What is an SWA "Aide de Camp"? Well, let's try to explain the concept very simply - Say, you're about to set up and play a solo wargame. Before you do, you'll need to take care of a few mundane chores, things like: "what type of terrain to use on the table, and where to position it?" "how should each army unit be placed before the start?" and "what are their initial orders?" Finally, get ready to play both sides and umpire as well, because remember, this is a "solo" wargame!
Are you surprised then, that after all those preliminaries you don't have much enthusiasm left for the game itself? Well, at least you'd be able to umpire impartially, wouldn't you? - wouldn't you?
And that's where the "Aide's de Camp" come in. They are members of the SWA who are prepared to spend a little of their time to add extra spice to your wargaming (or campaigning). Controlling enemy movement, writing battle orders, operating non-player characters, deciding "chance" happenings or simply throwing the proverbial "spanner" into the works - the advantages are endless, and almost anything goes.
So, if you'd like to offer your services as an umpire or part-time postal opponent, or if perhaps you just like throwing the odd spanner, then why not volunteer as a SWA "Aide de Camp"?
For more info' about the "Aide de Camp" service write to:
Steve Turner, 4 Wentworth Road, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan, Lancs. WN4 9TU. UK
(And get to see how other members do it. - Wargaming I mean!)
Note: SWA members only--MagWeb members must join the SWA ($20 US, $25 Canada to SWA 1707 Ridge Rd., Leavensworth, KS 66048 or e-mail E-mail Rich Barbuto) to partake of this association benefit.--RL
Editor: Many years ago there was a 'Helper' service which ran on the following lines and will be the format for the Aide de Camp system.
A member running a campaign and coming against a bit of a knotty problem could contact an Aide via Steve and get an unbiased solution.
The only cost would be that of postage and the member requesting assistance would obviously enclose a S.A.S.E (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) for the reply. It would also be nice from the Aides point of view if the member let him know how the problem/solution turned out and maybe inform the Editor who could include it in Lone Warrior as an article. Feedback could promote long distance wargaming friendships, which I have been lucky enough to enjoy through being involved in both the Library and Advisers services. With feedback etc total postage would be 60p for 3 x 2nd class stamps!
There is also the possibility that having used the service then members may feel that they would like to become Aides themselves and all they would have to do is contact Steve at the above address.
It should also be pointed out that Aides are completely different to Advisers in that the former are there to 'throw a spanner in the works' and the latter are their to help with their expertise on specific periods.
Steve plans to have an Aide for specific periods so if you write to Steve with a problem on WWII Normandy Landings (guess who is into them at present?), then hopefully he will be able to direct that problem at someone who is into that period. On the other hand a logistics problem has been a logistics problem whatever the period and most wargamers who have run a campaign should have the ability to handle the 'spanner'.
I will give the Aides de Camp system my full editorial support and keep you informed of its progress. There are members in SW A land that have years of experience, warped senses of humour and generally great guys when you get to know them. This will be an ideal way to increase your range of wargaming friends who like you are soloists and add a bit of spice to your hobby and campaigns. Kenn
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