Platoon Leader/Ground Commander.

[Killaninja12]

Summary (a quick, 2-3 sentence summary): Just put a new role in, make the rank Lieutenant, and have it be underneath the CO/XO. The Lieutenant will control the ground forces and get the orders rolling, since it's immensely broken from command to the ground.

Benefits (How this will benefit the server and game as a whole): Easier rolling of orders. The PL would have the ability to command the forces on the ground, since the XO is basically not doing of such that often, if at all anymore. Many people would sufficiently learn how to command without the stresses of having to command absolutely every single thing of the operation. It's just nice to have a role like this put out for the troopers on the ground to get sufficient orders instead of bridges and gaps in the chain.

Details (Description of how you think this would work, the benefits, etc): Simply put, it's a basic platoon leader. Sent down with the rest of the men to wrangle all of the squads together, ON THE GROUND, where the command up above cannot do of such. It's usually more messy than it has to be down there, and when I used to have the chance as an XO to go down, the organization was seemingly much better. Communication ran faster, and I could organize properly what was going on without being restricted to another layer of a video screen.

Implementation (Optional, if you have an idea how to implement it): Maybe just give a locker in the command room, similar to the PO's. The gear would be the standard officer armor, helmet and whatever else you guys would deem necessary. The gear ideally would be similar to that of an SL's, what with the added benefit of a command headset to access the various comms channels.

Side note: *Cracks knuckles* Alright, here we go again haha. https://gyazo.com/08367cc7da3ff9580abeb8f2b88d8981 Looks like the roles are switched around bud. XO is now no longer the role it used to be, and is now the primary CO most of the time. I used to love going XO because I played it personally, just like many others, as a ground commander. With the whitelist (Which I'm glad is added, thank you.) it added a gap such as this one. Also quite honestly, while another suggestion all in its own? BO's really do need a rework, since people find the role boring as staring at paint. Which might be more entertaining, actually.

Extra Link: viewtopic.php?f=86&t=5593 Link to my old suggestion way yonder beforehand. I do think it's even more so needed now than ever before.

[Swagile]

Yeah, I usually ignore Commmand as a SL because they are so clueless 90% of the time of what is actually happening on the ground that they give orders that would lead to the death of the entire squad if followed with no possible gain.

Having ground command that knows whats actually happening would be great.

[Karmac]

Honestly I end up doing this when I'm the only SL anyway, or if Command's a dink and I gotta convince the other SL's that we know better than them

[flying_loulou]

I already though about it, the problem is that most of the CO (when there is one) use him as a BO instead of a field commander. So, why not replacing the XO by a PL ?

[XenonDragneel]

All you have to do is... just send Co or Xo down......? The hell.

[Jalleo]

I believe there was a suggestion like this before that got denied.

[Snypehunter007]

I believe there was a suggestion like this before that got denied.

It was before. I was in favor of the position but it was deemed ineffective as a role and not worth being added.

[Killaninja12]

I believe there was a suggestion like this before that got denied.

Alright so, pin together and read everything that I put in this post. It was denied because Apop stated that the XO is ground commander, and this might change if the roles reverse or become obtuse. Welp, look at the XO now. Anyway, I was the one who made the last post, and I'm making it again since it's ever more clear to me that it changed.

All you have to do is... just send Co or Xo down......? The hell.

No...I'd say just no. You're missing the entire point of my suggestion, and the previous post altogether. The point of this, is that the XO now acts more as the CO simply put due to the whitelist. As Feweh explained even on my last suggestion post for this, many people are interested in playing command roles, but in that same light, nobody wants to go directly to the top. People enjoy easing their way up without dealing with insurmountable stress of the entire operation. It's not just as simple as sending the CO or XO down anymore, because that's never guaranteed. Most of the time nowadays when you go XO, it's gonna typically end up with you as the CO for most if not all of the round. From my own experiences that is, at least. I play later on in the night in regards to EST time, so there's that. However there's still commonly upwards of 80-100 players on during such a time still. Not to mention sure you can say BO is the beginner role to command, I'll give you that. But the thing quite honestly about BO, is that it's not fun. I could latejoin a round running 2 hours and I'm almost certain I could, for the most part, join in as a BO lol.

[Swagile]

Alright so, pin together and read everything that I put in this post. It was denied because Apop stated that the XO is ground commander, and this might change if the roles reverse or become obtuse. Welp, look at the XO now. Anyway, I was the one who made the last post, and I'm making it again since it's ever more clear to me that it changed.


No...I'd say just no. You're missing the entire point of my suggestion, and the previous post altogether. The point of this, is that the XO now acts more as the CO simply put due to the whitelist. As Feweh explained even on my last suggestion post for this, many people are interested in playing command roles, but in that same light, nobody wants to go directly to the top. People enjoy easing their way up without dealing with insurmountable stress of the entire operation. It's not just as simple as sending the CO or XO down anymore, because that's never guaranteed. Most of the time nowadays when you go XO, it's gonna typically end up with you as the CO for most if not all of the round. From my own experiences that is, at least. I play later on in the night in regards to EST time, so there's that. However there's still commonly upwards of 80-100 players on during such a time still. Not to mention sure you can say BO is the beginner role to command, I'll give you that. But the thing quite honestly about BO, is that it's not fun. I could latejoin a round running 2 hours and I'm almost certain I could, for the most part, join in as a BO lol.

Can confirm, ive joined in on a 1 hour and 30 min shift, and there was STILL a BO role left.

We defo need ground command, and XO's tend to be our Commander role due to the whitelisting of Commander.

[flying_loulou]

I totaly agree.
+1

[LordLoko]

I agree totally. +1

Just thinking about ranks, it should be 2nd Liuetenant and BOs should be reorganized to 1st Liuetenant. This will make the Platoon Leader (PL) above Esnigns (The PO, the RO) but still Below the authority of the CO, XO and BO (Commander, Liuetenant Commander and 1st Liuetenant respectively)

[XenonDragneel]

I agree totally. +1

Just thinking about ranks, it should be 2nd Liuetenant and BOs should be reorganized to 1st Liuetenant. This will make the Platoon Leader (PL) above Esnigns (The PO, the RO) but still Below the authority of the CO, XO and BO (Commander, Liuetenant Commander and 1st Liuetenant respectively)

I don't think this have nothing to do with ranks. It's about the positions.

[LordLoko]

I don't think this have nothing to do with ranks. It's about the positions.

Yeah but ranks usually is a quick way to show who's above who IC. The suggest rank was Liuetenant, which the BOs have currently, organizing the ranks shows who is above who

[Wubs4Scrubs]

+1

I'd love for an addition like this, I think historically (not sure if it's the same now) in the US a 1st Lieutenant would be in charge of one or two squads and served as another link in the command chain. I think this would be a great fit for the server because often command either disregards what SLs are saying or don't grasp the conditions on the ground. Having a ground officer would make sense RP wise as well because field officers are a significant part of the command chain and it is kind of strange that there is no direct contact between command and the soldiers on the ground unless an officer leaves the bridge and that just leads to a lot of complicated situations. Plus and addition like this could add some significance to FOB construction where something like a makeshift command area is set up like an officers quarters or something where plans are discussed. I understand the argument that the role could be unnecessary however I think having one or two Lieutenants on the ground would fix the problem that I see often where SLs regularly disobey command and do whatever they want. Having a command unit on the ground makes the link between command and the ground a lot more personal and I feel it is a lot different to disobey somebody over comms or just ignore them versus directly defying an officer who is on the ground.

[solidfury7]

+1 This is really something that is needed.

[Jonesome]

Couldn't you just send a BO down instead?

[4thsurviver]

Bridge Officers are not supposed to leave the ship.

I'd welcome having a new LT role to learn command with. It would be nice to have someone with a clearer picture of the ground able to give information. After a failed assault or brutal combat SL's start dropping and helmet cams break. Then all command is left with is the panicking marines over acting how screwed they are and BO's trying to rally them with no idea what is really happening. I ask if nexus is holding and get 10 different responses between we aren't even being attacked to its fallen and lz 1 is overrun call the pod down asshole!. At the very least I can see having a guaranteed officer on the ground help retreats being called at more optimal times, that might actually allow marines to redeploy to the planet rather then sit around waiting for the xenos to come to us.

The only thing I could think of better then this is just giving everyone helmet cams, like the movie, so command can see what is happening if the SLs lose their helmets.

[Steelpoint]

My biggest issue with the command structure ever since I started playing was how there is a massive disconnect between the Squad Leaders and the Commander/Executive Officer.

I've always felt that having a sort of 'Ground Commander' who's job is to accompany the Marines to the combat zone, and who relays what is going on to the Command staff, and also helps in ensuring the Commander's orders are being followed.

The Squad Leaders are too busy trying to command their squads and stay alive to give a line by line account of what's going on in battle. Having a dedicated role who's job is to be the eye's and ears of the Commander would go a long way in helping erode this disconnect.

[ZDashe]

The connection between SL and the CO/XO are the BOs, but sadly not many BOs are competent enough to overwatch their squad, call in supplies, update the CO/XO about the squad, relay/update squad orders or communicate in general.

Then again, command roles are thankless jobs which people don't tend to enjoy playing, and can be frustrating to put up with when nobody follows orders or provide basic SITREP when they are not near the SL. Due to how unpopular BOs are, bridge is also usually not fully staffed and BOs end up having to split their attention across different squads and it becomes a nightmare when you're the only BO trying to overwatch 4 squads at once, and end up achieving nothing much cause you'll either only communicate with the squad that has a SL cam and provide supply requests leaving all the other squads on their own, or just give up in frustration when your SLs doesn't drop their supply beacons when you keep nagging at them to do so.

Ground commander would probably be the CO/XO when you have the other stay on Sulaco, but more often than not, most CO/XOs are just bored players who want to see combat more than actually commanding or relaying proper orders... If you want a proper ground commander, you can just nominate a trustworthy SL over command announcement and they can be the ground commander. Just choose someone who is actually competent and not too eager to rush into the frontlines and die.

[Steelpoint]

Bridge Officers are a flawed concept since your asking up to four players to sit around on the bridge in a game that can last for three or four plus hours.

Whenever I play as the Requisitions Officer or a Medical Doctor I've always got something I can do to keep myself occupied even in down time. But as a Bridge Officer your stuck watching a Squad Leader and, at best, nagging Cargo to fill in a order.

Though to be fair this problem somewhat extends to other roles like Maint Techs and Cargo Techs if the RO is good at their job.

Sadly I can't think of a solution to this conundrum.

[4thsurviver]

Bridge Officers are a flawed concept since your asking up to four players to sit around on the bridge in a game that can last for three or four plus hours.

Whenever I play as the Requisitions Officer or a Medical Doctor I've always got something I can do to keep myself occupied even in down time. But as a Bridge Officer your stuck watching a Squad Leader and, at best, nagging Cargo to fill in a order.

Though to be fair this problem somewhat extends to other roles like Maint Techs and Cargo Techs if the RO is good at their job.

Sadly I can't think of a solution to this conundrum.

I like being BO when the bridge is fully staffed. That way I can manage ONE squad and only turn their comms on. That way I can talk to them and try and get some RP going. However its rare to have a fully staffed bridge. There are 4 terminals and 3 BO so XO has to man one and since you don't always have a CO XO is in charge and can't always preform over watch to a full capability. Then BOs start dropping out and the next thing I know I have to over watch 4 squads and their BO didn't tell them they left.

Being a BO isn't so bad as long as you have something to look at. Once you lose those cameras though it gets harder. More helmet cameras would help with that.

I imagine the LT on the ground would stay at the FOB and move to staging points for assaults as long as they are fortified and secured. Would they get any special equipment like weapons or beacons to help their job? It would be nice to give them something extra to defend themselves but at the same time we don't want people taking the job for some heavy weaponry so they can go run off and shoot xenos.

[Renomaki]

Honestly, I am fully against this idea.

Being a CO is hard enough as is, what with the minor power-struggle you will have to deal with every now and then. Sometimes you get SLs that trust and listen to your orders, and understand what kind of tactics you are planning (Or metawise, how you are going to progress the game without going right to the xenos the moment the fog fades). But then you get those SLs that fight you constantly, ignore your advice and generally get everyone into a mess of trouble because they thought their squad could take on the xenos alone, while the other squads are busy resupplying after a violent push across the river.

It's bad enough when you have a rouge SL that refuses to respect your most simple of requests, but imagine that on a much LARGER scale, with a person who has control over all your men on the ground?

A CO can only do so much to control his men and steer them in the right direction, but having a separate Ground Commander would just result in a power struggle where the CO on top and the CO on the ground constantly argue on what tactical move to make. The Spacebound CO might want to wait and send supplies before advancing, while the other one will be all like "ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK!!!!" and then just start shouting orders to keep attacking despite the fact the men under his command are low on ammo and lack hugger protection, let alone are all scattered about and easy pickings for hunters and ravagers.

And that is if they even WANT to lead at all! From my experience, a lot of the time ground commanders lead little and fight much, sometimes barely saying anything at all. Hell, they don't so much help rally marines as they hurt morale by running ass first into death and getting impaled by the first xeno they find, which is much more hard hitting than the loss of an SL because that person was supposed to be leading the platoon as a WHOLE, not just a single squad, so everyone (including most SLs) get affected negatively. To be a proper leader requires a lot of patience and thought, not just the balls to pick up a machine gun and run into the enemy hive screaming like rambo.

If one really needs a ground commander so badly, then you have one of two options:

1: Pick an XO that you believe WON'T use it as an excuse to play with the smartgun and have him go down at the start of the op (Bonus points if he still wants to go if you FORBID the use of the smartgun)

2: Chose a battle-hardned SL to rally the marine forces around and have them do the general leading. Chances are he has a good head on his shoulders if he survived for a good long while.

Other than that, we don't need a Platoon Leader, because all he'll do is make the CO seem more worthless in the eyes of his marines.

[Jonesome]

Bridge Officers are not supposed to leave the ship.

Yeah except for "Do not allow Bridge Officers to leave the Sulaco unless absolutely necessary for a specific, explainable reason."

If there's more BOs than are needed, I don't see anything wrong with sending a spare one to consolidate and organize the marines on planet. The CO is technically not supposed to leave the ship either, and yet seems to do it frequently.