Things you wish most Squad Leaders Knew

[Edgelord]

Now that college has kicked up again I'm super busy, but as soon as I get some free time again I think I'm going to try Squad Leader. I played a bit pre-alpha and maybe one or two times in the current build, but I wouldn't say I have much real experience in it. That gave me an idea for this thread: What do you wish Squad Leaders would do more often in order to make the experience more fun? Pic related.

[monkeysfist101]

Designate fireteams and actually lead instead of saying, "Follow me as I fuck off North to the caves for no discernible rasin. BTW I forgot my helmet," two minutes after landing.

[Egorkor]

OBs and how to use them.
That and how to make marines follow you, and how to keep those buggers busy so they don't run off to do their own shite.

[Disco Dalek]

I know this may be odd, but I really prefer a squad leader who gives lots of orders (provided they're not completely insane). I like the idea of lining up after the squad lands to make sure everyone is accounted for, etc. It's just a little tiring when I see the SL wander around without trying to keep order or telling anyone what to do.

[Releasing]

COMMUNICATE.
Even if it's just sarcastic bullshit or a simple 'yes/no', the best thing you can do as SL is TALK TO YOUR SQUAD.

[KeyWii]

Know the difference between an orbital strike beacon and a supply beacon.

No, really. I'm serious.

[ShortTemperedLeprechaun]

Know the difference between an orbital strike beacon and a supply beacon.

No, really. I'm serious.

P-please don't tell me someones actually mixed em up..

[Fritigern]

It doesn't matter if it's a 1 megaton warhead or a crate filled with flares and protein packs, as long as -something- lands on that fucking aliens head! That's how we do it in the Marines!

But yes, be vocal. If it's peak hours and you got the numbers, split your team in two with the specialist (or someone else non-retarded, your mileage may vary) taking command of the second team. Give goals, but don't overly micromanage unless it's really needed. Also, recognize that while yes, technically the CO, XO and Bridge Officers are your direct superiors.. well, those direct superiors can also be at risk of swallowing their own tongues sometimes, and maybe not following their commands like it's the word of God can be a good thing for you and your squads health.

[Sikillgard]

Be nice, say something - anything for the love of Yog-Sothoth. Just say where you are and what you're going to do and where you're going to go and keep the squad together and I'm all happily tagging along.

[Edgelord]

Thanks for all the feedback guys, I'll try and incorporate this into my playstyle when I try it out!

[Wesmas]

Asign pairs. Even if you dont split into fire teams, using the buddy system helps to stop people running off and makes sure there is someone responsible for saving everyone else. A pair could be asigned to defend a position. The chances of both being killed off too quickly for either to call for help or retreat is small.

[LordLoko]

Leave the combat more to marines and stay more behind, technically, you are more valuable then other marines so if you are dead, it will be a heavy hit on the marines and since you are engaging, they won't have time to reorganize quickly and won't know what to do.

[Azmodan412]

As SL, I like leading the charge. Tell me, what inspires more bravery, a leader at the front, or a leader behind? I remember a survivor round on the planet where I was geared up in full riot gear with a magnum and I charged the hive, causing the marines to actually push and win that round.

[Siserith Vassada]

squad leaders who lead a small group of 4- 8 marines out one side of the nexus, around it, and trap xenos with an hammer and anvil attack killing off a good majority

[Fritigern]

squad leaders who lead a small group of 4- 8 marines out one side of the nexus, around it, and trap xenos with an hammer and anvil attack killing off a good majority

Did this earlier today. Had two fireteams, one was focusing on building defences in the nexus, the team with me was just circling the nexus over and over again. Caught quite a few aliens in a flank while they did the typical peak-a-boo shit in the doors with the defending marines.

[Feweh]

How about the most obvious issue.


Wait... IM SQUAD LEADER AND INCHARGE? I HAD NO IDEA.

Said most newbies who join the server and selected Squad Leader.

[Sargeantmuffinman]

You are not invincible.

And if you were to be this person then you'd be a ghost.
Fire teams are VERY useful as stated above with flanking manuvers that will bascially say end game for the unaware xenos.

If you're leading a five man squad with you included then have set loactions to check out like the medbay dome then the fitness and so on to keep your squad busy.
BRING BINOCULARS, if you can see the enemy and they can't see you,then they would lose the element of surprise as you and (if you inform) everyone else where the enemy is at.
As well as a good scouting tool.

[Hycinth]

Do your best to KEEP YOUR MARINES TOGETHER. Strength in numbers, the imperial guard way!

[TopHatPenguin]

The squad medics, engineers and specs aren't expendable they need to be protected above everything else.

[adrenalinetooth]

COMMUNICATE.
Even if it's just sarcastic bullshit or a simple 'yes/no', the best thing you can do as SL is TALK TO YOUR SQUAD.

That's it. All you need bare minimim to be a good SL is to communicate with your squad and command as much as possible.