Thread: New to squad leading, gimme a break!

I've been squad leading for a long time on the TG server and can offer a simple guide to help any starting squad leader:

Wizards First Rule: As a squad leader you are a mobile spawn point for your squad.

Key Guide: (defaults or can be reset in options)
'V' - Voice to squad
'B' - Voice to commander
'T' - Tactical command - explained below
'left alt' - 3D map
'caplocks' - map overview
'8' - squad unlock item
'Q' - spotting key - spots enemy unit/calls it out in game/displays unit on minimap for army

Giving Commands - Most important to keep Squad members off your back

1. Voice - hardest since doing correctly requires knowledge of all flag names, other then that this is self explanitory.

2. Tactical command key - - fastest
When the 3D map is up small flag icons (green, orange, gray) appear onscreen high above flag locations. (If you don't see these hit your 'left alt' key) If you put your cursor over these flags they highlight by outlineing in yellow. Once highlighted simply tap the 'T' key + the left mouse button and the apropriate order will be issued automaticly (ie attack or defend). If you hold down the T key a comma rose will appear allowing you to ask your commander for a uav/supply drop/orbital strike/etc. If you tap the T key without highlighting a flag it will issue a move order to where your cursor is pointed

3. Map Overview - The best use this
When you hit the cap locks (default) your mini map will overtake your screen. Using this is your best option for acquiring a Sit Rep of the entire battlefield as well as the objective you are going for. When the Map overview is up your mouse cursor is free you can place it over any area and right click the mouse. All of your available commands will appear includeing your commander support requests. * As a frequent squad leader this is my best friend - i check it often, in fact i check it everytime i go down (just remember if you are revived to quickly hit cap locks again to run or fire). If you are still revivable this is a great time to issue commands or request commander support while one of your squadies get around to popping you up. The Map Overview will show you were your whole army is and show any enemys spotted/IDS'ed/ or UAV'ed. This tool is essencial to a squad leader - use it to determine weak spots in enemy defense, weak spots in your own army, and most importantly where you want to squad to spawn.

4. Commander order
When a commander issues a order as SL just hit 'page up' and the command will be given to your squad. never hit 'page down' not on a TG server anyway

Squad leader items:
By hitting '8' you will bring up your squad leader items you have unlocked and equiped to your kit.
3 types:
Squad beacon - puts down a spawn point for your squad which will remain up even if the squad leader goes down. * if you place it under something it will be unspawnable and show up as a green dot with a red ring around it on the spawn screen 'enter' key. You can pick it back up with the 'G' key.
Otus drone - puts a drone above squadleaders head that will show near by enemies on the minimap if a soldier is looking at them or in their direction (works to spot enemies behind cover)
Attack drone - AKA Spanky puts a drone above your head that will fire at enemies on your NET BAT system (red diamonds)

Squad leader Philosopy
Each player here at TG plays different and has different ideas. However here are two basic SL philosopies to start with:

Command from the front - good for indirect assaults
Indirect assaults like back runs or sneak attacks this allows the squad leader to run point while squad members follow if the SL goes down his squad behind him should easily revive him. Commanding from the front is good for making runs but if the whole squad goes done its to that far away flag for you and your squad.

Command from the rear - good for direct assaults
Because the SL is a mobile spawn point (when beacon is not deployed) this works surprising well when directly attacking a flag and an enemy army. To command from the rear find a close well covered (safe) spot about a full sprint distance from the flag. Have your squad spawn off of you and coordinate their attack (ie don't let them go one by one). If they fail they all spawn on you closer to the flag for a quicker assault. While in this "safe" spot you can check your Map Overview to relay enemy locations to your squad and plan your next move. U may also want your squad to put up an IDS, ammo hub and med kit (multi) in this spot to help you defend if the enemy seeks you out. Hint change the safe spot often thus "mobile" spawn point. Support kit is good when you first try this as you can put up your own IDS and then shotgun incoming enemies.