How to Become a Dispatch

So you want to become a dispatch?  Here are some steps you can take to get on your merry way to help the masses.  The only requirement is that you read, understand, and are able to implement Rat and Dispatch SOP prior to dispatching live cases, though the steps below will start you off right to become a well-rounded, capable dispatcher.  

1. Read the philosophy of dispatch to make sure you are up to the task!
2. Prior to dispatching you should be an experienced rat, and extremely familiar with the following information:
   1. General Rat SOP
   2. Common Client Mistakes
   3. Long Range Rescues
   4. Special Rescue Scenarios
3. Prior to dispatching your first case you should observe respected dispatchers in #fuelrats, and thoroughly read and understand Dispatch SOP.
4. Since you never know when the next case will come in, or what problems may arise, you check out the following supplemental literature:
   1. Instancing and Avoiding Unwanted PvP
   2. PS4 Troubleshooting
   3. Xbox Troubleshooting
5. You should also know about tools for dispatching in foreign languages. (you can check out Machine Translation with MechaSqueak for a neat tool!)
6. Familiarize yourself with Mechasqueak and the dispatch board- a dispatcher’s best friend.  (Read the tools section of Dispatch SOP for a cautionary note)
7. (Optional, but recommended) Get trained!  This would be a great time to get some practice outside of live cases!  Remember: We never practice on live cases!  You may wish to train between any of the steps above, as well.
8. Get your hands dirty!  If you’ve gotten everything above down pat- you’re probably pretty safe to try your hand at live cases.  Remember- if you get overwhelmed, ask for help!  You can either ask ratchat for advice or drop the “hat” by saying the word hatsignal in ratchat. This will ping other dispatchers in hopes one will take over for you.
9. (Optional, but recommended)  Get drilled!  This is a great way to test your knowledge and how you handle tough dispatching situations.  It is also great for getting feedback on where you can improve, and gives you a fancy new social media tool for sending messages about cases!  Before you get drilled make sure you carefully read our What to expect on your dispatch drill page.