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Oh yes, about how long you may expect to be out there. There is no rotation policy -- such as so many hours and so many points entitling one to go home. The average tour of duty lasts about fifteen months. If you're especially good in the air and in squadron ground activities you may be here longer -- with the possible compensation of an appropriate raise in rank.
You may hear that pilot so-and-so (your classmate) in such-and-such group of this or that air force is a tie-up but he still got his captaincy and got to go home in twelve months -- what about me? The answer is simple -- competition is bound to be rough in the best group so the breaks are given to the pilot who puts out and is sharp in the air and on the ground -- regardless of class, rank, etc. In this group the pilot whose ambition is to lead a flight must plan on an extra few months in this area. If just average ability, eagerness for combat, and ambition is displayed by a pilot, then he can plan on being a wingman during his stay here and going home after the minimum time.
I. FORMATIONS
The basic combat unit which will be maintained at all times is the two ship element. If you find yourself separated, join up with anyone regardless of squadron, group or air force. The standard four ship flight consists of two elements -- flight leader and wingman, element leader and his wingman. Distance between aircraft should be flown so that a minimum of flying and maximum amount of looking around is done. Under normal weather conditions a good distance consistent with maneuverability will be two to three ship lengths at about 45 degrees angle (See Illustration). Wingmen will stay to the outside of the formation and continually check the sky around opposite element. A flight leader's word or direction are law. He may be an easygoing fellow on the ground, but don't cross him in the air. In enemy territory a single flight should maintain a distance between elements equal to an easy turning radius for mutual support.
Squadrons usually fly four flights in two sections of eight. If the first section attacks a small number of enemy aircraft or strafes a surface target the second section will cover (unless, as in the case with our present ground targets, there are no enemy planes within range).
In units of more than one flight, e.g., section or squadron, flights should maintain their normal formation as long as the combat situation permits. For example, scissors or cross-overs should not be made unless necessary for turns or to hold down "on course" speed in escort; otherwise, more attention must be paid to flying than to looking. On escort keep the throttle back until target vicinity is reached so that flight scissors may be kept smooth, shallow and frequent.
Learn to rendezvous quickly after take off and to land fast when returning.
One unforgivable sin is getting off late. If take-off is set for 0600, be off the ground at 0600. Check your personal gear and airplane in time to insure a prompt and orderly take off. Don't break in some other formation while it is taking off.
Once in formation and on course, it is the responsibility of the flight leader to keep his flight intact. DO NOT LAG IN FORMATION!
When it becomes apparent that a squadron formation must climb above or through either overcast or broken clouds, the flight leaders behind the lead flight should make certain to maintain an equal or better altitude with sufficient flying speed to maintain good formation. This must always be anticipated.
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