To preface this course, we will first explore what a team may comprised of. In real games, as in real life, this need not be copied exactly, however, it may be a useful starting point for players new to team environments during matches. This layout will also be considered the basis for the drills that will be covered in following articles.
Within a game of gelsoft, it will be common for a game to comprise of 20 or more players for indoor games, with this potentially reaching 200+ players for some of the larger, outdoor events. With the size limitations on majority of the current fields we have available to use, and the diverse nature of the game play environments, a smaller group composition will normally be advantageous for players who wish to employ more deliberate and coordinated game play.
Within our military, and others around the world, this issue of unit size during training and operations has been often a major issue. Each nation has found a unique solution to how to subdivide and equip their formations, but through trial and error, they have each independently developed very similar systems.
For majority of nations, the smallest deployed formation in current theatres will often consist of approximately 8 personnel. This will then be subdivided into smaller 4 person teams. For commonwealth countries, these formations will often be referred to as sections, and bricks respectively. For non-commonwealth nations, the terms squad and fireteams will often be substituted. In practical terms, either name could be utilized interchangeably, however, for the following drills, the terms squad and fireteam will be the terms used due to many player being more familiar with the terms thanks to popular media.
The drills covered here, have been developed to function using only a 4 person fireteam as the basis for general game play. For more complex employment, they may be conducted by players combining fire teams into squads, and even multiple squads if the fields and mission objectives require such coordination.
The fireteam (brick)
The fireteam should be considered the fundamental formation and building block employed during games. This team size should allow players to move easily together during active games, and provide enough capacity for achieving basic game objectives. The basic fireteam should be comprised of approximately 4 players, however, player may wish to vary this from 2 players, up to 6, depending on the number of available players, the game objectives, the field and whether they are coaching newer gelsofters within the team.
The first thing that should be asked when forming a fireteam, is how experienced is each player within the sport, and do they have a preference for aggressive, or more supportive game play. These questions should be asked, not to exclude players, but to help the team determine what role within the fire team each player is best suited for. There are 4 primary roles within the fire team, of which, I will be referring to as:
- scout
- breacher
- gunner
- support
The roles here are named as to help highlight their main roles during the fireteam basic drills. Before elaborating on each position, it should be made aware that all members should strive on learning every position within the fireteam and should be capable of switching positions at any moment. During games, it is common for only some member to be have to re-spawn, and as such, positions may have to change to compensate during this time. Likewise, during larger events, it may be essential to reform and make new fireteams with little notice, and as such, having the individual flexibility of knowing all roles will be of great benefit to all players.
The Scout:
Within a fire team the scouts goal is to be the most forward, and observant player in the fireteam. They will often be more lightly equipped then other members to allow faster movement within a field. They will also be on of the primary close quarters fighting elements within the fireteam.
The Breacher:
The breacher is the member of the fireteam, whose primary aim, is to excel in close quarters environments. They will often be a highly experienced player whom knows the field and mission, and loves to get stuck into the fight. Both the scout and the breacher will be the primary close quarter combatants within the fireteam during the basic drills.
The Gunner:
In a fireteam, the gunners primary role is to provide a considerable amount of gel firepower onto a target area, whenever and wherever required in order to support their team. The gunner will often be a player whom enjoys firing vast quantities of gels at a target, and as such, will often be seen carrying either a machine gun style blaster, drum magazines, or just an excessive volume of loaded magazines.
The Support:
Within the fireteam, the support player has the most variety in how they can be equipped and employed during games. Depending on the mission and the teams requirements, the support player could double as a team leader, sniper, medic, or a nearly any other desired specialty player role. It is also a good position for newer players who are still learning the fundamentals of team play. This players main role, as suggested by the name, will focus around supporting the other members of the team to enable them to accomplish their goals.
Figure 1: Fireteam members
Throughout the following guides, I will use diagrams such as the one above to demonstrate the drills. Viewers should be aware that the numbers that coincide with the roles have no correlation with the seniority or importance of each position. They are only numbered in this manner to ease with the explanation of some of the drills.
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