Elite Squadron
Elite Squadrons were special units within the TIE Corps that represented a particular battlegroup or subgroup and operated as invitation-only. Examples of elite squadrons include Praetorian Squadron, Omega Squadron, Tau Squadron, and Avenger Squadron.
Origins[edit]
From the early days of the Emperor's Hammer as an organization, "poaching" (direct recruiting of pilots already within the organization to a different unit) was generally frowned upon, despite the desire of certain officers to create "special" units that could be viewed as the "best of the best" of the club.
In order to counteract that, the decision was made to create special units known as Elite Squadrons. These squadrons would not receive any recruits, but would instead operate as "invitation-only". This enabled them to freely "poach" other pilots as desired, in the name of creating the best (or most elite) unit possible.
To provide balance, each subgroup was authorized to create their own elite squadron unit, with the TIE Corps creating two - one dedicated to single player gaming (Omega Squadron) and the other dedicated to multiplayer gaming (Avenger Squadron).
Elite Squadrons would typically (but not always) be assigned to their own ship, which may or may not be attached to another battlegroup, depending on their subgroup association. Additionally, squadron commanders of Elite Squadrons could be promoted up to the rank of General, at a time when squadron commanders for the rest of the TIE Corps were limited to Colonel.
Opinions were regularly mixed on elite squadrons, and whether they served a positive or negative effect on the overall health of the club. After 2005, they began to be decommissioned, until all elite squadrons were no longer in service or no longer carried that designation.
Squadrons[edit]
The following table lists any squadron designated as an elite squadron at any time. Note that some squadrons were repurposed, with their elite designation removed.
| Squadron | Battlegroup / Subgroup | Ship | Purpose / Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omega Squadron | TIE Corps / Sovereign Task Force | SSSD Sovereign | Single Player |
| Avenger Squadron | TIE Corps / Aggressor Strike Force | VSD Aggressor | Multiplayer |
| Praetorian Squadron | Intelligence Division / TIE Corps | DGN Conker Blackwood | Single Player |
| Tau Squadron | Dark Brotherhood | M/CRV Tripidium | Any |
| Scorpion Squadron | Infiltrator Wing | MC-80a Saratoga | Any |
| Crusader Squadron | Corporate Division | ISD Grey Wolf | Mod Testing |
