While the squad system is integral to Battlefield 5, it can be easy to overlook the role of a squad leader, especially if you rarely find yourself in the position. Whenever you play a match, one player will be chosen to be your squad’s leader; either you or one of your three squadmates. While the position can change between players during the game, the squad leader always has a few added responsibilities, and if you really want to maximise your squad’s potential, it’s wise to keep these in mind when you’re in the role.
The Responsibilities of a Battlefield 5 Squad Leader
Whether you’re playing with friends or with match-made players online, the position of squad leader is always random. However, if the squad leader doesn’t fulfil their duties, they can get kicked from their position, and somebody else in the squad will be promoted to leader. This isn’t as random; if somebody requests orders and receives nothing from the squad leader, they are most likely to be the new leader. If you want to be leader, you can also request the current leader to transfer the role to you in the Squad Organisation menu. It isn’t always obvious who the leader is, so look out for the squadmate with a field radio. All squad leaders have one of these to use to call in reinforcements. The squad leader’s name by the mini-map also has a diamond icon next to it.
Your first responsibility as a Battlefield 5 squad leader is to issue orders. You can issue an order by pressing the “Danger Ping,” option while you look at a map objective point. Alternatively, you can select an order from the Commo Rose. In either case, the order will go out to your team and a marker will appear on the mini-map. This can help keep your squad together and working towards the same objective. Plus, members of your squad earn bonus points when they follow your orders, and those points are important for your second responsibility. Note that squad members can also request orders, and if you don’t respond, you’ll lose your position as squad leader!
Your second duty as squad leader is to call in Reinforcements. As your squad plays in a match, you’ll earn Requisition Points. These can be spent on the different Reinforcements, four of which are available to each faction. (There are seven in total, as the Supply Canister is available to both sides.) These can be used to gain a significant advantage if used strategically, so be sure to put your hard-won points to use!