Making use of Gunship squads.

**LogicalHarm** · 03-15-2009, 04:20 PM

This is not a thread about flying, nor about gunning.

I am hoping to get some more teamwork orientated use of the gunship squad; and I mean Team-work, not Squad-work.

When flying, I am having to make the decisions regarding helping the team myself, based solely on intel from my mini-map and intel from my gunner. What would be much more helpful to the team, would be if Squadleaders and Commanders direct the gunship to cover a squad, or a certain area of the map. This could be relayed through the commander or TS SL-SL channels.

Giving 'arrow' Attack and Defend orders is used sometimes, but from my experience they are not used in tandem with ground assaults/defensive positions.

Some commanders do do this, and Foxlion has invited me to TS channels before for this purpose, but we need to make it more widespread. It is the case that there are only a few maps with gunships on on the TG servers, but we can make use of them in a more efficient manner nonetheless.

So, next time you're Squadleading or Commanding, please make the effort to call the gunship in for support, rather than hoping they might turn up which is what is happening most of the time. Obviously in some cases, i.e deep in enemy territory, it's not possible, but for the most part we are there to be used as a deadly asset.

Use and Abuse us, please.

**pred011586** · 03-15-2009, 04:59 PM

The few times I've COed on maps with gunships, I've tried to use this, and it usually works really well! COs need to step it up and direct the gunship squad around. Other SLs need to step it up too, if you're getting pummeled by enemy armor, CALL AIR SUPPORT! Tell your CO what you're up against, the intel will(should) be relayed to your local gunship squad and they'll start chipping away at their armor as soon as possible.

Nice post Logical, this is definitely something we could use more of.

A good example of this working well. I was COing on Verdun, and E_Leader was running a gunship squad. My other SLs were informed that air support was available, and throughout the game I got requests for air support. I told E_Leader that I'll give him move orders in positions where enemy armor was, and he moved into position to strike right away, because of the job he did taking out enemy tanks shelling Valley Farm, another of our squads was able to keep pressure on the flag and eventually capped it. Gunship SLs, remember you're just as important an asset to your CO as an Emp/OS.

**LogicalHarm** · 03-15-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pred011586

If you're getting pummeled by enemy armor, CALL AIR SUPPORT! Tell your CO what you're up against, the intel will(should) be relayed to your local gunship squad and they'll start chipping away at their armor as soon as possible.

Indeed. It is also wise to point out that if in the case you do call in air support and the gunship makes its way to your position, do all you can to neutralise any Anti-Air that may be a threat in the area. Doing so will allow the gunship to come in at a much closer range to engage with its main gun.

**Anospa** · 03-15-2009, 07:11 PM

I have to agree. My most fun rounds flying on our server were when we had a CO that would actually utilize the gunship squad.

I know most do it, but for those who are not in the know, put a PDS on your gunship, and you are a roving vehicle UAV.

Having a heads up CO makes the pilot's life infinitely easier. I spend a good chunk of time on my mini-map when flying, probably almost twice as much as when I'm an infantry-man. Keeping an eye on the enemy UCB to know when their gunship spawns in and becomes manned takes a lot of concentration and can easily get caught off guard. A good CO will keep this in mind and alert your side about the gunship status, which helps all the squads a great deal.

**LogicalHarm** · 03-15-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anospa

I know most do it, but for those who are not in the know, put a PDS on your gunship, and you are a roving vehicle UAV.

Yes. I think I should start utilising this more with regards to being a crucial source of intelligence for ground forces. The PDS is usually only used as a crucial tool for dogfights, but I'm going to start flying high and holding over a position being attacked by friendlies. Coupled with an IDS, a gunship can be a permanent UAV.

**Axis_Sniper** · 03-21-2009, 01:34 PM

I can't believe COs don't always do this... Gunships would be 10x more effective being used as an asset by the CO, instead of being an independent squad.

Imagine you're a squad defending Dry Lake and your squad's PDS reads that 1 APC and 2 tanks are heading straight for you in an effort to take your flag. Your squad lead manages to request support from the commander before getting hit by the APCs mortar. You're panicked now, but the commanders relays that he EMPing and Orbitaling the armor column. You're relieved attitude turns to terror as the column simple moves 50m to the left. Finally, the commanders types that air support is on the way. You doubt that'll save your sorry hide, but as you say it, you hear the engines and watch as a barrage of missles come from out of the blue and turns APc into Swish Cheese. The 2 tanks swivel to catch a bead on the flying dutchman but one catches a Pilum by one of your squadmates. The final tank turns back around and fires...You turn in time just to see your engineer. your comrade, go flailing 25m in the air, like the 3 Stooges. The tank turns to face you, you can actually hear it reloading, but as you say, "OH SHI-" a remote guided rocket comes in a blows you up instead. You look at the left hand of your screen to see the words "sorry, aimin for tank".

The End.

Memento-Mori · 03-22-2009, 12:11 AM

Great post and ideas, Logical.

The only trick would be in getting active participation from the CO; this could easily be done.

**Aumen1** · 03-22-2009, 11:42 AM

I had DrBeat as a CO last night, while flying against Logic and Fox. Beat actually gave orders for me to support certain flags or work on particular enemy armor groups. It is awesome fun when you have a CO commanding a GS squad. The thing is you must let your CO know that you are a gunship squad, all they see is 1,2,3.

However it is rough to follow CO orders/decisions; when you must make the choice (and is it your choice) follow the order immediately or attack the close enemy gunship that you see in the distance. Is your first priority the gunship or the CO target?

IF it is the CO target - The gunship can remain at high altitude and wait for order. If removing the other gunship from the maps takes precedence then a dogfight ensues until someone is beat. That is my typical strategy. However I can see how simply waiting for bombing runs, and or Co orders would be more effective in capping flags.

Good post logic +rep

Camisado007 · 03-22-2009, 11:53 AM

In my opinon the gunship would enage his opposite considering that if you ingored him not only could he easly slip in behind you and put a few missiles in your rear, but he could also conduct stricks agaist your armor.

But yes gunships should always have the support of the CO.