Command Element

A Command Element is an organizational unit meant to contain the commander/leader of a larger group as well as any support personnel they need - typically a Medic, a second-in-command, and/or a FAC. Each unit of Squad size or larger has its own Command Element.

The Command Element is a non-combat unit, in the sense that its members typically avoid shooting at enemies. This is done in order to keep the Command Element's position hidden; Exposing themselves to return-fire from the enemy is too risky and could be a costly mistake. Nevertheless, low-end Command Elements (e.g. the Squad Lead Element) does participate in active combat far more frequently than higher elements like the Platoon HQ or Company HQ.

The Command Element's leader is the commander himself, whether a Squad Leader, Platoon Leader or Company Commander. A Medic is nearly always present, whether to provide Medical Attention to the Commander himself or to the other members of the larger group he is commanding. High-level Command Elements may include a second-in-command who will assist the Commander with their duties (and take over if the commander is incapacitated or killed). Finally, a FAC is included in the high-level elements whenever air assets are available, to maintain coordination between them and the ground force.

Members of an infantry Command Element typically carry less equipment than other infantry. This allows them to stay mobile over long distances. This is less true for Squad Lead Elements, as they are expected to be more active during combat.

The Command Element is more likely to have a dedicated Scout Vehicle available for mobility, especially in Motorized Infantry or Mechanized Infantry setups. The Command Element of a Tank Company will always have a fast vehicle to allow it to keep up with the rest of the force. Note that a Tank Platoon does not have a Command Element; Instead the leader of the first tank in the Platoon is also the leader of the unit, and mostly behaves as any other tank commander.

Command Elements

 * Squad Lead Element (SL): Each Squad has a Squad Lead Element. By default, it contains only the Squad Leader and Squad Medic. The Squad Leader is outfitted with a Grenade Launcher and Binoculars, similarly to a Fireteam Leader, as well as any support equipment needed for the mission. The members of a Squad Lead Element are expected to fight on occasion. The Squad Lead Element stays close to the Fireteams at all times.
 * Platoon HQ (PLT HQ): Each Platoon has a Platoon HQ Element. It contains the Platoon Leader, Platoon Medic, and occasionally a Platoon Sergeant and/or FAC (though sometimes both roles are combined for one player). Platoon HQ is not expected to fight if they can avoid it. PLT HQ may or may not stay close to other elements of the Platoon. Members are generally lightly-equipped, and may carry GL Flares to support other units at night.
 * Company HQ (COY HQ): Each Company has a Company HQ Element. It contains the Company Commander, Company XO, and typically a Company Medic whose role is normally only to treat the other members of the element. The FAC will be attached to this element, if it exists at all. Company HQ avoids combat at nearly any cost, due to its importance. It typically keeps its distance from other units, staying some distance behind the front line to observe the battle and issue macro-level commands.