Squad 44

Squad 44

238 ratings
Journey to becoming an Effective Player & Squad Leader
By MrDaviD
This Guide will outline the very basics throughout Leading a Squad & Playing the Game. If you've never run a squad and wish to, feel free to read the following! This Guide is pointed towards Post Scriptum however is very similar to Squad. Thanks & Good Luck! Content: How to SL | Mortars | Custom Squad Names | Marker Meanings | Additions & Updates |
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Guide Overview
This guide has been created by a Fellow Player that wishes his comrades in arms to be as fully prepared as they deserve.

I do not claim to know everything and urge others to provide feedback on anything I may or may not have provided and/or could do differently. This Guide is aimed to inform, information is always welcome.

Here we'll get to the point and key aspects to survival and being effective at it.
Consistency, Efficiency, Communication and above all, Common sense.







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What does it mean to Squad Lead
What is a Squad Leader?
It's Far from being the man in charge screaming orders. You'll discover whether or not your Squad leader has













very quickly if not immediately as normally your new squadmates will greet and welcome each other. If they don't however, you'll need more than a good squad leader that's for sure. ;)

You need most if not all of these necessary skills to run your squad and lead them to victory. As a squad leader you're in charge of assigning, delegating and overall managing your squad and it's strengths. Analysing your squad members kits are essential to running everything smoothly.
For example if you have no A.T. (Anti-Tank) personal, avoid marked enemy armor, unless of course ordered to assist in distracting in which normally leads to terrible death unless strategized.
If you are Attacking/Defending it is your job to maintain that.

Your men will look to you for guidance and should always be able to perform an order that's given to a fellow squad member. For example, you would never order a Non-A.T. man to destroy enemy armor, can you?



Keeping your cool and maintain a clear head, this is a must for Squad Lead. Instructing and informing your squad members is crucial for survival. Don't be that squad leader that gets his men killed only because he hadn't told them about a friendly mortar strike. Communicate and stay alive.
Communication




One of the most if not most important areas to shine in. Communication with your Squad/Team can not only save your life but those around you.
You're the communication link between your squad and others.

Communicating with your Section Commander in which if your not sure who that is, hold tab and/or press Enter>Sections and he'll be at the top, or check your map, he'll be assigned a star on his player icon.

Communicating with your Section/Team Commander will allow you and other Section Leaders to strategize. This will allow for forces of all caliber to be assigned and delegated to different areas and choke points within the map. Keeping you Squad and Section Commander up to date with what's happening is crucial. Keeping that communication will allow for your squad to not kill friendlies nor themselves and for your Section Commander to strategize and orchestrate the battle.

When creating a squad, greet them and learn who you can and cannot trust to achieve certain tasks. For example I myself have run into players who choose not to listen and/or are difficult to communicate with, these are the members you may choose to kick however I do not as you can use them to some advantage. This however is to the Squad Leaders Discretion.




Reconnaissance, an invaluable action that can give both your team and squad the edge to assaulting/defending a point. This has found its way into the communication section as you may wish to instruct your squad sniper to relocate and find placement in an advantage point i.e a building (in this case a church) crossroads etc. Here your squad sniper can inform you as well as the squad on incoming enemy vehicle, armor, infantry etc. Having a member report reconnaissance especially when defending can make or break your defence. Being aware to enemy armor prior to its attack is a distinct + and will allow for you or you commander to illustrate an attack plan, whether that's moving anti tank emplacements, armor and troops, this will surely assist your team nonetheless. In the diagram you'll notice that the roads have been marked as pathways, yes armor as well as troop transport trucks will use the roads more often than you think. Infantry of course may detour however you can counter this will either more scouts and/or better placement.
Inform your Squad, inform your Team. Inform your commander of key points, do not clutter radio. Quick, precise and to the point!



Marking targets such as Infantry, Armor, F.O.Bs(Forward Operating Base) and so on is a must to not only make your squad aware but to inform other squads and their squad leads. Your Section Commander may even wish to act upon your markers and designate Artillery barrages, Smokes and so on.

Keeping in touch with Squads around you will benefit you and your squad in more ways than one. If a squad indicates that they are near being over run you may see it fit to reinforce them, however keep in mind your position whether or not it's appropriate to sacrifice your defense/attack point. Contacting your Section Commander will allow for quick management in the event that you and your squad are needed elsewhere.

Keeping an active ear out can minimise losing an entire squad at times, for example, you're defending from the East however squad 3 & 4 reports to have either lost or retreated from your flank, in this case the West. Evacuating and/or repositioning your squad can allow for a more successful relocation and/or defense minimising casualties.

There is much to discuss throughout this section however I wish not to bore you and can continue in a later guide if requested.

Common Sense




If you understand what I mean when I say you need common sense to become an Effective Squad leader than you're already on your way to becoming something fantastic. Common sense will not only save your life, but your squads, and possibly the squads around you. Thinking before you cast an order is what some would call to a degree "smart thinking", you may wish to think for example, do they have a mounted MG(Machine Gun) on and/or around this point of interest, do they have armor? Do I have Anti-Tank personnel? and so on. Raising an eyebrow with a thought of what is the best way to keep your squad alive.

You may not believe it but some squad leaders lack Common Sense for example, an enemy MG position and/or infantry has been mark 300m in front of your position. You have only 4 members including yourself as you've sustained losses. Be mindful of your map and of your surroundings, this links back to "Awareness" which will be brought up down the track. Your priority is your men and their wellbeing, in this scenario you would either pull back and rally with the remainder of your respawned squad and/or call on friendly assistance to take out a position. This of course can be friendly armor, mortar strikes and so on.



One of the greatest weapons you'll ever have as a Squad Lead is your brain, oh and of course the Sten, that's a fun submachine gun. As you can see in the scenario I've drawn up you and your squad have been pinned by an MG emplacement. Keep in mind whether or not this MG is mobal or emplaced i.e built. If the enemy MG is emplaced notice it's viewing angle, exploit it. In this scenario it's as basic as flanking and keeping the MG suppressed and smoked buying your squad mates as much time as possible to flank. If the MG is not emplaced take into account that the MG may move, an experienced MG will move. In the case that you cannot assault the MG as the enemy squad is far too organised, change the playing field, notify and request support whether this be Concentrated barrages, Armor support or another infantry squad, all is good and welcomed.

Use your brain and stay alive.
Efficency




What's that? What's Efficiency? Efficiency is all about how you do your job as well as how well it's done. A great example is knowing your bearings. If you are not too confident with a compass, please keep trying to learn them as they're essessial.

The best way to remember N E S W for example is when you associate them with something for example, I'm Australian, I remember my compass (N E S W) as Never Eat Soggy Weetbix (Weetbix is a cereal, soz for Non-Australian)

I've listed a basic compass bearing markers below for you to learn off.


A quick way to understand direction is one of two ways.
1 being "Y" this is your compass, 2 being "M" this is your map and it is directed via a compass i.e Up = north, right = East, Down = South and Left = West.

My apologies if that got complicated. If you play the game, you'll understand a little better over time.




Please click on the image to enlarge. I apologize that I made the compass discoloured

Phonetic Alphabet
Knowing your phonetic alphabet is not a must however can greatly assist you and your team members. Knowing exactly what grid is being referred to can save not only your squad but others. Communiting the correct information quickly and efficiently will alway benefit your team. Having a confused team member as well as having to repeat the grid leads to lost time. Knowing your phonetic alphabet will greatly assist you in being Efficient as whoever is receiving the grid will know exactly what you mean. If you're a logistics leader it's a great idea to know these calls. You will be commonly ordered to place equipment and structure in specific areas. Knowing your phonetic alphabet will help you greatly.
Effectivness




This is to a degree self explanatory. As a squad leader you must have effectiveness, if you have all that has been listed above than you in my opinion are quite effective. However your effectiveness is at times going to be rated on how much damage you have inflicted upon the enemy and/or how much you and your squad have continued to stay alive and capture/defend points.

Being an effective squad leader is not a challenge if and only if you have done your best to assist not only your squad, but your team. Looking out for one another is the best thing apart from what's listed to assist your squad.




Deciding on the correct amount of squad members to divert in hope to complete an objective/order may not seem important but can in fact decide how many troops you're left with as well as how many troops your squadmates have to complete the given task. For example in this scenario I've drawn, we've sent 1 Anti-Tank Personnel and 2 Infantry. If we were to have a full squad this is a third of our section i.e 9 Squad members - 3 leaving us with 6. You can of course achieve success in some scenarios with 1 Anti-Tank Personnel however as discussed in our Communication section they may or may not have experience and are more likely to be lost in either transit or in carrying out the objective. We've instructed that 2 rifleman occompany our 1 Anti-Tank Personnel as we know the area is "hot" and the Armored target must be destroyed. Our rifleman will act as not only security but, decoys and distractions for the enemy armor and/or smoke throwers. Smoke has been used in 2 areas. Area 1 marked as Decoy will be our first try as we hope to lay smoke in hope that this will grab the tank crews attention. In the case that this first decoy attempt does not work, smoke will be thrown on the tank if not in front of it. This is the last option as this will notify the crew that they are discovered and danger close. Only smoke the target directly if they're engaging friendlies. You wish for your Anti-Tank Personnel to take the enemy Armor by surprise. If all goes correct your Anti-Tank Personnel will not at any time be fired upon by Enemy Armor, Enemy infantry however, that's why we have friendly rifleman as security. ;)
Awareness




Becoming acquainted and aware with your squads kits, positions, knowledge and so on is crucial to successfully orchestrating your squad. For example take notice if you so happen to only have one medic. Have a look to see if there are nearby medics in other squads and how accessible they'll be. This is not planning to fail this is planning to be prepared for the worst.

Being aware as a squad leader means taking notice of what your squad is up to and so on, for example spacing. Make sure your squad is correctly spaced to allow for maximum cover and to minimise casualties, if you find another squad to be bunched up at a door for example, don't be afraid to pop the idea to spread out, a simple "Watch your spacing" will normally do the job. Why do we need to watch our spacing? What happens when you encounter an enemy mortar round, grenade, lone rifleman, sniper or machine gunner, if your squad is clumped the enemy needs not to look very far nor spread his fire/target area. Allowing for a spread squad will force the enemy to engage 1 target at a time, allowing your other squad members to pinpoint him. Be aware, always.
We'll quickly touch on awareness when it comes to micro managing your squad members such as your MG. In this diagram you'll notice multiple machine gun (MG) position markers, this has been shown to illustrate the idea of moving locations to keep the enemy clueless. Having your MG gunners on the move after wasting their belt will allow for a tougher time on pinpointing locations for gun runs, strikes etc. Always remember that your MG gunner has tracers for additional aiming, tracers work both ways, once engaged your MG will be easy to find unless effective on suppressing enemy positions. If you MG gunner is inexperienced you'll need to pay more attention to them. An experienced MG gunner will always move after their belt is finished unless in a distinct advantage point i.e church, building, road, bridge etc. Processes in order than an MG should take,
1. Scout ideal location 2. Set up 3. Confirm engagement with squad lead 4. Empty weapon belt 5. Move to new/safe location 6. Reload and begin process.
An important note as a squad leader is to prioritize kits, for example it's a must to have a designated squad medic, this will allow you to keep your squad going for as long as possible. If in the case you only have one medic it's suggested that he be by cover at all times and that he would maintain a safe distance between the squad. This will vary depending on scenario. Do not have your medic so far away to the point where he cannot provide help towards the squad however.

If your medic deems a squad member to be in a "Hot Area" and/or an open field you must take into account whether or not it's worth the risk. Listen to your medics, if they are experience they will assist you whenever possible, if they are not experience however, you must micromanage them and keep them safe.

You and your squad members must remember that a medic may not retrieve you as they must value their lives to in future save others. If they are to attempt to rescue you and die, they not only sacrifice themselves, but other wounded down the track, take this into account, always. Killed by an MG Emplacement? Inform your medic. Enemy on your body hiding? Inform your medic. Got sniped? Inform your medic. Warn him so he doesn't meet the same fate.
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How to use Mortars

Mortar Calculator:
Link for Calculator[psmc.ende.pro] PostScriptumMC

Step by step how to use the Mortar Calculator:

1. When in game press 'Enter' from there you'll see your map, hover your cursor over your mortar placement, from there you'll see a grid in the bottom left. It will look something such as G11 - 5 - 5 for example.

2. Select the map you're playing via the website and find your grid to mark e.g. G11 - 5 - 5. Then place the mortar mark.

4. Select what mortar you're using. E.g. Brit 4inch

5. Select what you wish to engage, you'll now see a mil and bearing marker in the bottom left. Use this to adjust your mortar.

6. Notify team members on location, ammo and how much. E.g "Squad leaders be advised, mortar in flight grid G11 - 5 - 5, 3xHE"
Marker Meanings





Below are the markers used throughout Post Scriptum. As a Squad Lead you are expected to know these symbols. Try your best to learn and understand the meaning behind them, they may very well save you and your squad.

Friendly Information/Request Markers

Ammunition/Replenishment
Repair Order
Point Of Interest
Artillery Order
Bomb Order
Smoke Order
Destruction Order

Enemy Spotted/Information Markers

Enemy Infantry
Enemy Fixed MG
Enemy Tank
Enemy Vehicle/Light Armor
Enemy Anti-Tank Gun
Enemy Artillery Site
Enemy F.O.B
Enemy Mines/Explosives
Enemy Munitions
Enemy Unknown Unit

Team Map Icons

F.O.B |Forward Operating Base|
M.S.P |Mobal Spawn Point|
Transport Respawn Tent
Troop Transport Truck
Logistics Truck
Tank
Light Armor
Half Track
Command Vehicle
Fixed MG
Fixed Mortar
Anti-Tank Gun
Ammunition Crate/Trailer
[/tr]
Vehicle Repair/Refill Station

Practice Map with Symbols
Creating Custom Squad Names





Creating custom Squad Names, why do we do this? Well apart from having a preference and constantly having the need to express yourself either with dank memes and/or a legitimate Clan name, there is no reason. Custom squad names are 90% of the time done for strick fun and individuality. The remainder 10% is for large clans who strictly run in competitions and allocate themselves accustomed squad names.

  1. First Open Console | By default ( ` ) The key to the left of 1
  2. Type the following | Create Squad [SquadName]
  3. Get out there, Strategize and claim Victory

Full respect to it's original finder/source It'sGrimeZ Reddit Original
Originally posted by It'sGrimeZ:
How to change Squad Names Reddit Original
New Additions & Updates
United States Addition

Far too much was added in this update. This section is currently capped with it's word limit and for that I apologise. Click below to find the full change log as it's quite interesting.

Full Update Changelog



Update v1.0.137

  • Added: New Smoke FX for German grenades
  • Added: New bunker deployable for all factions
  • Added: Morris C8 to Driel (S01, S04, S08, D01), Oosterbeek (S01, S03, S09, D02) & Doorwerth (S03, S06, S08)
  • Added: Audio for Radioman radio when using regroup call refresh
  • Added: Larger peep hole for Lee Enfield
Full Update Changelog



Update v1.0.123

  • Fix: Being able to cross the river with vehicles
  • Fix: Various culling distances of objects tweaked
  • Fix: Being able to pass through a closed off section of a building variant
  • Fix: Collision issues in Eusebius kerk tower
  • Fix: Various floating stairs, foliage, props and buildings
  • Fix: Some smaller objects blocking vehicles (Cafe chairs, sandbags, etc)
  • Fix: Mesh issues with John Frost Bridge
  • Gameplay: Moved spawn points for Koepelkerk further back (not inside the main building anymore)
Full Update Changelog

This update v1.0.123 is just a minor cleanup of the new map Arnhem. This update has allowed for a less stressful time playing this map. With this new update we've run into little less problems which is always fantastic wouldn't you think. Update v1.0.123 was small however was listed due to the helpful hand this gave to troops.


Update v1.0.120

  • Add: Arnhem City 2x4km
  • Add: Trenches around Ritveld (Driel)
  • Add: New grass model (improves both visuals and performance)
  • Add: Rotation added to all thrown grenades when thrown
  • Gameplay: Phosphorus and Gammon bombs are now exploding on impact
  • Gameplay: Incapacitated teammate nametags are now showing in grey
  • Gameplay: Closed some buildings in Arnhem to help gameplay flow
Full Update Changelog

This update v1.0.120 has not only added a new map but additional defense areas i.e trenches around Ritveld (Driel). With this new update we've received a total overhaul of gameplay fixes and adjustments, great to hear I know. To name some of the many gameplay fixes Tank handling has been improved, this is especially great for units such as the 7th Armored Division etc. If this is something you're interested I urge you to click below to find the full list. You'll find quite a lot.

Update v1.0.91

  • As a Logistics team we now have complete control and ability to become independant in the case that there is no squad leader, however only a logistics squad leader may build FOBs. Logistics section members will now be able to construct emplacements and defense. Fantastic!
  • Supply crates can be built from construction trucks. You're now able to keep track of however many supplys you have in your supply truck.
  • Further tweaks as well as optimization. Click below to find the full list.
Full Update Changelog

This update v1.0.91 will assist greatly with moving the logistics team along, with this fantastic update logistics have been given the chance to assist the squad leader in defense placement to not only save time but allow for attention to detail and placement etc. With this we can distribute troops effectively and cover larger ground in turn making us more effective at our defense. We've also received some minor gameplay tweaks as well as graphics optimization to allow for a smoother experience. Check out the whole scoop via the link above.


Update v1.0.60

  • Added new "Regroup Call" feature: SL can start a regroup call from their T menu which will allow them to become a temporary spawn point for 60 seconds. The SL must be near a radio (antenna icon in top left). The Regroup Call will become inactive if near enemies, the SL goes into an objective, or the SL dies.
  • Added new Radioman class that unlocks at 6 section members. This soldier acts as a radio for Commander support and for SL Regroup calls
Full Update Changelog

This update v1.0.60 has allowed for greater flexibility for squad units. As a squad leader you now have the availability to set what squad would call "rally points" however in Post Scriptum it's called a "Regroup marker" which allows troops to spawn on the Squad Leaders position within a minute. He will need a newly added radio man or accessable radio to do this. The squad lead can now use command jeeps to request a "regroup marker" this will allow for squads to better position and organise themselves. No longer will you have scattered troops, reform your squad, act quickly and stick together to achieve victory.



Update v1.0.42

  • Added Flak36 emplacements to Driel S05, S06, S08, S09 and Oosterbeek S01, S03, S04, S06 & S09 layers
  • Added Sdkfz 7 with a mounted Flak 38
Full Update Changelog


Here we are, new emplacements means new strategies with additionally improved resources. As the Wehrmacht you've now been provided a fantastic addition to your defense, an 88mm emplacement. This emplacement comes equipped with HE (High Explosives) as well as AP (Armor Piercing). This emplacement can be given sandbag upgrades to allow for better cover leading the emplacement to be less susceptible to incoming shrapnel, close mortars etc. Correctly planning your defense with designated recon/scouts can lead to an effective placement. This weapon can inflict heavy damage on any and all incoming enemy armor, take note however this gun is a crank and will not have the ability to track fast vehicles. Having the emplacement pointing in the correct direction is a must for this weapon to be effective. Having a scout to enform the 88mm crew will allow for top performance. These emplacements will be located at main defense points, near roads etc. Take advantage of this emplacement if and only if practical. Without proper security the 88mm crew can be susceptible to being overrun by incoming and overwhelming enemy infantry.
Be warned, be aware.
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Coming Soon
What to look forward to
Looking for information that wasn't listed? I understand, there just wasn't enough room, I guess we'll just have to make some more.
If you'd like to see a guide on something specific please do let me know!

Click Here to find my guide on becoming an effective medic.
Still under development however it'll be done as soon as possible
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Summary Notes





I understand that there's so much more left to be written however this marks the basic mind set that of the Squad Leader. If you wish to Squad Lead please, take care, keep a cool head and remember the key points. Below is some information such as Keys etc that may prove to be useful for beginners.

If you and your Squad operates an M.S.P (Mobal Spawn Truck) do NOT drive it onto the objective nor park the 2 next to each other, please, for me. Below is some more information, hope this helped, thanks a bunch for reading, please be sure to comment anything I missed as I know there's more to be said however for this Guide on the Squad Leader mindset, this'll be enough.
Fantastic Mortar Calculator: https://psmc.ende.pro/ PostScriptumMC (<<Google. They removed my link)

I understand that many of you may stumble across my steam and notice I do not have a huge amount of hours on Post Scriptum however I have had much experience none the less as I've run Military Simulations on Arma II, III, Squad and Post Scriptum.

Thanks Again everyone for taking the time to read my Guide, if you have any questions. Let me know!

Post Scriptum is still in Early development and can be subjected to change at any time thus changing Information listed. Comment below and Help to keep everything Updated. Thanks Again
23 Comments
Barbarossa Dec 1, 2023 @ 12:41pm 
Very nice!
partizan Jul 30, 2022 @ 7:07am 
pretty useless cause theres barely enough teamwork
navy seaman in the porthole May 14, 2021 @ 7:30pm 
sick guide but aint no way im using the phonetic alphabet thats some virgin shit
Master Chief Apr 11, 2021 @ 5:10am 
Great stuff, if anyone want to try this... I am lookin for people to play with
Carbine Jul 23, 2020 @ 12:14pm 
This is a really well made guide and still holds up well even now
[•›››] Crackpot Feb 21, 2020 @ 8:19am 
Upvote for showing me how to create squad names. But now it doesn't seem to work anymore!
Argie.Goulios(1st GLI) Feb 11, 2020 @ 9:32am 
efective sniper when?
Argie.Goulios(1st GLI) Feb 11, 2020 @ 9:32am 
sniper is god
Noble Six Jan 12, 2020 @ 10:19am 
enfield>sten my opinion :P
Case Jan 3, 2020 @ 10:46am 
impressive guide!