BF2:Squads

From BattleWiki

Joining a squad is highly recommended, as it allows for more co-operative teamwork, makes it easier for the commander to move troops and makes it more likely your team will win. The exception to the rule is snipers, as they work best solo. Also, only join a squad if you are interested in taking orders - otherwise you will just be wasting a slot in the squad. To be honest, though, even if you "waste a slot" the obvious advantage to you is that you'll often have an extra spawn point available, one you wouldn't have if you are playing solo.

• By default the CAPS LOCK key will take you straight to the squad selection screen. Hit the "join" button next to a squad that isn't full ("6/6" means the squad is full).
• If there are no empty squads available, then create your own. You'll be leader by default.
• If you try to join a squad with a "lock" icon, you'll send a request to the squad leader to let you in, and he can approve or deny your request.
• You may get invited to join another squad. If you want to accept, you have to leave your current squad and go join the new one. I think the game is supposed to auto-switch you (or auto-assign you to the squad if you accept while not in a squad) but that hasn't worked for me so far.
• Even if you just want to solo, creating a squad for yourself and locking it will allow your commander to issue you orders, and you can talk to one another. IIRC, there is a 9-squad limit per side. It's entirely possible that this practice will cause problems for people who actually want to work together.

See the Squad leader and Squad member pages for more.