I know that there are a number of threads out there discussion different aspects of this post, but I wanted to get them all into one thread, with a final discussion about certain items, mostly with the SOP and procedures of our SWAT team. So keep this thread on topic please, lets all discuss our game, and then the SWAT 4 game admins will take the feedback from this thread and make final decisions on moving to the next level.
In the poll I put up everyone either voted for keeping it semi-strict (like now) with a few wanting it more tight...well lets discuss a happy medium with the primary goals of keeping it simple and fun, but playing with realism and tactics.
1. Comms, I feel it would be beneficial for all to utilize our team speak server... we would all meet in the general room, then if we decide to split into 2 teams, which I disagree with anyway, there will be 2 teams/ 2 sub-channels of Red and Blue, then you just use hot keys to move back and forth as needed, meaning back and forth from your team to the general channel for debrief.
2. Like I said, I don't agree with splitting up the team, sure it gets tough to control 4 teams of 2, but can be done and more realistic. but that will be upon the discretion of the Element leader.
3. Speaking of EL, we had a rule that who it picked was the EL, but I think that is unfair now, I think while the mission loads and we have that count down time, we all agree on who's going to lead this mission and vote them leader, that way if it's a big and difficult map then an experienced SWAT officer can lead it, then use the smaller, quicker maps, for the newer guys to break in there leadership skills. But we still rotate the leadership and give everyone a shot at it.
That way also, while the countdown continued the voted EL can assign officer numbers and teams, and any special weapons or tactics he might want to use... I prefer a simple, and basic SWAT team with a primary weapon and flash bangs, I hate gas and all those other dumb weapons like the pepper gun, but a voted EL can run it like he wants, if he wants to gas the place like crazy then go for it. I just hope not to many of you want to go this route, less realistic IMO.
4. Briefing, it's time to move beyond what we have done since starting this SWAT group, no longer should the element leader have to stop and explain every entry and detailed procedures, all should no the basics already, all should know how the 2 man team works together, never leaving each other, all should know that officer 1 mirrors and reports on a doorway while 2 covers him, all should know that if it's an empty room, team A button hooks left, team B right, team c, strait in covering next door, all should know to report clear, then all should know to immediately stack up on the next door, etc ect... The EL shouldn't have to talk so much anymore, all the element leader should have to say now is simple commands like stack up, stack left, stack right,... enter and clear, bang and clear, or breach, bang, and clear... go on my count, 1, 2, 3...ACTION.
1 should know he opens the door, 2 should already know he bangs then enter BY YOUR NUMBER, and cover your already known area, either directly to the subject, or left or right...
Teams C and D should know that if A and B button hooked in, they penetrate in cover doors and open ways, then the EL repeats.... shouldn't be much talking anymore, after watching the videos from Monday night, I noticed we spent way to long discussing the next entry, 30 seconds should be enough time, move faster but smarter... but still be tactical and safe.
5. Speed drills, a vote EL can call for a speed drill whenever he wants, again hopefully we don't over do this and turn SWAT4 into counterstrike, but 1 or 2 a night would be fun and a nice change... if a voted EL calls for a speed drill on this mission, he assigns the teams, and briefs who does what, where, and when... this is a dynamic entry, theres no mirroring, you move as fast as you can and clear your assigned areas/rooms with your partner, the layout should be known, and the EL that calls for the speed drill needs to give more detailed instructions before we start...
Team C blow the door, team A and B enter, A clear left to the living room, B clear right into the kitchen then out to the hall, Team C and 4 follow in go downstairs, stack on door, team C enter and clear left then garage, team D clear right hallway then closet door at end, then by that time A and B teams will be done upstairs, element stacks on metal door, breach, bang, and clear GO... Team A and B enter and clear porn room, C and D move down tunnel to final "dungeon room". (you guys should know that mission by heart now. lol) thats all during the briefing, then on a speed drill , theres no talking, just doing.
6. continue to have fun, be safe, be tactical, and know how to count to 10 and know your role.
Ideas, counter arguments, feedback, other topics of related discussions?
I like the idea of letting the leader have some say in the kit load out before we enter the map. We do this in GR, so I don't think it'll be a big deal to do it here in SWAT.
