Command & Control
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ALiVE Player |
Contents
How It Works
C2ISTAR provides a set of tools for the player to use for Command & Control as well as various Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance functions.
Usage: Place the C2ISTAR module in the editor. Do not sync it to anything. Players require a laser designator (by default) in their inventory to access the functions from the ALiVE Action Menu. The required item can be changed in the module settings, for example the alive_tablet, which can be found in a standard support crate.
Note: C2ISTAR Task generation depends on at least one opposing OPCOM and one placement module. Civilian assault tasks work best when a civ placement module exists.
Commander Actions
Access C2ISTAR via Commander Actions in the ALiVE Interaction menu.
Personnel
The Personnel branch displays a Group Manager allowing players to join, leave and promote leaders of any AI Groups within spawn range (as defined in the Military Placement modules).
Intel
There are two types of intel available to player commanders in conventional (non-asymmetric) operations. Operational intel shows the current situation for commanders only and global intel is displayed on the main map for all players. In asymmetric environments, players can also gather Human Intel (HUMINT) by talking to civilians.
- Intel Tablet: Operational Intel can be accessed via the Command Tablet and will display the current objectives of AI Commanders and the location of units on the map. The Intel can be restricted to Side or Faction only in the module options.
- Map Intel is global intel generated from enemy sightings and contacts from other friendly units. This intel decays rapidly and markers will fade out over time. Coverage can be used to simulate the accuracy and frequency that intel is received.
- Sector Displays will highlight sectors of the map where there has been recent military or player activity.
Logistics
The Logistics branch provides player access to the Military Logistics supply chain, allowing players to demand replacement vehicles and personnel from the global force pool. See Logistics Support for further information.
Tasks
The Task Manager enables player commanders to create missions and tasks or choose to have the system autogenerate missions and tasks for one or more sides. The task manager can optionally be set to persist tasks between sessions on the ALiVE Database (requires a War Room account).
Once in game, access the Task Manager via the C2ISTAR menu. Tasks markers will appear on the map and in the player tasks section.
There are three task types:
- Create Task: manually created tasks can be assigned to a side, group or individual players. This will simply place a task marker on the map and will need to be manually updated when completed or failed. Parent tasks can be selected to build a mission with a number of associated sub tasks.
- Generate Task: will automatically find a suitable task and location based on the chosen criteria and the current tactical situation. This is useful if players want to carry out a specific task in support of OPCOM.
- Autogenerate Task for my side: will continuously generate missions and sub tasks for players in support of OPCOM as the tactical situation changes. These tasks may still be manually edited if required.
Note: Tasks must be assigned and active for them to be completed.
Operational Command & Control
The Operations branch gives players the ability to directly influence the battle at the operational level by taking high level command of AI groups and issuing missions and tasks. Players can request tactical intelligence and situation updates from the AI Commanders, take control of AI groups and give limited orders, or take over command of AI groups entirely in High Command mode. Groups under temporary control will complete the given task before returning to the AI Commander's control. Groups under command will remain so until released by the player.
Military Reports
ALiVE's Tactical Reporting suite includes support for Spot Reports (such as SALTA and SALUTE reports), Situation Reports and Patrol Reports. The more military minded will note that these reports have been customised from the NATO standard to increase accessibility and provide seamless integration with the War Room Ops Centre. Reports are recorded in the Map Notes section with a reference marker on the map. If Database synchronization is enabled, Reports will also appear in the War Room Ops Centre (Ops Centre is WIP).
Advanced Markers & SPOTREPs: APP6a military markers can be placed by Ctrl-Left Clicking on the map screen. Checking the SPOTREP box will open a sub menu to add a hasty SALTA report (Situation, Activity, Location, Time, Friendly Action). Ctrl-Right Click the marker to delete it.
Send SITREP from the ALiVE Interaction menu. These should be posted periodically throughout the course of an operation. Unit SOP's vary but typically SITREPs are sent to HQ every 15 mins when in contact or every hour when out of contact. A SITREP covering recent activity should always be sent after a task has been completed.
Send PATROLREP from the ALiVE Interaction menu. Patrol Reports are typically sent on returning to base after the completion of a patrol and may summarise information from a number of SITREPs and SPOTREPs (these can be cross referenced in the PATROLREP).
Developer Notes
OPCOM does not currently recognise tasks created manually by players. This is due to be added later along with some more advanced task types for OPCOM to carry out in support of the Player, such as AI recce, surveillance and target acquisition.
You cannot delete or edit reports. Once they have been sent to HQ, they stay sent!
War Room Ops Centre is Work in Progress. It probably won't be ready for Release 0.9!
