Who is the squad leader now?

[Xerkis]

If the squad leader is taken out, does next in line take over? Example: the First Sergeant is eliminated, so the Corporal takes over automatically as squad leader.
Or can you pick who is now the leader?
Or are you just leaderless?

Since a lot of the game is base on morale, I could see how this would make a big difference depending on which way it is.

[Lillarpy]

If the squad leader is taken out, does next in line take over? Example: the First Sergeant is eliminated, so the Corporal takes over automatically as squad leader.
Or can you pick who is now the leader?
Or are you just leaderless?

Since a lot of the game is base on morale, I could see how this would make a big difference depending on which way it is.

Indeed it does. Also the squad acts earlier in the round based on which rank its leader have. So killing the Squad leaders makes an impact on the turn-system too.

Every Squad (A force have 5 Squads) have at least 2 soldiers. These are that Squads Squad Leader and Second Squad Leader. In the Force builder you chose the rank for both of them. And when the Squad Leader dies the Second Squad leader takes over, if he is alive. Otherwise you have an squad of privates!

The only rule is that the second squad leader can not have the same nor higher rank than the Squad leader.

[Xerkis]

So if both the squad leader and second squad leader are eliminated – does that mean you have a squad that will basically be sitting there going, “you rush the bunker.” “no, you rush the bunker.”
And not worth much in action anymore.

Also, I assume that the AI has the same rules – but can you easily tell who their squad leader is? And perhaps try gunning for him.

[nomet]

The AI has all the same rules. A squad can still act but there initiative is terrible representing the issues of not having a commanding officer.

[Lillarpy]

So if both the squad leader and second squad leader are eliminated – does that mean you have a squad that will basically be sitting there going, “you rush the bunker.” “no, you rush the bunker.”
And not worth much in action anymore.

Also, I assume that the AI has the same rules – but can you easily tell who their squad leader is? And perhaps try gunning for him.

"-I rushed the bunker the last time!"

Well more or less, it is a crushing blow to the morale for any squad to lose both Squad leaders but as long as their morale ain't broken they can still be used in battle; it is just that they won't hold for long under the pressure and will more often retreat or get pinned because of the lack of leadership. Also they will often be the last squad to act every turn because of their lack of leadership.

Ai do play under the same rules!

The Squad Leader is easy to tell, he got an star above his head to symbolize he is the leader. The second squad leader gets an star first then the first Squad leader is dead!

In Team Assault most often you can not target soldiers directly. You target the squads, not the unique soldiers in that squad. However you have full control of which of your soldiers shot at which squad.

But! But Snipers in our game can target soldiers in enemy squads. They are Squad leaders biggest enemies! If you have an sniper in ambush somewhere where he can target an enemy squad leader you often deal a heavy blow to your enemy! Just beware of counter-sniping.

[Xerkis]

Thanks for the wonderful explanation.

This brings a follow up question now.

During game play, can you merge two squads?

Example:
Squad “A” has a leader and only 1 other soldier. Squad “B” has no leaders but two soldiers. Can I now place the men of squad “B” in to squad “A” to make one more complete squad instead of two smaller incomplete squads?

[Laxen]

Nope, no such feature. Would have been nice to have though

[Xerkis]

Something to put on the list for Version 2.0

[Laxen]

Absolutely!