In this thread you'll learn about important means of communication which are employed by Imperial personnel, both inside and outside the field of battle. This thread will breakdown call-signs, the reason for their use, how they're employed and introduce the new personal call-signs which Horuset special forces are looking to fully embrace.
Too will Imperial protocol be outlined. That being how Imperial soldiers are expected to address and act around the various other groups and individuals which make up the Empire.

Standard Call-signs will be utilised for a majority of large-scale operations. They are designated in descending rank order and always begin with a letter (relating to the squad or fire team the soldier is in) and finish with a number which relates to how high the soldier's rank is compared to everyone else within their squad or fire-team.
For example: A squad or fire-team may be labelled Aurek, or A. The highest rank in this case will be referred to as A-1. 1 signalling that they are the highest rank and will be the one giving out orders to the other Aurek soldiers. Meanwhile in the same squad there may be a specialist who is the lowest ranked individual. If there are five soldiers in this squad, this specialist would take the call-sign A-5.
An example of this squad's call-sign structure would be:

•   Major Koren = A-1
  
•   Captain McCarthy = A-2
  
•   Lieutenant Vareniu = A-3
  
•   Sergeant Quinton = A-4
  
•   Specialist Thymius= A-5
  

Standard call-signs are usually employed as they allow for easy and quick communication . 'A-1' for example, will always be the acting Commanding Officer, and therefore even if a soldier isn't sure of their CO's name, they will always be able to ask for them. Standard Call-signs too mask the respective ranks and abilities of those within the fire-team or squad. A-1 of course will always be the acting CO, yet to the enemy that could very well be anything from a Corporal to a Major. As for the rest of the squad or fire-teams members, their ranks and abilities are completely unknown.

To allow for easier management of who is which call-sign, the in-game OPS group will be organised from top to bottom as a reference for who is which. For example A-1 will always be at the top of the OPS list, while A-4 will be fourth from the top. If two fire-teams are operating at the same time, then two columns will be created so there is no confusion.

Personal Call-signs are ones which abandon the militant and logistical demeanor of standard call-signs. Where before an individual is only referred to as a letter and a number. Now only fire-teams or squads are to be referred to by a letter so that they can be distinguished between one-another. With personal call-signs a soldier may be referred by something more personal. Be it simply their surname, a preferred nickname, or for those who boast skill, experience, and past-triumphs. A soldier may be called something which pays testament to such feats.

For example, a fire-team may be labelled Aurek, but those within it will be referred as:

•   Major Koren = "Bane"
  
•   Captain McCarthy = "Ace"
  
•   Lieutenant Vareniu = "Tyrant"
  

With their less standardized nature, personal call-signs are far more prevalent in smaller scale operations where the soldiers are all familiar with one another. The focus on individuality tends to create stronger bonds between the soldiers. Bonds which tend to see far greater effectiveness in the field.

Therefore under new military guidelines. On operations featuring smaller-scale and far more specialised Imperial personnel, personal call-signs are to be utilised.
Despite the still relatively frequent use within certain spheres of the Imperial Military. They are frowned upon by most military circles as the call-signs may reveal certain aspects about those employing them. Names for example help the enemy with cataloging their opponent, while ones ascertaining to one's abilities. Such as 'Pyro' may give away information regarding their skill set.

For all starting soldiers, their personal call-sign will default to their first or surname, whichever they prefer. However, as a soldier receives marks and medals, unique call-signs will be unlocked which they can designate as their preferred personal call-sign.

If two individuals desire the same personal call-sign and can't come to an agreement then it's best a member of the guild team is contacted.

Common Military Phrasiology:

• Roger That - Message received and understood (similar to Ten Four or Copy That).
  
• Roger so far - Confirm parts of a long message before continuing with the rest.
  
• Affirmative - Normally used when a question is asked and the reply is yes.
  
• Negative - Normally used when a question is asked and the reply is no.
  
• Come in - Asking another party/team to acknowledge they can hear you.
  
• Go Ahead - I am ready for your message.
  
• Say Again - Repeat all of your transmission.
  
• Say all after/before - Repeat all after/before a certain key word or phrase.
  
• Over -Your message is finished, invitation for others to respond/transmit.
  
• Comm Check - What's my signal strength? Can you hear me?
  
• Emergency, Emergency - Distress call, used when there is a grave or imminent danger to life, immediate assistance is required.
  
• Stand By - Wait for a short period and I will get back to you.
  
• Wait Out - The waiting period is longer than expected, I will call you as soon as possible.
  
• I spell - The next word will be spelt out using the phonetic alphabet.
  
• Call-sign check - Requesting all personnel respond with their call-signs. Used to test statuses
  

The Sith are the forefront of the Empire and are considered superior and as a result should be shown upmost respect at all times. The Sith acolytes are the only exception to this rule.When receiving tasks from an Apprentice. Imperial personnel must contact a CO before embarking on the related operation as it may be deemed too hazardous or even a potential waste of Horuset forces. Sith, Sith Lords or Darths however can command Imperials to do what they wish.
While Sith may be Imperial superiors, they are not all knowing. Therefore while talking out of line is regularly frowned upo,, Imperial advice is valued and is potentially critical to operational success. Therefore an Imperial who heeds critical advice may be rewarded instead of punished. Though it is not always a guarantee.

Darths/Dark Lords:
The Dark Lords of the Sith are amongst the highest ranked in the Empire and should be shown the appropriate respect. When approaching or coming into contact with a Darth, an Imperial must immediately salute such an individual before removing their helmet and tucking it beneath their right arm. In a Darth's presence an Imperial is only to speak if commanded to. Lest they wish to draw the Darth's attention.

Sith/Sith Lords:
All Imperials should refer to any Sith above the rank of Apprentice as my lord or their title, followed by a formal salute. If the Imperial shows sincere respect towards a Sith or Sith Lord, they too can remove their helmet as they should do when in the presence of a Darth. Though some Lords may be demand or expect this behavior from all Imperials.

Apprentices:
Apprentices may be considered almost equal in terms of rank but respect is still required and a salute is still expected, especially if you are a lower-ranked member of the Imperial military.

Acolytes:
As Sith doctrine states, acolytes are still to be respected as they are technically within the Sith hierarchy. However, they have little to no power. Therefore an Imperial is not required to salute or refer to them in any formal manner. Too are Imperials allowed to employ the use of force against acolytes who are unruly or impede Imperials as they go about their duties. However, it must be stated that an acolyte may ascend to Apprentice-hood, and perhaps even further. Sith are not typically the type to forgive any abuse, so Imperials facing consequences for such actions are not unheard of. It's also common for Imperials who engage in wanton abuse of their powers to be disciplined by Sith or Imperial COs who think their actions are harming the powerbase.

Soldiers can on the flip side also patronise Acolytes, offering them training and a mutual understanding in favour of upon the Acolyte's ascension, such favours being reciprocated in kind. Such a relationship lays the foundation for mutually beneficial arrangements between Soldiers and Acolytes alike, with a soldier who successfully patronises an Acolyte to become an Apprentice achieving a medal alongside their newfound ally.

In comparison to Sith protocol. Imperial protocol is relatively simple. Imperials are all comrades in arms. Cogs which work together so that the greater machine which is the Empire may function. As a result hierarchy is still extremely important when it comes to the command structure. But where showing inappropriate behaviour around a Sith may see an Imperial being mutilated or potentially killed, an Imperial superior will more likely impose harsh punishments or re-education. Fates which are typically far less lethal. However, this is not an excuse to show a lack of discipline. Imperials require one another more than anything on the battlefield. Therefore it's highly advised to not develop negative relations with their officers or compatriots as there may be lethal consequences.

Superior Officers:
A superior officer is referred to as Sir or their rank and a salute is compulsory when orders are being given and when addressing a superior off the field. On the field when an operation is taking place a salute is not required, especially when in a hostile environment or war-zone. Under no circumstance are soldiers to refer to their superiors by rank, name or call them 'Sir'.
Superiors off-duty should still be referred to as 'Sir' or their rank but shouldn’t be saluted.

Relationships:
While relationships between Imperial personnel are not disallowed. They are not looked upon fondly. This is because the emotional attachment between the two may see rash and impulsive behaviour develop on the battlefield. Which may have lethal consequences. It also isn't unheard of for Imperial personnel to be blackmailed, their relationship exploited by enemy forces, leading to an Imperial working against the very Empire they have sworn to protect.