General Squad Leader Guide by =HR= Drayu (PR 0.5)
Posted: 2007-09-07 22:08
General Squad Leader Guide by =HR= Drayu (PR 0.5)
First, let me say congratulations on taking the time to be a squad leader. It is both a rewarding and frustrating position, all at the same time. You often find yourself less involved in battle and more involved in tactics, but if you are up for that you found the right guide! Next thank you for taking the time to read my take on Squad Leader Strategies for Project Reality .5! Hopefully by now you are aware that Project Reality is vastly different than the original version of Battlefield 2 (referred to as BF2v, or Battlefield 2 Vanilla). PR is a reality based modification, so this means you have to be more careful with your life and your squad’s lives! The squad leader has been reworked once again in PR .5. You gain new abilities that will enhance the tactics of your squad as well as that of your team. If you disagree with any of these strategies please let me know and I will try to rework it to fit MY IDEA of this guide.
= Initial Thoughts =
I can never say this enough, so I will say it again, as with any other part of the chain of command, the squad leader MUST use VOIP!!! (Please refer to this guide [coming soon] on how to setup your VOIP appropriately). Without VOIP communication, saying what you expect of your squad is nearly impossible! The squad leader must fill many roles! The squad leader should never be the first into battle, should never be point man, and should never be in the mix unless absolutely necessary! The squad leader plays an integral part of the team and should accept those responsibilities when becoming a squad leader! The ability of the squad leader affects how the commander can do his job, and ultimately the outcome of the game! The commander relies solely on his squad leaders for requests for artillery and supply crates.
= Starting a Squad =
Before making a squad, take into account what you want from your squad and name the squad appropriately. If you like to defend more than attack, name the squad DEFENSE. If you like to be a frontal attack squad, name the squad FRONT ATTACK. IF you like to flank the enemy, name the squad Flanking Attack. You get the drift; that will let others understand what they are getting into. I like to name my squad VOIP SQUAD. That tells people joining that I like to use VOIP. I talk with my squad and the commander ALOT, and I expect the same from them! In my squad, I will not boot someone because they are not using VOIP unless they can not communicate effectively. Be aware of what your squad is doing at all times, if they aren’t following orders then ask them to regroup. If at that point they aren’t following orders, then act accordingly. The bottom line is that you are a squad leader, and if your squad mates aren’t doing what you ask you need to find someone who will (I suggest letting them know why you are booting them 1st, maybe they will get the idea for next time).
= The Squad Leader's "Officer" Kit =
As a squad leader you have the ability to request a special kit, the Officer kit. This can be done when in a Main (uncappable) Base, near a supply crate, near a friendly APC, or near a friendly RP. The Officer kit allows you one VERY important role, placing the Rally Point (see section below on Rally Point Management). As a SL it is very important to know when to use the Officer kit and when not to. Kit limiting affects not the amount of Officer kits available, but the amount of time in between your requests. If you just requested an Officer kit and you die, you will be waiting before you can request another! As a squad leader I make sure that I have my Officer kit and that I place my RP! The Officer kit also gives you SOFLAM (binoculars) that you should be using to mark enemy movement, to call in supplies, and most importantly to call in arty strikes when available! Another important part of the Officer kit is the smoke grenade. This smoke grenade is a colored plume of smoke that will not give you the cover smoke grenades found in other kits have the ability to do. Use this grenade when you need to signal for friendlies to come to your aid, to mark enemy RPs, to request pickup at a certain location, or as I like to use it for...enemy confusion.
= Spawning =
With the introduction of PR .5 we have seen several changes in the way a squad can spawn. You can now spawn on the Spawnable bases, Squad Leader, APCs (or similar on MEC/China/Insurgents), or Rally Points. I believe the most important parts of spawning are on the Squad leader and the Rally points. This part of the guide will touch on the basics of spawning in these four locations.
== Spawning on Squad Leader ==
As a SL you should never put yourself in the position of being the first into battle, being point man, or trying to suppress an onslaught unless absolutely necessary. More than likely, as a squad leader, you are trying to take a flag with your squad. If you have managed to traverse the entire map to get to the flag you need to take, and you suddenly die because you charged in first puts your squad at a disadvantage. One of two things will happen, your squad will hopefully come to your rescue and revive you, or they will die trying to revive you instead of capping the flag. After your death the squad can't spawn on you, this means you not only just wasted the time it takes to get to the flag, but all the tickets that were lost during that time. When trying to cap a flag as a squad leader you should HANG BACK! Be a mobile spawn, don't stay too long in one place, keep yourself alive so that your men/women can spawn on you and take that flag! This role is incredibly important when trying to take flags!
== Spawning on Rally Point ==
As a SL you should tell your squad when and where to spawn. There are times that you need to tell you squad to spawn on you or the rally point. After a rally point is set your squad can spawn on the rally point as well as you. However, rally points can only be placed so close to a flag. Spawn on rally points when the option of spawning on you is either not prudent or not available. Also, tell your squad to spawn at rally points when you need them to request a specific kit. Try not to spawn on your RP if you are still alive because when the enemy sees your men coming from the same direction repeatedly, or they see your squad appear out of nowhere, it compromises your rally point location. Use the rally point as a last spawn option or for kit requests. Having a rally point can save a game, spawn on it wisely.
== Spawning on APC or Equivalent ==
Your job as SL is to dictate to your squad where you need them and what you need from them. APCs are moving spawn points for your ENTIRE team, use them appropriately. Have squad mates spawn at APCs when:
1. all other spawn options are not available
2. you need your squad at a different location than rally points or you
3. you need them to request a kit from the APC
4. you know the APC can be utilized by the squad for defense or attacking
== Spawning at Main (uncappable) Bases ==
Spawning at the base should be the last resort as it is usually far from the frontlines of battle. Have squad mates spawn at spawnable bases when you need vehicles that are available from that base. There is nothing more frustrating than having your squad mates across the map with a long walk ahead of them. As a SL you should spawn there only when all other options are gone or you need vital equipment from that location.
= Rally Point Management =
With the release of PR .5 we have seen a new aspect of game play, the introduction of Rally Points. Rally Points (herein referred to as RP) are in the most basic usage for spawning your squad. Only your squad can spawn on your RP! RPs can be used for more than just squad spawning; you can get ammo from them as well as request kits from them. RPs are vital to your squad and should be treated that way. The following are several points on RP management that you as a SL should use to your advantage:
1. THE FIRST GOAL of a SL should be to place his RP! It must be placed 80m or further from a flag. Placing a RP further than 80m is acceptable as the enemy tends not to search too far out for them. Place your RP FIRST; do not go into battle if you do not have an RP placed! (Remember, in order to place a RP you need a SL kit. The SL kit can be requested from friendly RPs, APCs, Supply Crates, or Main (uncappable) Bases). Without a placed RP you are likely the ONLY forward spawn point for your squad!
2. When placing the RP try not to place it out in the open where it can be easily destroyed by the enemy. Also, placing an RP in the open allows enemy commanders to spot it easily. When this happens they will surely direct a squad to its location to destroy it or keep you at bay. Try and place the RP under cover, in buildings, or near similarly colored rock formations that will hide it even in the open.
3. Do not spawn on your RP unless absolutely necessary. Spawning on your RP gives away its location to enemies because they see your squad materialize from air or they see the direction from which you are always running. Spawn on your RP when you are sure it is in a safe location or when you have no other options.
4. Direct your squad to spawn at the RP when you need specific kits.
5. Move your RP frequently when near the enemy frontlines. Always check your map to see that your RP is still active; if it is not then be sure to set another RP quickly.
= Roles of a Squad Leader =
The squad leader has many roles in the game; he is a vital part of the campaign to win for his/her side. The roles that a squad leader needs to fill are:
== Spawning ==
You are responsible for the spawning of your squad. You need to make sure that they have somewhere to spawn near or around you at all times. Read the above section on spawning.
== Communicator ==
A squad leader also needs to be a communicator! You need to have VOIP running, and you need not to be afraid of using it! Talk to your squad and tell them what you are going to do, how you are going to do it, and what you kits you need in your squad (ie, medic, supply, assault, etc). Tell them what the current mission is and MARK IT ON THE MAP! Communication with your squad is just not in VOIP, but also in giving them directions via the map (that is why it is there). You should also be constantly talking to the commander, relaying info to your squad about what is happening elsewhere and what to expect. Communication with the commander should be ongoing, and not only in VOIP, you should also be calling in Supplies, and Arty when necessary! This is the only way the commander can place assets where they need to be (Remember: in Project Reality, the commander can not drop arty or supplies on his own, he needs the squad leaders to call them out!)
== Strategist ==
You should always be looking at your mini-map and full screen map trying to decipher a strategy to get from point A to B. Use the "T" and "Q" compass rose to give orders quickly. You should know your maps well. Let your squad know when they should all get on a flag, or when they should scatter and take up positions. You should take the directives from the commander and figure a way to get it done.
=How to Communicate: Using the "T" and "Q" rose=
'''"Q" rose:'''
[[Image:qrose.jpg|center|thumb|200px|Q rose]]
1. Use the "Q" rose to spot enemies for your squad (and team). A little hint: you don't have to choose spotted and then right click to choose what you see, just aim at the target and click spotted, it will auto identify what you are seeing!!!
2. Use it to call for a medic when you are in need, or to call for ammo.
3. The "Q" rose has other communication possibilities, but if you are using VOIP you won't need them for your squad. Use them to direct people around you.
'''"T" rose:'''
[[Image:trose.jpg|center|thumb|200px|T rose]]
This is possibly the most important tool for a squad leader to use on a regular basis! I use it to send squad orders and request arty or supplies from the commander. Using this tool is a must, and you should learn it early on!
1. Use the "T" rose to give out quick direction to your squad mates without having to go into the map to click points to move/attack/defend. As you can see in the following pictures, I use the "T" rose to tell my squad where to move (this is the same technique as for defend and attack). The crosshairs of the weapon you are using (or the carrot of the binocs) are the point at which the smoke is popped. (notice the different move points I issued and their relation to my weapon.)
<gallery>
Image:1st.jpg| 1st
Image:2nd.jpg| 2nd
Image:3rd.jpg| 3rd
Image:4th.jpg| 4th
Image:5th.jpg| 5th
Image:6th.jpg| 6th
Image:binocmove.jpg| Use binocs for move command
</gallery>
2. Use the "T" rose to request arty or supplies. Just as with the move/defend/attack commands, wherever your crosshairs are pointing is the spot at which the request will be sent. As you can see in the following pictures (I like to use binocs as squad leader when I know I am calling in arty), the location of arty request is relative to where my crosshair/carrot is pointing. Also, you can request arty a large distance away just by pointing at a tall building in the distance (last example)
<gallery>
Image:arty1.jpg| Arty 1
Image:arty2.jpg| Arty 2
Image:arty3.jpg| Arty 3
Image:arty5.jpg| Arty 4
Image:arty6.jpg| Arty 5
Image:arty7.jpg| Arty 6
</gallery>
= Communication with Commander =
As a squad leader you should be constantly communicating with the commander. You should be giving him what you are doing, your location, and your squad number. It is very important to communicate as a squad leader.
1. Your first goal should always be to communicate with your commander. When communicating say your squad number and what you are doing, "This is squad 4, we need directives". It is very important to say your squad so the commander doesn't have to see which squad is talking and then decide what to do. In case you are unaware, when the commander is in the commanding screen he can not see the VOIP signal (name of SL), he can only see the name of who is talking if he looks at the squad part of his screen. When there are 9 squads, it is hard to determine, so by giving your squad number you make decision making easier.
2. When the commander gives you a directive, you should ACCEPT it and then complete it. If you feel that you can not do the assigned directive, just don't deny it! There is nothing more frustrating for a commander than to be constantly denied by squads! The better course of action should be to USE VOIP and say why you have to deny their directive. I commonly will say, "This is squad 4, sorry commander we can't accept because we are defending this flag" or "This is squad 4, sorry commander we are on the other side of the map, can you give us a different directive?". Work with the commander to bring your team to victory. He is taking the position to coordinate the team and good commanders deserve recognition.
3. You should also be relaying what info you see on the field to the commander. Sometime I may be on a building top trying to go for a flag, and if I see enemy movement to another flag, I will tell the commander that they are going that way and that he may want to get some defense there.
4. You should be calling in requests to your commander. The commander only has so much vision, and can not always anticipate where things are needed. Requesting arty or supplies helps the commander put those assets where they are needed. Before going into a flag that you see is loaded with enemy, you may want an arty strike before you rush it...call it in!
5. Request additional squads to your position if you need help! Tell the commander that you need help taking a flag. "This is squad 4; can we get another squad here to help us defend/assault this flag? Squad 6 is nearby"
= Additional Tactics =
1. If your squad isn't full, it is a good idea to invite unassigned players in. Unless you are a specialized armor, gunship or sniper squad; do not lock the squad. A full squad is a dangerous squad!
2. You should be telling your squad mates what you need in your squad. "Okay guys, I need a medic, a supply, etc..." or "We have a hostile APC here, spawn in AT". Don't let your squad be made up of a single class, rather change your make up with the mission at hand. It is highly recommended to have at least one medic. Many squad leaders like to play as medic so that they can revive and heal squad mates if they get hit, but more important if the squad leader gets hit squad members can pick up his kit and revive him!
3. When giving commands, consciously remember to order squad members by name. Make sure you get them to acknowledge their orders. Example: “Drayu, I want you to spawn medic on me, then follow me over to the bridge, do you copy”. Request a confirmation of that order because he may not of heard you or understood the orders. Doing this to everyone in the squad makes things a run smoother than just telling people randomly to do things, as this grabs their attention and makes it a lot harder for them to disobey an order.
4. When telling your squad mates what you need in the squad, remember that in PR there are several kits that are limited. Make sure that before you leave a rally point, proximity to friendly APC, or proximity to a friendly supply crate that you request these kits (Sniper, Support, Anti-Air, Heavy AT). Once you leave the area you will not be able to request these items. If your squad member dies while using a kit you feel your squad needs, direct another squad mate to pick it up or do it yourself! For more info on kit limiting see this link: [[Kit Limiting]]
5. Always take the road less traveled as a squad. Avoid direct confrontation with massed enemy forces as this will more often than not get you killed. Circumvent enemy troops and attack from behind.
6. If you are in a vehicle and it fills up do one of two things: Get out so the squad can spawn on you or tell them to wait until you are closer to your destination to spawn...then jump out and let them spawn on you. If you are in a vehicle, and there is lock on you, get out and run! You are better off alive! If the vehicle survives, they can always pick you back up.
7. When you are too close to an object or injured sometimes your squad mates will not be able to spawn on you. Make sure they can by asking, "Can you spawn on me?"
8. For fun, on 64 player maps that have arty, make a squad called Arty Squad. Go spec ops and roam the map calling in arty for the commander. Be a forward lookout. Or, grab a helicopter and sit in the passenger seat while a squad mate flies. With your binoculars out, circle enemy targets calling out arty.
9. Remember, it is a game, go with it, have fun and don't get too crazy!
General Tips:
[[Category:Squad Leader]]
{{guide|author=fuzzhead|topic=Squad Leader Tips|version=0.5}}
A Squad Leader is a person who has enough battle experience to lead a large force of troops, usually 6 men.
Here is where you start trusting your lower ranks. Your primary concern now is to supervise the fireteams, but keep in mind you are still part of the front. You will need to identif traveling routes, and coordinate hasty attacks and defenses. Your corporals have learned a lot but are still learning so if you think they are going about a problem in a wrong way, correct them!
When encountering the enemy during travel you are the primary leader to determine what to do. When you come up on a stationary force order a halt in the advance. Keep in mind as soon as you halt it is strongly suggested to order your men to start creating a hasty defence. Observe the enemy.
*How many enemy troops?
*Do they see you?
*Are they fortified?
*Do you see any patrols?
*What are the weak points in the defence?
*What are the strong points?
*What is stationed at the post?
*What type and numbers of armored vehicles?
*What type and numbers of aircraft?
*What is the significance of defending this position?
After an quick assessment relay the information to your commander. He will soon give out orders on what to do. If you feel there is a better way discuss your thoughts with the commander he may not have thought of that or must know more about the area than you do. Do not be mad if he holds to his order, and certainly don't do what you feel is better. You are still learning too. Try to determine what his objectives are and how to fulfill them as best as you can. If you have a question ask him about it, but don't play twenty questions. Depending on how far the enemy positions are, you will eventually be spotted. so make the questions quick and informative!
When you make contact with a traveling force while traveling determine where they are traveling. If they are coming towards you and they do not know you are there, maneuver around them to their flanks or just take defencive positions. There will be very little time to consult the platoon commander so just notify him that you are making contact and your estimate of the size. If the force is moving parallel or away from you try to find out why. do not follow a force moving away from you! instead slant to the right or left keeping a close observations of your surroundings. If they are moving parallel to you slant to meet them at their flanks or continue on to a more favorable ambush site. Always notify your platoon commander first before preforming your actions he may just deny any action against the force.
First, let me say congratulations on taking the time to be a squad leader. It is both a rewarding and frustrating position, all at the same time. You often find yourself less involved in battle and more involved in tactics, but if you are up for that you found the right guide! Next thank you for taking the time to read my take on Squad Leader Strategies for Project Reality .5! Hopefully by now you are aware that Project Reality is vastly different than the original version of Battlefield 2 (referred to as BF2v, or Battlefield 2 Vanilla). PR is a reality based modification, so this means you have to be more careful with your life and your squad’s lives! The squad leader has been reworked once again in PR .5. You gain new abilities that will enhance the tactics of your squad as well as that of your team. If you disagree with any of these strategies please let me know and I will try to rework it to fit MY IDEA of this guide.
= Initial Thoughts =
I can never say this enough, so I will say it again, as with any other part of the chain of command, the squad leader MUST use VOIP!!! (Please refer to this guide [coming soon] on how to setup your VOIP appropriately). Without VOIP communication, saying what you expect of your squad is nearly impossible! The squad leader must fill many roles! The squad leader should never be the first into battle, should never be point man, and should never be in the mix unless absolutely necessary! The squad leader plays an integral part of the team and should accept those responsibilities when becoming a squad leader! The ability of the squad leader affects how the commander can do his job, and ultimately the outcome of the game! The commander relies solely on his squad leaders for requests for artillery and supply crates.
= Starting a Squad =
Before making a squad, take into account what you want from your squad and name the squad appropriately. If you like to defend more than attack, name the squad DEFENSE. If you like to be a frontal attack squad, name the squad FRONT ATTACK. IF you like to flank the enemy, name the squad Flanking Attack. You get the drift; that will let others understand what they are getting into. I like to name my squad VOIP SQUAD. That tells people joining that I like to use VOIP. I talk with my squad and the commander ALOT, and I expect the same from them! In my squad, I will not boot someone because they are not using VOIP unless they can not communicate effectively. Be aware of what your squad is doing at all times, if they aren’t following orders then ask them to regroup. If at that point they aren’t following orders, then act accordingly. The bottom line is that you are a squad leader, and if your squad mates aren’t doing what you ask you need to find someone who will (I suggest letting them know why you are booting them 1st, maybe they will get the idea for next time).
= The Squad Leader's "Officer" Kit =
As a squad leader you have the ability to request a special kit, the Officer kit. This can be done when in a Main (uncappable) Base, near a supply crate, near a friendly APC, or near a friendly RP. The Officer kit allows you one VERY important role, placing the Rally Point (see section below on Rally Point Management). As a SL it is very important to know when to use the Officer kit and when not to. Kit limiting affects not the amount of Officer kits available, but the amount of time in between your requests. If you just requested an Officer kit and you die, you will be waiting before you can request another! As a squad leader I make sure that I have my Officer kit and that I place my RP! The Officer kit also gives you SOFLAM (binoculars) that you should be using to mark enemy movement, to call in supplies, and most importantly to call in arty strikes when available! Another important part of the Officer kit is the smoke grenade. This smoke grenade is a colored plume of smoke that will not give you the cover smoke grenades found in other kits have the ability to do. Use this grenade when you need to signal for friendlies to come to your aid, to mark enemy RPs, to request pickup at a certain location, or as I like to use it for...enemy confusion.
= Spawning =
With the introduction of PR .5 we have seen several changes in the way a squad can spawn. You can now spawn on the Spawnable bases, Squad Leader, APCs (or similar on MEC/China/Insurgents), or Rally Points. I believe the most important parts of spawning are on the Squad leader and the Rally points. This part of the guide will touch on the basics of spawning in these four locations.
== Spawning on Squad Leader ==
As a SL you should never put yourself in the position of being the first into battle, being point man, or trying to suppress an onslaught unless absolutely necessary. More than likely, as a squad leader, you are trying to take a flag with your squad. If you have managed to traverse the entire map to get to the flag you need to take, and you suddenly die because you charged in first puts your squad at a disadvantage. One of two things will happen, your squad will hopefully come to your rescue and revive you, or they will die trying to revive you instead of capping the flag. After your death the squad can't spawn on you, this means you not only just wasted the time it takes to get to the flag, but all the tickets that were lost during that time. When trying to cap a flag as a squad leader you should HANG BACK! Be a mobile spawn, don't stay too long in one place, keep yourself alive so that your men/women can spawn on you and take that flag! This role is incredibly important when trying to take flags!
== Spawning on Rally Point ==
As a SL you should tell your squad when and where to spawn. There are times that you need to tell you squad to spawn on you or the rally point. After a rally point is set your squad can spawn on the rally point as well as you. However, rally points can only be placed so close to a flag. Spawn on rally points when the option of spawning on you is either not prudent or not available. Also, tell your squad to spawn at rally points when you need them to request a specific kit. Try not to spawn on your RP if you are still alive because when the enemy sees your men coming from the same direction repeatedly, or they see your squad appear out of nowhere, it compromises your rally point location. Use the rally point as a last spawn option or for kit requests. Having a rally point can save a game, spawn on it wisely.
== Spawning on APC or Equivalent ==
Your job as SL is to dictate to your squad where you need them and what you need from them. APCs are moving spawn points for your ENTIRE team, use them appropriately. Have squad mates spawn at APCs when:
1. all other spawn options are not available
2. you need your squad at a different location than rally points or you
3. you need them to request a kit from the APC
4. you know the APC can be utilized by the squad for defense or attacking
== Spawning at Main (uncappable) Bases ==
Spawning at the base should be the last resort as it is usually far from the frontlines of battle. Have squad mates spawn at spawnable bases when you need vehicles that are available from that base. There is nothing more frustrating than having your squad mates across the map with a long walk ahead of them. As a SL you should spawn there only when all other options are gone or you need vital equipment from that location.
= Rally Point Management =
With the release of PR .5 we have seen a new aspect of game play, the introduction of Rally Points. Rally Points (herein referred to as RP) are in the most basic usage for spawning your squad. Only your squad can spawn on your RP! RPs can be used for more than just squad spawning; you can get ammo from them as well as request kits from them. RPs are vital to your squad and should be treated that way. The following are several points on RP management that you as a SL should use to your advantage:
1. THE FIRST GOAL of a SL should be to place his RP! It must be placed 80m or further from a flag. Placing a RP further than 80m is acceptable as the enemy tends not to search too far out for them. Place your RP FIRST; do not go into battle if you do not have an RP placed! (Remember, in order to place a RP you need a SL kit. The SL kit can be requested from friendly RPs, APCs, Supply Crates, or Main (uncappable) Bases). Without a placed RP you are likely the ONLY forward spawn point for your squad!
2. When placing the RP try not to place it out in the open where it can be easily destroyed by the enemy. Also, placing an RP in the open allows enemy commanders to spot it easily. When this happens they will surely direct a squad to its location to destroy it or keep you at bay. Try and place the RP under cover, in buildings, or near similarly colored rock formations that will hide it even in the open.
3. Do not spawn on your RP unless absolutely necessary. Spawning on your RP gives away its location to enemies because they see your squad materialize from air or they see the direction from which you are always running. Spawn on your RP when you are sure it is in a safe location or when you have no other options.
4. Direct your squad to spawn at the RP when you need specific kits.
5. Move your RP frequently when near the enemy frontlines. Always check your map to see that your RP is still active; if it is not then be sure to set another RP quickly.
= Roles of a Squad Leader =
The squad leader has many roles in the game; he is a vital part of the campaign to win for his/her side. The roles that a squad leader needs to fill are:
== Spawning ==
You are responsible for the spawning of your squad. You need to make sure that they have somewhere to spawn near or around you at all times. Read the above section on spawning.
== Communicator ==
A squad leader also needs to be a communicator! You need to have VOIP running, and you need not to be afraid of using it! Talk to your squad and tell them what you are going to do, how you are going to do it, and what you kits you need in your squad (ie, medic, supply, assault, etc). Tell them what the current mission is and MARK IT ON THE MAP! Communication with your squad is just not in VOIP, but also in giving them directions via the map (that is why it is there). You should also be constantly talking to the commander, relaying info to your squad about what is happening elsewhere and what to expect. Communication with the commander should be ongoing, and not only in VOIP, you should also be calling in Supplies, and Arty when necessary! This is the only way the commander can place assets where they need to be (Remember: in Project Reality, the commander can not drop arty or supplies on his own, he needs the squad leaders to call them out!)
== Strategist ==
You should always be looking at your mini-map and full screen map trying to decipher a strategy to get from point A to B. Use the "T" and "Q" compass rose to give orders quickly. You should know your maps well. Let your squad know when they should all get on a flag, or when they should scatter and take up positions. You should take the directives from the commander and figure a way to get it done.
=How to Communicate: Using the "T" and "Q" rose=
'''"Q" rose:'''
[[Image:qrose.jpg|center|thumb|200px|Q rose]]
1. Use the "Q" rose to spot enemies for your squad (and team). A little hint: you don't have to choose spotted and then right click to choose what you see, just aim at the target and click spotted, it will auto identify what you are seeing!!!
2. Use it to call for a medic when you are in need, or to call for ammo.
3. The "Q" rose has other communication possibilities, but if you are using VOIP you won't need them for your squad. Use them to direct people around you.
'''"T" rose:'''
[[Image:trose.jpg|center|thumb|200px|T rose]]
This is possibly the most important tool for a squad leader to use on a regular basis! I use it to send squad orders and request arty or supplies from the commander. Using this tool is a must, and you should learn it early on!
1. Use the "T" rose to give out quick direction to your squad mates without having to go into the map to click points to move/attack/defend. As you can see in the following pictures, I use the "T" rose to tell my squad where to move (this is the same technique as for defend and attack). The crosshairs of the weapon you are using (or the carrot of the binocs) are the point at which the smoke is popped. (notice the different move points I issued and their relation to my weapon.)
<gallery>
Image:1st.jpg| 1st
Image:2nd.jpg| 2nd
Image:3rd.jpg| 3rd
Image:4th.jpg| 4th
Image:5th.jpg| 5th
Image:6th.jpg| 6th
Image:binocmove.jpg| Use binocs for move command
</gallery>
2. Use the "T" rose to request arty or supplies. Just as with the move/defend/attack commands, wherever your crosshairs are pointing is the spot at which the request will be sent. As you can see in the following pictures (I like to use binocs as squad leader when I know I am calling in arty), the location of arty request is relative to where my crosshair/carrot is pointing. Also, you can request arty a large distance away just by pointing at a tall building in the distance (last example)
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Image:arty1.jpg| Arty 1
Image:arty2.jpg| Arty 2
Image:arty3.jpg| Arty 3
Image:arty5.jpg| Arty 4
Image:arty6.jpg| Arty 5
Image:arty7.jpg| Arty 6
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= Communication with Commander =
As a squad leader you should be constantly communicating with the commander. You should be giving him what you are doing, your location, and your squad number. It is very important to communicate as a squad leader.
1. Your first goal should always be to communicate with your commander. When communicating say your squad number and what you are doing, "This is squad 4, we need directives". It is very important to say your squad so the commander doesn't have to see which squad is talking and then decide what to do. In case you are unaware, when the commander is in the commanding screen he can not see the VOIP signal (name of SL), he can only see the name of who is talking if he looks at the squad part of his screen. When there are 9 squads, it is hard to determine, so by giving your squad number you make decision making easier.
2. When the commander gives you a directive, you should ACCEPT it and then complete it. If you feel that you can not do the assigned directive, just don't deny it! There is nothing more frustrating for a commander than to be constantly denied by squads! The better course of action should be to USE VOIP and say why you have to deny their directive. I commonly will say, "This is squad 4, sorry commander we can't accept because we are defending this flag" or "This is squad 4, sorry commander we are on the other side of the map, can you give us a different directive?". Work with the commander to bring your team to victory. He is taking the position to coordinate the team and good commanders deserve recognition.
3. You should also be relaying what info you see on the field to the commander. Sometime I may be on a building top trying to go for a flag, and if I see enemy movement to another flag, I will tell the commander that they are going that way and that he may want to get some defense there.
4. You should be calling in requests to your commander. The commander only has so much vision, and can not always anticipate where things are needed. Requesting arty or supplies helps the commander put those assets where they are needed. Before going into a flag that you see is loaded with enemy, you may want an arty strike before you rush it...call it in!
5. Request additional squads to your position if you need help! Tell the commander that you need help taking a flag. "This is squad 4; can we get another squad here to help us defend/assault this flag? Squad 6 is nearby"
= Additional Tactics =
1. If your squad isn't full, it is a good idea to invite unassigned players in. Unless you are a specialized armor, gunship or sniper squad; do not lock the squad. A full squad is a dangerous squad!
2. You should be telling your squad mates what you need in your squad. "Okay guys, I need a medic, a supply, etc..." or "We have a hostile APC here, spawn in AT". Don't let your squad be made up of a single class, rather change your make up with the mission at hand. It is highly recommended to have at least one medic. Many squad leaders like to play as medic so that they can revive and heal squad mates if they get hit, but more important if the squad leader gets hit squad members can pick up his kit and revive him!
3. When giving commands, consciously remember to order squad members by name. Make sure you get them to acknowledge their orders. Example: “Drayu, I want you to spawn medic on me, then follow me over to the bridge, do you copy”. Request a confirmation of that order because he may not of heard you or understood the orders. Doing this to everyone in the squad makes things a run smoother than just telling people randomly to do things, as this grabs their attention and makes it a lot harder for them to disobey an order.
4. When telling your squad mates what you need in the squad, remember that in PR there are several kits that are limited. Make sure that before you leave a rally point, proximity to friendly APC, or proximity to a friendly supply crate that you request these kits (Sniper, Support, Anti-Air, Heavy AT). Once you leave the area you will not be able to request these items. If your squad member dies while using a kit you feel your squad needs, direct another squad mate to pick it up or do it yourself! For more info on kit limiting see this link: [[Kit Limiting]]
5. Always take the road less traveled as a squad. Avoid direct confrontation with massed enemy forces as this will more often than not get you killed. Circumvent enemy troops and attack from behind.
6. If you are in a vehicle and it fills up do one of two things: Get out so the squad can spawn on you or tell them to wait until you are closer to your destination to spawn...then jump out and let them spawn on you. If you are in a vehicle, and there is lock on you, get out and run! You are better off alive! If the vehicle survives, they can always pick you back up.
7. When you are too close to an object or injured sometimes your squad mates will not be able to spawn on you. Make sure they can by asking, "Can you spawn on me?"
8. For fun, on 64 player maps that have arty, make a squad called Arty Squad. Go spec ops and roam the map calling in arty for the commander. Be a forward lookout. Or, grab a helicopter and sit in the passenger seat while a squad mate flies. With your binoculars out, circle enemy targets calling out arty.
9. Remember, it is a game, go with it, have fun and don't get too crazy!
General Tips:
[[Category:Squad Leader]]
{{guide|author=fuzzhead|topic=Squad Leader Tips|version=0.5}}
A Squad Leader is a person who has enough battle experience to lead a large force of troops, usually 6 men.
Here is where you start trusting your lower ranks. Your primary concern now is to supervise the fireteams, but keep in mind you are still part of the front. You will need to identif traveling routes, and coordinate hasty attacks and defenses. Your corporals have learned a lot but are still learning so if you think they are going about a problem in a wrong way, correct them!
When encountering the enemy during travel you are the primary leader to determine what to do. When you come up on a stationary force order a halt in the advance. Keep in mind as soon as you halt it is strongly suggested to order your men to start creating a hasty defence. Observe the enemy.
*How many enemy troops?
*Do they see you?
*Are they fortified?
*Do you see any patrols?
*What are the weak points in the defence?
*What are the strong points?
*What is stationed at the post?
*What type and numbers of armored vehicles?
*What type and numbers of aircraft?
*What is the significance of defending this position?
After an quick assessment relay the information to your commander. He will soon give out orders on what to do. If you feel there is a better way discuss your thoughts with the commander he may not have thought of that or must know more about the area than you do. Do not be mad if he holds to his order, and certainly don't do what you feel is better. You are still learning too. Try to determine what his objectives are and how to fulfill them as best as you can. If you have a question ask him about it, but don't play twenty questions. Depending on how far the enemy positions are, you will eventually be spotted. so make the questions quick and informative!
When you make contact with a traveling force while traveling determine where they are traveling. If they are coming towards you and they do not know you are there, maneuver around them to their flanks or just take defencive positions. There will be very little time to consult the platoon commander so just notify him that you are making contact and your estimate of the size. If the force is moving parallel or away from you try to find out why. do not follow a force moving away from you! instead slant to the right or left keeping a close observations of your surroundings. If they are moving parallel to you slant to meet them at their flanks or continue on to a more favorable ambush site. Always notify your platoon commander first before preforming your actions he may just deny any action against the force.