Thread: SOP: Squads - Locking & Naming

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.

Squad Naming

When you plan to run a specific mission as SL*, name your squad appropriately to attract players interested in that play-style. Generally this will fall in three categories:

1. the name of a CP you intend to attack/defend, e.g. "STATUE", "TOLL", etc.
2. the type of vehicles your squad will focus on, e.g. "ARMOR", "GUNSHIP", "WALKER", etc.
3. the style of gameplay you intend on running, e.g. "BREAKTHRU", "DEFENSE", etc.

Note: use unambiguous names to ensure players know what they're getting into: "VOIP INF" is better than "PWNZ0RZ", "TRANSPORT" > "ROFLCHOP!!", etc.

*The Commander's orders are ALWAYS to be followed, regardless of your prior intentions or squad name. That being said, the CO can't see the name of your squad, so be sure to use VOIP to explain your specialty. e.g. "CO, squad three is piloting your gunships this round - please let us know when you have priority targets"



Squad Locking

Locking a squad should be done very sparingly, since locked squads are exclusionary and contrary to fostering a respectful, friendly community. That being said, there ARE times when it's appropriate to lock a squad: like at the beginning of a round while you want invite a couple friends to the squad before unlocking it to the rest of the players on the server. Some missions may also be accomplished most effectively with a smaller squad, such as an asset destruction squad or coordinated vehicle squad. If you don't want a 6-person squad lock it once you get the proper player count.

Once the squads are formed and the team is stable, it is best to unlock your squad. This is especially important for vehicle based squads. Use VOIP to explain your mission if need be.

note: Having too many small squads or too many specialty squads is often ineffective for the team, and can make it more difficult for the CO. As indicated above, the Commander commands the entire team, and is totally justified in ordering a squad to change mission, disband, or merge with another squad.

Vehicle Squads

Dedicated vehicle squads are encouraged as they enhance VOIP communication between operators. However, respect and sportsmanship dictate that vehicles are to be used on a first-come, first-serve basis. Creating a two-man, locked gunship squad, for example, does NOT in any way reserve the gunship for you and your friend. Instead, the gunship squad is simply a way for pilots and gunners to communicate using VOIP - find a way take turns with the asset. Furthermore, if you have a gunship squad and see someone waiting on the pad, invite them to your squad! Offer to sit-out the next sortie so they can fly/gun - as always, pay-forward the respect and sportsmanship you received when you first found TG.