Company First Sergeant Interview: Mac
- Nordic Milsim
- 10 hours ago
- 7 min read
Name: Robin Mackafoj
Callsign: Gipsy
Military background: Dutch 11th Air Mobile Brigade Event: The Segezha Strike
Faction: RUSFOR
Position: Company HQ
Role: Company First Sergeant
Nordic Milsim Staff positions "The Segezha Strike"
NATO
CO: JOHAN FORSBERG
XO: JOHAN STENVALL
1ST SERGEANT: JONATHAN WESTNY
1ST PLATOON SERGEANT: TBA
2ND PLATOON SERGEANT: ADAM VADI DRIS
RUSFOR / PMC KARPOVA
CO: CAMERON STEVENS
XO: LEVENT PALMQVIST
1ST SERGEANT: ROBIN MACKAFOJ
1ST PLATOON SERGEANT: TBA
2ND PLATOON SERGEANT: JIMMY BODMAR
Introduction
You will serve as the Company First Sergeant (1SG) during The Segezha Strike. As the senior enlisted leader at company level, you act as a mobile connection point between Company Headquarters and units in the field, ensuring information flows, missions stay on track, and player well-being is never overlooked.
This interview gives players insight into how the company stays connected, informed, and supported throughout the operation.
Section 1 – About You
Callsign & background
What is your callsign, and how would you describe your background in leadership, coordination, or mentoring roles?
My callsign is Gipsy. It started because I was always in a cast (the Swedish word gips), and also because I get really tanned in the summer. Some guys in my squad said I must have the blood of a gypsy.
My background in milsim is mainly with Nordic Milsim. I first participated as a player at Arlanda, and later served in HQ at Pechenga. I stayed with NM because of the high standard of the events. The format is, in my opinion, really good and challenging.
Why First Sergeant?
The 1SG is a demanding role focused on people and standards. What made you take on this responsibility at The Segezha Strike?
I have a background in reconnaissance (Dutch 11th Air Mobile Brigade), and when you're out “snoopin’ and poopin’,” you're usually alone or working with a very small team. I wanted to try leading a larger group while still staying connected to my roots by working closely with recon, QRF, and support units.
Experience in Field Coordination
Have you previously served in roles focused on coordination, logistics, or player support? What did you take from those experiences?
I learned a lot from working in HQ during Pechenga, and from the people around me. I’m still new to some processes, but I always try my best.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was to stay true to the chain of command and avoid making hasty decisions. You can still make quick decisions, but they should be good ones, not rushed mistakes.
Section 2 – The Role of the First Sergeant
Defining the 1SG role
In your own words, what is the core purpose of a Company First Sergeant?
I am the link between the players, QRF, recon, and logistics and Company HQ, so I need to stay mentally sharp at all times.
I’m also the one who may need to go out into the field to help players make decisions, solve problems, or even take part in operations involving force-on-force action.
And when you take responsibility for things, you also need to be ready to handle the consequences if things go wrong.
The Mobile Connection Point
You often move between Company HQ and forward units. Why is physical presence in the field important to you?
For me, physical presence is more than just showing up. It means showing your people that you’re there with them, whether it’s wet, cold, or hot.
It’s about leading by example, not hiding. I can only ask others to endure something if I’m willing to go through it myself.
It also shows that I’m committed to the mission.
Leaders are present. Bosses are not.
Situational Awareness
How do you build a clear picture of mission progress and unit status when information is fragmented or delayed?
I rely a lot on pen and paper. I write things down, gather intel, and piece everything together step by step.
I try to save as much information as possible and create something like a mind map to understand the bigger picture. I also often request LACE reports.
I’m still learning, as we all are. Even if you’ve participated in 30 milsims, you’ll still learn something new.
Trust and Accessibility
How do you ensure that units see you as an accessible and reliable point of contact?
Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
Be direct and clear in your communication. It’s better to say no—that ammo or supplies are not available right now, than to promise something and then fail to deliver.
Section 3 – Linking Units & Enablers
Recon to Action
You are often the first link between recon and QRF/logistics. How do you help turn reconnaissance into timely support?
Recon is often already in the area, but not seen or heard.
If QRF needs help in a certain area, recon teams may already have knowledge of that terrain. If something happens on another part of the battlefield, it might be better for QRF to hold ground, dig in, and defend rather than immediately attack.
My role during Segezha will mostly be to support and guide, rather than directly command.
QRF and Logistics Coordination
How do you prioritize requests for support when multiple units need assistance at the same time?
The same way I do in real life: evaluate the situation.
Who needs support right now, and who can wait?
It’s not a drive-through service.
Information Relay
How do you ensure that critical information reaches Company HQ without distortion or delay?
If there is a system failure in communications, I’ll do it the hard way and move to HQ on foot.
In that case, I’ll rely on my previous training in staying quiet and sneaky to safely complete that mission.
Section 4 – Player Well-Being & Cadre Network
Player Well-Being in Practice
Nordic Milsim places strong emphasis on player experience. How does that translate into your day-to-day actions as 1SG?
First and foremost, I like to keep everyone in a good mood.
I won’t ask people to perform tasks that I wouldn’t be willing to do myself. I also want to involve the players in the decision-making process.
I’m there as support when people need it. I’m not there to control the game- I’m there to help you complete your mission.
Working with Cadres
How do you use the cadre network to monitor morale, fatigue, and cohesion across the company?
The easiest way is for cadres to check in with their men and ask how they are doing—looking for signs of fatigue or exhaustion.
Cadres should continuously gather LACE reports from their units and evaluate the situation together with me.
Support should be directed where it’s needed most, and future mission planning should involve both cadres and some of the players.
Cadres are the link between me and HQ, so strong communication between us is essential.
Mentoring Leaders
How do you support platoon and squad leaders without undermining their authority?
I don’t micromanage.
If you have a plan for a night raid or reconnaissance operation, let me know, run it by me, and then execute it.
People grow through experience. Sometimes you fail and learn from it. Sometimes you succeed and feel proud.
Section 5 – Flow, Immersion & Discipline
Keeping the Game Flowing
How do you help prevent small problems from turning into larger disruptions to gameplay?
If there’s a problem that affects the strategy planned at HQ, I will gather the cadres and discuss the situation.
If a player is causing problems for others, I’ll take them aside and ask what happened and why. Then I’ll ask if they want to stay and follow the rules, or leave.
If there is a serious rule violation, I would remove the person from the event—no questions asked.
Enforcing Standards
As First Sergeant, how do you approach discipline and adherence to the chain of command during the event?
I hope people understand what a milsim event is. This isn’t a typical Sunday game where you can do whatever you want.
For me, milsim means taking orders and executing them. If you’re not willing to do that, it might be better to sign up for a different type of game.
That might sound strict, but there are 250 other players who want the same immersive experience.
Invisible Problem-Solving
Many of your actions happen behind the scenes. How do you fix issues without disrupting immersion?
Speak only when necessary.
Bad-mouthing and disrespect spread quickly. With the support of the NM staff, I believe we can ensure a great experience for everyone.
Most small problems can be solved through calm conversations and by involving only the people directly affected.
Section 6 – Nordic Milsim & The Segezha Strike
Why This System Works
From your perspective, how does the Nordic Milsim command and cadre system support realism and player experience at scale?
The NM system is the reason I keep coming back.
Everyone working on NM events truly wants to be there, and we all take pride in putting in the hours to make it happen.
Being asked to serve as a cadre or staff member is an honour.
During gameplay we maintain a professional attitude and truly live inside the game.
In my opinion, the NM system is currently the closest you can get to real combat conditions within milsim.
Operating at Scale
With up to 250 players in the field, what is the biggest challenge in maintaining cohesion and situational awareness?
I can’t say this enough: communication.
Follow the chain of command, and please rest when you’re told to rest. This is a 40-hour event, not a sprint.
For me, it means constantly checking in with my cadres, QRF, recon, and support units. It’s challenging, but I rely on my previous training and the training I’ve received through NM.
Section 7 – Message to the Company
To platoon and squad leaders
What do you expect from leaders in the field to maintain standards and cohesion?
Take the role seriously.
If you make a mistake, tell me. Don’t be afraid to bring suggestions or ideas.
Also keep track of your troops and their condition.
To Recon, QRF, and Logistics
What is your message to the units that often work most closely with you?
You are my eyes and ears in many places, and I know you’re all very good at what you do.
You have my full confidence, and I’m proud to work side by side with you.
If I say no to something, don’t take it personally- there’s always a reason behind it.
Final words
Any final thoughts before stepping off at Rödjenäs Gård?
I’m really looking forward to stepping off at Rödjenäs with all of you.
And I’m looking forward to kicking some NATO this time.
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