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Post by Troub on Mar 25, 2009 16:02:48 GMT -5
Discuss the strategies and tactics behind leading an entire team with multiple squads.
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Post by crazyrabbit on Mar 29, 2009 20:19:50 GMT -5
1) A radio(s) is a must. How are you going to lead a squad without being able to communicate with each other or the other squads on the team.
2) Have one defined leader for each squad, this will cut down on the confusion of what is going on EX: who is doing what.
3) That leader should have a clue what he is doing.
4) Know what the objectives are.
5) Have a map or know the layout of the field.
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Post by Dahm on Mar 30, 2009 23:44:50 GMT -5
Also, if you're out with your 18 buddies, don't all run together. Split up into groups of 3-4. It will help cover more areas faster, and more effectively. With radios (like mentions above), communication between each group can be maintained.
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Post by Reaper on Mar 31, 2009 11:52:22 GMT -5
I find the hardest thing to do is keep a squad together. There is always the person that says "Im going to run off and be a hero..."
Squad cohesion is a must.
More communication as I see that as one of the biggest problems. Everyone starts out talking but within 5 minutes radios are silent.
Just a few things I've noticed.
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Post by Optimus Composite on Mar 31, 2009 13:30:44 GMT -5
I think that part of the problem with communication is that most events don't have a good organization to their radio system. It usually just ends up being a bunch of chatter with nothing really useful, and I've eventually simply turned my radio off at most of the events I've been to (unfortunately).
The system that's always made the most sense to me is to have one channel designated for the command line. Each squad would then be assigned their own separate channel for communication strictly with their squad members. And then, in order to communicate with the command, one of the squad members would carry a second radio tuned to the command channel.
Respawn systems will usually play havoc with a team's squad structure, though, because it's rare that an entire group will be wiped out and be back at spawn at the same time. So, you end up with a mixed group of guys that started out the game with different guys than they'll end up playing with later, which would also mess with an organized radio system.
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Post by gunny87 on Mar 31, 2009 18:12:19 GMT -5
Respawn systems will usually play havoc with a team's squad structure, though, because it's rare that an entire group will be wiped out and be back at spawn at the same time. So, you end up with a mixed group of guys that started out the game with different guys than they'll end up playing with later, which would also mess with an organized radio system. Yeah, re-spawns really do reap havoc and interrupt with squad formations. I think however if each squad member had a radio to communicate back with the squad and joined right back up that would definitely help. Also making a point of that being sort of a mandatory rule would also help I think.
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Post by gunslinger on Apr 21, 2009 23:02:21 GMT -5
Radios are the fundamentals of squad movement and location and plan of attack or objective control. Another thing that is Hopefully a benefit of this forum. I love the thought of this honestly. I think every one should have a radio, most Motorola talk abouts can be bought at any pawn shop, or even really cheaply at a store. It helps every thing go good at a game when you find a bunch of douche bags not fallowing suit. It keeps a team separate and running like a team on a mission and in control.
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Post by Six on Apr 24, 2009 23:14:44 GMT -5
Gunslinger, I agree to a point. If you are out with people you have never trained with than yes, radios are key. However, if you are out with YOUR team, you can move all over the battlefield with just Hand and Arm signals. Danger Areas, Movement to Contact, Break Contact, and so on, can all be done with Hand and Arm Signals. Only if you train with using Hand and Arm signals. But radios are good for Squad leaders to talk to one another to ensure proper displacement, and to ensure they are aware of everything they can be on the battlefield.
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Post by Troub on Apr 25, 2009 2:07:52 GMT -5
Radios are the fundamentals of squad movement and location and plan of attack or objective control. Another thing that is Hopefully a benefit of this forum. I love the thought of this honestly. I think every one should have a radio, most Motorola talk abouts can be bought at any pawn shop, or even really cheaply at a store. It helps every thing go good at a game when you find a bunch of douche bags not fallowing suit. It keeps a team separate and running like a team on a mission and in control. The problem with radios is the lack of knowledge on how to communicate with them. There often ends up being a lot of annoying chatter because people do not know how to give concise and to the point messages.
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Post by Six on Apr 25, 2009 10:35:15 GMT -5
That's another good point Troub.
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Post by Maj. Scott on Apr 25, 2009 12:08:50 GMT -5
I suppose it's time for me to weigh in on this.
While knowing and using hand signals are a basic skill learned by every infantryman, they are not to be used as a primary method of communication. From my years of experience in the Army, I have used hand signals in the field under combat conditions on only a handful of occasions. With the advancement in technology allowing the individual soldier the ability to carry his own radio, this has mitigated the necessity to use hand signals as a primary form of battlefield communication among squads, platoons, companies, etc.
That said, there is a PROPER way to utilize radio communications. It should never be used as a conversation line. Radio messages should be kept to a bare bones minimum of information. Nobody cares what color the enemies' underwear is. Get the important information out and get off the channel.
As a Ranger Platoon Leader in Afghanistan and Iraq, I can tell you that leading men is never the easiest job, even at the best of times. When you have people you have never led before, you must always make your style of command known prior to any operations. Let them know what you expect of them. If you are unable, or unwilling to do this, then command is not your strong suit, and you would be better off letting someone more capable lead.
If you have any questions for me about leadership, feel free to PM me with those questions.
Respectfully,
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Post by Troub on Apr 25, 2009 12:35:40 GMT -5
Actually, if I could interject there Major. I think it would be best if the questions were asked here and you answered here. That way this thread could become an even more viable resource, especially with answers coming from an experienced SOF Officer. I could then take the question and answer and put them in the first post, so they would be easy for people to find and the information would be easily accessible.
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Post by gunslinger on Apr 25, 2009 16:53:58 GMT -5
As Major stated radios I honestly feel are a must , and that only goes as far a team situation at a big event not so much at a rec game.
I'm talking like going to huge op Irene type deal and only for like a team to move through out a area, I don't know how many are going to or have gone to one of those ops' where theres a ton of force on force action every place and a player cap of 100 players a side etc. but when you go as a small team slash unit and you want to do objectives etc. as the team you came with which I've done its allot easer with radios.
And if you have a team going to a event Usually I only go with guys who Ive played with, trust and know know what they are doing. So a radio is one of those things that aren't a hindrance due to some one telling every one what they're smelling on they're finger. They know radio discipline, and how to use them and we've gone as far as to go off on our own channels and have our team leader carry two radios to com with who ever they/we need to.
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Post by Maj. Scott on Apr 25, 2009 22:12:07 GMT -5
Actually, if I could interject there Major. I think it would be best if the questions were asked here and you answered here. That way this thread could become an even more viable resource, especially with answers coming from an experienced SOF Officer. I could then take the question and answer and put them in the first post, so they would be easy for people to find and the information would be easily accessible. That's fine, Troub. I generally like to council one-on-one. But, if it is to benefit all, then I see no reason not to answer them here. However, if you have a command issue that is in your own team and not a general question, then THAT needs to be handled in PMs. No need to air dirty laundry in public.
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