SAS: Spec-Ops Team Leader - A Guide to Squad Command and Control
Document Version: 1.0
Date: September 9, 2025
Pages: 14
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to SAS: Spec-Ops Team Leader
o 1.1 Game Philosophy
o 1.2 Core Mechanics
2. Squad Members and Specializations
o 2.1 The Rifleman
o 2.2 The Demolitions Expert
o 2.3 The Sniper
o 2.4 The Medic
3. Command and Control (C2)
o 3.1 The Command Wheel Interface
o 3.2 Issuing Orders (Movement, Engagement, Support)
o 3.3 The Importance of Overwatch
4. Strategic Planning & Reconnaissance
o 4.1 Pre-Mission Intel
o 4.2 The Role of Drones and Binoculars
o 4.3 Establishing an Observation Post
5. Engaging the Enemy
o 5.1 The Assault Phase
o 5.2 Flanking and Pincer Movements
o 5.3 Coordinated Attacks
6. Advanced Squad Formations
o 6.1 The Wedge Formation
o 6.2 The Line Formation
o 6.3 The Column Formation
7. Mission Management
o 7.1 Managing Resources (Ammunition, Medkits, Grenades)
o 7.2 Handling Wounded Squad Members
o 7.3 Calling in Support (Airstrikes, Artillery)
8. Tips for Effective Command
o 8.1 Think like a General
o 8.2 Learn to Trust Your Team
o 8.3 Adapt to the Unexpected
9. Understanding the Enemy
o 9.1 Enemy Squad Compositions
o 9.2 The Importance of Target Prioritization
o 9.3 Identifying Enemy Leaders
10. Game Glossary
o Definitions of key terms.
1. Introduction to SAS: Spec-Ops Team Leader
SAS: Spec-Ops Team Leader is a game of strategy, tactics, and command. You are not a lone
wolf; you are the brain of a highly trained SAS unit. Your primary role is not to fire your weapon
but to effectively command your team, issue orders, and react to the ever-changing battlefield.
The game rewards strategic thinking, a cool head under pressure, and the ability to utilize each
of your team members' unique skills to their fullest.
2. Squad Members and Specializations
Your squad is your most valuable asset. Each member has a specific role that contributes to the
mission's success.
2.1 The Rifleman: The backbone of the squad. Equipped with a standard assault rifle, they are
versatile and effective at a variety of ranges.
2.2 The Demolitions Expert: Carries explosives and breaching charges. They are essential for
destroying objectives, creating new entry points, and eliminating enemy fortifications.
2.3 The Sniper: Your long-range specialist. The sniper provides overwatch, takes out high-value
targets, and covers your team's advance.
2.4 The Medic: Carries a medkit and can heal wounded squad members. Keeping the medic
alive is a top priority, as they are essential for long missions.
3. Command and Control (C2)
Effective command is the key to victory.
3.1 The Command Wheel Interface: The command wheel (press and hold Q/R1) is your primary
tool for issuing orders. It allows you to quickly select squad members and issue specific
commands, from movement to target engagement.
3.2 Issuing Orders:
• Movement: Command your team to move to a specific location, whether it's a building,
a piece of cover, or a new vantage point.
• Engagement: Order a specific squad member to engage a target or to provide
suppressive fire on an enemy position.
• Support: Command your Demolitions expert to plant a charge or your Medic to heal a
wounded teammate.
3.3 The Importance of Overwatch: Always have one of your squad members, preferably the
sniper, on overwatch. They can provide covering fire, spot enemies, and warn you of
approaching threats.
4. Strategic Planning & Reconnaissance
A mission is won or lost before the first shot is even fired.
4.1 Pre-Mission Intel: Study the mission briefing and the tactical map. Identify key enemy
positions, patrol routes, and mission objectives.
4.2 The Role of Drones and Binoculars: Use your drone to get a bird's-eye view of the battlefield.
Spot enemies, locate sniper nests, and identify potential threats. Your binoculars allow you to
zoom in on enemy positions and tag them for your team.
4.3 Establishing an Observation Post: Before moving in, set up an observation post (OP) with
your sniper. This will give you a tactical advantage and allow you to eliminate high-priority
targets before the main assault begins.
5. Engaging the Enemy
5.1 The Assault Phase: When engaging a target, use your command wheel to issue attack
orders. Order your Rifleman to take point, the Demolitions expert to breach a door, and the
Support Gunner to provide covering fire.
5.2 Flanking and Pincer Movements: Never engage an enemy head-on if you can help it. Flank
them to gain a positional advantage. A pincer movement, where you attack from two sides, is
highly effective for clearing a fortified position.
5.3 Coordinated Attacks: Use your command wheel to synchronize attacks. For example, order
your sniper to take out a guard while your main team breaches the building at the same time.
6. Advanced Squad Formations
Formations are not just for show; they serve a tactical purpose.
6.1 The Wedge Formation: Good for moving through open areas. It provides all-around security
and allows for a quick reaction to threats from any direction.
6.2 The Line Formation: Best for clearing a wide area or advancing on a fortified position. It
provides a wide field of fire and allows for maximum firepower.
6.3 The Column Formation: Best for moving through narrow spaces, like hallways or streets. It is
less vulnerable to an ambush from the sides.
7. Mission Management
7.1 Managing Resources: Keep an eye on your team's ammunition count and health. Don't be
afraid to order your team to fall back and resupply if needed.
7.2 Handling Wounded Squad Members: If a squad member is wounded, order your medic to
heal them. Don't leave them behind, as you will need every member of your team for a
successful mission.
7.3 Calling in Support: On some missions, you can call in external support, such as an airstrike or
artillery barrage. Use these devastating tools wisely, as they are often limited.
8. Tips for Effective Command
8.1 Think like a General: You are not a soldier on the ground; you are the commander. Focus on
the bigger picture, and let your team handle the fighting.
8.2 Learn to Trust Your Team: You have a highly trained team. Trust their instincts and their
skills. Don't micromanage every move.
8.3 Adapt to the Unexpected: The battlefield is chaotic. Be prepared for things to go wrong. If
your initial plan fails, be ready to adapt and improvise.
9. Understanding the Enemy
9.1 Enemy Squad Compositions: The enemy will have a variety of units, from standard riflemen
to heavily armored soldiers. Learn to identify and prioritize the most dangerous threats.
9.2 The Importance of Target Prioritization: Take out high-value targets first, such as snipers,
machine gunners, and enemy leaders.
9.3 Identifying Enemy Leaders: Enemy leaders are often better equipped and can command
their own units. Eliminating them can cause the enemy squad to fall into chaos.
10. Game Glossary
• C2: Command and Control.
• OP: Observation Post.
• LMG: Light Machine Gun.
• HE: High Explosive.
• HVT: High-Value Target.
• Flank: To attack an enemy from the side.
• Pincer: To attack an enemy from two sides.
• Suppression: Firing at an enemy's position to keep them pinned down.