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The Commander is selected through what is called an election, which takes place at the beginning of the round. Although it is called an election the command position is awarded to the highest-ranking player (click here for rank list) who applies for the position. You apply by going to the squad tab and hitting "apply" for commander. If you are awarded the command position you will be asked to accept the position, you can do so by simply pressing the page up button when you are alerted. Below you will find the basics to being a commander.
Points:
The most asked question we get is how do I get command points? After doing some research around we found it seemed no one really knew the answer. So we went to work and this is what we found.
Command points are acquired through what your team does, not what you as commander do. Any time a player on your team scores a point the commander gets points. So you get points earned by a member of your team during your command divided by the total number of team members at the time.
The surprising thing we noticed is no points were awarded for any amount of artillery kills or supply crate repair/supplies. So you really only get points through your team.
Now if you make kills they are counted towards your global score. You can also gain badges that require a certain amount of kills such as the knife or pistol badges.
At the end of the round the commander also receives double points if he/she is the commander of the winning team. So scoring just 50 points can be double to 100. The double score however does not count towards badges. If you join at the end of the round and only gain 2 command points, and your team wins only the 2 points you gained as commander will double. So you would only gain 2 extra points for a total of 4 command points.
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The command screen is your main interface to the battle. It gives you views on all aspects of the game and allows you to issue orders, drop artillery , supply drops and much more. 
The command screen contains several parts which all provide information on the battle. It can be broken down into 6 main areas.
The Top bar area:
Located at the top of the command screen it gives you information on what map your on, your score, tickets remaining, and in some cases the amount of time remaining in a round.
Bottom bar area:
This area gives you the ability to select what types of units are shown in the main map area, and a resign button which will allow you to give up the commander position.
Chat Area:
This area allows you to send messages to your team and keep up with what's going on in the battle while in your command screen.
Squads 
This area shows you the different squads under your command. You can quickly spot what types of classes are in the squad allowing you to judge what best task the squad is suited for. Such as squad with an engineer can be sent to repair commander assets or a squad with a spec ops can be sent to take out enemy assets or bridges. You can also check on the health of each unit in a squad from this screen allowing you to see if you need to drop supplies to badly beat up squad.
To issue orders to a squad you need to click on which squad you want to send those orders to. Once you select the squad you can then issue the orders via the main map area. (more on that further down).
You can also tell your squad its doing a good job/bad job or other short messages by right clicking on a squad. 
You can also see from this area of the screen if your squad has accepted your orders or not. In the picture above you can see the red X this red X means the squad decided to not follow your orders. If in the X's place a green check mark is present then that means the squad has agreed to fallow your orders.
Main map area probably the most important area for a commander is the map area of the commander screen. 
This space allows you to take control as commander, issue orders to squads, drop artillery and much more. Right click in the map area to bring up your menu options...
To issue an order to a squad simply click on the squad then right click on the map area and choose what orders to send.
The map area also has three zoom levels. You can change the zoom by right clicking on where you would like to zoom in on and then hitting the zoom option.
1x which gives you a view of the entire map area.
2x which gives you a closer view of the battle area 
3x which is the close up view of the battle area. This will come in handy when guiding troops. You can warn of enemies sneaky up on them or give location in real time to the squad leader. 
Zooming in can also help your ability to make more accurate supply and artillery drops.
The map itself contains information, on which flags are in your control, neutral or in enemy hands. Icons of your squad locations show up as well as your own (blue circle with star). Squad icons show up as green circles with numbers in the center representing which squad it is 
You can also see which of your assets have been destroyed by looking for a yellow icon as seen below
When issuing an order in most a line representing the task assigned will show up. A attack order would show up as seen below: 
Defense orders show a purple marker and each order has various colors and symbols.
Command Assets
The commander has 4 "assets".
UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle scans the area in which the commander selects. The rest of the team is able to see any enemy units present inside the UAVs scan radius. The UAV can be destroyed by 2 C-4 packages or 3 TV guided missiles from a helicopter quickly. (Other units can damage the UAV but takes substantially longer.) Aircraft bomb runs can also make quick work of the UAV. 
Satellite: The SAT allows the commander to see every unit on the map in one scan. The effects quickly run out and can only be seen by the commander. When the scan moves over an enemy a red blip will show up, the commander can then call out the enemy unit to the rest of the team. The SAT can be destroyed by 2 C-4 packages or 3 TV guided missiles from a helicopter quickly. (Other units can damage the SAT but takes substantially longer.) Aircraft bomb runs can also make quick work of the SAT. 
Artillery: Artillery is the most powerful weapon at the commanders disposal. It can rain down a devastating barrage on enemy units taking out entire squads. It can destroy and damage most vehicles. The commander does not get TKs for killing friendly units with artillery nor does he gain points for killing enemies with Artillery. It is essentially just to help clear out or suppress the enemy. Most maps you have multiple artillery units. In most cases the each artillery unit will fire three shots each then begin to slowly rearm. Artillery can be destroyed by 2 C-4 packages or 3 TV guided missiles from a helicopter quickly. (Other units can damage the Artillery but takes substantially longer.) Aircraft bomb runs can also make quick work of the Artillery
Supply drop The supply drop is the only command asset safe from the enemy. It can resupply and heal your troops and also repair other command assets and vehicles. The enemy can just as easily use the supply crate so watch where you drop it. 
You can call on all of your items up from the command screen. Located in the top left. 
The assets can only be used so often. After they are used it takes a short time for them to replenish. If they are destroyed they will stop replenishing and sit until repaired. The picture below shows the Supplies ready to be used, the SAT partially refilled and the UAV and artillery destroyed. 
Once an item is full you can then use it. Below shows what the UAV and Supply drop look like on the commander map. 
Tactics/Tips
Most tactics have to come from experience and learning the game, but some of these may help.
Communication:
The best advice I can give is to have open communications with your squad leaders. If possible use voice over IP to talk to your squad leaders. The default key to the command channel is the letter "V" on your keyboard. This will open up a channel to all the squad leaders at once. Squad leaders in return can reply using the same method but unlike you the other squad leaders cannot hear them only you can hear them. In most cases you wont need to call out orders via the map if you have open communications.
Focus
Keep on top of the battle but don't get over whelmed. The commander doesn't gain points from fighting so find a safe spot and get to command. Use the zoom feature to follow squads and call out dangers over the voice chat. Don't fire artillery the instant you get it. Use it wisely your not gaining anything for yourself by just throwing it out so wait until it's really needed. However keep the SAT and UAV on as much as possible. Report troop movements you spot but don't spam. It will only annoy your troops and possible get them killed if they cant hear over your spamming. YES WE KNOW THE SNIPER IS THERE ALREADY DAMN!
Repair
Repair your assets with a wrench its in the engineering kit. If you cant get to your assets (your base has been taken) then use the supply crate if the area is clear. If its not dropping a supply crate will just give the enemy the ammo to blow up your assets again.
Don't fly
DO NOT EVER fly and command. You cannot properly command a battle and fly a jet or chopper. I consider it the job of every player to blow a commander flying the "f" up and mutiny...
Mutiny
Ah yes mutiny if your going to command, be prepared to have a mutiny against you. If you're trying don't worry about it. It's not on you. All commanders get a mutiny, even if you're winning and the best commander ever. You will get a mutiny on you. On the other hand some commanders need kicking for lack of effort don't be one of those.
Ultimately commanding is simply common sense. If you think through your actions you will be fine.
Credists to http://www.secretsofbattlefield.com
Being the best Squad Leader you can be
When you decide to create a squad you are taking on a very important role. You are not just another player you are a moving spawn point, a small base, a fortress. This means that anyone in your squad can spawn at your location! Think of how powerful a tool that is! However, with this power comes huge responsibility. You must be prepared to be the brains, eyes, ears, and mouth of the operation. This is not to say that everyone in your squad is merely a grunt, however it is very important that you be on top of things. I have outlined 4 steps below that WILL make you a better squad leader
Characteristics of a Good Squad Leader
Good Communication Skills - You MUST be able to communicate efficiently with your squad
Seasoned Veteran - You MUST know your map and be a rather decent player
Being Aware of all things that are happening - You MUST be able to use logic to deduce what may be happening next on the battlefield.
Step 1: Naming your squad
If you are playing in a public server and don't have friends or a clan already laid out, naming your squad is very important. Some of the best names that should encourage team play are as follows.
Blackhawk: often brings in team players.
Teamwork: This is one of the more popular because it says it right there.
Mics Only: This is my personal favorite because it encourages people with mics to join your squad. In the next step I will show you that communication is a key part of having a successful squad.
Aviators: Having an "Aviators" squad can be VERY useful in BF2. On most maps there is usually no more than 4 or 5 people in the air. If you establish a squad for those players, it can encourage communication between the aircraft and make domination of the skies inevitable.
Step 2: Establishing Communications with your Squad
I know that communication is stressed in many of our tutorials, however, because you gain such an advantage with the application of good communication skills I must stress it again. This is not a lie! Without communication, your squad will not function properly! Communication is so important that the majority of this tutorial will revolve around the proper communication techniques. The first thing I do when I create a squad in a public server is determine the communication abilities of the other players in my squad. First, I test my mic to make sure the other squad members can hear me. If I do not get a verbal response on VOIP I then ask people to respond with "Roger That" if they can hear me. Note: If your squad members do not have mics but can hear you, your responsibilities as a squad leader have just increased two fold. Now you are the one they will rely on for ALL communication.
Step 2a: Communication: What do I have to do?
You might now be thinking, well what do I have to say to these people? The answer is EVERYTHING! If you are playing in a public server you must assume that everyone in your squad is oblivious to what is going on. No offense to your fellow teammates, but if you don't assume this you will find that many of your squad members will be left in the dark. It is up to you to tell them where enemy fire is coming from, where you are going next, what flag just went neutral, where enemies will be coming from next, Who should do what, what kit players should select, and so on. In saying this I must stress that talking too much can totally piss off your squad members. I've been in numerous squads where the squad leader is barking orders at his teammates, telling them what to do but he doesn't even know what the heck is going on. Make sure when you decide to be a squad leader you know what you are getting yourself into. It is a HUGE responsibility.
Step 2b: Communicating with the Commander The communications abilities of a squad leader also include the ability to talk with the commander. This is your responsibility. Request Artillery, UAV, Supplies, and MORE! Often times you will be working to a flag with your squad behind the front lines. The Commander knows what you are doing is important and may give you a UAV, however if he does not, ask him to do a scan and let you know the current status of enemy positions.
Squad Leader: (Approaching Suburbs from the South) "Hey Commander, this is squad 4 could you do a scan and let us know how the Suburbs look?"
Commander: (Sitting in his cushy office) "Sure let me get a scan going."
Scan Initiated
Commander: "looks like you have a few guys coming up the hill west of your position, other than that you look clear. Here, I'll try to spot them out for you"
Commander: "Enemy Infantry Spotted!"
Commander: "Enemy Sniper Spotted!"
While this is an ideal situation, it does happen often. If the commander knows you are a competent squad leader using team tactics, he will most likely be more than willing to communicate with you. As we all know, the better your squad does on the battlefield, the better the commander score at the end of the round.
Step 3: Constant Awareness There are many things going on during a round in BF2. As a squad leader you must know what is going on not only near your current location, but also in the surrounding areas. For example, If a flag near you goes neutral you know that the enemy is there. Once that flag is captured, through logic you can determine the enemy's next move. The use of logic is key when being a squad leader. While I can't give you a lesson on using basic logic skills I can tell you the things you need to be aware of.
You should be able to...
Determine the most probable position that enemies will be moving next at all times.
Know what flag the enemy just neutralized, what flag your team just neutralized, where the enemies are, etc.
Decide the best place for your squad in order to best help your team.
Use your Judgment to decide where to go next.
Communicate enemy positions and your intentions to your squad.
Examples of Communications
Squad Leader: (Mashtuur) "We have a sniper on the water tower, 1337h4xor go take him out, Medic123 go with him and give him some support."
Squad Leader: (Karkand) "They just neutralized the Suburbs, we need to go there and make sure they don't cap it."
Squad Leader: (Sharqi @ TV station) "I'm going to wait down here on the cliff, you guys go in and try to take the flag."
Squad Leader: (Have a Tank with Damage) "Jimmy7349 re-spawn as Engi, our tank needs repairs"
Step 4: Kit Selection
There is no definite rule for kit selection techniques in BF2. It is nice to have a variety of kits while in a squad. However, different maps have different circumstances and thus require different kits. On predominately infantry based maps you may need more medics, whereas on a map like Gulf of Oman you may need more engineers or AT. One thing that does hold true is that if you have a good squad, the squad leader should select support. Think of yourself as a base where your squad members can fall back to in order to get supplies. You will often be away from your squad giving them support. In these situations, suppressing fire is very useful while your squad captures a flag. However, you do not want to make yourself the center of attention for the enemy so be careful and use your judgment in determining when you can engage the enemy safely.
In addition, there is also no rule for Kit selections because of the constantly changing status of the battlefield. As a squad leader it is your responsibility to inform the squad of changing conditions on the battlefield. In other words, if a tank is closing in on your position you must notify your squad that if anyone dies and cannot be revived, they must re-spawn as AT or Spec Ops.
There is a recurring theme above that I hope I have made clear. The most important aspect of being a good squad leader is to be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with your squad and commander. Your role as a squad leader is very important! You will find that the best squad leaders will often times NOT have the most points in their squad, will NOT have the most kills, will NOT have very many flag captures. On the other hand, often times their squad WILL be the best on the team and their team WILL win. If your team wins and you have the best squad, be proud because it was you that made the win possible!
Credists to http://www.secretsofbattlefield.com
The knife badge is a concern to players as they move closer to the ranks which have badge requirements. Thats right the knife badge is required to get the better ranks. If you dont know about how the ranking system works I suggest you check out our rank section.
First off with the knife you're going to have to get up close and personal. Which means being sneaky! Now your going to get hit, in many cases rushing a player even if he sees you then hitting the ground and stabbing the feet will work but then can cause a high death to kill ratio. If you are trying to get the knife badge though expect to have a high death to kill ratio. I recommend starting out the round make one kill with a gun quickly to avoid the possibility of a purple heart *if you havent got it*. Then dont pull out the gun again. Some player's bunny hop into a crowd and slice and dice only problem if any of those guys have any skill with a gun a bunny hopper will be dropped before they get close. Although that doesn't mean bunny hoping isn't going to come in handy! *rolls eyes* Now I choose two maps karkand because of the concentration of people at certain choke points, meaning you wont have to cross an entire map to find a guy and Gulf of Oman because the beach flags are perfect for knife kills. I choose the medic class because if you don't get the guy on the first stab you may be in for a beating and you're going to need to heal yourself. If you do miss the first time and your enemy runs out of ammo it can turn into an ugly sight that's right the bunny hopper knife fight *shiver*
Now im not one to suggest you should bunny hop at all. In the case of you with a knife against a guy with a gun you will need to use all that is at your disposal to kill the guy and this can throw off noobs. A veteran is going to mow you down before you hit the ground though.
So I suggest being sneaky being sure you're close enough for a one stab one kill. If you kill a guy step back hide and wait. Many times you'll see a medic dive once you see that medic dive you dive! Land on top of the medic stabbing and you might just get two knife kills for the price of one if the medic brings the guy back. This works well on any map.
Now why Gulf of Oman? Well for one on the beach guys group up and you can easily get guys as they come around the corners of the walls but more importantly it has plenty of stinger emplacements. Which are prime targets for knife kills. (Any defensive positions such as MGs, TOWS, etc are great places to get knife kills) While they are attempting to bring down a jet or chopper you just go into stealth mode and walk right up to them stab one kill closer to your badge.
Snipers are good targets because they are focused on things in front of them and especially new snipers don't keep aware of what's around them or pick spots that just aren't protected enough. Prefect for you to sneak up on but don't rely on snipers as your main prey they are great to run across but you'll most likely run out of tickets before you find enough unaware snipers.
On the other side there is something to be said about going balls out and jumping into a crowd of guys and going to town. I've leveled entire groups of guys by *hangs head* jumping into the middle of them and knifing them. Many freak out shoot randomly pick a target and chase him down don't veer off...
So I loaded up a new username and went to town. I went with a EA server which maybe isn't the best choice since it takes forever to find a good Oman beach but I found one and joined shortly after the round began. Now its also best to remember to try on a round that has just started so you have as many tickets to work with as possible.
Also remember to use a server that is ranked. If you get your knife badge on a no name server dont be suprised if a day later your still sitting going where the #*#@ is my badge?
Now I went with spec op but I still recommend medic. 
Stinger kill
Jumped into a group of troops. 
I went down fighting!
Since its a new account I got the special ops award at the same time so I didn't get the knife badge popup. As you can see though plenty of tickets to spare! There are many methods but I've found this one to work well on both basic and veteran. Expert you just got to slice dice take names, but the basics still apply. Its easy and if I can do it that fast so can you. This was done the first round I tried!
Credists to http://www.secretsofbattlefield.com
