I actually think the ACRE radios help organization out. Fair enough, they were pretty difficult to deal with originally when the mod was fairly new and didn't always work reliably. That's behind us now though and as far as I can see ACRE can add a really nice edge to coms in Arma that I definitely enjoy seeing. Even just the way transmissions sound can add to the overall experience and help to create that 'in a modern day battlefield' feeling. There is a way to split it up so that channels don't broadcast across factions, so BLUFOR need to steal an OPFOR radio to listen in. I've never been able to find a guide / explanation as to how you can get the mod to do this though. There is a mention in old patch notes of the feature going in but no real explanation as to how it works. Probably need to pester one of the ACRE devs / someone in the know to find out more.

I've had mixed experiences with missions where only FTL's and above have a map. I both like and dislike this, dislike because if there's respawn and you don't know how to get back from the respawn position then you're not going anywhere. Similarly I really dislike not being aware of the situation and what's going on. Situational awareness means survival, if having a map gives me a good idea of the outlying area then I'm going to be more effective in my movement. That said, a well designed mission should accommodate for the fact that not everyone has maps. This also comes down to SLs and FTLs keeping their guys up to date on the situation and making sure they pass info down - for example, the where we're going, what we're doing parts as well as who's nearby us, friendly or foe. Info is ammo, basically.

Marking out for CAS the exact position of an enemy for the A10 to see is a bit hrrmish though yeah, I'll agree. Still, unless it's on regular there shouldn't be map markers and the grid marked could still be wrong... The pilot could also make a mistake and not approach the target correctly. Lasers pretty much make it all moot point though, if they can see the laser marker they'll know exactly where to hit down to a few meters accuracy and a live indicator within the game world to assist in approach.

Although the CO technically has the authority to kit out every soldier to his whim it's just not practical. Aside from that I like to hammer in that, above and beyond all else, it's the FTL, SL, CO etc's job to try his best to ensure everyone below him has fun. Similarly, even if I personally think it's common sense to carry no less than 4 smokes and 2 frags on you no matter what kit you carry, that isn't everyones preferred playstyle. So you'll get guys who prefer to use certain weapons, which, if available in the mission, I do believe a leader should try to accommodate. Unless of course you get a medic running around with an M60 or a rifleman with a TAC50... That's just not practical.

Moreover again, what should be more important in my opinion is whether a weapon is fit for purpose or not. There's a bit of debate in this. I'd quite happily use an M14 as a good all rounder for every situation but there are some who might argue that due to it's low round count and ammo weight it's best as a marksman rifle and not that good in cqb or when maintaining steady movement for prolonged periods. If I'm CO'ing and notice we need some explosives / AT though, I'll ensure to state that I need each squad to fit out appropriately. What measures as appropriate I'll normally leave down to them to decide or say 'at least one x'.

I wouldn't agree that vehicles should be assigned / taken by SLs though - the CO needs to keep an eye on assets, not just because they are valuable and potentially mission critical, but because not getting involved might end up in confusion. For example, one squad runs off with four HMMVs and leaves the other with just two, squads get mixed up and with no official word to say "Alpha gets this, Bravo gets that" it could boil down into bickering over who needs what asset. The CO needs to make it clear who gets what and if challenged, explain why.

The IED on the road is a complex issue however. The CO should be aware and then the Convoy lead involved should be able to act within the CO's already given intent. If that intent hasn't been given or the nature of the situation is complicated; i.e. road ahead is completely blocked by IED's.. Then the CO needs to know as it will likely affect the larger operation ( if that convoy movement wasn't the larger operation to start with ). If it's going to be quite a delay in dealing with the IED and therefore a squad won't reach it's destination within the expected time frame then the CO should also be informed as it has an effect on the overall op. Providing it's clear what needs to be done then the CO shouldn't have to get involved himself. Logistical support and keeping things on time is more of an XO job, really. Contact reports and SITREPS should always be sent though - going in and coming out of contact. It's always mission critical that the CO is aware you are in a fight. Unless he's over your shoulder and in the fight himself.

But yeah, set out destination & route, assign assets, set order of march, reaction to contact, IEDs then fire condition. From then on the CO should typically only need to know if there's a problem. Situation will dictate if this needs to change.


I disagree regarding the order of march Squad and FT side. Really, FTs and SLs should never be first in a formation. Typical fire team procedure has the Auto rifleman on point, followed by his assistant, then the FTL and then the Rifleman. FTLs & SLs are too valuable to loose and in the event contact is made you want your hardest hitter at the front and returning fire immediately.

Driving is a little different, it's not a biggie for SLs and FTLs to drive, but if you need to check your map and receive further tasking / orders from the CO then you're gonna have to pull over first, which is impractical. Not a problem if this isn't a concern I guess. As CO or SL I usually find myself checking maps on the way in to review the platoons intended path, check for anything geographically I think would become a problem and then try to spot firing positions and cover in advance. Knowing the layout of the location you are moving to helps a lot when you don't have time to check in a firefight. Info is ammo and all that.

Not sure I'd use markers to direct FTLs about. Seems much more practical just to say "See that red roofed building on our 175? Move your team there and take positions within." You're going to be nearby each other for the vast majority of the time so being able to directly tell your guys where to go is a legitimate possibility. So yeah, I agree, knowing where they are, how far away they are and what they are doing should be enough. I guess on this point it's info is ammo and excessive markers are just messy?