The Do's and Don'ts - Effective Squad Leading

**jb4** · 08-14-2008, 07:11 PM

What makes an effective squad leader? The answer to that question may be very different depending on who you ask.
I thought the "POE do's and don'ts - how not to die so much" thread was pretty interesting and many players gave great feedback on the question raised. We have many new players who have jumped feet first into trying the SL role and I am sure there are many who may be considering it. I hope we can get some different opinions working here that capture thoughts of the experienced players as well as the newer players since we have not discussed it in a while.

What are some of your essentials to squad leading?
If you have not tried it, what is stopping you from developing your own style or what would help you?
What are the do's and don'ts of effective squad leading from the SM perspective?

Here are the basics for me of things to shoot for:

Give clear, specific direction at the start of a round.
Keep squad informed with relevant information and keep them focused on the task at hand.
Praise accomplishment, success breeds more success.
Try not to get frustrated. When something is not working, take a breath and try something new.
Effectively use VOIP and move markers to provide orders.
Be ready to provide the "why we are doing something" based on the experience of your SM's and don't assume others know what you are thinking.
There are lots more, but that is a top-line to get started.

Here is some timeless information I came across from the Tactical Wiki on Squad Leading.
I also came across a thread from the 2142 forums that sc1ence posted that has some really great stuff that applies to POE also.

If you find other threads you think are relevant, post them up.

Gahlas · 08-14-2008, 07:23 PM

One of the most under used tools a SL has are markers. They are very effective at keeping your squad together, looking in the right direction, moving to the correct positions and fulfilling their roles. Drop an attack or destroy marker on an enemy position that has been spotted so everyone knows where to look. If you have a tank in your squad and enemy armor is sighted far in the distance put a marker on them so your tank will be able to accurately aim. Place down markers as you call out the squad members names so they know where you want each individual at. Use multiple move markers to show your squad where you will be flanking.

Rick_Slick · 08-14-2008, 07:43 PM

In the absence of a commander, use teamchat to relay to the other squadleaders/squads what objective you've defined for your squad (i.e., "Squad 3 defending Farm!", "Squad 2 attacking Field!") so there's no confusion of intent or overlapping of squads.

Do not underestimate the value of being able to spawn on a squadleader and having your squad continue to place unrelenting pressure on the offense or defense of a flag. Know when to engage and when to stay back, hidden from the enemy. Make sure your squad knows how to not give away your position when they spawn. On defense, when your flag goes gray, the squadleader's job is to stay alive at all costs so your squad can respawn to provide immediate reinforcement. Do not play the hero and try to find the one or two enemies on the flag. Unless you're Mantis, I guess, since he has a 100% success rate in everything he does, in and out of game.

Be wary of the enemy's most likely angles of attack (i.e. from the nearest enemy-controlled flag, or the most recent spotted enemy headed in your direction, or the usual attack routes based on the map in play.) Set up your defensive perimeter against these angles to concentrate firepower and overlap fields of fire. Instruct your squad to spot first, then engage. If the enemy is coming from an unanticipated angle of attack, this will give you the info you need to shift your defensive perimeter.

If you're not in a safe place for squadmates to spawn in, warn them. Let them know what kits would be most useful to spawn in as if there is a special need (i.e. if your flag is under attack by a tank, someone needs to come in as Spec Ops or AT... you would think this would be second-nature to most people, but you'd be surprised.) Make sure you are not in a fully-loaded vehicle so your squad can spawn in on you.

If you're new to squadleading, appoint a relatively experienced player as a fireteam leader or co-squadleader or whatever you want to call him. Delegate stuff to him (i.e. you're in charge of making sure we have the right kits in the squad for what we're up against, making sure the squad sticks together, etc) to allow you to focus on the squad's primary objective, squad positioning, putting down markers, talking to the other squads/commander, etc.

DON'T... be a sniper and plant random claymores around your position for your newly-spawned in squadmates to find.

DON'T... get freaked out by a squadmate spawning right in front of you and blow them away with a shotgun and then teabag them. Makes for an awkward moment on squad VOIP.

**HiTestFest** · 08-14-2008, 07:47 PM

As stated by Gahlas, the move marker is a vital tool in effective SLing. It gives the team and or player a task to do rather than just running around.
Also as SL, knowing when to be in the fight or when not to be is essential.

micbur54 · 08-14-2008, 09:08 PM

Don't form a squad and then fly in a plane all round unless you name it something air related

**WhiskeySix** · 08-14-2008, 09:44 PM

great thread JB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gahlas

One of the most under used tools a SL has are markers.

QFT. As SL, this is your 'easy' button!

Do: Drop a waypoint on that blinking red dot and watch 6 guns lay down some concentrated hurt.
Don't: Drop a waypoint without also mentioning it on VOIP - sometimes it can get lost in the chaos.

Do: keep your back and sides friendly. If you're going to expose yourself to danger, make sure it's only dangerous in front of you...
Don't: wander into somewhere where you're not 98% sure where the baddy's are.

Do: DEFEND!!
Don't: worry that your squaddies are bored defending - they'll "get some".

Do: Click a green dot on your map to see which squad member it is (their name turns white in the squad list).

Don't: Look at your map for too long out in the open.

Anvil · 08-15-2008, 06:11 AM

Do: Watch the mini map and point out friendlies dying or enemies spotted to your squad.

Don't let your squad talk you out of your game plan. If they don't like to defend or gotta be sniper, ask them to join a different squad.

**FBmantis** · 08-15-2008, 07:43 AM

Do: Learn map dynamics and play them to their strengths http://www.tacticalgamer.com/battlef...icle-maps.html

Don't: Blame a map for your own misunderstanding and poor judgements towards map dynamics

(I have a low tolerance for SLers who lack this understanding and then whine about things during the round)

Smokeyandthebandit · 08-15-2008, 11:38 AM

Do: Be a Squadlead in the F-18 gunner seat with the pilot as a squaddie.

Don't: Engage mantis in infantry only combat, even with a full squad.

SAITCHO · 08-15-2008, 12:12 PM

Im not very picky about squad leaders but to me the number one quality a squad leader need to have is.....DONT DIE!!!! No matter how good the planning is, if the squad leader die and no one can rez him its over.... Sheer numbers often always defeat a finely planned strategy. One of the best strategy is to place the squad leader in a safe spot and simply hammer the flag with bodies this is the most simple solution and its very effective. If the squad leader is also a fine tactician then im in heaven but thats not the number one quality im looking for.

**HiTestFest** · 08-15-2008, 12:43 PM

Should we list effective Slers? This way a person that wants to learn can jump in their squad and see how or what style the SL has? Just a thought.

Gahlas · 08-15-2008, 01:02 PM

Here are a few more.

Make sure you tell your squad "Bodies on the flag!" while assaulting. It is beyond aggravating seeing people spawn on the SL then go prone and shoot rather than getting on the flag then engaging. Scream it if you must.

Don't be afraid to have a little fun. If your team has been getting blasted round after round and people are getting mad try something new. Send the squad on sniper knife duty for a minute. Have a dingo ballet. Start a dance competition. Small things like this can get spirits raised.

Start trying new tactics. Some of us have been playing this mod for a long time now and the same tactics on the same maps are so played out they are practically subconscious. Attack from a new angle, try using diversions or distractions. Be creative and think outside the box.

The most important advice I can give is don’t be afraid to try. The lack of TGers willing to SL lately is just pitiful. Start dividing up guys. No more 5 IHS players and one regular in a squad.

ParkBench · 08-15-2008, 07:27 PM

waypoint?

oh, boy... someone's been playing the other mod too much.

**jb4** · 08-15-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HiTestFest

Should we list effective Slers? This way a person that wants to learn can jump in their squad and see how or what style the SL has? Just a thought.

I think for newer SLs or people thinking about trying to SL it is good to be in different squads to form your own opinions about what works and what you can incorporate into your own style. Out of all of the different levels of SL experience we have here I can't really say that there are two that do it exactly the same. Most people can be very effective even by doing things a little differently. If you have some in mind, call them out. I think the main thing that helps all of us is to focus on the common behaviors that are effective and work them into a style that seems natural for the SL.

**Iamthefallen** · 08-15-2008, 09:13 PM

Following that, a suggestion for the regulars:
Every now and then please join a squad lead by a pubbie/newbie and play medic or something. Focus on keeping them alive and in the game. If they put forward a decent effort in communication and team play, direct them towards the forums and give some positive feedback.

(There are plenty of SLers who just create a squad to avoid getting kicked, honestly, don't waste your time there. Some men you just can't reach. Your time is better spent encouraging those that actually try.)