nice to meet you skip ! I'm not an authority figure or a leader of men , but I have over 4 years experience of game play in CC ...
I would suggest : 
don't go out and try to kill Majors and Generals ! these guys will rip you apart ! many of them feed on new players , like you .
don't jump into maps you don't understand . 
don't play game settings you don't understand .
KEEP IT SIMPLE !
feed on other beginners like yourself ! ... you stated that you know the game , many of them don't !  
  
  
 play to win , don't feel sorry for the poor sap your playing even if he begs for mercy .
 don't taunt your foe , don't break your promises if you make truces or alliances . 
* limit the time a truce or alliance will last , this will allow you to get out or extend said agreements * 
and last but not least ! .... PLAY WITH HONOR !!!!
don't be the @ss hat that no one wants to play again !! 
I hope that helps  
