SOP (Squad) - LOCKING & NAMING

What is a squad?
A squad may have up to six members and is a subset of the overall team. Each team may have up to nine total squads. Each squad has a designated squad leader (SL) that accepts orders from the commander (CO) and relays them to their squad. The SL then uses his best ability to organize their squad to complete the CO's orders.

Joining a squad
To join a squad, a non-squad player can hit the join button next next to any squad name. If the squad has less than six members and is unlocked, the player has successfully become a squad member. If the squad is locked, a message is sent to the squad leader stating that the player wishes to join their squad. The SL has the option to accept or reject (default by lack of response) the request.

Creating a squad
To create a squad, a non-squad player may hit the create button near the top of the squad list. This will create a new squad using the standard phonetic alphabet names (i.e. Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) The player also has the option to create a custom squad and provide a more meaningful name describing the squad's purpose. At the same time, the SL has the option to lock the squad.

Naming
Providing a more meaningful name describing the squad's purpose can help non-squad players identify and join a squad to their liking and abilities. Some common names may be RPD RSPNS (rapid response), RPD REPAIR (rapid repair), SPEC OPS (special operations), BLACKHAWK, JETS (jet support), etc. Other common squad names may be based off of the squad leader or a regular formed squad. These could include TARPAN, BEATNIK, 42nd, 7th, etc.

When creating and naming specialty squads, these squad names do not appear to the CO or any other player on the map. Only the squad numbers will appear. It is up to the SL to report any specialties to the CO.

Each map may require different strategy, tactics and contain different vehicles, etc. A specialty squad on one map may not make sense on another. At the beginning of each map, it is the SLs responsibility to create a new squad with an appropriate (or standard) name.

For those squads named for SLs or regular formed squads, there may be occasion where that SL or regular squad members are no longer a part of the squad (i.e. SmokingTarpan is no longer a member of squad TARPAN). In these situations, it is the responsibility for the SL to create a new squad with an appropriate (or standard) name.

Locking
Squad Leaders are capable of locking their squad and restricting general access. This comes with a good deal of responsibility and should only be used for special circumstances. These circumstances may include those specialty squads that require a smaller number (i.e. 2-4) of squad members and regular forming squads (i.e. 42nd).

Locking a squad should be used sparingly and with extreme caution so as not to use up all nine squad positions, effectively restricting players from joining a squad.

Having too many small squads or too many specialty squads can make it more confusing and difficult for the CO to manage the team. These specialty squads may also not fall into the overall strategy of the CO. It is the COs responsibility to order a squad to split up, reform, or merge with another squad.