Join a squad or be kicked.

[StabbyTheHobo]

I don't generally post a lot, but this particular issue is begining to aggrivate me. I'm sure I'll recieve the usual "then don't play the game" responses, but I just wanted to voice my opinion on this subject. I'll appologize beforehand if the subject has already been covered.

I'm seeing the title of this thread in servers more and more every time I log on. While I can understand the reasoning behind this message, it still chaps my a$$. I agree with joining a squad and I agree with following the orders given by SLs(squad leaders) and CCs(Commanders). But more times than not, I would rather play as a Lone Wolf. The reasoning behind this is simple.

1.) Commanders: Most CCs don't bother paying attention to what's going on in the field short of where to drop an arty strike. I can't count the number of times I've been in a squad and we requested UAV or Supplies only to be ignored as our CC bombs the hell out of a flag 400m from our position while dropping Supplies on the lone sniper out in BFE who can't hit sh1t. These same CCs usually don't get involved enough in the battle to send orders to the SLs, and when they do, they make no sense. Our squad is taking heavy fire defending a newly aquired flag, and the CC tries to send us after another flag as opposed to sending reinforcements to help defend this one.

2.) Squad Leaders: The majority of SLs don't bother relaying orders to their squad. It seems that many don't realize that they can choose to send their own orders. Even if you have a CC like the one I mentioned above, a good SL can still coordinate strategy. Unfortunately, they don't.

3.) Squad Members: I really feel bad when I join a squad of 4-5 people and see a SL trying to communicate an offensive/defensive strategy, only to have the entire squad hop in various pieces of armor and drive off in random directions.

For those, and many more reasons, I usually won't join a squad. I'll usually just play Lone, and defend flags as opposed to attacking. If I'm invited to a squad, I'll join and give it a try. The invite itself shows a bit more leadership than over half the squads out there. But if I notice the above happening, I'll leave and play Lone again.

One of the biggest complaints about BF2 is the lack of teamwork. Some people think it's because of noobs, some because of rank/awards. While I agree somewhat with those, I think the problem is really a total lack of discipline. Yes, I know it's just a game. But even in the game there needs to be a bit of discipline for a squad/team to work effectively. I don't know, maybe it's just me.


Just stating my opinion. What do you guys think?

[imported_Soda]

All you said is true, but I get over it.

[Rammy]

I never join a squad, I take orders from nobody but myself

[Papigiulio]

I sometimes forget to join a squad until I need a UAVscan or some ammo/health-crate. Thing is, sometimes i get annoyed by the many orders i get from a commander that I leave a squad. Cus some commanders can be a pain in the arse

[StabbyTheHobo]

I'm not saying it keeps me awake at night, Soda. I'm just curious if anyone else feels the same way.

[livilaNic]

I agree with ya. I'm get aggravated with the crap commander's. "We need a supply drop over here, Sir!" and nothing...as an AT specialist with no ammo and pinned down. It get's old. But, joining squad's is needed. When the script is flipped (we'll say I'm commander) and no one's in squad's. It's really hard to do anything. Alway's stick together! If you see your squad going off into unknown direction's. Join another one. If that doesn't help? Create a squad and lock it.

Nothing is set in stone on the way to go about how to do this and that. I would suggest to do what work's for you and stick with that.

[fotis]

again i agree, good post. i think squads are acwe when stck together as you need ppl about. if you do join a squad and dicuss what each othe rare carrying you can ask other members to be resupply for you. Or like a small 2 man team.

[jmuduke]

I agree with everything he said. One feature that'd be good to have is the ability to communicate with other squad leaders as well as the commander and your squad so you could coordinate attacks on positions with other squads that are playing as a team.

[lenchmob]

Very good post...

[Yezo]

I agree with ya. I'm get aggravated with the crap commander's. "We need a supply drop over here, Sir!" and nothing...as an AT specialist with no ammo and pinned down. It get's old. But, joining squad's is needed. When the script is flipped (we'll say I'm commander) and no one's in squad's. It's really hard to do anything. Alway's stick together! If you see your squad going off into unknown direction's. Join another one. If that doesn't help? Create a squad and lock it.

Nothing is set in stone on the way to go about how to do this and that. I would suggest to do what work's for you and stick with that.

Keep in mind remember a commander has a recharge rate on his supply's. It may not be a crap commander, he may not have it available. So in essense if that is true, it would mean your a **** squad leader...

Just some food for thought. Commanders have a hard enough time when their assets get blown up, nevermind being able to send you supply's when they simply arent available.

[claevade]

Personally I always join a squad, but most of the time I end up doing everything myself and not really sticking together with my squad. Sometimes ofcourse you got rounds with good teamplay, especially on those Chinese maps. But a lot of the times it's just easy to be a spawnpoint (have people spawning on you) or have an extra spawnpoint to spawn.

[spikeyperson]

Theres a few more reasons as to why the squad system doesnt work as well as it should do -

Vehicles - theres no reason for a squad commander to complain about his squad being split up when hes in a vehicle that cannot accomadate a whole squad. Squad leaders in my opinion, should never occupy buggies and jeeps for the simple reason that the whole squad cannot spawn on him. And as for squad leaders taking jets and gunships - what are they playing at?

Too many people want to be squad leader - Seen to many games with 8 or 9 squads with 1 or 2 people in them. Rather have 2 or 3 squads with 5 or 6 people in them.

Lack of VOIP usage - Ive noticed over time that the squad leader who constantly uses VOIP maintains a loyal band of followers. When there is no VOIP used the squad is fragmented.

Some maps are too fast paced for any real squad work - Take strike at karkland, a good map, but not suited well in my opinion to squad play. The rate of death and the street to street fighting make squad co - ordination difficult.

Too many flagpoints- less flags would mean larger battles in fewer places - which would mean squad leaders would be more important as spawn points.

[spikeyperson]

on a further note of potential improvement ide like to see the squad leader have some kind of radial effect - anyone who is in a squad and within a close radius of the squad leader - gets a firepower or/and armour bonus, not by much - but enough to give an incentive to squad play. For this to work the squad must have 6 players though.

[smegger]

theres never going to be gppd teamwork, unless your with your friends clan because its the internet. i meantake a look at the post above..

never join a squad, I take orders from nobody but myself

its people like him who dont give a **** about anything accept getting his next unlock, thats why teaming up with random poeple wont work.
get some buddies together and its like a whole new game once you use teamwork.

[Vronsky]

Lack of VOIP usage - Ive noticed over time that the squad leader who constantly uses VOIP maintains a loyal band of followers. When there is no VOIP used the squad is fragmented.

Too many flagpoints- less flags would mean larger battles in fewer places - which would mean squad leaders would be more important as spawn points.

Excellent points. A well balanced squad that sticks together is the most powerful(and most under utilized) weapon in this game, hands down. VOIP helps make that possible.

Too many CPs on most maps, yes. Also, many people have brought up the idea of supply line CPs. You know, you can't take point B or C until you take point A. I believe this would make BF2 a far better game and place even more importance on having squads.