Arma 3 - Reviewing a Search & Recovery operation in Hindsight Episode 4

[@threadspool]

loved when militant did the slow traverse to the left and discovered the 100mm barrel next to him

[@OperatorDrewski]

33:13 HEMTT GO BONK

[@benjaminlevine6499]

Please do more of these hindsight overviews!

[@stephenmorrish]

Nice to see logie having a more involved role than just resupply.

[@ReverendTed]

I'm curious about the behind-the-scenes "anatomy" of a Shack-Tac mission. How is the mission designed and deployed? How much is pre-scripted and how much is orchestrated on the fly? How are roles (Admin, Command, Leads, etc) assigned? What information and control does the Admin have? How much do any of the participants know? I presume most are going in knowing only the briefing (and the terrain if they're familiar with the map) but did you have any special knowledge about what to expect? I can't recall if you've done a video about that sort of thing before. For this video, I appreciated the perspective about not only managing the battle from a tactical standpoint, but managing the experience of the players as well. I imagine there's somewhat of an contrasting parallel to reality, where commanders would want to avoid fatiguing certain elements with too much action. Additionally, I liked how you gave the "what I was thinking" presentation pretty much chronologically, then went back to describe the reality of the situation afterwards. The informatics element is great - the colors and animations to describe what's happening, the cutaways to first-person views and radio calls - all very helpful. I believe I was getting turned around occasionally when the orientation of the battlefield view was changed, but it usually just meant a few moments of trying to get reoriented.

[@TotalTirpitz]

I seem to recall Dyslecxi deliberately keeping this exact information vague. But from what I know. Shacktacs missions are typically in house made by active members. So there are some people who know a lot about the mission (Dslyecxi uses this to his advanatage in "Silver Briefcase"). The mission maker uses includes Intel in the map Intel section; but I've never had a good enough look. Server Admin's are able to see information for Debugging etc ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGXbZn9_or5sps0 ) < A lot of my info is actually coming from thsi video anyway. A bit of speculation. I think even in Arma 2 Shacktac had a Zeus style system available. Where someone could manage the AI, based on some scoreboards that had Shacktac members on the OPFOR side. And for PFNG missions Dslyecxi and other NCO's will go on the OPFOR side. From mission structure scripts aren't impossible; but I think unlikely considering the amount of assets available. *For another Awo Mission Dslyecxi gave every Squad an M113 and a pair of humvees. And the mission responded with on par enemies. "Convential Warfare" TLDR: Shacktac keep this sort of vague. Because the maps have lots of gear available. Keeps options for command open; it's possible in many of these missions to gear up respawns with an armoured or airborne equipment. So there would never be a hard and fast answer to your question.

[@TotalTirpitz]

I could and probably am wrong about some of this. But I've seen the question posted enough.

[@YoChocoTube]

@@TotalTirpitz Thanks for putting up that link; I remember that one - at the time I was furious at KZbin, 'cause that was when I just found out the notification bell failed me more than once. Had a hell of a lot of catching up to do. Look at the last comment; that was me. Saw it two years after he posted it!

[@headrockbeats]

As someone who's been watching _ShackTac_ videos religiously for a decade and paying very close attention, I can tell you that pretty much everything outside the actual mission (what we see and hear in _ShackTac_ videos) is kept *completely* under wraps. Certain things are possible to infer, or are made visible once in a blue moon because someone left something in the video that maybe they shouldn't have, but it's really difficult to generalize answers. Even more importantly: ShackTac procedures appear to change from time to time. Nevertheless, here's what I know....... or think I know: *1) How is the mission designed?* *UNKNOWN,* beyond how any _ArmA_ mission would be designed. No information has ever been revealed, other than the names of some of the designers - who are all _ShackTac_ members. No missions sourced from outside, at least that I've ever seen. *2) How much is pre-scripted?* *UNKNOWN,* although I doubt there would be any one answer to that question anyway. Each mission has its own requirements in that regard. See point (4) for more on this. *3) How are roles assigned?* I think I can actually answer this with some "educated" speculation. It seems that the admins are, for the most part, a very limited group of players who are committed to that role or at least take it often. Early on (circa 2012) there was a player called ZX64 who was clearly the admin for most or even all missions. I also know Taconic did... something... for a while, and probably still does (?). Also note that it's possible that there is more than one admin working on each mission, handling different tasks - we just don't know. As to assigning other roles (leadership, pilots, etc.), it appears to be a mixture of whether a player has sufficient experience for that particular role, combined with simply volunteering for it. People slot into their preferred roles, and are counted-on not to choose a role they don't know how to perform - or don't at least have the minimum knowledge not to f* up. NOTE AGAIN: This is speculation based simply on watching thousands of hours of videos, without ever having seen how they _actually do it._ *4) What information and control does the Admin have?* The Admin(s?) seems to have both omniscience and omnipotence (that is, they are technically allowed to do literally anything), but how they decide what to do is *TOTALLY UNKNOWN.* They've kept this extremely close to the chest, to the point where there's literally no information on how they handle this. There are very obscure indications that they use a system that is similar in style to _Zeus,_ but completely tailored to the kind of experience we see in _ShackTac_ videos -- which is not really what Zeus was designed for. What I _do_ know for sure is that the Admin is there purely to make sure the mission is *both enjoyable and challenging to everyone* - rather than playing _against_ the other players. *5) How much do any of the participants know?* It seems that they only know what's in the briefing text (which is provided to every player) and what's marked on the map when the mission loads up. I assume that the Admin would elaborate on any topic that the leadership players find particularly unclear - but nothing more than that. The players don't really need to know more than that anyway. That being said, there have been missions in the past where different players had access to different sets of information, but such missions have become exceedingly rare, and are always limited to when players are split into two or more "Sides" (forces operating under different command structures). A good recent example was Dslyecxi's video "With or Against Us" (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ6UkIGCib6Eo6c) where the Independents had a slightly different mission than the Marines - though ultimately there was no conflict whatsoever between them. You'd have to go back almost a decade to find missions where there was actual conflict due to different information - especially in Adversarial missions. I know these aren't really answers, and I'm definitely not the right source to give any definitive statements, but maybe it's still better than nothing. I also predict an 83% chance that Dslyecxi will now chime in to tell me exactly how wrong I am. :)

[@trenchgun]

I'm not in shack-tac, but I am in several different arma groups and make missions regularly. I don't think ST likely has anything super secret about their mission process (outside of a custom mission framework, in-house AAR system, private mods, etc), so I would assume they operate similarly to most other arma groups. I'm sure that ST has a mission framework as a base for mission makers. This would be common and QOL scripts common to each mission like respawns, loadout management, radio config, game and server settings, etc. There are also probably guidelines for what each mission needs to include to be played. Other than that it's likely completely up to whoever is making the mission. Some people like pre-scripting or dynamically scripting the entire mission, some people like making a skeleton and managing it on the fly with zeus. The information they give out is also likely dependent on the mission maker. I know some people that frequently post their mission progress as they work on it, asking advice or just dropping teasers. I also know some people that keep everything as secretive as possible. It can depends on the mission; it may be pretty standard or may have some twist ending that the mission maker wants to surprise players with. Most large groups have a signup system for mission roles. Some roles may have some seniority or training prerequisites (helicopter pilots, leadership positions) and it may be first come first serve or curated by admins to ensure everyone gets a chance to play different roles. As for admin control, that varies depending on the admin tools a group uses but the standard stuff is the ability to access spectator, ascend to zeus, debug console, teleport players, revive/kill players, etc.

[@DaBruzzla]

35:57 "Is that tank still.....?"

[@ekmad]

Love the Hindsight series and this was my favourite yet. So interesting to see it from a Command perspective. As to the actual video edit it was perfect, that build up of suspense to the Delta-Charlie/T-55 situation was fantastic. Genuinely engaging, Silver Stars and Purple Hearts all around.

[@throngcleaver]

It's amazing the amount of time and effort that's put into one mission, playing that mission, then editing it for uploading, but then you quadruple that by gifting us a hindsight/AAR. Extremely entertaining, AND educational! I stand in awe.

[@sam8742]

ah yes another video from the guy that looks at the comments form 5 years ago (dude your love for your community is insane keep it up and have a wonderful day)

[@OneEquineShedASingleTear]

40 minutes of an AAR! Its like an arma nerd's Christmas, it's perfect.

[@yadjekim]

Dslyecxi, for someone not having a DD-214 you and your group are pretty amazing. Just sign up on patreon. Please keep it coming!

[@dslyecxi]

I actually do have one, I'm prior USMC. There are others in the group who are prior mil as well, but it's by no means the majority of the group. Probably around 5-10% if I had to guess? And thanks for the support as well, it means a lot!

[@yadjekim]

@@dslyecxi I stand corrected...again. I thought I read a few years back, that you helped in training Mil through early VR or vid systems. (old man, bad memory...lol) Much respect!

[@dslyecxi]

I did, and that was both while I was in as a Marine and after I became a civilian again. The short version is here: dslyecxi.com/about-me/

[@yadjekim]

@@dslyecxi Yeah. I misinterpreted/misremembered the data at hand.(old man memory) Thought you were just a civi contractor. I suck.

[@alanlawz]

this is really cool seeing your thought process relating to the orders given, really do appreciate the work involved in making this series of videos.

[@duncanhargreaves2913]

I’m so glad this video came out, was expecting it to be another long gap between episodes. Love the content

[@T0MP400]

This is my favorite content sofar, loving hindsight. Keep it up

[@MGBait]

My favourite moment of this Hindsight video was when Freddy got squashed by a flying BMP-1. Please bring us more of that specific type of content.

[@cholt8040]

Love the new recording system, would be awesome to see released publicly!

[@bubbie3533]

@33:36 got that Tank hack "jump mode." LOL

[@steadyjumper3547]

This whole series is an absolute Gem!

[@mattmattmatt131313]

Man these are so good people involved in them will be telling their grandchildren stories about their ShackTac war time deployment.

[@ralpholynyk5321]

love this series! lov the insights to both tactics and such, and seeing more of the overall 'action'...also, i see the use of 'admins' and their contribution to gameplay, as you spoke of them and their role a bit. i assume they are the 'zeus' operators(?)... this may not be of community interest much, or too complicated, but i for one would love to see an expose on how mission planners, then zeus operate before and during the mission, from their POV....

[@Pnaraasi94]

A sizeable part of the community is definitely interested in that, judging by the amount of similar comments on different videos.

[@TheFingerman77]

Great to see more Hindsights back over all these years, your insight is always excellent.

[@Cardonas]

Always cool to see this sort of deep dive. It can be really tricky sometimes to understand just why some extracts end up being so stop-and-go when you are on the ground, and videos like this really help highlight how small complications turn into bigger issues. Keep it up!

[@yadjekim]

The real Chris(CHA) has to be a REAL active, or ret. Army Sgt. Can anyone in confirm or deny my assertion? He is wired together tight! I know several Shack Tac members are military trained, by their reaction to contact and banter.

[@dslyecxi]

oh my lol edit: No, he most certainly is not prior mil. Just playing with this group and progressing through the responsibilities will sharpen up your comms.

[@yadjekim]

@@dslyecxi My bad. He sounds like a squad Sgt., to me. There are several members I trust commanding a squad. Chris is just a gamer, huh? Go figure. BTW, this mission was epic. Loved it! Thank you, sir!

[@dslyecxi]

He'll be thrilled to hear that I'm sure.

[@headrockbeats]

Could've fooled me, too. I figured he was maybe an officer, or something like that. NCOs don't usually scream this much. :)

[@oldfrend]

nah he's way too jokey on the radio to be a real squad leader. those guys are serious about comms discipline.

[@1Drumkid1]

Loving the Hindsights dude! Well done! Everyones a great learning experience and I'd love to see more.

[@Diabolous0]

Absolutely loving the hindsight videos, keep up the awesome work.

[@BinkyTheElf1]

Excellent stuff, Mr. Dslyecxi. These After Action Reports are informative, actually entertaining, and no doubt add fibre to the diet.

[@swiftjeff]

I recall wondering how Delta would fare in regards to and how you would go about managing inactivity during the mission video. Glad to see here how busy they stayed. Good to have dynamic missions and an attentive admin. I wonder how you guys would do in a real world mission (like paintball or milsim) disregarding issues of life (physical cond, location on earth, no armor or whirlybirds on hand, etc). Almost makes me wish I was young and dumb enough again to risk more bodily damage for the sake of thrills.

[@Combat-Wombat]

Sending Hinds over to do recon. I guess You liked having some Hind-sight did You? :D

[@heyyou1445]

Militant with the 360 noscope on that tank!

[@DuressNilithias]

Absolutely love these hindsight overviews, it's truly some astonishing work!

[@lordgollum3700]

Thank you, Love these videos.

[@Durr0694]

Another one already? Keep it up.

[@donermeat9363]

Man these Hindsight videos have been a blast to watch, keep up the good work my man!

[@Gearjerk5]

I quite enjoy these breakdown videos; Despite my best efforts, I struggle to keep tabs on what all is going on when things get hectic. These videos are great for understanding what's going on at a higher level.

[@jammart1]

these are my favorite. I learn more from these than I do in class haha

[@Cryshalo]

Another brilliant review, thought provoking and entertaining.

[@Elfalpha1]

I enjoy all your videos, but this type of stuff is particularily awesome. Proud to be a Patreon supporter!

[@IceTactics]

Oh here we go again son! Excited!!

[@raginube]

Liking the Hindsight content very much.

[@brichess8227]

oh damn its the classic content for a few years ago

[@speck213]

I’m loving these so much

[@qbz248]

all of your content is extremely well produced, I really enjoy these hindsight videos

[@Neox1986]

Yeay, hind-sight!

[@SellOrReee]

The way you guys move is like a dammed ballet.

[@moldssee5602]

These are always great, love seeing a wider perspective of a huge engagement

[@fenneyah]

Love these videos! Would love to see one from, or including, the perspective of OpFor/Admins. Game design is a really important skill for Arma groups, and I think it deserves AAR/Lessons Learned attention as well.

[@vincentGouadon]

Thanks a lot for this vidéo ! Interresting , perfect réalisation ! Thanks

[@RiiZ89]

This. Is bloody awesome. Fantastic op!

[@ZipD72]

Awesome video! Suggestions: Have squad leads be marked as Alpha, Charlie, Bravo, etc all the time. And keep the compass up as we don't know which direction you're referring to when not looking at the map.

[@dslyecxi]

The squad lead thing is a little more complex than it sounds, but I'll think on that. I've worked on a mini compass of sorts that I may include in the next one.

[@jaydenthatcher5243]

I love these videos please keep them up! Have you considered employing phase lines? When you have 3 squads advancing in line, these could stop any one squad becoming isolated losing their left or right screen.

[@dslyecxi]

If you look at the actual mission video from this, it has phase lines. I didn't talk about them here, but they were present.

[@ninjapancakes9435]

How many days did it take you to edit!? XD This is pro grade stuff man! Your effort really shows, great show thanks for sharing.

[@demaru983]

thank you good sir was thinking that a hindsight video would be good when I started watching the mission video

[@TarrakaSprichwort]

I see what the problem is. Your AKs got all mixed up with MG3 and .50 Brownings. That's what we call a bad case of Surplus Army. Also, big 4th of July salute to Morrow, the Logistics Officer. Making that call at the very start of the mission was probably crucial, as further delay on the final objective and exfil could've resulted in a even steeper escalation. For all the responsibility and the professionalism - that man deserves at least one comment to mention it, on top of being brought-up in the video. (I hope i spelled their name right).

[@ReverendTed]

A Hindsight! Yay!

[@TotalTirpitz]

Freddy staring in another episode of Hinsight!

[@kennhua4311]

yes, YESS give me more hindsight!

[@garlandblanchard8016]

Hey I just found your channel and you're videos are fantastic. How do you capture the realtime map footage for the op?

[@ThePadi94]

Experience? It's all about the result, experience is secondary!

[@Zues120]

Hell yeah I love this series

[@Zues120]

Ok now that I finished watching damn this makes me miss being a Zeus! It was fun to make and plan games like this. Yall did a fantastic job and made sure everyone had a great time!

[@cappie2000]

hey! I'm in the video! (0:50)

[@selfridge902]

Fantastic.

[@michamayszka9189]

What's the name of this that you use to do RTS style camera, with players as a dots na other stuff?

[@johnpope4082]

Hey man, loved the video! What is the replay mod called? How do you do it?

[@dslyecxi]

It's an AAR system I created for my group, otherwise unreleased.

[@IamAlpharius12]

Im trying to understand the point where he switched apache to driver an he took the turret if he was gonna be on the map more wouldnt it be better he had put one of the extra men in the gun first rather then later? I mean everything still worked out Im just trying to see the reasoning behind it.

[@kingcharlesvi4810]

Which map is this? Looks sick.

[@daughsonperkins4342]

YESSSS!!!

[@georgestolmeier2098]

Can anyone inform me of the mod used for the aerial cam that shows the marks made on the map?

[@dslyecxi]

All of the stuff you're seeing in this are things I created for personal use, or for ShackTac, and are otherwise unreleased.

[@georgestolmeier2098]

Alright, thank you for informing me and keeping me from looking for snow in Nevada

[@Mantreaus]

Excellent, Just Fucking Excellent.

[@ryanb915]

hinds that are seemingly scared of heights, a perfect comment

[@kskeel1124]

Awsome

[@hurtlocker5]

Would using the mosque as a logistics base technically be a war crime? How would something like that work in real life?

[@zgthor]

that camera mod, what is it?

[@dslyecxi]

It's something I created for myself over the years of doing cinematics in the series.

[@zgthor]

@@dslyecxi does it work similarli to tacview for DCS or does it work like a spectator or zeus camera? btw it looks pretty sick

[@dslyecxi]

Oh, you mean the AAR system. It's a replay you can move around in, rewind, fast forward, use time accel, etc. It's like a Tacview-esque thing that's within the game instead of a standalone application.

[@zgthor]

@@dslyecxi ive been looking for something like that for about 8 months, please, how can i see/use an AAR

[@thepolishnz]

isn't use of a religious building for military purposes a war crime?

[@entbuchselt3418]

Respect cultural property! 🧐

[@Rimsiakas]

Don't know if it's just me, but this was harder to follow than usual.

[@dslyecxi]

How so?

[@Rimsiakas]

@@dslyecxi Hard to really tell why, but I guess too many things were happening too fast and it became disorienting. What could have helped is pausing and explaining how the situation changes on a 2D map when something significant happens. For example, the explanation at 15:06 could really have used a 2D map to better explain the situation - after all, you were making decisions based on the view on the map, not the bird's eye view, right? You already superimpose the map on the video in some moments, probably for the same reason, which is great, but you could utilize it in the explanation of the developing situations a bit more. Maybe that would help. Or maybe it was just my problem for not paying enough attention, I don't know. Episode 3 was easy to follow even without this aid because the mission area was static - everything was happening in the same town. But with these maneuvers it can get disorienting for the viewer.

[@daughsonperkins4342]

Did bravo just shoot civilians in that mosque ??😂😂😂

[@dslyecxi]

No. There was an EI in there that threw a grenade.

[@selfridge902]

0 Dislikes, that is impressive. I have also now probably caused at least 1 dislike.