Stupid questions, for the sake of nostalgia...

[Van Meter]

Hi 506th IR!

  I've been eye-balling this page after finding a YT video by Jester814 which showed you guys doing an operation of sorts.  I used to be in a unit called the 506th PIR for ArmA & ArmA2, and I was curious if you guys were the same group.  I don't recognize any of the names from years past, so I thought I'd ask.  I'm just getting into ArmA3 after a long hiatus from the series, and I feel like a moth drawn to a flame.  Better to go with what you know I suppose.

I used to lead air wing training for the old 506th PIR, and I hung around for the better part of a few years with that unit.  I don't suppose you guys have a pub server, do you?

On a slightly unrelated note, I'm also a third party contract developer for DCS:World, so if all else fails, maybe I could make some custom addons for you guys

Anyway, just dropping by, saying "Hi", and generally getting a feel for stuff.

-James V.

[CW3 Moreno]

This 506th IR started with a group of guys that left the 15th MEU only a few months ago. Since then is grown rapidly, but the original team came from another unit.

We don't have a public server, however we are still taking new recruits.

[O'Dette]

On a slightly unrelated note, I'm also a third party contract developer for DCS:World, so if all else fails, maybe I could make some custom addons for you guys

That's very cool! How did you get started with DCS: World modding and the like?

[Berger]

Out of curiosity, what prompted the split from the 15th MEU? Forgive me if I am out of line.

[1LT (Ret) O'Keefe]

There were simply some differences of opinion in what our priorities should be, and it was decided to build a unit that represented those differences. That's all.

The 506th IR and the 15th MEU remain on good terms.

[Berger]

Gotcha, thanks. Is it ok if I ask what the differences of priorities are?

Also looking at the member list, there are over 1,500 members. That is a huge number considering how relatively new the unit is, or are most of them inactive?

[Van Meter]

WO1 Moreno:  That's pretty interesting, I think I recall the old 506th PIR doing something with 15th MEU around the time I left.  I could easily be wrong though, it's been at least half a decade.

D Odette:  There are some people that "mod" DCS:World, but I'm actually considered a developer.  Unfortunately due to NDA's and whatnot, I can't disclose much.  However, I am currently developing the graphical assets for the F8F-2 Bearcat for VEAO Simulations & Eagle Dynamics.  On that note, I think we'll be doing some more previews on that aircraft soon™

[SSG (Ret) Oelschlager]

Gotcha, thanks. Is it ok if I ask what the differences of priorities are?

Also looking at the member list, there are over 1,500 members. That is a huge number considering how relatively new the unit is, or are most of them inactive?

Everyone has their own reasons. Last I remember they had 300 ish active members. If you are looking at the amount of people who have accounts on the forum that is far from accurate.

[Berger]

So how many active members do we have?

[SSG (Ret) Oelschlager]

250ish

[Berger]

Thats a pretty good number considering the age of the unit. Are most of them people who came over from the 15th MEU?

[SSG (Ret) Oelschlager]

That I can't tell.

Edit: I think less then 50% is from the 15th

[McGraw]

I'm sure that the YouTube channel Jester814 has had a lot to do with how fast the unit has grown. That's how I came to find and apply to it. I just joined and am about to start recruit training. It's an experience I've been looking for for a long time. Glad to be finally making it a reality.

[Laitis]

Are you from the 506th PIR that was commanded by LTC Hunnicutt?

[Van Meter]

Are you from the 506th PIR that was commanded by LTC Hunnicutt?

Yes, that was one of the names I was trying to remember.  It's been a very long time, so my memory was a bit fuzzy.  I joined up with them in ArmA 1, stayed until after Arrowhead was released.