The recruitment staff usually responds to applications within 24-48 hours. If your application is in order, you will usually be accepted pretty quickly with the rank of private. However, we run groups of recruits through basic training every two weeks. So depending on when you happen to be accepted, you may or may not have to wait for the next cycle to start. While you are waiting, you will still have access to most things in the unit.
Some members are on almost every day, while others have full-time commitments for work, family, etc. Generally we like to see everyone check the forums once a day, be active on Discord and socialize with their fellow soldiers, and of course play the game with the unit. This can be made up either by attending unit matches and training or playing on the public server. If you can keep up with that you'll be fine. Of course, advancing into a leadership position requires more of a commitment.
Everyone is required to start at the rank of private in our unit. However, for returning members who have had previous experience in the 1st Ranger Battalion, we have made a "fast-track" program available, which will shorten the amount of time you'll need to spend in basic training. Speak with the recruiting office for more information.
We believe that every soldier should be at least familiar with all weapons available to them if not strive for proficiency. Therefore it would be counterproductive to restrict our members to using certain weapons or classes.
Members will reach the rank of Private First Class fairly quickly, after about a month. However, promotion to the higher ranks (which also come with added responsibilities) is competitive. Members with the interest and ability can be promoted quickly, others may remain Privates.
We do expect members to display a certain level of maturity, as well as post excuses when they can't attend required events. NCOs are addressed by rank, and Officers are saluted as well. However, everyone recognizes that this is not the "real" military. Members who allow their rank to go to their head are not tolerated. In short, we do run a group that's more organized than most, but people still do goof around and no one's going to yell at you for no reason just because it's more "realistic."
Currently we do play competitively in realism matches against other units in our community. We also hold a lot of internal events in which we scrim against each other We are not involved in any leagues at this time, but it's always possible this will change in the future.