[furryclan] tactics
Team positions - [GhostRider]
In prior installments, we have referred to techniques by other players and by real life SWAT teams involving the use of the element to clear a building. In many of these scenarios, there are specific roles to be played by different members of the team, such as: breacher, rearguard, etc.
Many serious co-op players, when playing a slow and deliberate game, will use the Red team to breach and gas etc, while Blue covers Red or covers the rear. That is fine but here is another formation which reflects actual tactics used in the real world.
When the element enters the structure, whatever it is, instead of having Red go first and Blue follow, try having the order be:
- Blue One
- Red One
- Red Two
- Element Leader
- Blue Two

Why would you do this? Well, it allows the Blue team to cover the Red team without trying to shoot over their shoulders and risking a friendly fire incident. When clearing a hallway, the element would proceed in this order to a doorway. Blue One would pass the doorway and continue facing forward, with his back to the door. He would proceed far enough down the hallway to avoid getting shot in the back when the door opens, but would not pass any other openings, if possible.
Red could then go about their normal task of opening, mirroring, gassing and so on. Meanwhile, Blue One is covering their front and Blue Two is covering their rear without any trouble. The EL is safely between the two sets of cover, directing the activity.
This is a real tactic that is taught by DOE instructors to SWAT personnel.
[furryclan] are committed to shaking up "standard" SWAT 3 tactics. Real SWAT elements don't stroll nonchalantly up to every doorway and mirror it. Not once the cat's out of the bag. When the action kicks off these guys move fast. So do we.
Introductory notes
- A question of style - [GhostRider]
SWAT3 can be played in many different ways. Get on your Element Leader's side by knowing what he expects of you. - The real world versus SWAT3 - [GhostRider]
SWAT3 is a simulation with various differences and similarities vis-à-vis the real world that you should be aware of.
Movies
- The role of the rearguard - rearguard.wmv
A short introduction to the role of the rearguard.
Positions and assignments
- Team assignments - [_Zero_], [furrycat]
and [GhostRider]
An argument against a rigid team structure.
[GhostRider] talks about an alternative formation preferred by real-life SWAT elements. - Principles of movement - [GhostRider]
How these formations work in practice. - The Rolling Point - [GhostRider]
How the 10-man capabilities of SWAT3 v2.x make this formation feasible. - Rearguard - [GhostRider]
How to be a good rearguard.
Tactical discussions
- Dynamic mode - [_Zero_]
Why "I'm going dynamic" is not the same as "I am a rambo." - Two man room clearance - [furrycat]
The drill for a fast and furious room clearance. - Dynamic entry - [GhostRider]
[GhostRider] elaborates on safe room entry and describes a team clearance. - 30 suspect games - [furrycat]
These fun games test your tactic mettle more than you would think.