Infantry squad, fireteams that actually work (wow?!)

[KingKong.CCCP]

I played this beautiful mod for a looong time now, and would like to share my experience regarding infantry squadplay... I guess I'm getting bored of forum reading/writing, cos I've being planning to make this thread for last couple of months - so I've decided to start with few simple things, and edit it every few days




BASIC PUBLIC INFANTRY SQUAD ORGANISATION

Introduction

The main problem is there are only about 30 guys out there playing PR who actualy understand what the game is all about, and who are capable of fighting as a unit, not just bunch of individuals. In a proper infantry squad every squad member got his role, and the squad depends on every man realy doing his job. For example, 5 guys don't have the weapon to deal with anoying enemy jeep, and they all depend on the 6th member with AT to do his part. If the guy covering rear moves to the front, the whole squad can be eliminated easily.

The fact is, when playing on public servers, in most cases, you can rely only to one or two squadmembers. The rest of the squad just don't get it.
So, the question is: Is there a method to overcome this problem?.
Well, I think I'm getting close answering yes, there is!.


FIRETEAM LEADERS

It all comes down to fireteam leaders.
1. Three fireteams, lead by two guys that you know you can trust, and yourself as the third FTL. Every fireteam is consisted of two guys - FT leader and FT buddy (or member). The basic concept is to rely only on the guys that you can trust (FTLs) and let them take care of their FT buddies.
2. NAME THE FIRETEAMS AFTER FIRETEAM LEADERS!
This is by far the best thing I learned from my squadleading experience.

Most of the great players never realized the importance of having leader in fireteam, nor naming fireteams after FTLs. "Fireteam Alhpa" may sound cool but, in most cases, squadmembers WILL forget the fireteam they are in. Not having FTL results in loosing fireteam.

Situation...
Squad leader says: "Bjoffe, KingKong, you're FT Bravo - stay together!"
On the next crossroad, I break left and bjoffe breaks right. Now what???
Who should *stay together* with whom?



EXAMPLE

You got 5 squadmembers: bjoffe, Pel85, noobsniper, rambo123, pwnge.
This is what squad leader says:
- We'll have three fireteams. FIRETEAM LEADERS: bjoffe, Pel.
- noobsniper, you are in my fireteam - that means NOOBSNIPER STICK WITH ME.
- rambo123, you're in bjoffe's fireteam, RAMBO123 FOLLOW BJOFFE, DO WHAT HE SAYS.
- (it's the same for pwnage and Pel)

Also:
- Stay within TAG NAME DISTANCE (the distance at which you can see the friendly guy tag name, or 30m, good to know ).
- I stongly recommend highlighting your fireteam buddy, so that you can find him easily on the map.

Now, if you got awesome players like bjoffe and Pel85, you can say things like "bjoffe team, stay on my left, Pel, on my right" and you'll get something that already look like formation.


FORMATIONS

1. DEFAULT FORMATION FOR A SQUAD ON THE MOVE IS WEDGE.
One FT leader (hopefully his FTmember will stay with him) on the left, one on the right... following the squadleader, but on his sides.
SL has to understand this is NOT EASY. Regardless of what you all think, there are very few guys who can actually do this! SL moves slowly, checking the position of FTLs and his FT buddy.
2. COLUMN
If squad is to move fast throughout a teritory controled by friendly forces, no need for a special formation. FT leader should always try to stay on his flank, some 10-20m from SL - so if he starts runnin full speed, it is impossible, but at the same time that means the speed is more important than situation awareness. Column is made easily, without any effort, with SL on the front.
(I know people like moving in column formation in a good squad, but I disagree with this practice... no point in being in column if the contact with enemy is eminent. If not, who cares who is on front, and who's on the back)
3. LINE


... to be edited soon...

[Drake]

Great SL guide. Basic tactic well executed is always at least 10 times better than 1337 tactic poorly done.

[General_J0k3r]

yeah. it's a good thing to do. the only flaw of this tactic is the 2-person SL FT. Depending on the skills of my squadmates, it is sometimes useful to go to two 3-men FTs in order to be able to set a rally at all times.

on archer i have a 4-men FT covering and pounding while i and an engi/specops move to the cache. it is beautiful if you can direct the fire of 2 .50cals, a SAW and a LAT to enemy positions on the other side of a road

[General_J0k3r]

could s/o delete my doublepost?

Good ideas man, should be implemented in the field.

[Rudd]

excellent guide

i would personally go with the larger FT

But assigning FTLs so that the team sticks together is a good idea, i'll try that next time i'm on.

[Canadian4206]

Originally Posted by Dr2B Rudd

excellent guide

i would personally go with the larger FT

But assigning FTLs so that the team sticks together is a good idea, i'll try that next time i'm on.

Yeah I would go with larger FTs as well, usually you run into a squad and 2 vs 6 isn't the best odds. It also makes attacking bases a bit easier when you got a larger FT force raiding from the back while the other FT raids from another direction, etc.

Though I will have to try this guide sometime, When I get a squad that follows orders that is

[Jantje|NL^]

You better keep your squad connected by teamwork.. and look at the FTLs as normal members, just devide the squad in fireteams (that you made back when you had some time) when you really need to, otherwise it will be more chaotic than it allready is.

[hx.bjoffe]

^ I disagree, Jantje. I understand it as a critical point of the OP is that the FTLs act as NCOs, not normal members - you can't set up functioning fireteams with 5 strangers.

Even if this also is my utopic way of organizing a squad, i got to say its more dependant of the style of the SL. I don't think this necessarily is an ultimate solution. Also, it is vital to be flexibel in the heat of battle; eg. having one FT(pair) ready to merge with the two other FTs etc.

And Kingkong; when you say "only ~20 actualy understand the game," are you writing this to them, or to all the others? If this is a guide to the latter, it could need some formative information.

To all doubters; fireteams work, yes.
Looking forward to the continuation..

[ice_killer]

looks good

btw a smal tip from me

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT