Q. What does BHC stand for?
A. Bravery, Honor, and Courage. The virtues that represent the type of people we want in our organization in addition to integrity, responsibility, maturity and respect. Yeah yeah, Bravery and Courage mean basically the same thing, but this clan has been around for over 3 years now and the words make for a sweet acronym, so we're stickin' with it!

Q. You guys are a clan, right? What is a clan?
A. A 'clan' is a term that is used by people who set up 'clubs' online to play games with each other. They represent many things. Sometimes these people are teams that compete in tournaments and ladders, or sometimes these are just some people who get together to make sure they always have someone to play online with. We fall somewhere in the middle. We plan on competing in tournaments and wars with other clans, but we also want to provide a comfortable group of players for you to play with. You will make new friends and have a blast.

Q. Tell me more about your clan.
A. We focus on teamwork when we play. BHC is set up like a military unit, and all members will have a rank. Like the military, you start out at the lowest rank, and work your way up through actions and dedication. We also practice often and our players act like a cohesive unit when in a game server. This contrasts starkly with just jumping into a random server and playing with people you don't know. The teamwork and tactics used by BHC members adds a whole other dimension to a video game that can be repetitive and boring if simply played alone and in the 'twitchy' style of many first person shooters.

Q. What are your membership requirements?
A. You must be an honorable, fun, honest and generally decent person to become a member. Any skill level can be accepted as long as we 'like' you. We want to make sure that you not only represent what we are as a group, but also that you will get along with anyone else that is already a member. Generally we only accept members above the age of 18 in order to keep our maturity level high, but it is not uncommon for us to have mature 16 and 17 years olds within the ranks. Ther are some extra steps to take to obtain full membership for those 16 and 17 years of age. Check the Recruit Application and the Recruit Manual for specifics.

Q. Sounds fair. So what do I do to join?
A. Check out the "Recruitment" section and fill out the Recruitment Form in the left menu.

Q. I don't know if I like this ranking structure. Can't we all just be equal?
A. Well, we all are equal in certain ways. However, the rank structure was created for several reasons. First, it makes life easier for our commanders and our leader to organize people, and to delegate responsibility. It is easier to deal with 2 or 3 people than to deal with 20 at the same time. Secondly, it gives you something to work toward. Instead of just playing the game, you now are part of something a little bigger. As you achieve promotions, you earn more duties, and privileges as well. Thirdly, in combat situations its important to have a central figure leading the battle and the hierarchy makes sure there is no confusion on who should lead. Lastly, its fun! It is cool being in command of your own squad, platoon or company!

Q. I don't want to be ordered around. Why do I have to listen to other people boss me around?
A. We expect our members to honor the ranking system, as each member has earned their respective ranks for many reasons. If you do not want to be considered 'subordinate' to another player, then you may want to reconsider what clan you want to join. If you join, then we expect you to follow our rules. In a combat situation where an officer or NCO asks for your cooperation, we expect you to give it. Our clan is about tactics and teamwork and those in leadership positions will not hesitate to issue orders in order to win a battle. Again, we are here to have fun. If this isn't fun for you, then everything else we do may not be either.

Q. How often do you guys meet?
A. We try to play together every night. In fact, at any given time, you will probably be able to find at least one or two folks on that are willing to play. Different NCOs and officers establish times for squad, platoon, company, or battalion practices, but this is normally in consultation with members of that unit to make sure the most people possible can attend.

Q. What do you all use to communicate to each other with?
A. We use X-Fire, the forums, and Teamspeak (for in-game communication). All three are required for members to download and to use.

Q. I don't have X-Fire or Teamspeak. Can we use something else to communicate?
A. Unfortunately no. Every member of BHC must have X-Fire and Teamspeak. These programs are free to download and take up very little hard drive space. If you are insistent on not using X-Fire and/or Teamspeak, then unfortunately we will not be able to accommodate you as a member.

Q. I don't live in North America. Will I still be considered for membership?
A. Of course. We do have some European members that play with us. If you are not living in North America, let us know so we can assign you to be with people close to your time zone. But, be aware that the vast majority of the clan lives in North America, and plays in the early to late evenings.

Q. Do you guys play in tournaments?
A. Yes. We are enrolled in ETO (European Theatre of Operations), an online gaming association and we compete regularly with other clans. If you want to participate, see your commanding officer for details. Note that sometimes we try to get people to play that are skilled in the game.

Q. I heard you mention something about clan wars. What are these?
A. These are matches that we play against other clans. We 'declare war' with another, or they do to us. Matches are arranged, and a winner is determined after. The victory conditions will usually be determined in advance. This is an opportunity to use small-scale tactics within a large-scale battle. Squads will have specific designations and each member will have a weapon assigned. We try to make the combat, structure and supply as realistic as possible. You will definitely not see 20 guys with Thompsons running around the map. The winner generally will gain bragging rights, and little else.

Q. Wait a second, you guys assign weapons, I'm not sure I dig that. Do I have to use my assigned weapon? Can't I just use (insert weapon name here)?
A. We play mostly team oriented games. The success of the team is dependant upon many factors, including certain jobs being done by the most qualified people. It is not effective to have a 5 man team of nothing but MG men or snipers in many cases, and we need to make sure that we give ourselves the best opportunity for victory. We will do everything in our power to ensure that we give you your weapon of choice. But bear in mind that you may be asked to change if the need arises. During our general play, a lot more liberty is granted in this regard.

Q. Do you guys have your own server?
A. Yes! We have two rented game servers. The IPs can be found at the left menu.

Q. Do I have to pay any money for this clan?
A. No. We do accept donations, but this is strictly voluntary. Donations will be managed by PayPal, and will go toward paying for equipment and clan functions.

Q. What kind of training do you offer?
A. What ever kind that you need. We have skilled individuals that excel in just about any weapon, and they will be more than happy to work with you. We encourage that you pursue this while you are a recruit. However, sometimes you will need or want refreshers. Contact your immediate CO and he will refer you to someone, or will train you him/herself.

Q. I already am a skilled CoD2/CoD4 player. Do I have to be a recruit?
A. Yes. The recruit rank is not a reflection of your skill, but you as a clan member. The clan is about Honor, friendship, trust, etc. We are looking to see if you will be someone that will fit with us as a group, and that you exhibit our virtues. We also want to make sure you understand how we work, and so forth. Once this is demonstrated, you will be graduated to active duty.

Q. I know some good people. Can I go ahead and recruit them?
A. Yes, sort of. You may invite them to apply for a clan position, but it will ultimately be up to someone who is recruitment authorized to allow them to join. We want to make sure that all of our members are quality individuals, and that we all get along with each other.

Q. You mentioned in one of the rules that if someone insults me, I cannot defend myself. What gives with that?
A. You can defend yourself, but do it politely. Do not start a shouting or flame war. Sometimes the person arguing with you may feel they have a legitimate reason. State your case, and if the guy persists, then just ignore him or leave if it gets that bad. Jot down his name, and send it to your CO. We got your back.

Q. What do you have to do to become promoted?
A. Promotions are earned many ways. Dedication to the clan, responsibility, skill, and other special abilities are considered when considering some one for promotions.

Q. So rank is not based on skill?
A. Definitely not! In fact, you will probably find that lots of the sergeants, corporals, and privates are better than some of the command staff. However, because you are a great player doesn't mean that you can or want to deal with the responsibilities of the higher ranks. Plus, higher ranks are a good way to reward a dedicated player who always backs us up by showing up at all of our clan matches, battles, and keeps in contact with his mates.

Q. What kind of special abilities are you referring to that could help promote someone?
A. These include administrative abilities, designing websites, being able to host a large game, helping out with open tasks that the leaders have, etc. I think you get the idea.

Q. What are some tasks that you all need help with?
A. That is always changing. Your best bet is to contact your CO and put the word out that you really want to help. This may include things like designing our banner for our site, typing up a manual or roster, researching other clans or sites, recruiting, and so forth.

Q. What are some of the benefits and responsibilities of the different ranks?
A. That varies from rank to rank, and even from time to time. The benefits of higher ranks include personal pride and satisfaction, self respect, access to higher level meetings and sites, being able to moderate or administrate the forums, and being able to take part in creating something so much more than playing in an online game. However the responsibilities also increase with rank as well. These include preparing reports for your troops status, arranging practices for your squad, making sure all your units positions are filled or assigned, making sure your guys are using the right weapons, and so forth. Basically, more will be required of you the higher you climb.

Q. Dang, doing reports and arranging practices sounds like much more stuff than I would want to deal with. I just want to play. Do I have to ask for or accept a promotion?
A. Nope! In fact, we encourage people to think very carefully before considering getting promoted. Ask what the rank requires, and then decide for yourself if you can handle the responsibilities.