Edit Article

Edited by MA, IngeborgK

Whether you find yourself in a potentially life-threatening situation surrounded by people who have no idea what they are doing, or if you are simply playing a friendly game of paintball or airsoft with a group of walk-ons, they will need a leader in order to succeed. With a cool head and a bit of patience, you can be that leader.

Ad

EditSteps

  1. Command Inexperienced People in a Combat Situation Step 1.jpg
    1
    Always keep a cool head. Becoming angry and belligerent will make people want to avoid you far more than follow you. If you keep calm under daunting circumstances you will seem much more credible.
    Ad
  2. Command Inexperienced People in a Combat Situation Step 2.jpg
    2
    Don't panic. No matter how bad a situation gets, losing it won't help. Keep a level head and always try to assess a situation objectively to figure out how you can come out on top, or at least make it out alive.
  3. Command Inexperienced People in a Combat Situation Step 3.jpg
    3
    Speak calmly. This is perhaps one of the most important steps. Never yell at those under your charge unless an environmental condition such as noise requires it. Again, never yell at a compatriot in anger.
  4. Command Inexperienced People in a Combat Situation Step 4.jpg
    4
    Keep it simple. When explaining a plan to the inexperienced, always use the simplest terms possible. Avoid jargon. (I.E. "Try to sneak around their left side where they wont see you and shoot at them from there." is much easier to understand than "Initiate a flanking maneuver hard left, keep concealment heavy until you can open a crossfire lane.")
  5. Command Inexperienced People in a Combat Situation Step 5.jpg
    5
    Be receptive. No matter how many times you've been in a similar situation, the reasoning power of several individuals working together will always outweigh your own. Even if an idea that is suggested would obviously not work, explain why it would not (time permitting) instead of simply turning it down. This will make the others feel like they are being helpful, and part of a team, and will avoid similar mistakes in the future.
  6. Command Inexperienced People in a Combat Situation Step 6.jpg
    6
    Lead by example. While it may not be the safest for you personally, if the people following you see you are willing to perform a task they will be much more willing to follow you instead of suspecting you are using them as guinea pigs or bait.
    Ad


Add your own method
Save

EditTips

  • This can not be overstated: DO NOT ACT ANGRY. Acting hostile towards your followers will never help you, and will almost always do the opposite.
  • Use the strengths of members of your group. If you know a person is good at a particular task, have them perform it more often. This will promote a sense of unity and will allow your team to work more cohesively together.
Ad

EditWarnings

  • This is not a guide to tactics. Never attempt a complex maneuver with inexperienced group members. This will only lead to confusion and a negative outcome.
  • Do not "Play the Hero"! If a plan is unsafe, even the best leadership will not allow you to complete it risk-free. Your group is made of real people. Always remember that!

EditRelated wikiHows

How to
Support Our Military Personnel

How to
Join the Military and Survive Bootcamp

How to
Avoid Getting Shot by a Police Officer

How to
Create an Urban Emergency Evacuation Kit for Work

Article Info

Categories: Managing Conflict and Difficult Interactions

Recent edits by: MA

Ad

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,392 times.

Was this article accurate?

YesNo

Become
an Author!

Write an Article