For the new players...

Latest revisions are in red.

I apologize if the formatting doesn't come out properly. I'm going to web'ify the guide soon to get the intended formatting and make it easier to read and follow along.

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Squads -- The "How To" Field Reference Guide
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Revision: 06.30.05a
By: TG|Rizzo
tg_rizzo@tacticalgamer.com


------ BEGIN --------

This 'How To' guide is for the player that likes to jump in and get started right away. As such, the tutorials below are deliberately brief and to the point in order to get you up and running in a random squad in mere minutes. Just print out the guide and keep it with you in the field and you'll look like you know exactly what you're doing!

I. How to join an existing squad.

1. Hit the CAPS LOCK key to bring up the Squads screen.
2. Find a squad with an open slot (the maximum squad size is SIX so full squads show up as "6/6").
Optionally, you may click the 'down' arrow to the far right of the squad name to drop down a list
of all the squad members' names. The name at the top is the Squad Leader (more on the SL later).
3. Click the squad's Join button and your name will be added to the squad.
4. Hit CAPS LOCK again to close the Squads screen.

II. How to identify and locate your squadmates.

a) Your squadmates' names are green.
b) The locations of your squadmates are represented by the little green dots on the maps.
c) Your squad leader is the big green circle with the number in it. The number identifies
your squad to the commander.
d) You will see small green arrows in your main HUD which indicate which direction your
squadmates are in with relation to your current position.
e) Clicking on a squadmate in the Squad Screen will change his map dot from green to white.


III. How to communicate with your squad.

There are three methods of communicating with your squad, as follows:

a) Using a microphone with the built-in VOIP (voice-over-IP):
1. Press and hold your BattleComm key (default is B).
2. A green "speaker" icon should appear, indicating your mic is active
and ready to broadcast your voice.
3. Speak up, soldier! Say "hello" and request orders.
4. Release the BattleComm key to deactivate the mic.

When you activate your mic your name will appear in the HUDs of your squadmates so
they'll know who is speaking. I believe your green dot on the map and your name over your
player's head will flash as well.

b) Using the Commo Rose to send built-in, pre-recorded voice commands:
1. Press and hold your Commo Rose key (default is Q).
2. A radial menu should appear around a circle labelled "SPOTTED".
3. Move your mouse to navigate through the menu.
4. Click the Left Mouse Button when your desired message is highlighted and
the Commo Rose will disappear and your message will be sent to the squad.
You should be able to hear the message as well as see it in the chat box.

When you use the Commo Rose I believe your green dot on the map and the name over your
player's head will flash to indicate who is speaking.

c) Using TEXT chat to send text messages in the Squad channel:
1. Hit your "Say: Squad" key (default is L).
2. Type in your message.
3. Hit the Enter key to send the message to the chatbox.
4. Blech! Don't do this anymore! Just get a mic or use the Commo Rose!

IV. How to use the Commo Rose to request assistance.

You may use the Commo Rose (Q) to request:
* First aid
* Ammunition
* Repairs

One benefit of using the Commo Rose to request assistance is that your dot will
flash on the radar map so that your squadmates can locate you quickly and easily.

How to use the Commo Rose to request assistance:
1. Press and hold your Commo Rose key (default is Q).
2. Move your mouse over the desired option, eg "Need Repairs"
3. Click the Left Mouse Button and your message will be sent
and your radar dot will flash.

V. How to use the Commo Rose to spot enemies.

You can use the Commo Rose (Q) to pinpoint the exact location of an enemy on the radar.
When you do so, the enemy will appear on the radar (to your entire team) as a flashing
red icon for about 15 seconds. The specific icon will vary based on the type of enemy.
For instance, a "spotted" enemy tank will be represented by a tank icon.

How to use the Commo Rose to spot enemies:
1. Point your crosshairs at the enemy to be spotted.
2. Press and hold your Commo Rose key (default is Q).
3. Click the Left Mouse Button and the message will be sent and the enemy
will be shown as a flashing, red icon on the radar.
For instance, a "spotted" enemy tank will be represented by a tank icon.

VI. How to use your Squad Leader as a respawn point.

How to respawn on your Squad Leader:
1. While dead, hit the Enter key to bring up the respawn screen.
2. Click the green dot on the map (this is your squad leader).
3. Click "Done" in the bottom right corner and you will respawn
with your squad leader.

You will not be able to respawn on your Squad Leader if:
- he is dead.
- he is in a vehicle, boat, or aircraft that has no available seats.
- your team controls no flags.


------ END -------

I'll be adding a section on being Squad Leader.