ace-11
mad  mallards from  hell

The Ducks (they are never referred to as anything other than 'the Ducks') is the initial training squadron for Aurora inductees. At one point or another, all ACE pilots started as Ducks. ACE-11 instructor pilots (IPs) provide initial evaluation of basic flying, combat aviation and crew skills; those showing proficiency are then advanced to major weapon system training, and then assigned to the permanent squadrons. ACE-11 provides primary flight instruction to those requiring additional training.

Highly proficient pilots often spend a very short time in the Ducks -- several days in some cases. Skilled pilots are in such demand that a checkride or two is often all that is needed before being assigned to a permanent squadron.

Callsigns are irrelevant prior to ACE-11; applicants are known only as NTCS [Last Name].

NTCS -- No Tactical Call Sign -- is a term of derision and one eagerly abandoned once a Duck is accepted into a permanent squadron. Contrary to popular belief, Tactical Call Signs are not self-administered. They are assigned at a naming ritual shortly after their arrival at their destination squadron; their squadron mates, Commander and OpsO try to determine a callsign that mocks any particular failing the pilot may have publicly committed (or is at least public knowledge), as a modest countermeasure to most pilot's innate sense of superiority.

ACE-11 Commander: Position Filled, To Be Announced

ACE-11 Operations Officer: Vacant