Yesterday was my first time leading a squad on the TacticalGamre servers.
I became squad leader because the previous leader I was serving under left the squad.

At first I was pretty nervous, we had no commander so I had to pay more attention to 'The Whole Picture' to try and figure out where my squad should go. My squad started out with 3 guys and that number steadily grew to six. I did my best to communicate what I wanted and tried to get the squad to communicate with each other as well.

At first we were quite unorganised but as my confidence grew I managed to hold the squad together. I would just like to point out some things that helped me feel more confident about being squad leader:



Communicate With Each Other

I found that when my squad members were talking to each other (enemy locations, notification of empty vehicles etc) it felt like my squad was more self sufficiant. This was important for me because it allowed me to gauge the capability of my squad. It made me feel more comfortable and feel like my squad was working as a team.



Ask SL Questions

When squad members asked for persmission to do certain tasks it helped me to feel more in control of the squad. Examples of this are: asking to quickly go to an near by base to take an unoccupied vehicle, asking SL if they want someone to occupy a nearby AA weapon, asking what kit the SL would like squad members to use etc. This was important for me because it made me more confident and helped me to feel in control of my squad. It also helped me feel that my squad was working as a team.



Explain What You Are Doing

There is nothing more disheartening for a new SL than seeing his squad members split up and in different corners of the map. If you are quickly capturing an unoccupied flag it helps to tell the SL what you are doing and explain you will be with them shortly. Having your squad members explain what they are doing helps you to be aware and feel in control. This also shows the new SL that you are willing to work as a team.



Ask For Artillary/UAV/Supplies

When squad members asked for these assets it made me feel that I was helping them. New SLs don't want to feel like a mobile spawn point and nothing else. It is good for the SLs confidence if he feels that he is helping his squad. Having squad members ask for assest made me feel that my squad was willing to employ some kind of tactics and also work as a team.



Have Fun

Crack jokes, laugh and have a good time. It was important to me that my squad was enjoying themselves. I don't want to bore them.



A Squad Leaders job is difficult, especially if you are new to the experience. Squad members can make new SLs feel more confident by working as a team,making SL feel he is in control, allow the SL to help his squad and by having fun

Anyone else have any helpful hints that will allow SLs to feel more confident and comfortable?