Squad Leader tips - get your squad to work as a team

[Danger_6]

Even though Project Reality has removed alot of the players who dont usually stick with the squad, from Battlefield 2, there are still some left who play in a world of their own...

There are several tricks to showing your authority and skill as a Project Reality Squad Leader. There is a saying that:

"First impressions always count"

It true. As squad leader you make the decisions, you punish for insubordinate lone wolfs, and you encourage an atmosphere of discipline.

When first creating a squad, think of a clear name that states your ethos as a Project Reality player. Squad names such as "sniper" and "scout" will encourage the "squaddies" to run around on their own accord. Whereas "Eng Inf" or "Eng VOIP" and "Infantry" will encourage the squad members even before they join your squad; it encourages the more mature players to join while the less mature childish type characters are weeded out. "Eng Inf" states that you are going to work as an infantry team and you speak English. "Eng VOIP" is probably better as it encourages people to join if they have a microphone. If they don’t KICK THEM.

Of course it doesn't just rely on the squad name. It also depends on how you introduce yourself to your team. Remember they have joined your squad to be led by you. As soon as your squad is nearly full introduce your self as a competent leader by stating several rules. Some of my main rules include:

"1: Stick with the squad
2: I make the decisions
3: I choose, in a democratic fashion, what kits we are to use.
4: Always give the heading of any sighted units, friendly or not"

In doing so your squad feels as if they are really part of team as they are given something to do by looking for anything near them, while you have clearly stated you will kick them if they stray and go all Rambo without your permission. This will clearly highlight your professionalism as a squad leader and as a Project Reality player. Also make sure you have chosen at least 1 or two medics and a specialist depending what map you are playing on before any one has spawned in.

Assuming you have spawned into the map and your two medics (or one) and specialist have been chosen ask your squad to line up in front of you, this may sound quite cheesy. Place the medics at the back and the specialist third from the back, your place would be second. Then allocate a Rifleman with Optics or Marksman to take up the first position and LMG fourth. You don’t have to choose the layout of your squad like this; i find it helps when playing maps like Al Basra, and Fallujah West. It also makes sure every player is content with the kit they have, and you can stress each player's roles when doing their job such as don't revive under fire. etc etc etc

Then move off, enforcing the idea of a single file with gaps of around 10 -20 metres. If your squad prove to be very attentive listeners and followers, you can teach new tactics such as various section battle drills using fire and manoeuvre tactics, and squad movement and patrolling spacings. Such as herring bow while stationary, extended line and staggered file while moving down the roads.

If you have any other queries or would like to point something out about this article publish your views in this thread. Thank you.

[goguapsy]

Originally Posted by Danger_6

3: I choose, in a democratic fashion, what kits we are to use.

uh... lol?

[-.-Maverick-.-]

Nice tips here. Be sure to use them soon.

[gomimin]

@goguapsy

democratic fashion prolly means: Who wants to go Medic? I need a specialist. Who knows how to AR?

That way he's decideing what kits, the squaddies can decide who's doing what and everybody feels placed well...

I choose means: No sniper!

[Danger_6]

took the words out of my mouth gomind =P

[Marshall]

Discipline, I find is key for squad coehsion.

Some people see the word "Discipline" and instantly their heads are filled with images of torture and phsyical punishment (perhaps lashing someone with the buckle end of a belt, or maybe that's just me and the missus)

Whereas discipline is infact self control, a level of tactical restraint.

If squad members have these three things, then I'm cool.

Fire Discipline - Some players open fire at first sight of enemy (undisciplined) others report contact and wait for SL orders (Discipline). A good SL will give the open fire order when his men have their scopes settled and the enemy is out in the open.

Arcs of Fire - Not having all players facing the same direction when holding position, encouraging squad members to watch each other's backs.

Radio Discipline - Some players talk constant gibberish. Non sensical, unimportant ramblings and asking stupid questions. Laughing and joking is fun, but not so much that we can't hear signs of enemy.

Other things that require self control;
-Not using sprint until it's needed
-Getting approval off the SL when requesting kits
-Staying inside a truc, helo or apc until the SL says "Hop Out"
-Giving up when wounded, despite there being a medic still alive and close by

If squad members have this, they will more than likely be game for advanced tactics, fire teams and such.

[goguapsy]

Originally Posted by gomimin

@goguapsy

democratic fashion prolly means: Who wants to go Medic? I need a specialist. Who knows how to AR?

That way he's decideing what kits, the squaddies can decide who's doing what and everybody feels placed well...

I choose means: No sniper!

yeah I just realized I actually do that.

[yujie900]

Originally Posted by -.-Maverick-.-

Nice tips here. Be sure to use them soon.

Wo0Do0 says hi, Maverick, Actions speak more than words, therefore get your ass on PR and play.

Regarding the thread, very brief, concise, and straight to the point. The Significance of squad names plays a vital role in the maturity and functionality of the squad throughout the round, it is a blatant truth in every server you hop on, yet some people still name their squads like mentioned scout, sniper, bubbles,

[TheValkyre]

I love discipline, I think Im the only kid in highschool that can say that haha. But if I join a squad in the beginning of the round and there are no orders from the squad leader on where to spawn, what kits to grab, etc. etc. I instantly leave and make my own squad. These are really good hints and rules that I agree with but I just forget to mention. Ill remember these, especially fire discipline. The lack of that has gotten me killed many times.

[goguapsy]

Originally Posted by TheValkyre

I love discipline, I think Im the only kid in highschool that can say that haha. But if I join a squad in the beginning of the round and there are no orders from the squad leader on where to spawn, what kits to grab, etc. etc. I instantly leave and make my own squad. These are really good hints and rules that I agree with but I just forget to mention. Ill remember these, especially fire discipline. The lack of that has gotten me killed many times.

Me too. I really want to join West Point, so discipline is not an option. Never had problems though!