Article 1: Foundation and Membership:

1. The Mole Command shall consist of a council of members, plus a council leader. The number of generally elected seats, and the specific ranks eligible for those seats, shall be determined mathematically according to the following formula:

1) The total number of seats (not including the CO) should be approximately equal to 10-15% of the number of members in the squad. This number is a guideline, the actual number can be adjusted upwards to ensure that part 2 of the formula is met.
2) The number of elected seats should be roughly equal to 1.5 (one and a half) times the number of seats held by Generals (not including the CO), never to be less than the number of seats held by Generals.
3) The number of seats in the Grit-Sgt category must be greater than or equal to the number of seats in the Lt-Col category.
4) The total number of seats (not including the CO) must be an even number to ensure that a tie vote is possible that will require the CO to cast the tie breaking vote.

The generally elected seats shall be broken down into two categories:

Grit through Sergeant
Lieutenant through Colonel

All elected seats become available for re-election after four months, and the number of seats available reformulated as per the above forumula. Any member may seek reelection to Mole Command regardless of number of terms served.

The council leader shall be the squad leader (referred to as CO hereafter). The CO shall have no voting rights, other than to act as a tie-breaker in a standard majority vote, or to vote in non-standard votes (such as a unanimous vote, read further for an explanation of all vote types). The CO shall also retain a rank of *****General, regardless of the rank held prior to becoming the squad leader. No other RA members may hold the rank of *****General.

Section 2

The squad's second in command (referred to as XO hereafter) shall hold a rank of at least *General, and shall hold the second highest rank in the RA. In the event that the XO is a ****General, and another RA member is promoted to that same rank, the XO is considered senior in rank, due to their time served at that rank (along with having the title of XO).

Members of the Mole Command shall be determined as follows:

1. The CO shall be the council leader, as described above.

2. All RA members holding the rank of *General or higher shall be appointed to the council. If the member was not a council member before promotion to General, then that member shall become a member of the council.

3. The remaining members of the council will be determined by a squadron vote, consisting of two phases. The first phase will involve a 48 hour period where members may nominate candidates, one in each of the allowed rank brackets. For the purposes of counting the number of nominations a single member has made, seconding a nomination also counts as a nomination. As long as one other person seconds the nomination, then that person will be considered an official candidate. Squad members may not nominate themselves, nor will members be allowed to second a nomination for themselves. The second phase will consist of a 48 hour period where members will vote to determine which of the candidates shall be elected to Mole Command. These votes will be a simple majority vote. All voting will be conducted via open ballot in the forums, in which either the CO or XO shall act as the vote counter.

4. Any member nominated for (or elected to) the Mole Command may turn down the appointment, for any reasons they see fit. However, any member who does so may not change their minds later, and decide to accept the appointment. In order to become a member of the Mole Command after turning down a nomination/appointment, that member must wait for a seat on the council to open, and then be elected through the normal process.

Article 2: Rights and Responsibilities of Mole Command members:

1. CO - The CO acts as the Mole Command chairman, and as such, normally does not vote (except as described later). The CO may call a council meeting for any reasons he sees fit, giving at least 48 hours notice, under normal circumstances. For an emergency meeting, any amount of notice the CO deems fit may be used.

The CO may (during an emergency situation, such as time of war) disband the Mole Command for a period not to exceed 1 week. During this time, he shall exert full control of the RA. After 1 week, the CO must make a declaration of his reasons for disbanding the council, and a squadron vote shall then be called. This vote will be a "vote of confidence," and will determine if the CO shall retain full control, or if the council will be reinstated. As a vote of confidence, a 2/3 majority is required to overturn the CO's decision, with the vote being a secret ballot and the XO acting as vote counter. If the vote is in favor of the CO, then he may continue to lead the squad without a Mole Command for another 2 weeks. After such time, another vote shall be called. If the vote is instead against the CO, then the council shall be immediately reinstated. At any time after disbanding the council, the CO may reinstate the Mole Command. After reinstatement, the council members shall be the same as at the time of disbanding.

The CO shall be responsible for maintaining the normal day to day operations of the squad, and for ensuring that the decrees of the Mole Command are carried out efficiently and expediently. As such, the CO retains command authority, except when those commands conflict with Mole Command decrees. The CO may promote individuals to one rank higher than the rank they currently possess. The CO may also issue the Ace award, and the MVP award.

2. XO - The XO votes in the same manner as any other Mole Command member. The XO works directly with the CO, to assist with the normal day to day operations of the squad, and for ensuring that the decrees of the Mole Command are carried out efficiently and expediently. As such, the XO retains command authority, except when those commands conflict with the decrees of the Mole Command or the orders of the CO. The XO may promote individuals to one rank higher than the rank they currently possess. The XO may also issue the Ace award, and the MVP award.

3. Mole Command Members - All members of the Mole Command are expected to be present for as many council meetings as possible. The privilege of being elected to the council is one that must be utilized to the maximum benefit of the squad. Each member may cast 1 (one) vote on each topic that the council is considering at each meeting. Council members that are not present for a meeting may cast a vote in absentia, provided that such vote occurs within 24 hours of the meeting (prior to the meeting, or after the fact). Votes cast in absentia shall be delivered (via email) to the CO or XO. Any member who does not attend a meeting, and fails to cast a vote in absentia upon a topic, is considered to have cast a vote of "abstain." Each member must cast one of the following votes upon all topics presented before the council: "Yes" (agreement), "No" (disagreement), or "Abstain" (does not wish to vote). A member's vote may not be changed at a future date. Once a vote is cast, it is permanent. Only "Yes" and "No" votes are counted when determining a majority of votes. A member may also make a suggestion that a vote be "tabled", so that it can be discussed at a future meeting. Normally, this is done when more information about a topic is required.

4. Mole Command members do not have any exclusive rights other than those that their rank grants them. A member of the council who is of a lower rank than a non-councilmember must still follow the orders of said non-councilmember.

Article 3: Rights and Responsibilities of RA Members:

1. All RA members are expected to follow the decrees of the Mole Command, and the orders of superiour officers (unless those orders conflict with Mole Command decrees, or the orders of officers more senior). Those who do not will be subject to disciplinary actions

2. For the purposes of Mole Command nominations and votes, members eligible to nominate, be nominated or vote are restricted to those members of RA who, at the beginning of the period when nominations are accepted,
were of the Rank Grit or higher and not currently a member of Mole Command. A current member of Mole Command is defined as any member of Mole Command who has not resigned, or been removed from Mole Command at the beginning of the period when nominations are accepted. Former members of Mole Command, those who were not current members of Mole Command at the beginning of the period when nominations are accepted, are considered normal members and may vote provided they meet all other qualifications. Members eligible to be nominated and voted for but NOT eligible to nominate or vote are those who, at the beginning of the period when nominations are accepted, were of the rank Grit and held an elected seat on Mole Command.

3. All RA members above the rank of Lint have the right to attend public meetings of the Mole Command, and are allowed to speak their opinions on the matters the council is about to vote upon.

4. All RA members above the rank of Lint have the right to attend public meetings of the Mole Command, and present issues they would like to have voted upon. Members presenting a proposal to the council are expected to have all pertinent information concerning the topic they wish the council to vote upon.

5. If an RA member does not feel that a certain Mole Command member is acting in the best interests of the squad, or is lax in their duty as a councilmember, they may make a motion for a "no confidence" vote. Another squad member must second the motion for a vote of "no confidence." If the motion is seconded, then a squad vote will be called, in which members have 48 hours to cast their vote on the matter. A 2/3 majority is required, and the vote will be conducted as a secret ballot. The CO or XO will act as vote counter, and as such, has no voting privilege. If the "no confidence" vote meets the necessary majority, then the Mole Command member in question is immediately removed from the council, and a new election will take place to determine their replacement (see below). No disciplinary actions may befall the former councilmember, unless the reason for their dismissal is a punishable offense (ie. treason).

6. Non-councilmembers are not permitted to attend council sessions if the session is going to be a closed meeting, which must be determined beforehand. The Mole Command is under no obligation to inform the rest of the squad of the times and dates of closed sessions. They must, however, make it public knowledge as to the times and dates of open sessions.

Article 4: Types of Votes

1. There are 3 types of votes which may be used during Mole Command meetings, and the use of each is determined by the topic being discussed. The 3 types of votes are as follows: Simple Majority, 3/4 Majority, and Unanimous Decision.

2. A Simple Majority vote shall be utilized for the majority of the Mole Command decisions. After a topic is discussed, and a vote is called for, each member shall vote "Yes", "No", or "Abstain." In the event of a tie, the CO shall cast a final vote to break the tie. Examples of topics covered by a Simple Majority vote include (but are not limited to) determination of upcoming squad battles (ie. dates and squad to engage), generation of new RA policy (ie. addition of new ranks or awards), and for the determination of disciplinary actions (ie. demotions). Only the CO or XO may call for a vote to be called involving disciplinary action.

3. A 3/4 Majority vote shall be utilized for topics that are more sensitive to the RA. In a 3/4 Majority vote, a minimum of 1/3 (one third, rounded up) of the members of Mole Command must cast a vote for a vote to pass. In the event that a member casts an "Abstain" vote, or insufficient members are present to vote, then the CO shall cast a vote to determine the final outcome. Voting in absentia is not permissable for a 3/4 Majority vote. 3/4 Majority votes must be decided at the time the topic is addressed. Examples covered by a 3/4 Majority vote include (but are not limited to) overturning a previous Mole Command decree or an order by the CO (The CO may overturn an order by the XO without a Mole Command vote. The XO may, however, make a plea to the Mole Command to overturn the CO's decision.) and approval for promoting an RA member more than 1 rank.

4.Unanimous Decision votes are used when the RA's security or sanctity are under scrutiny. A Unanimous Decision is called for when a vote is being held concering the declaration of war, the expulsion of an RA member, or the desire to readmit someone who has been expelled from the RA. In a Unanimous Decision, the CO has the right to cast a vote along with the other Mole Command members. Councilmembers are not permitted to cast an "Abstain" vote during a Unanimous Decision. All members must either vote "Yes" or "No." Any vote that causes there to be a combination of "Yes" and "No" votes will cause a Unanimous Decision to not pass. A Unanimous Decision vote must be decided at the time the topic is addressed. Voting in absentia is not permissable for a Unanimous Decision vote.

Article 5: Mole Command Meetings

1. The Mole Command shall meet as often as is necessary to maintain smooth operation of the squad. Meetings may be called as often as is needed, but shall not occur less than once every 2 weeks.

2. The CO and XO are responsible for ensuring that the squad is informed of upcoming open sessions of the Mole Command, and should ensure that the squad is informed at least 48 hours in advance, unless extenuating circumstances prevent such. At a minimum, the squad must be informed 12 hours in advance, in the case of an emergency Mole Command session.

3. Mole Command members are expected to keep the time and date of closed session meetings secret. No non-councilmembers are permitted to attend a closed session meeting.

4. A brief outline of a meeting's events shall be posted on the RA site following the end of all open sessions, so that squad members who could not (or chose not to) attend the session will still have knowledge of the meeting's events. This outline will be posted in the Communiques forum, so that only RA members above the rank of Lint may view them.

5. The purpose of the Mole Command forum is the discussion of topics pending a vote at upcoming Mole Command sessions, determination of dates and times of upcoming meetings, and general conversation of topics that concern the Mole Command. Non-Mole Command members will not have access to this forum, nor will they be advised of the contents of messages in that forum.

Article 6: Election of new Mole Command Members Outside of the Regular Rotation of Elected Members

1. In the event that a Mole Command member resigns their position on the council, or a member of the council is removed through a "no confidence" vote, then a new member must be elected to fill the empty seat. An announcement to the effect that a seat on the council has opened must be made within 14 days of the seat opening. This message is the responsibility of the CO and XO.

2. After the announcement is made, there will be a 72 hour period in which squad members may nominate candidates to fill the position. A second RA member must second the motion, at which point the squad member becomes an official candidate. Squad members may not nominate themselves, nor may they second a motion nominating themselves. Mole Command members may not nominate or second a motion nominating squad members.

3. After the 72 hour period has expired, squad members have a 48 hour period to cast votes to determine which of the candidates will become a Mole Command member. The vote will be a secret ballot, with the CO or XO acting as vote counter. No members of the Mole Command are permitted to vote in the election. In the event of a tie, the remaining members of the Mole Command will call an immediate closed session meeting. At this meeting, they will all cast a vote in favor of whichever of the two tied candidates they choose. Whichever candidate recieves the majority of Mole Command votes (Simple Majority vote) will receive one extra vote from the Mole Command, thereby breaking the tie. The CO is permitted to vote in this situation.

4. The winner of the election shall be immediately announced so that all RA members will know who the new Mole Command member is.

Article 7: Battlefield Chain of Command

1. The Mole Command is an internal political entity, which serves the purpose of assisting the members of RA in helping to make the RA into the type of squad they want it to be. But the Mole Command is not a military organization.

2. The Mole Command is not intended to, nor will it, take any part in devising battlefield strategies and tactics. While the council does have the authority to appoint a committee in charge of developing tactics, Mole Command itself is not a body, or a forum, for developing tactics to implement in upcoming battles.

3. Battle strategies will continue to be devised in the same manner as always. As a squad, we will brainstorm ideas about various maps and the opposition, and determine various potential courses of action. The final authority on what tactics we use on any given day will be in the hands of the CO, or the appointed battlefield commander. The CO retains full authority to appoint a Battlefield Commander, or he may delegate this authority to the XO. A Battlefield Commander's authority while on the battlefield is not subject to question, regardless of rank.

4. All members of the RA, whether they are Mole Command members or not, will obey the orders of higher ranking officers while on the battlefield, unless those orders conflict with instructions from an officer that is more senior.

Article 8: Amendments to the Mole Command Chater

1. The Mole Command may find that a new article needs to be added to the charter, or that a current article needs to be changed. In order to amend the charter, a 3/4 majority vote must pass through the Mole Command.

2. After the vote has passed in the Mole Command, the desired change must be written exactly as it will read when the charter is amended. The squad must then be informed of the desired change, and be shown the written copy of the change desired. A 2/3 majority vote will then be called, in which squad members have 72 hours to cast their votes. The voting will be an open ballot. After the 72 hours have passed, the votes will be counted. If the vote has passed, the charter will immediately be considered to have changed.