[SWAT 4] Tactical Candy: Scan by Point vs Cover

[SAS_Random]

UPDATED:

There is a scan tactic based on the classic angular search technique common to stealth room to room searching. It's very helpful in small team CQB and also helpful when quickly bypassing open doors to get to a more immediate or important objective.

The scan has traditionally been performed by the Coverman in SWAT4. The player begins strafing across an open doorway to check for threats in a room about to be searched or bypassed.

In the old method...
-if a tango was seen during the scan, the Coverman would move back into formation trying to avoid being compromised. The team would then be able to execute dynamic entry.
-if no threat was detected, the team would continue into the room using stealth entry tactics, or bypass the room entirely and move on.

The problem I see with using the Coverman to scan/strafe the opening is one of coverage to the Coverman's flank while scanning beyond 90 degrees to the opening. The Pointman is trying to keep forward coverage, but the Coverman will, at some point, cross the muzzle of the Pointman.

I would recommend...
The Coverman would set up on the outside shoulder of the Pointman, and while the Pointman scans the opening, the Coverman moves with him keeping the forward covered. This will also work for full sized teams of 4 and 5.

If the team is compromised in any direction, issue compliance and engage as needed.

If the decision is made to work the room, the Pointman would enter first, followed closely by the Coverman, then the Rear Guard would collapse into the doorway to cover the hall. To exit the room after it's cleared, whomever enters first would leave last since he probably had the deepest penetration into the room. The Rear Guard would become the Pointman as the team moves on.