INTRO.: Communition is definitely the key to a successful group strike or group defense. Unlike the lone-warrior, a group is comprised of many individuals, each with different viewpoints, strengths, etc. Communication between group members will allow the group to work as a cohesive unit, making it possible to overcome even larger groups which are less well-structured.

LEADER: The leader is the key group member. Though all members of the group are important, it is the responsibility of the leader to make decisions for the group. Having simply one leader prevents conflicting orders. Of course, how well the group performs relies heavily on the ability of the leader to make good decisions and give clear and accurate orders.

FORMATIONS: (See Formations) A group should be organized into a formation to suit the job it intends on performing. Simply put, different formations have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the positions of hostiles encountered. It is often a good idea, despite a formation chosen, to assign members of a group to monitor certain aspects of the visual field. (i.e. One member is assigned to watch 1 through 3 o'clock, the next is assigned to watch 3 through 5 o'clock and so on to cover all possible points of attack.)

Once a formation is decided, the group should attempt to maintain that formation unless ordered to assume another or if terrain does not permit it.

SCOUTING AHEAD: One common mistake with group attacks is failure to do some recon before moving in. Some may argue that this is pointless in small skirmishes (i.e. less than 5 people per side). However, if one is planning on having a successful group attack, one will see that preliminary knowledge about the enemy's positions, weaponry, etc. will be invaluable in the battle.

Simply put, it is more difficult for a group to move quietly than it is for a single person. As such, a single member of the group, preferably one who can move quickly yet quietly, should be sent on a scouting mission to determine the enemy's whereabouts and relay this information back to the group. With this information, one's group will be more prepared for enemy engagement when the time comes.

GROUP ATTACKS: A group attack must be co-ordinated well for it to be successful. Too many a time have I seen what apparently seemed to be a large attack group fall into disarray and actually be forced to retreat when engaging a smaller, yet co-ordinated attack group.

Roles for each of the group members should be assigned prior to engaging any hostiles. If each member knows their job, the attack will go much more smoothly.

However, the most successful attacks not only are the result of each member having an idea of what they should do, but are also the result of the leader being able to make the group adapt to any unforseen complications during the attack. As useful as the early recon is, it obviously cannot predict how any given attack will be countered. As such, it is the role of the leader to spend at least as much time participating in the enemy engagement as well as overseeing the group's performance. If certain members are contending with more hostiles than expected, the leader should send more of his group's members over to reinforce the weakspots.

The leader should also be listening to the reports the members of the group are giving during engagement. Group members should always vocalize any unexpected findings to other members of the group to alert them to possible threats or areas where safety can be found. As stated earlier, the better a group can communicate, the better it will be able to function and overcome any unexpected situation.