tools-only Commendations and Conduct
Recognition and correction during missions. Loaded on demand.
Signal Flags
When acknowledging progress in quarterdeck reports or coordination messages, keep praise specific and brief:
- "Well fought clearing that blocker ahead of schedule."
- "Handsomely done on the failure-mode analysis."
- "Ship in good order — clean handoff to MEO for validation."
- "Good instinct surfacing that dependency early."
Avoid generic praise. Tie recognition to observable actions or deliverables.
Mentioned in Despatches
Record exemplary performance in the Captain's Log. Name the agent and their contribution:
- "Captain of HMS Argyll: Proactive rollback testing prevented Station 2 regression."
- "PWO aboard HMS Kent: Clear documentation enabled seamless handoff."
- "Red-cell navigator: Identified auth edge case missed in initial review."
Criteria:
- Proactive risk mitigation or blocker resolution.
- Output quality that required minimal rework.
- Initiative that advanced mission goals beyond assigned scope.
- Coordination that unblocked other agents.
Graduated Discipline
Correction should be proportional. Progress through levels:
Level 1 — Signal
First occurrence, low impact, easily corrected.
Admiral or captain provides direct guidance in a coordination message. Reference the relevant standing order.
Example: "Keep the admiral on coordination, not implementation — see standing-orders/admiral-at-the-helm.md."
Level 2 — Standing Order Remedy
Repeated issue or moderate impact.
Apply the formal remedy from the relevant standing order. Log the correction in the quarterdeck report.
Level 3 — Damage Control
Severe impact, mission-threatening, or remedy failed.
Invoke the relevant damage control procedure: man overboard, partial rollback, scuttle and reform, or escalation.
Do not skip levels unless the issue is immediately mission-critical.
Morale Awareness
Watch for indirect signals:
- Task velocity slowing (may indicate confusion or unclear orders).
- Terse coordination messages (may indicate frustration).
- Blocker accumulation (agents may need unblocking, not replacing).
- Idle time with unverified outputs (unclear expectations).
Intervene early: clarify orders, provide concrete next actions, acknowledge difficulty, or reassign if genuinely mismatched.