I often like to take a single squad out in order to run some basic team-building exercises. The purpose of these exercises is to increase our ability to listen and cooperate as a unit. New players will be taught the basics of the game while more experienced players will learn team skills while developing a trust with their fellow Outfit.

One of the most important things we during these drill squads, is develop a deep understanding and respect for following orders promptly and without fail.
For example, if a Squad Leader says: "Regroup at Warp Gate".
EVERYONE in that squad should immediately drop what they are doing, and redeploy at the Warp Gate. It should take no more than 13-18 seconds for an entire Squad to rally at a Warp Gate.

The ONLY exception would be currently firing your rifle at a target enemy downrange, kill or die and respawn. In ANY other circumstance, your squad leader will expect you to drop absolutely anything else you are doing.

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My drill squads remain -for the most part- NON-COMBATIVE, that is, we don't go looking for fights. We take part in flag-capping in order to better learn the nuances of operating as a squad.

Some skills learned during drill squads:

-Referring to yourself as a number, ditch your name pick a number
-Listening skills
-Proper ways to identify an enemy
-A third-eye for the mini-map.
-Class distribution
-PATIENCE

and many many others.

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It doesn't take much to take part in a drill squad, I only ask that you are on mumble during it. The quality of voice is so monumentally better and will cut down the "What did you say?"'s immensely. I will announce in Outfit chat when I'm hosting drill squads and that would be the time to hop on the band-wagon.

I suggest everyone interested in squad leading full-time do something similar in order to learn your squadmates. Develop a relationship with the people you may be working with later, it will be worth it in the long run.

In order to have a fully functioning squad, we need the full body of the squad fleshed out, and prepared to meet the expectations of the Squad Leader and ultimately, the Platoon Leader.

First off, the Platoon Leader. The Platoon Leader is the commander of the platoon, the absolute authority on the battlefield. Squad leaders look to the Platoon Leader for direction. The Platoon Leader must also take time away from shooting OFTEN in order to take a look at the map and assess the situation. It's important to know where every squad is, and having open communications with every Squad Leader. If you're interested in being a Platoon Leader, let it be known that you'd like that responsibility.

Squad Leaders. Although Squad Leaders get general orders from the Platoon Leader, it is the Squad Leaders responsibility to ensure that his twelve man squad completes that mission effectively and with minimal casualties. Squad Leaders must be able to make quick judgement calls and must understand that keeping your cool under stress is the best way to keep your squad in check. If you'd like to be a Squad Leader, let the Platoon Leader or Caviano know during a raid.

When it comes to certifications and being in an outfit,the best use of a cert point is the point that will benefit the crew the most. Many of our soldiers have already dedicated their certifications to things like Galaxies or other vehicles or professions. So work with some friends you've made within the Outfit, and see what your squad needs.


-Caviano