ATTENTION SQUAD LEADERS/CHOPPER WHORES

**CivilWars** · 04-24-08, 05:12 PM

I tend to agree with Xav. When I get an order to go all the way across the map when there are 3 squads closer I will ask why. If the commander has a reason then I will go. If it is just because he wants anyone to go there, then I ask if he can send one of the squads that is closer. Better for them, and for me.

**fisster** · 04-24-08, 05:40 PM

HI

**capnemo314** · 04-24-08, 05:45 PM

I'll just say a couple things here...

First, this is always a good read for those folks who don't think much of their commanding skills. (Happy now Bravo?)

_________________________________________________

Now then, commanding is a complicated affair. I think the crux of the matter for this thread is this:
As a commander, what amount of the strategic decision making can I leave up to my squad-leaders?

Here on TTP, we're blessed with having many talented squad leaders. When I'm commanding, I usually let those squads set their objectives with their own discretion. Unless it's something really stupid, I'll fully support their decision, and I'll spot the folks there for the squad if I have the time. If I need the squad to move out somewhere, then I'll lay out an objective marker for them, and I'll expect that the SL follow through as soon as possible.

Sometimes, I'll have a player who isn't as able to set objectives for a squad. When they show up, I do my best to keep their orders current for them and make sure they know what to do. They may be running just as great a squad as our uber-1337 players, it's just that I have to put in a bit more effort to make sure that they're focused and on-target, but hey, that's the commander's job.

The first example that comes to mind is yesterday on Clean Sweep (US) when the server was just warming up. I had a one-man squad (I don't think there were really any other people to join it) with a non-reg, then a larger squad with several regs. The larger squad was doing a fine job of moving through the islands and capping flags. They were self-directed and effective. On the other hand, I had my little squad and air support take out the MEC who escaped into the back-field, so I was setting plenty of objective markers and telling them where to go.

At the end of the game, I was satisfied with all of my squads. I didn't think better or worse of my small squad because I had to manage it more closely, nor my larger squad because they didn't do precisely what I would do in their situation. Both squads did their jobs, and did them well.

I feel like I'm starting to ramble, so I'll just finish up with this:

As a commander on TTP, one should figure out which squads need orders, and which squads are self-directed.
Make sure you keep orders up to date for the squads which need them.
When necessary, i.e. tactical decision, set objective markers for your self-directed squads...
...otherwise, just speed your "good" squad-leaders along on their path of destruction via spotting, arty, etc.

I try not to micro-manage things.

EDIT: For clarity, emphasis, and adding this little edit info blurb.
Also, methinks this is a very good thread.

**JurrasicKlaus** · 04-24-08, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by saszeus

What do these Chopper Whores look like, I don't know if I have ever seen one, and can you shoot them.

LOLOL

You just have to look in the mirror steve

LOLJKLOL

**JurrasicKlaus** · 04-24-08, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by triggerhappy2005

Every player with the 'NME' tag is a class act. Classiest clan on this server.

sounds prejudice to me. All TTP regulars are class acts. If they wern't the regs and Admins would have them pink-bellied and ran off.

**dustyCALIBER** · 04-24-08, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by Xavsnipe

Originally Posted by dustyCALIBER

So much reading is making my eyes hurt.

Bottom line, it doesn't matter who you are or how long you have played on the server if ANY commander gives you an order follow it!

I respectfully disagree. Sometimes the commander may be blindsighted by his/her determination to recover / cap / defend a flag, giving no consideration to other points of interest. I think, in this situation, it is a squad leader's duty not to disobey, but to suggest and request a mission that might be a more sound decision for the team as a whole. (This, considering the commander is TRYING to do a good job).

Sometimes you get commanders that really don't give a hell and put up a UAV on one guy out in the middle of nowhere. This clearly shows a commander's lack of judgement in a particular situation, let alone a battle.

I must emphasize, though, that given the dynamic nature of this game, there are countless situations in which my previous statement, may or may not apply.

I agree with you. I just think it's so much simpler than 5 pages worth of writing and reading.

If you get an order that is asking you and your squad to track across the map when others are closer then YES point that out to the commander. Sometimes as commander there are SO many things to keep track of and he/she might have over looked that fact. Or might have thought he was talking to the squad closer. I think it all boils down to help your commander ask questions if need be but if an order is issued that you and your squad can accomplish then do it.

Maybe this should just be a wake up call for all the regulars. I think as regulars we get in the same habits and may not notice we are not getting things done in the manner they should be or that is asked of us. We get into our own routines on maps and tend to stick to them, no matter what. I myself have been SL and have regulars in my squad talking over me and directing the squad. It is a matter of respect and TEAMWORK. Some of us need to stop thinking of the points and start thinking of our team and our mission. This of course is MO. Everyone has been the new guy/girl and it is up to the regulars and members of TTP to SUPPORT them and give constructive criticism.

**Walkerxes** · 04-24-08, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by BlueMaxox

Originally Posted by Walkerxes

Not that I can see a sound strategical reason for a full squad sitting in a boat for 5 minutes.. if ever there IS a sound strategic reason for a full squad sitting in a boat for 5 minutes, then the commander has every right to order it, and ya better follow the order.

And he/she's got every right to command again.

Makes you wonder how many commanders in Viet Nam, Korea and WWII were FRAGED by their own men because of orders like that? 8)

Perhaps there's a sound strategic reason for a full squad to sit on [NME] boat? At least until his chopper's out of the sky?

**HooDaMUNK** · 04-24-08, 06:44 PM

I'm sure there are many reasons for orders from the commanders to do things that "in your mind" are stupid. Understandably, some of them may not quite fit your plan. Main thing said is that the commander, if doing his job correctly, has an overall idea of what he wants done. The orders given to you may just be a pre-cursor to a secondary command to come later.

Sit on the ocean 5 minutes. 5 minutes later, OK, now attack airfield due to the whole team having abandoned it... and such. (though 5 min seems a bit long lol).
Anyhow, I'm a good commander and would have to say that less than 50% of the time do the jets and choppers pay any attention to what is needed in the whole picture.
I have a lot of experience with SL and Commanding and with strategy in general. To have only part of the team listen and respond to the requests / orders has the ability to destroying a plan.

Agreed, you must have the whole team trust in you to make it happen. I know there have been quite a few of you on my team when I'm commanding and I appreciate the communication from the SL's. No matter how good the plan is, without the help and support (along with further incoming information) from the Squads, the plan is worthless.
I'm hoping you have had good experiences with me as commander, but note: I use a mic and hope the SL's have one as well. I don't see it as a requirement due to the fact that if I send a squad to a location, I know they hear the orders even if no response. But the ones that disobey the orders or disregard them are putting the whole team / game in jeopardy.

Just Follow The Damn Orders... If a Commander really SUX bad enough... he's gonna get voted out of office.