New pilots applying for Falcon 4.0 Any new pilot, who wants to fly Falcon 4.0 is assigned to either the 261st  VFS ,as recruit with the rank of 2LT. They will remain on recruit status until the basic check rides have been completed. Once the recruit passes the check rides, he will receive combat ready status. Privileges of recruit pilots Any recruit pilot may fly any TE of the 261st, as long as he is joined by other pilots of the 261st. Recruits may not fly with other pilots from outside the 261st. Recruits may not participate in any ATO's or challenges against other units, unless the CINC issues a special order. Privileges of combat ready pilots Any combat ready pilot may fly all TE's of the 261st, as long as he is joined by other pilots of the 261st. Furthermore, combat ready pilots may participate in ATO's or challenges against other units. Combat ready pilots may not fly with other pilots from outside the , unless it is a challenge. No combat ready pilot may set up a challenge against another unit, however, pilots may forward suggestions or requests for challenges to their Squadron Commander. Final approval of all challenges will be made by the Falcon Wing Commander. Conclusions The difference between recruits and combat pilots was necessary because recruits would have a really hard time flying against a well-trained and experienced online squadron. Also, it should be some motivation to become a combat pilot. If the recruit does not wish to fly ATO's or against other units, that is OK, but the pilot will stay recruit unless he passes the check rides. Also, by flying TE's with other recruits, they will become more proficient in the F-16. This will be an advantage for training. After the initial check rides, the combat ready pilots should have enough knowledge to fly ATO's or fly against other squadrons. The advanced training will allow them to use all the features of the F-16 modeled in Falcon. Rocky . Col 261st TopDogs  Command