Internet Relay Chat

Chatting is a pretty usefull form of Internet Communication. IRC communicaion starts with an IRC Client, you can download one, for example at http://www.mirc.com or easier you use the web based one provided by Fleet Admiral Matt Sifi: http://www.mindblock.net/nr5f/chat/
The basic fleet channel is #new_republic and can be found on the dal.net servers. A list of these servers can be found at: http://www.dal.net.
When you have opened your IRC client, you can type "/server [yourserver]" in the command line of your IRC client. ([yourserver] should be replaced with the server you selected on the dal.net page. This will connect you to the server. In case it don't works, cause internet is a higly instable medium, try one of the other dal.net servers.
To enter a channel type "/join [yourchannel]" in the command line. [yourchannel] should be replaced with the channel name of the channel you want to enter then. In out case type "/join #new_republic".

Operators have an overview about the IRC channels. Usually Group Commanders have SOP status. They can decide which of their officers get AOP status, that's the permanent operator status. Traditionally experianced Carrier Captains and Subgroup Leaders get the Operator status. But Operators need to be Captain or higher.

Operators can kick visitors and officers out of the channel, in case they see them making problems. SOPs can temporary remove operator status in case Operators make problems. This decisions stand until the responsible officer has reviewed the case. Permanent kicks need tobe reviewed by Fleet Commander, Fleet Executive Officer or Chief of Staff permanent loss of Operatorstatus need to be reviewed by the responsible Group Commander.