The Slumbering Giant

News Flash! Nuclear weapons found in adolescent's school locker!
Now that we have your attention, business can begin. Unlike other editorial delicacies, this post has been thoroughly cleansed of its journalistic muse. You will find no "As a matter of fact's" here, nor any "It happened like this". This is not a news update. It would be beyond common logical boundaries to create a news post when the editor has been absent himself. Doing so would be excellent grounds for court-martial, and possibly execution by firing squad.
This post has taken a drastic turn, and an extra dose of grammatical 'roids to remain in-tact with the current events of Moon. In fact, the editor is quite oblivious to recent developments... if any.
On a lighter note, the first Fun Night has been scheduled for this evening by Sergeant Emblem140. Emblem took the initiative to revive the mummified corpse that Moon was quickly becoming.
The editor, also second-in-command of Tactical Moon, would like to make a formal apology to the entire company for his blatant absence as of late. Although it would seem he has good intentions, truth be known, he was most likely just blowing time on his new computer, and blaming his dismemberment on work. Poor man. Remember him in your prayers on the beach.
So, with the main power master switch groaning back into place, and the rust of a deplorable lull in healing mode, both GIO and Tactical Moon begin to rise from the ashes.

Cracking The Wip

Training in full flux, Tactical Moon appears as a ravaged, monolithic beast traveling through space... at times quickly, other times grudgingly. The new program has shed light on old problems, eating away the rust of change. The immensity of the program, and the amount of time spent on its development, has proven a true workout for the entire organization; both leader and soldier alike.
The slow phases of shedding old skin have turned to high speed, as the basic training classes are complete, and a new philosophy on combat has set its teeth deep. Many recruits have found the training arduous, difficult, frustrating... just as the designers anticipated. Yet a peculiar sense of extreme dedication and "stick-with-it" power has been salvaged, and the clan is humming with a fresh scent of energy.
Even through a lifeless waiting period, most of the new clan has held the course. These men of duty and willpower have proven unbelievably loyal and ready to learn, even though the sting of the new program leaves a mark at times.
Generals Cougar and Grimesy have been working steady to fullfil the tactical dreams of their classes, and with the students almost at mid-semester, the grades are being whipped out shiny and pristine.
Many members, even in the early classes, have found an interesting proficiency for their passions, and even a few have found their niche.
Still, a good portion of classes remain, and Tactical Moon continues to build a new generation of warrior.

Mission Accomplished

The work has payed off. Everything Tactical Moon has been bent on turning; all the anxiety and fast paced planning, has payed off. The first session of the new Moon Boot Camp was conducted last night, with extraordinary results. General Cougar622 conducted a seamless and well coordinated training class, with four recruits attending. The members grasped basic concepts well, practiced simple maneuvers, and learned the fundamentals of Moon. The long awaited series of educational programs has begun for the clan, and the new organization begins to train a fresh breed of warriors.
Strangely beneficiary to the clan was the recent dismissal of a traitorous age group. Members who will not be named that caused major disruption and chaos within the government were forcibly removed, and thus eased a great weight from the shoulders of Moon.
So far, the new moon is bright, and promising.

The Longest Day

With Educational classes completely finalized, Generals Cougar and Grimesy move to set up the long anticipated Boot Camp. The first class of around six courses will introduce recruits to the fundamentals of Moon procedure and game play. They will learn the basics of movement and squad ethics, along with the Chain-Of-Command and ranking up. Strict rules are set to be enforced during training, and infractions could put a quick end to a recruit's class. While the majority of new members anticipate the training, some are more eager than others, and wish to excel beyond expectations. These are the fighting men that Moon will see rise into glory, and make Tactical Moon shine once again. In all preparedness, it is a quiet eave to the event.

Tonight We Dine In...

With Commander Malac's 360 on the fritz, it seems a great deal of responsibility has once again fallen on the shoulders of two young generals. In recent talks, Malac has given a majority of the upcoming Boot Camp events to Cougar and Grimesy. While the new staff anxiously awaits training and official membership, these command staff members deal the cards of fate for the new clan. Tactical Moon, finished with the preliminary refurbishing process, has made itself ready for a new order. While expectations run high and dreams are boundless, Malac is always focused on the all-too-real limitations of a meager outfit, still cringing to life support for its old wounds. Yet, with a new staff comes new ideas and a change of heart, and the horizon is clearer than ever before.
Training is set for the coming week, as Cougar and Grimesy conclude their tests and plans for the new Moon. Anxiety is at their backs, biting and gnawing, but the real strain will show the edge when the fireworks start. Moon is silent; the deep breath before the storm.

Moon On Steroids

Some members are probably brewing the question: "A Scrimmage, so soon?"
Although this event has been canceled, Commander Malac did come very close to deploying Moon in its first major battle with an opposing force. As stated by Malac, the S.E.A.L.S. issued a friendly scrimmage invite for the coming week. With the pressure to reveal the talents and greatness of Moon, Commander Malac found this an appealing temptation. Generals Cougar and Grimesy soon found the transactions taking place, and advised patience. Through conversation and planning, Malac postponed the scrimmage to a later date, preferably after the new ranks are educated. While the event is indefinitely cancelled, a future battle may be in store.

News Flash

Updates, Renewals, Reorganization, Headaches. The terrible beast of a concoction has finally heaved its ugly head. This news bit may come as a twisted relief pill to some, and a dagger in the chest to others. As many members know, Tactical Moon has been undergoing surgery. A drastic change in ethics, government, training, and even the ranking system has shown itself strenuous on many, if not all. Members have vnished, ties broken, hopes lost. Yet, this day has proven the breaking point. A glass wall of fear has been shattered.
New members have been asking the question, "When's boot camp?". Their hearts and minds eager for education, and rightly so. Most organizations offer an educational package nearly instantly. In this time of change and reform, members will need to be content with the status quo. In a nut shell: Boot Camp may not appear in finality for another week, or more.
Generals Cougar and Grimesy have been in the thick and mire of restructuring the monolithic clan into something worthwhile; a task not easily or quickly completed. They have been working and striving for absolute perfection in every detail, not just in training, but in an entire new government of Moon. A new look and feel for the awards and medals system has been under work. A totally refurbished style of gameplay has been introduced and is being dismantled to a useable state. The industry of video game FPS tactics is going through a terrific shift in the company. Cougar and Grimesy continue to experiment and plan, test and scrap, introduce and deduce new and effective tweaks that will make the Moon experience unforgettable.
In short, to all new members that are eager and anticipating... Keep anticipating. You will be informed when the time comes. For now, remain patient and dedicated.

The Payoff

For many months of arduous work and fatigued planning, it seemed Tactical Moon would go nowhere. The efforts of leading men gone fruitless, and the dreams shrinking moment by moment, the dark side of Moon was getting stronger day by day.
And now, a great revelation has presented itself. The work and dedication of the leading members has been rewarded with a new field of fresh seed. New members have joined; dedicated and eager. The tide shifts when least expected, and the future appears bright and clear once again.
With the new programs coming to a successful conclusion, and preparations for new training and ideals are in the final stages, Tactical Moon can once again run on full steam. Major changes to the website are still scheduled for the future, and Malac has arranged a programmer to aid in the new exciting features that will soon be arriving. Through our loss and past mistakes, it seems a light at the end of the tunnel has at last been shown.

Clan Updates

A new piece of information for the eager members has been allowed to flow. An interesting patch system is under development that will allow easier Identification of individual people. Although the source and representation of these patches is classified, members will be notified and instructed of new procedures when the time arrives.

High Command~Data Stream

The upcoming changes and updates aside, it seems a great deal of strategic webs have shifted already. As reported in the Debriefing forum, a single unit defeated four organized clans in a single night. To ease any tension or suspense members feel over the impending tsunami of change, a tidbit of data has been... shall we say; leaked.

1: Updates to site and functionality of web page; creating an easier more user-friendly environment
2: A solid training program; no shifting or listing, a set and concrete program to train newbies
3: A new outlook on overall military "tactics". A dramatic shift in style to accommodate the video game realm
4: A streamlined recruiting program to glean effective and dedicated new people
5: A redefined ranking and award promotion system that values productivity over seniority

There you have it. Although many items are left in the vaults of the High Command, the Mighty Five listed above are the most important and drastic of updates soon to take breath.

On a lighter note, most members are aware of the absence of Malevolence316. Officially to date, he signed his resignation after unspoken problems with clan procedure. Although his leaving took a heavy toll on Commander Malac and those who knew him well, this loss was not altogether ruinous. A new chain of command has been established, and thus the updates in subject are being arranged. By leaving the company, Malevolence showed Tactical Moon what it needs to do. Change and reform are at the height of necessity, but the main "exchange of hats" goes to overall government. Moon is adapting to its losses; in a painful and nigh slothful manner. However, slow as it may be, change in a drastic and exciting platform is approaching. A new Tactical Moon will dawn a new era of Moon operatives; and renew the people already within. By change and conforming to a dependable constant, the company will become solid and uniform, both in appearance and inward stature.

Conspiracy Brew

Deep, hidden within the vaults of Moon's inner sanctum, a raging inferno of dark science is taking place. Cougar, Grimesy, and our beloved Commander are building a new foundation for Moon. Although these changes and audits are strictly confidential between the command staff, members can expect drastic and important changes to the format of Tactical Moon. Updates to the website, government, training, and overall playstyle will be made very soon.

Agenda

With Malac on vacation, a curious new Chain-Of-Command takes a large leap into responsibility's arms. Newly promoted Brigadier General Cougar622, and Lieutenant General Grimesy have been issued an otherworldly calling: make the clan... make it big. While the steam trail of shock still clings fresh to both of the newly administered brass, a resolute spirit has also woven into them. Plans of recruiting, training, and frequent events lie ahead. Can these new desk-jockies make Moon something even more special?

The Renaissance

The Dark Ages of Moon may be fading. Slowly, in a steady progression, tactics and strategies are being developed. Constant change and evolution of theory has proven somewhat chaotic, if not disastrous. So, in response to the need for an ingrained foundation of methodical precepts, Malac is working.
What we have witnessed in the fragmented dawn of Moon is a wave of climbing; striving for a constant that is dependable and trustworthy beyond doubt. From basic Land Warfare to specialized MOUT tactics, the company is reforming. New shapes appear; a multi-faceted construct of definitive methodologies, all bent on one goal: perfection. Malac, if not the entire company, has been working towards a greater light for the workforce to shine in. Currently, Malac is simplifying known tactics to allow greater maneuverability and speed. An age of mistakes and trials cannot be avoided. Moon can't take an elevator to the top rung. The company must climb; always sweating and burning for perfetion. One day soon, the work will be rewarded.

Member Spotlight: Cougar622

Many people are struck in awe by the reformed qualities of a well-known officer. Some are envious of the patches and medals that shine on the pristine suits of gallant generals. However, these are not the qualities of fighting men. Warriors do not dawn bright ribbons nor glimmering awards. True soldiers, that are the backbone foundation of an elite fighting force, are meek and mild. These men are determined in physicality, philosophy, and loyalty. Above all, they are hard to come by. Tactical Moon is gifted to have such a man in the very center of its ranks. Today, Gamer-In-Orbit looks at a soldier of solid character; a man of work and grit. Welcome CWO Cougar622.

Gamer-In-Orbit: When did you join Moon?
Cougar622: Well sir, I joined the clan the same day you [Grimesy] did. Sometime back in November right after Call of Duty 5 came out.
GIO: What made you join Moon?
C22: I was looking for something more in my FPS gaming experience. I was tired of running around as a lone wolf. I wanted more of a team experience. So I went searching for a clan to join. I looked at allot of clans and I made the determination that I wanted to join a smaller clan, maybe one that had just formed. That way I could be more than just a member of the clan. I wanted to help build a clan; I would have started my own clan but I don’t have the experience or the intelligence to do that. So I found Commander Malac on the COD web site and after talking to him and looking at his site I was hooked, so here I am.
GIO: How do you view Moon as a clan?
C22: I view moon as a young clan with huge potential to grow, expand and become something really great. We have a really good core group of members, unfortunately we seem to have a problem retaining people.
GIO: If you could change Moon, how would you?
C22: I wouldn’t. Its not my place to change Moon, its not my clan, its Commander Malac’s. I make some suggestions on things from time to time but it is completely up to commander Malac as to whether we use them or not. Some of my suggestions have included doing away with automatic promotions for time in the clan. Make it where you have to earn every rank you get. Also I suggested a change in the awards. I have a few other suggestions I would make but I bring them out once in awhile and let The Commander of Moon make the decision. It's his clan and I stand behind him 100%. If he chooses to use my suggestions then great, if not well I do not consider it a bad thing. He is the commander. I do what he tells me to as a good soldier should.
GIO: What's your goal here?
C22: My Goal in Moon is to help Commander Malac make this one of the best clans out there. I want people to tremble when they hear of Moon. I want to see this grow and mature into a great clan. I want this clan to be something we can all be proud of.
GIO: Going off subject here, what got you into video games?
C22: Darned if I remember that. I have been playing video games for more than 20 years. I started on the original Atari system, After that I went to the original Nintendo, then Sega Genesis, Then to the Play station, play station 2, that got stolen from me so I went and got an xbox, then a 360. I have been playing video games longer then some of our clan has been alive. Lol…

Post interview note from Cougar: I would also like to say thank you to Malac, Grimesy, Malevolence, and Boom for all of their hard work and dedication. They are the heart of this clan and around them we will build a clan to be proud of.

Gamer-In-Orbit is proud to have tapped the thoughts of a dedicated member; a cornerstone to the foundation that will build a triumphant monument to Tactical Moon.

What We Stand For

Gamer-In-Orbit has returned to full service.-Editor
Have you ever stopped to wonder why? Have you ever thought that something is odd; something is wrong? What exactly are we? Tactical Moon was created to service the minds of people with military or otherwise strategic interests. There are so many like us, but none about us. The game realm we know, FPS milsim's, are laden with hundreds of stylish clan and group categories. From sports enthusiasts gathering, to college friends, to doctors, to all-female, to professional gaming. There are only a few that touch the surface of what Tactical Moon thrives on. It's not just tactics, or training. It's the camaraderie. The teamwork. Human beings love to interact as a unit and work at something until it is solved. The heart of Moon lies here; within one another. Functioning as a team and using what we know and practice in cyberspace may be insignificant as far as society goes. But there is something special about the profits of working together, forgetting self, and striving for the glory of what we serve. Perhaps Tactical Moon is a simple place, an organism of handbooks and old military films. But the people within stand for a value far more intricate. The quest for knowledge, respect, talent, and efficiency is diluted in the video game world, but Moon has reversed that. We are special. We stand for honor and superiority amidst an ocean of indifference. Yet above all, we stand for each other.

Update Confirmation

Gamer-In-Orbit has been updated. Minor changes are visible, such as a new header and a user friendly redirection bar to take members back to Moon HQ. Also, the background music, which has been frequently updated, is approaching a constant. The Editor is striving for a heroic, easy listening format for readers. Some updates may continue, but all major visual and audio are complete.

Update

Some updates are being made to the Gamer-In-Orbit service... You may encounter new features within the next 24 hours.

Notice

Gamer-In-Orbit is currently out of service. News will continue soon.

The Turning Point

Something has changed. Tactical Moon is different. Last night, Malac led a unique team of relatively ungroomed soldiers through a short seminar of a new ideal. Movement and speed is key to the outcome of a battle. A new motive drove Malac as he trained the small group in a peculiar new tactic. Moving slower and thinking before acting proved a valuable strategy during training, and the profits were evident later on.
During the night, Malac's team, including BOOM Headshol, Cougar622, trent34, RebelFan, and Grimesy; boldly started a new idea for combat effectiveness. It was a difficult transition from darting to and fro, to a sudden "snail's pace". Some members found it difficult and forgot the rule. Interestingly enough, the people rushing forward were eliminated 95% of the time.
Has Malac stumbled upon something golden? The night proved incredibly profitable, with the wins outweighing losses. Perhaps thinking is more deadly than action, when the thoughts conspire the ultimate doom of a foe that functions only for the kill. Malac has brought an interesting new facet of strategic knowledge to the company. Perhaps, with further training and focus, the dark side of the moon will be lit up.

The Face Behind The Voice

Xbox LIVE has many great things to offer. Games, community, friends, events, and voice communication. Many people make great friends online, and sometimes you build up an image in your head about what that comrade might look like. Usually, your guess is totally wrong, and the person is nothing like what you imagined. Tactical Moon offers a unique chance for members to show who they are; in personality and physicality. The Member Pics bar, at the moment, is quite empty. Why not take a quick snapshot of that handsome face and show your fellow soldiers? Just upload it onto a photo sharing website and copy/paste the Direct Link code into your Photo tab under Edit Profile. It's worth it, and will generate some laughs and conversations. Tactical Moon is all about connecting and bonding as a team. How much more so when we see The Face Behind The Voice?

Member Spotlight: Malac18

Today Gamer-In-Orbit interviews the central voice of the company. A person that the entire Moon universe revolves around. A man with great responsibility, tremendous vitality, and a drive for perfection. He is a man with leadership defined to his very marrow; a guide and a light for the darkness. Please welcome Commander Malac18.
Gamer-In-Orbit asked a few questions to the Commander, queries about leadership and the science of the company. First off, let's head into the intriguing interview with him.

Gamer-In-Orbit: What drove you to start Tactical Moon?
Malac18: My interest and playing as an actual squad [in CoD] gave me the initial drive to start a small group. A group that would play along with me tactically.
GIO: What made you name the clan Moon?
M18: Well, I've always liked the moon. I look at it often if the opportunity comes around, like if I'm outside.
GIO: How long has the clan been around?
M18: I would say July of the summer of '08, but officially when I started the website around September.
GIO: What was/is your goal for Moon?
M18: To be the best tactical based clan with several squads implementing military strategies into a game.
GIO: What's your current dream for the company?
M18: To complete its basic 'structure' so it can run without much of my help, for now.
GIO: How many members do you hope to achieve?
M18: I want around thirty [active] members in Tactical Moon.
GIO: How do you train people into the tactical form they need to be?
M18: I train new members and give them what they need by providing information and the 'know-how' of tactical environments, and how to handle a situation. Of course, when the clan is up together, I will have drill instructors provide real battles for the recruits to operate under stress.
GIO: Thank you for your time.
M18: My pleasure.

The character of a leader defines the character of his soldiers. View Malac as the heart of a body. Without his work, we, the body, cannot survive. A leader provides the energy and plans for the people, and the action is carried out. Controlling and maintaining a tactical military organization is a science. Malac18 has proven that he is a professor indeed. The simple drive to create and gather people with like mindedness shows great determination, and a willingness to try new ideas. He's put a lot on the line, and we owe him the profit of his efforts. Gamer-In-Orbit is grateful to the time and energy placed into the clan by Commander Malac.

100 Days

ANNOUNCEMENT! Malac is only 4 days away from 100 total active company days! Send him a round of applause!

Swelling The Ranks

A grim season has passed. Several well known graduates from the company have gone DSL. What is the cause behind this? What is leading members to fail as active soldiers? What can Moon do to keep those numbers in green? The answers lie ahead, in the misty future. Malac, no doubt, is disappointed with the desertions. In the young days of any company, failures and "fly-by-nights" are expected; in fact needed. To understand what will keep people coming back for more is only accomplished by the people that leave. It's a bittersweet reality that many clans face, and its shaping Tactical Moon in the way it will be years from now. People join clans to get something. They sign up for a myriad reasons. Teamwork, friends, training, performance, professional gaming... The list goes on. But in the final truth, gamers join or create clans for one ultimate reason: activity. An individual gamer can only do so much with his friends and comrades online. They may lavish in great parties, have great weekends together, all that... But the true gaming experience is revealed when a group of gamers form into a single entity. Once this occurs, the members expect activity and plenty of gaming. They want to get together as much as possible, and keep the performance ticker growing. Doing so not only improves their own status, but gleans more members in. People that hear about an active clan will join it over a clan with organization and dull events. Maintaining a clan in an active manner is no easy task. Every clan goes through a period of relative slow movement. Moon is there now. We can be assured that it will pick up again, all the stronger. By focusing on recruiting and providing steady events for people, Moon will grow out of proportions.

Forging the Elite

Creating a tactical environment is achieved by hard work, and a solid program to build people into elite operatives is a must for a company such as Moon. Malac's genius "double" program training service allows recruits to experience a soft, pillowy entrance to the tactical world. Land Warfare training has made many good, strong members out of current Moon operatives. And, it is only by this basic introductory phase that any member can move to the larger scope of Moon's science. SpecOps training, also known as MOUT was recently deployed as a means of creating Special Forces squads in the company, and thus forging a much sharper edge to the clan blade. By using knowledge gained in LW training, the DI's in MOUT can employ a new mindset to the operatives, and thereafter train them in new and deeper tactics. The training is definitely more advanced, and requires a good sense of "where-you're-at" and "how-it's-done". Learning the MOUT curve can be frustrating for many, and repetition becomes something the trainees desire. Patient instructors get each operative in the flow for advanced urban warfare, and moving safely through a combat zone. New commands are taught, skills fine tuned, and the willingness of each trainee is put on the block. In the end, something new is created, and the Moon Special Ops soldier is a step ahead of his adversary.

DSL Outbreak

A decent amount of members are approaching the cliff as far as DSL goes. The Enlisted ranks are harder to control and maintain, as these are the people who are being trained, groomed, and adjoined to the company. They make up the bulk of the outfit; the meat and potatoes. To constantly provide a sense of need and importance is difficult, and the enlistees most dangerous place is "no place". Being left out or "discommunicated" can lead to DSL. However, the system does work in eliminating the unwilling and the quitters. It's a bittersweet method for keeping the soldiers tight with their company, and providing a sense of duty. So, please, if you're heading into the red zone, log in and stick with it!

HOT OFF THE PRESS

January 10th is a date which will live... in partial infamy. Amidst a hail of bickering, backbiting, near threatening taunts and gestures, the teams in assembly competed in three main drills. Intial testing required a team to infiltrate a target building and rescue an unseen hostage. A few Team Elimination rounds tested the tactics and marksmanship of the squads. A grueling Bound Drill test allowed squads to show off their knowledge. In finality, the tournament was a first step to competitions of Tactical Moon's bright future. This event showed the company its needs and tasks ahead, specifically more intense and hardened training to drill the recruits straight in to an elite sense of being. Malac's got the full weight of a clan on his shoulders, and this tournament showed him something: these members are willing, and they're ready. A few more tweaks, and the board will be set.

Third Shift

Working late is hard. You're tired, and the entire day just seems to sit on your shoulders. Last night, Malac, Infamas, and Grimesy went on a dramatic Team Tactical/S&D spree to pass the nocturnal hours away. Amidst the haze of constant "Lol,Lol,Lol,Lol,Lol" ing, the team managed to wring a few good games out of the dry rag of a night. Impersonations of Yoda, Chewbacca, and Darth Vader were in place of words like... "Look out there's a sniper right above you," or "Plant the bomb, plant the bomb, PLANT THE BOMB!".
In the end, it was an exhaustingly fun night for the team, and relieved some stress from the pre-consuming MOUT training courses. The members are set for Tournament # 1.