am a complete metal head, yet manage to listen to a lot of folk, bluegrass, progressive, or just plain odd music. The AM 2 guys dont get it, but im still trying. Portishead anyone?
What brought you to join The Art of Warfare over other gaming clans in Arma II?
The people. Playing with the guys as a public player was totally diffrent compared to every other server I had joined. People were actually helpful, and there was an over sense of teamwork. I liked that and decided to check it out. the rest is history.
I think that ideal I saw then is what I really push for in the batallion now. We may not be professional gamers. But we ARE professionals who play games.
I like that, I want to keep that brotherhood and professional attitude around.
Of your accomplishments in TAW, which one makes you the most proud?
Doing my part to keep the batalion together and strong. Things don't always work out how you want them to, but a lot of guys worked VERY hard to make this batallion what it is today, and i'm proud to have been a part of that. We have come a long long way in 6 months, and that is exciting. It's like watching a city grow around you. When you can see the results of hard work it pays for itself, ya know?
What makes Arma II successful as a game and as a division in TAW?
GREAT question.
We are fortunate enough as a division to play as a team 95% of the time to complete a mission, as apposed to against each other ala team vs. team. It makes for a very different player dynamic. Yes we do team vs team matches, and special events to keep it competative, but the core of our division is co-op mission play. When you get 30-50 guys on a server kicking tail with A-10's, Tanks, blackhawks, and good ole fashion ground pounding as a team.. your bound for a good time.
Another big bonus In the world of ARMA 2 is you can do/make anything. The modding is only limited by your knowledge, that means we can cater to most peoples play styles in a single mission and keep things fairly fresh for the guys. From WW2 to Vietnam to Today, we can make a unique mission for our guys and play them how we see fit. makes for a lot of play space. :)
What is one word that you feel best represents your division as a whole?
Mallemaroking
What are some of the things that TAW brings to the table that makes Arma II an even more enjoyable game for members of your battalion?
The people. We have a lot of great mature players. Many of whom in our battalion have met up for game conventions and the like. That never would have happend had they not met in TAW. There really are six degrees of seperation between us (often less), and it really shows here in TAW. Some of us are neighbors in real life and never would have known it otherwise. Others of us live thousands of miles away, but with lasting friendships. That also never would have happend without TAW.
I've always said in TAW, you come for the gaming, but play for your friends... and thats awesome.
Do you have any parting words for the rest of the clan?
To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Sun Zhu - The Art of War