Chain of Command – Squad
One of the most important factors associated with military structures is how well the lowest level of the Chain of Command operates. In military context, a chain of command is a line of authority and responsibility to which orders can be passed down from a higher authority. This article is based off of my experience with developing and using a chain of command in my past and present clans. Everything being written will be based off of the United States Army Ranking System.
In regards to Squad Leadership, I would recommend a 1 to 3 ratio between leaders and members. To every 3 members, there should be 1 leader, just like how the United States Army does it for their Infantry Fire Teams. However, not everyone will be available for scheduled drills and matches, so I would never structure my roster with Fire Teams in mind. I would define Squad Leaders within a squad to provide overall leadership and management for his respective unit as a whole, in-game and out of game. Keep in mind that this structure is based around playing games instead of real life military structures.
For the Untied States Army realistically would have 6 different ranks involved within a Squad: Private, Private First Class, Specialist, Corporal, Sergeant and Staff Sergeant.
The image below shows ideal positions for each rank:
The members, or regular members, should be the bulk of the squad’s manpower and hold no authority in the Squad. The senior members should be able to take command of the Squad in event that the Squad Leaders are not present. They’re usually next in line to take command of a Squad, and most likely to have gone though formal training for these positions. They should not hold any administrative permissions in regards to managing the squad. Assistant Squad Leader and Squad Leader hold the administrative permissions in regards to managing the Squad, and report directly to Platoon Headquarters (or any other higher command.)
The idea behind this type of structure is to allow members to figure out who is in charge in official games easily, and allow for a more flexible management structure outside of game. Here are some examples of possible events that this structure can be used for:
- Third Squad within Second Platoon, Baker Company has: a Staff Sergeant as Squad Leader, Sergeant as Assistant Squad Leader, and a total of 8 Senior & Regular Members. Example: Second Platoon experiences a transfer of it’s Platoon Sergeant. Because of this, the Squad Leader of Third Squad is promoted to Platoon Sergeant of Second Platoon. The Assistant Squad Leader therefore is promoted to Squad Leader, and a senior member is selected for promotion to Assistant Squad Leader.
- First Squad within Third Platoon, Easy Company has: a Sergeant as Squad Leader, Sergeant as Assistant Squad Leader, two Corporals as Senior members, and 12 Regular Members. Example: For some reason, both Squad Leaders are missing for a match against another Clan. The most Senior Corporal assumes the role of Squad Leader, and the least senior Corporal assumes the role of Assistant Squad Leader for the match. These Senior Members would have the authority to continue in the official game.
- Second Squad within Third Platoon, Able Company has: a Sergeant as Squad Leader, Corporal as Assistant Squad Leader, four Private First Classes as Senior Members, and 6 Regular Members. Example: During a course of events, both the Squad Leaders were discharged for inappropriate activities within the Clan. The most senior Private First Class is promoted to Assistant Squad Leader and the Platoon Sergeant of Third Platoon assumes the role of acting Squad Leader, until a replacement is found or the new Assistant Squad Leader is deemed ready to manage the Squad.
- First Squad within First Platoon, Fox Company has: a Staff Sergeant as Squad Leader, Sergeant as Assistant Squad Leader, Corporal as one of the Senior Members, and 8 Regular Members. Example: While in a public game on the server, the Corporal notices that a regular member of his squad is acting inappropriately on the server in front of public players. The Corporal attempts to get the member to stop his activities, however is ignored by the squad member. None of the Squad Leaders of First Squad are online, however the Platoon Sergeant of First Platoon was on. Acting as Squad Leader, he informs the Platoon Sergeant of the activities of this member. The Platoon Sergeant now can manage the Squad in the absence of the Squad Leaders to get the member to stop the inappropriate activities.
A Squad should be a formidable force in any game. Any Squad should have the ability to impact the flow of a battle using sheer force. Each Squad should have a well-rounded arsenal of weapons for any missions. With that in mind, it’ll be up to the Clan Leader (or any authoritative leaders) to assign loadouts for their respective games. In any official games, or drills, it would be highly recommended to get Squads broken down into 2-3 teams with 2-4 individuals per team. This gives the Squad a tactical advantage in any confrontation against any other squad or clan.
Some basics to which Team Leaders and Squad Leaders need to focus on when developing their tactics.
- Aspects of formations, special rules of engagements, sectors of responsibilities, squad movements, etc.
- Keeping members informed with relevant information.
- Ensuring good situational awareness by simple formations. Proper sector coverage and security is always a must.
- Having disciplined initiative and momentum in the heat of battle, by all parties involved.
- Maneuvering members or teams across the battlefield with good and timely orders.
Keep in mind that no one will ever replicate military organization. It’s too hard to simulate in any game. Everyone needs to develop their own way of controlling their Squads in the heat of battle. Having a standardized doctrine will allow members to be transferred across to different Squads with a minimum learning curve. Again, keep in mind that the information provided here is simply to help Clan Leaders accomplish any structuring goals they might have.
