Squad Leader Archive

I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but I read about half of the "wishlist" and all of the FAQ and didn't see it. So, here goes.

As much as groups are emphasized, there seems to be a lot more potential. Specifically, I think that leader-to-warrior communication needs a lot more attention. Last Saturday at the MASC/NDC Battle on Bloodfin, I was in a group that had little understanding of what the overall goal was, when the event was starting, who we were targeting, what the other team was doing... I know, this is typical battlefield mayhem (and yes, the Rebels were disorganized anyway). But I don't think it has to stay this way.

I propose that Squad Leaders have the ability to form a Battalion by inviting the Squad Leaders from each individual squadron into a single group. This should minimize confusion and maximize tactical effectiveness of the team, as it does in RL.

Some technical details:

1) In this group, the "Group Chat" window would be visible to all team members, and the Battalion Leader would command all of the smaller squadrons to work as a team.
2) The list of members in the Battalion would list only Squad Leaders, enabling up to 400-member forces. I'd like to see a little number in each of the Squad Leaders' names denoting the number of people in their sub-group.
3) The /sysgroup command would work within each squadron lead by a Squad Leader. However, these messages would also echo to the Battalion Leader with the idea that he needs to be aware of what his teams are doing.

So, questions:

Q1) Should specials (volley, retreat, rally) work only with each subgroup, or should the Battalion Leader be able to command the entire force from top-down? Before you say "of course" think about the sheer power of 400 advanced strafe shots focused on one player during PVP. Hardly "balanced" LOL...
Q2) If specials are enabled by the Battalion Leader, should they be disabled for the sub-group Squad Leaders in the interest of balance?
Q3) Should each of the squadrons be required to have a Squad Leader in order to be a candidate for the Battalion invitation? I think yes.
Q3) How about a designated alternate Battalion Leader, in the event that the primary should go down in battle?
Q4) Am I dreaming up an entirely different profession here? LOL Battalion Leader?

These are just some thoughts. I know this is a little rough but hey, that's why I'm approaching you for "refinement".

I kinda like this idea, it definitly sounds interesting, especially for large scale raids. I know several times fighting at Mos Syn we've had three full groups running around with none sure what the other is doing. A direct way for groups to communicate would really be nice.

As for your questions, here's what I think:

1) Specials should be in the place of the group/squadron leaders, not the battalion leader, because when you think about it, a battalion commander wouldn't be near the front lines, he'd be in a command post directing his forces, the squad leaders would the ones right with the troops.

2) Yes, but I don't think battalion commanders should be able to affect the whole battalion.

3) Yes, a squad leader should be needed for this position, this would encourage more people to actually stick with the profession. Also, the battalion commander should have to be a Master Squad Leader.

4) Don't know this is needed, but it could be used.

5)Nah, see my #3.