Squad Roles Guide - Support

It is vital in any team that everyone has at least a basic knowledge of how to operate in the roles of their teammates. Everyone obviously has their preferred roles and might not think they need to know how to operate an AT for example because they're always an MG gunner. However, if for example you team is attacked by a tank and your AT man is killed, when your squad leader tells you to pick up the AT, you need to instantly know how to use it, rather than having no clue and your squad being wiped out. The infantry squad will also feature members who's roles are designed to support and supplement the rest of the squad's abilities, increasing overall combat effectiveness.

Machinegunner
A machinegunner is the main suppressive force of any fireteam. His ability to rapidly put down a high volume of fire on specific targets make the MG excellent for support and suppression, allowing other elements to manouver and eliminate the enemy. In a defensive role, an MG can be a devastating tool, able to engage large groups of enemies at long range for sustained periods of time. A well placed MG can hold up and entire rifle squad for a very long period of time and inflict heavy casualties in a short space of time if the enemy are ill prepared or in limited over. Machine guns and their ammunition are generally heavier than a standard rifle, meaning that a machinegunner may work in a team of 2 or even 3, with one gunner, an assistant and an ammo bearer. An MG gunner must follow his FTL's orders and ensure that his weapon is positioned in a position to maximise his field of fire whilst ensuring cover/ concealment. If his FTL directs him to an unsuitable position, it is the MG gunner's responsibility to inform his FTL and seek out a better position. The MG gunner also needs to make efficient use of his ammunition, which can be quickly depleted due to the high rate of fire most MG's have. MG's may also be employed in anti-vehicle roles, due to their generally higher calibre rounds and high rate of fire. Due to the value of an MG to a team, it should not generally be used in a rapid assault, being more suited to a support role.

Medic
The medic is a vital asset to any squad. It is his responsibility to tend to any wounded troops, prioritising the wounded and caring to those who need it the most first. It is VITAL that that medic does not deliberately place himself in harms way, example by taking part in a high risk assault. If the squads medic is killed, one casualty can quickly turn into several, as there is no longer anyone to care for the wounded. If a wounded soldier is in a high risk situation, for example out in the open under fire, then the medic should direct another squad member to retreive the wounded man, rather than placing himself at risk. The medic also needs to be able to make objective decisions about who can be saved, and who is beyong help, as well as prioritising which troops need help first (e.g an AA specialist may be prioritised over a rifleman in some cases if the squad is under air attack).A medic may also need to decide whether a unit requires a medevac or whether they can be sufficiently treated in the field. When under fire, the medic should make good use of smoke cover and covering fire when attempting to retrieve wounded, and ensure that his position is secure before treating anyone, you dont want to be halfway through applying a bandage when an enemy soldier comes around the corner. a medic will generally be attached to the squad leader, and will be directed be him/her to where they are needed by the squad leader, following requests by FTL's. Before entering combat a medic needs to ensure that they have enough supplies (ACE) and suffiecient smoke grenades, whilst not carrying too much weight, as medics must be able to move quickly from one casualty to another. A medic may carry a weapon, however this is primarily for self defense as the medic is not intended as a combat soldier.