How to March a Formation

Written by a former USAF Auxiliary Master Sergeant, This guide will teach you about leadership, drill procedure, and the application of formations.

.-=*Introduction*=-.

In M&B:NW where soldiers fire 3 inaccurate bullets per minute, infantry formations can be very effective. Formations have POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE effects that must be considered before implementation. Success is decided by the discipline of the unit and the leader's capacity to adapt to his environment or commit to his current strategy. Formations will attract and repel certain enemy unit types. That is the key to using formations in your strategy. This guide covers drill procedure.

This guide WILL BE UPDATED with the application of these formations, more complex commands, videos for each command, and retorts for any suggested fallacies that regard formations. Favorite this guide for update notifications. Ask questions in comments and they will be answered to the best of my ability.

Drill and Ceremony: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY FM 3-21.5 (FM 22-5) contains most of the US Army and US Air Force drill commands, mostly different from the USMC's and the Navy's. This guide is an attempt to select and summarize applicable concepts. The videos in this guide use airforce nomenclature, but the structure is the same as army.

I was a master sergeant in USAF Auxiliary (Civil Air Patrol) and I held a team leader position for a search and rescue ground team. I worked with cadets and airforce liason officers. During our downtime, we became knowledgeable in conventional formations with a studious effort to relate them to 19th century warfare.

Steam Group

http://steamcommunity.com/groups/napoleonicdrillinstructors#

.-=*Leadership*=-.

“If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame. But, if orders are clear and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers." ~Sun Tzu

• Company officer:

Primary objective is to DIRECT officers and ESTABLISH starting point Alpha and ending point Zulu, secondary objective is to INFORM the company of battle information.

• First sergeant:

Primary objective is to MANAGE the company by leading through example, Secondary objective is to RELAY orders to the company.

• Platoon officers:

Primary objective is to PRESERVE their unit, secondary objective is to DIRECT the sergeant and establish midpoints Bravo through X-ray

• Squad sergeants:

Primary objective is to ORDER the squad from points Alpha through Zulu, secondary objective is to PRESERVE their unit.

• Corporals:

Primary objective is to REPORT any problems, secondary objective is to REPLACE a fallen sergeant.

Communications

Speaking to subordinates is not the same as speaking to your friends. There are many things to say, but here are a few things that you must consider:

• ANY disrespect is bad:
  You are a small part of a larger unit and everyone is learning from you. Respect every part of it.
  
  
• Talk in complete sentences:
  Most people are immersed in the battle and must be informed of everything in a chronological manner: Also try to keep every sentence to a maximum of 5 words.
  
  
• Stay in character:
  A lot of games have an atmosphere that must be matched. If you sound like a voice in the game, they will follow.
  
  
• Occasional speech during warmup:
  Write the speech and organize it well before speaking. Test your microphone with a battle hymn in the background. Make it sound like background music, then present your speech to your soldiers. The finished speech should be legendary and clear.
  
  
• Assign a first sergeant and squad sergeants:
  Use them for chain of command communication. Sergeants relay communications between the soldiers and the officers. Instruct them to always support your decisions in public, even if they wish to argue it in secret.
  
  
• In regards to team performance, reprimand the group, not the individual:
  If someone fails or if you hear distracting chatter, address and reprimand the unit as a whole. Every soldier must report procedural violations to their sergeant. Every soldier should take initiative and confront a weak or distracted teammate before the sergeant has to take action.
  
  
• In regards to insubordination, the officer must not respond to interruptions:
  If a player is mutinous or obnoxious, then instruct your sergeant to mute him. Sergeants should be moderators in team speak. They must strike down the insubordination so that the officer can maintain his focus. The sergeant must reprimand the troll in public, but punish the troll private. Differential reinforcement is necessary after any punishment.
  
  
• Command voice:
  Orders must be communicated in a discernable tone that stands out from normal conversational tone. It is not a yell, it is a controlled shout. Test your microphone and set it so that a shout will not occlude the communication.
  
  
• Keep it simple:
  The more simple the order, the more likely a soldier will immediately understand. Instances of misunderstandings are the product of the communicator.
  
  
• Keep it slow and steady:
  Spontaneous orders always cause confusion. Reacting to the enemy with spontaneous orders denotes that you were surpised and your followers will always sense this.
  
  
• Assign responsibility while accepting accountability:
  If the match is lost, the officers are always held accountable. Even if the enlisted produced the errors, the officer must be able to communicate the reason as to why the loss is his fault. He must also identify the problem and provide a solution to prevent the failure in the future. The goal is to show the problem soldier that he is responsible but not accountable for an error.
  
  
• Own what you say:
  If you give a bad order and people help you enforce it, DO NOT excuse yourself. Take responsibility for ordering a failure. If you forsake anyone who sincerely tried their best to enforce your order, they will lose respect for you.
  
  
• Don't act like a fool:
  Making bad jokes or acting like your immature followers will encourage them to look down on you. When others sense that you are trying to be funny, they will naturally cringe if it is not funny. It is much better to be funny unintentionally through seriousness.
  
  
• Avoid political and religious topics:
  This is the fastest way to lose credibility in the eyes of at least 50% of your followers. Often times, a person's ideology is strongly tied to their identity. An attack on their identity will cause them to deny clear evidence by any means necessary. This is known as cognitive dissonance.
  
  
• Do not display insecurities to subordinates:
  Do not show that you are unsure of current events or future plans to your subordinates. Do not whine about negative circumstances to your subordinates. Do not show jealousy of other leaders. If you are losing your men to other regiments, you are absolutely doing something wrong.

There is alot more to follow.

The Command Voice

A correctly delivered command will be understood by everyone in the unit. Correct
commands have a tone, cadence, and snap that demand willing, correct, and immediate
response. It is the speaker's responsibility if there are any misunderstandings.

3-6. VOICE CONTROL
The loudness of a command is adjusted to the number of Soldiers in the unit. Normally, the
commander is to the front and center of the unit and speaks facing the unit so that his voice
reaches everyone.

• a. The voice must have carrying power, but excessive exertion is unnecessary and
  harmful. A typical result of trying too hard is the almost unconscious tightening of the neck
  muscles to force sound out. This produces strain, hoarseness, sore throat, and worst of all,
  indistinct and jumbled sounds instead of clear commands. Ease is achieved through good
  posture, proper breathing, correct adjustment of throat and mouth muscles, and confidence.
  
• b. The best posture for giving commands is the position of Attention. Soldiers in
  formation notice the posture of their leader. If his posture is unmilitary (relaxed, slouched,
  stiff, or uneasy), the subordinates will imitate it.
  
• c. The most important muscle used in breathing is the diaphragm—the large muscle that
  separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. The diaphragm automatically controls
  normal breathing and is used to control the breath in giving commands.
  
• d. The throat, mouth, and nose act as amplifiers and help to give fullness (resonance)
  and projection to the voice.

3-7. DISTINCTIVENESS
Distinctiveness depends on the correct use of the tongue, lips, and teeth, which form the
separate sounds of a word and group the sounds into syllables. Distinct commands are
effective; indistinct commands cause confusion. All commands can be pronounced correctly
without loss of effect. Emphasize correct enunciation (distinctiveness). To enunciate clearly,
make full use of the lips, tongue, and lower jaw.

To develop the ability to give clear, distinct commands, practice giving commands slowly
and carefully, prolonging the syllables. Then, gradually increase the rate of delivery to
develop proper cadence, still enunciating each syllable distinctly.

3-8. INFLECTION
Inflection is the rise and fall in pitch and the tone changes of the voice.

• a. The preparatory command is the command that indicates movement. Pronounce each
  preparatory command with a rising inflection. The most desirable pitch, when beginning a
  preparatory command, is near the level of the natural speaking voice. A common fault with
  beginners is to start the preparatory command in a pitch so high that, after employing a rising
  inflection for the preparatory command, it is impossible to give the command of execution
  with clarity or without strain. A good rule to remember is to begin a command near the
  natural pitch of the voice.
  
• b. The command of execution is the command that indicates when a movement is to be
  executed. Give it in a sharper tone and in a slightly higher pitch than the last syllable
  of the preparatory command. It must be given with plenty of snap. The best way to
  develop a command voice is to practice.
  
• c. In combined commands, such as FALL IN and FALL OUT, the preparatory
  command and command of execution are combined. Give these commands without
  inflection and with the uniform high pitch and loudness of a normal command of
  execution.

3-9. CADENCE
Cadence, in commands, means a uniform and rhythmic flow of words. The interval between
commands is uniform in length for any given troop unit. This is necessary so that everyone in
the unit will be able to understand the preparatory command and will know when to expect
the command of execution.

• a. For the squad or platoon in March, except when supplementary commands need to be
  given, the interval of time is that which allows one step (or count) between the preparatory
  command and the command of execution. The same interval is used for commands given at
  the Halt. Longer commands, such as Right flank, MARCH, must be started so that the
  preparatory command will end on the proper foot, and leave a full count between the
  preparatory command and command of execution.
  
• b. When supplementary commands are necessary, the commander should allow for one
  count between the preparatory command and the subordinate leader’s supplementary
  command, and an additional count after the subordinate command but before the command
  of execution.

Reporting in

The purpose of reporting is to:

• involve everyone
  
• simplify assembly
  
• recieve enlisted feedback

You need feedback, and your soldiers need to tell you about their opinions. It will always get in the way of battle, unless you establish communication channels OUTSIDE of battle.

.-=*Drill Command*=-.

Two-Part Commands

Most drill commands have two parts: the preparatory command and the command of execution. Neither part is a command by itself, but the parts are termed commands to simplify instruction. The commands Ready, port, ARMS, and Ready, Aim, FIRE, are considered to be two-part commands even though they contain two preparatory commands.

• The preparatory command states the movement to be carried out and mentally prepares the soldier for its execution. In the command Forward, MARCH, the preparatory command is Forward.
  
• The command of execution tells when the movement is to be carried out. In Forward, MARCH, the command of execution is MARCH.

The commander gives the command AS YOU WERE to revoke a preparatory command that he has given. The command AS YOU WERE must be given prior to the command of execution. The commander cannot cancel the command of execution with AS YOU WERE. If an improper command is not revoked, the personnel execute the movement in the best manner possible.

Combined Commands

In some commands, the preparatory command and the command of execution are combined; for example, FALL IN, AT EASE, and REST. These commands are given without inflection and at a uniformly high pitch and loudness comparable to that for a normal command of execution.

Supplementary Commands

Supplementary commands are oral orders given by a subordinate leader that reinforce and
complement a commander’s order. They ensure proper understanding and execution of a
movement. They extend to the lowest subordinate leader exercising control over an element
affected by the command as a separate element within the same formation.

• A supplementary command may be a preparatory command, a portion of a
  preparatory command, or a two-part command. It is normally given between the preparatory
  command and the command of execution. However, when a command requires an element of
  a unit to execute a movement different from other elements within the same formation, or the
  same movement at a different time, subordinate leaders give their supplementary commands
  at the time prescribed by the procedures covering that particular movement.
  
• A subordinate leader gives all supplementary commands over his right shoulder
  except when his command is based on the actions of an element on his left or when the
  subelement is to execute a Column Left (Half Left) or Left Flank. Giving commands over the
  left shoulder occurs when changing configuration or a formation, such as forming a file or a
  column of fours and re-forming.

Directives

Directives are oral orders given by the commander that direct or cause a subordinate leader to
take action.

• The commander gives directives rather than commands when it is more appropriate
  for subordinate elements to execute a movement or perform a task as independent elements
  of the same formation.
  
• Directives are given in sentence form and are normally prefaced by the terms
  HAVE YOUR UNITS or BRING YOUR UNITS.
  EXAMPLE:
  Have your units open ranks and stack arms; bring your units to present arms.
  
• TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR UNITS is the only directive on which a commander
  relinquishes his command and on which salutes are exchanged.

FALL IN (formation)

Individuals form a formation at the position of attention, the basic drill position from which most commands are executed. Use army terms instead of the airforce terms shown in the video.

Application: if you need to organize surrounding soldiers, you can say fall in. Alternatively, you can say Line to my Rear, or Line to my Left. An order to fall in square formation will protect units from small arms fire in the center. This can also draw enemies to attack you with cannons. Use this to your advantage. Additionaly, a spread line formation attracts horses.

Stand at, EASE

Individuals stand still, but their eyes and head follow the person in charge.

AT EASE

Individuals are permitted light movement given their right foot does not leave the ground; they are not allowed to talk.

Application: You want the formation to hold position for a while but do not want them to talk.

REST

Individuals are permitted light movement and may also engage in quiet conversation as long as their right leg is planted on the ground. Can also be expressed by the command "Relax."

Application: You want the formation to hold for a long time and want to allow them to talk.

Parade, REST

A more comfortable form of attention.

ATTENTION

Sometimes pronounced in the shortened forms Ten-hut or Tench-hut. Individuals snap to the position in which they are standing straight, looking forward, and not moving. When called while in "Forward MARCH" the formation will begin to march in cadence. The command "Route Step (forward), MARCH" is given when there is no need to stay in step.

Application: when your soldiers are distracted with the tides of war, you can call them to attention. If they are not in formation, they will be quiet. If they are in formation, they will snap to the direction of the formation and maintain silence.

Anyone can say this command when an officer enters the room or is calling attention. Sergeants and officers feel respected when a subordinate brings order to the ranks in times of poor leadership capacity. The principle of conformity brings unity. Unity evokes teamwork.

Dress right, DRESS

Movement in which individuals except those on the extreme right side raise their left arms parallel to the ground and lock their heads to the far right in order to get the proper distance from each other. This is maintained until the command: "Ready, FRONT." At which point, the individuals return to the position of attention.

Application: For all intents and purposes, this command is to be modified for use in the game for spacing control. All soldiers in the formation raise their muskets by blocking up. The person on very right of the line formation does not move. Everyone else strafes left to align all muskets bayonet-to-butt. Everyone holds the command until "ready, FRONT."

READY, AIM, FIRE

All of these are commands of execution.

• The function of READY is to let everyone know you are able to fire. Have your men physically confirm that they are in firing mode, reload if necessary.
  
  
• The function of AIM is to let everyone know their target. Everyone selects their best shot, and this allows time for the leader to inspect the firing pattern.
  
  
• The function of FIRE is to discharge your weapon. Please note that shouting "HOLD FIRE" is one of the most confusing things you can say to your unit.

Shoulder, ARMS

Bring the rifle to your shoulder. If you are firing, stop firing. If you are reloading, stop reloading.

Present, ARMS

Individuals execute a hand or rifle salute and hold it until given the command "order ARMS."

Order, ARMS

Individuals bring their hand or rifle back down to their side.

Right (left), FACE

A command given from a halt towards a formation to turn 90 degrees to the right or left as one unit. everyone turns after they hear, FACE.

About, FACE

A turn 180 degrees facing the opposite direction, executed to the right.

Route Step, MARCH

Individuals walk normally without being in step. Often used on long marches or when crossing a bridge to avoid creating harmonic rhythms. The squad follows the leader through turns at a normal speed without spoken consent.

aka, "NW Serpentine formation."

Forward, MARCH

Everyone WALKS forward when they hear MARCH.

Walking makes everyone the same speed regardless of terrain. This makes it possible to stay in formation. If someone is not in place or has fallen behind, they can run to catch up. Walking is the only way that a unit can stay orderly. It has obvious speed disadvantages.

Double time, MARCH

Individuals RUN until they hear Forward, MARCH or HALT.

Company/Platoon/Squad/Fireteam, HALT

Stops the formation, everyone remains at ATTENTION. This command always needs a prepatory command.

COVER, RECOVER

In short, everyone focuses on reforming the shape of the formation.

If a soldier falls, the command COVER, signals all soldiers with an empty space in front of them to step forward to fill the void. The formation will keep focus on the fixing the spacing infront of them until the command RECOVER is used.

Application: Say COVER to replace the fallen soldiers to keep the enemy anchored. The enemy favors shooting easy targets and will hold their position to maintain their perceived vantage point. Making your unit an easy target HAS MANY EFFECTIVE PURPOSES. It is the job of the line infantry to APPEAR as an easy target to shoot.

Close/Extend (to the left/right) MARCH

Right/left step, MARCH

Individuals take side steps to the right (left).

INCLINE LEFT/RIGHT

The lead man inclines left (right) around the obstacle and resumes the original
direction. All other members follow the lead man. The whole command is a command of execution.

Column Half Right/left, MARCH

A 45-degree pivot to the right (left) while marching. Everyone pivots at the same LOCATION.

Column right/left, MARCH

Everyone pivots at the same LOCATIONS that the squad leaders will turn. A movement in which the entire formation executes a series of turns depending on their position. The goal of this movement is to get the entire formation to turn to the right (left) while keeping the same people in the same positions known as column formation.

Right/left Flank, MARCH

The entire formation turns AT THE SAME TIME when it hears MARCH and continues to march. This action transforms a column formation into a row formation and vice versa.

Also known as "by the right flank, MARCH"

Right/left Oblique, MARCH

A 45-degree pivot to the right (left) while marching. Everyone pivots at the SAME TIME. They pivot when they hear the word MARCH.

To the Rear, MARCH

A turn 180 degrees while marching, also executed to the right. Continue to march after execution.

Application: To quickly change the direction of the unit. Repetition of this command can confuse or intimidate an enemy if used properly.

Column of twos/threes, to the to the right/left, MARCH

Forming a column of twos from a file is executed only from the halt. The command is Column of twos to the right (left), MARCH. On the preparatory command, the lead team leader commands STANDS FAST. The trailing team leader commands Column half right (left). On the command of execution MARCH, the trailing team leader executes a column half right (left), inclines to the left or right when the correct interval is obtained, and commands Mark time, MARCH and Team, HALT so as to halt abreast of the lead team leader.

File from the right/left, MARCH

Forming a file from a column of twos is executed only from the halt. The command is File from the left (right), MARCH. On the preparatory command, the lead team leader commands Forward. The trailing team leader commands Stand fast. On the command of execution MARCH, the lead team marches forward. The trailing team leader commands Column half left (right) when the second man from the rear of the lead team is abreast. He gives the command MARCH when the last man of the lead team is abreast of him and his right foot strikes the marching surface. He then inclines right or left to follow the lead team at the correct distance.

FALL OUT

Individuals drop out of formation and adhere to light infantry doctrine. A break from organized command can be tactically and socially beneficial.

Application: Tell the formation to fall out if you want to:

• promote individual action
  
• survive an artillery strike or musket volley.
  
• discourage projectile barrages
  
• attract melee encounters

DISMISSED

Relieves your command. Do not say anything important after you dismiss a unit.

Application: Dismiss the platoon to signal an OK to disconnect from the game or to leave the platoon.

.-=*Formations*=-.

Here are some concepts when planning tactics and formations.

• Illusion of choice: "One hand lies, the other tells the truth." Formation variation is critical. The illusion of choice is the driving fundamental behind the calm and collected line warfare doctorine. The most common example is to give your enemy the choice of shooting your easy target line infantry or chasing your spread out skirmishers.
  
  
• Area denial: Pick an area and do not let them have it. Areas like hills and choke points are great locations to not get flanked, so deny these areas. You can even use artillery to deny an area from a distance.
  
  
• Adaptability: Change your plan frequently. This causes the enemy to change their plans and gives more opportunities for them to mess up. This however is a double edged sword because every change is a risk.
  
  
• Simplicity: The simplest orders are the best. It is complicated to make formations during certain circumstances, such as wedge to mixed order. It is best to use formations that are executed quickly from current formations.

Line (row)

Line formation is the best offensive formation. It has a maximum of 3 rows with the squad leaders all at the left or at the right. It is hard to turn the formation to face a different direction, so the platoon may be ordered to fall out and then immediately fall in to a new orientation of the same formation.

It is weak defensively. It can be targeted easily and can be run down by cavalry if flanked or if the front ranks are not properly braced. This weakness attracts missiles and repels melee.

The best way to deploy line is on a mountain or across a hill. The irregular shape of the line increases the probability of enemy soldiers missing their mark. Increasing the spacing will decrease response time and melee capacity.

Column

Column is a melee attack formation. The formation is arranged in columns that run up and down, like a line in kindergarten. It is also highly maneuverable because everyone can see eachother and it reduces confusion during sudden changes movements. It should be used when you need to move fast. Left and right flank orders can juke volleys if properly executed.

The formation cannot fire more than the first 3 soldiers in the front of each line. The formation is also is easy to target by cannons and small arms fire from an elevated position. It attracts missiles and melee.

The soldiers in the front will fall when you are close, so have your squad leaders at the rear of the column. This initial loss is actually your advantage!!! You will attract 100% attention and this effect must be used strategically since all your units have not dispersed yet. Your melee unit should be in enfilade as much as possible to small caliber weapon units. This makes your entire unit as small of a target as possible. If you do this correctly, you will have over 60% unit integrity when you enter melee. Use your column to cut through and seperate the enemy's unit, they will back off once they are separated. Your column will require followup from another unit or the enemy will counter attack after the charge contact.

Square

This formation forms a box with 2 to 4 rows on each side and the sergeant and officer in the middle. This formation is normally at fire by command. It is strong against cavalry when the outside rows are properly braced and the inside row fires its volley before contact.

It is stationary and vulnerable to cannon fire or small arms fire from any distance.

Order square on cavalry only when it is easily deployed. if you don't finish the formation in time, It will be devastating.

Wedge

This formation makes all soldiers form a double row wedge, braced and at melee, facing forward at the enemy cavalry. This is a surprise offensive formation.

This formation needs support. Easily flanked. Square is a less offensive, more defensive alternative.

This formation is only for advanced commanders and soldiers that have a supporting musket line in their local area. Turning your soldier interupts the musket brace for 2 seconds. Best deployed after line formation right before they strike.

Mixed Order

Mixed order is a combination of columns and lines under the control of one commander. The platoon officers are relieved of their command temporarily so that the platoon officer and the first sergeant can organize and coordinate the advance of the columns under cover of the musket lines.

This advanced formation is difficult to organize and execute. It takes alot of time to prepare.

Use this formation to advance. Choose columns at flanks and Lines in the middle to protect from cavalry flanking. Choose lines at flanks and columns in middle to advance on infantry and skirmishers.

Skirmish

Soldiers are spread out in a line and instructed to run away INDIVIDUALLY when approached and to flank when ignored. Their job is to create a crossfire or to better yet surround the target safely. It is the most defensive formation when it surrounds the enemy.

This formation is weak against skirmishers, and cavalry. It is effective against Line infantry. The formation attracts melee and repels missiles.

If you are forced into melee, the engaged soldiers will kite the unit into a more vulnerable location. The unengaged soldiers will envelop the target while keeping distance. Once the enemy is surrounded, all of your soldiers that are in the enemy's FOV should be evasive while blocking. Your soldiers that are not in the enemy's FOV can: shoot, reload, reposition, or jab-spam.

Phalanx

This is a tight melee formation characterized by:

• slow movement speed.
  
• over-the-shoulder attacks.
  
• line leader on the right.
  
• inexperienced on the left.

It is vital to the function of the formation that it remains slow. The slow speed makes it possible to stay in formation and prevents unpredictable movement.

Using over-the-shoulder attacks will allow you to attack closely infront of your allies on either side. It also greatly reduces the chance of team killing when attacking towards the right. Under-arm attacks can be used according to the diagram.

Every soldier adjusts their position according to the soldier on their right. "The soldier on the right is always right." This ultimately means that the person all the way on the right is always in control of the line.

The lesser experienced soldiers are on the left side and the most experienced are on the right side. This prevents the natural side effect of drifting a stationary formation.

Echelon

This is the counter to a phalanx formation. It is how the Romans defeated the Spartans.
It is characterized by:

• Engaging in melee with your strongest units on the left.
  
• Avoiding melee and shooting enemies with your units on the right.
  
• Enticing the inexperienced enemies to charge and alter their formation.

*Works Cited*

http://www.drillpad.net/
http://www.drillnet.net/1862/1862.htm

[antoshq]

Jeez, too bad my former leader didn't know any of the communication basics...

[MiPu]

wow maan this is very nice tut
thank you :)

[tmp^]

Too fucking hardcore for me

[Timi]

You Know What I Do,
Make Them Line Up In 2 Rows Of 3, Me At The Front And Tell Them To Keep In Formation And March Behind Me, If You Leave The March I Will Shoot You. :D

[Zude]

British commands are slightly different than US commands. Every country has their own commands. But American marching more closely resembles that of germany.

[General Bacon]

As you're a US soldier, will not the formation commands you use be different to British ones? I go off an 1816 drill manual and it seems markedly different

[Zude]

Help is the most confusing command that can be uttered. Help what? Help where? Help when? How do I help? A good example is "rez me under the hill in 10 seconds." Use jargon sparingly. It helps instant communication only when everyone knows the jargon.

[76561198037870106]

Zude
You're rule about "full sentences"
yeah about that I think in the heat of battle I think most people will send bits of info each message....
ecspecially for help.....

[Zude]

Suggestions should be before and after the battle. Leadership positions should be cycled to give everyone a chance to be a leader. Like you said, none of us are tactical geniuses. Most regiments have a ranking system that no one seems to understand, so steer clear of them and join regiments that offer leadership learning.

[KNIGHTC]

You would be right with the no suggestions if everyone on NW went through leaderhsip and tactics training like they would if they were in the military. The fact is most commanders in the game are hardly tactical geniuses, and should be open to suggestions.