Originally Posted by Braidedheadman

While I was away resolving some technical issues with my new hardware (stupid X-FI soundcard making a high-pitched squealing noise in BF2 - I'm starting to hate Creative Labs), I will admit that there've been times that I've dissented following CO orders. Never to the point that I say to the guy, "Look, I think you stink as a CO and I just aint gonna do whatcha want."

No, instead if I refuse orders, it's after a conversation more along the lines of things of, "Commander, we've got bleed and hold 4 out of the 5 flags on this map. My men and I in Squad_X are under attack and, indeed, it is we who need reinforcing right away; I cannot accept your orders to attack that last flag while this flag is at high risk of being overwhelmed. Please, advise or recommend alternative orders." <pokes the reject button>

I guess what I am saying is that, while I feel it's important to follow CO orders, I also feel that it's important that the SLs have confidence in those orders. The CO should be prepared to justify his orders with good intel if what he's issuing seems as though it might put the team at a tactical disadvantage, as Zerging around the map tends to do.

I'm not saying that that was the case with you last night as I wasn't there. I also know from having you in my squad that you're a great team player and a valuable asset to have on any team. I guess all I'm trying to say is, and this is for all CO's and no one in particular, just be aware of how your orders are going to be interpreted by the men on the ground. Build a relationship of trust with them and be flexible; most people will respond to positively when you show that there's a need for something to be done on the map.

Braided, I understand what you are saying here but, the fact still remains if you tell me you are under heavy fire, and I decide to order you to do one thing, "that is an order." I tend to accept reasons for not following order but most ppl that do not never do give you a reason. Also remember that I am seeing the BIG PICTURE and if I am doing my job as CO correctly things like maintaining bleed, calculating risk, having a solid defense are my main concerns. You can be as confident as you want to be, but If I tell my CO that I think thats an inane order and he tells me thats the order, then I go no questions asked, he might see the BIG PICTURE much better, even sometimes when I feel like my CO has my squad running all around the map.

Case in point I was SLing on Fall about 3-4 nights ago, Mantis was COing all night. He had my MEDICATED squad running in between Trenches, South Cabin, Lumbermill and Crash. At a few times he had me moving in between two contest flags at the same time, my SM's seemed a little annoyed but those were my orders. I might have felt some were wrong at the time but at the end of it all those are my orders, that is what is lacking so much right now. Faith in following orders from the CO, and lack of orders from your SL.