ORIGINAL: Mobius
I don't see a way to relate multiple waypoints in a simple platoon order command. It is like issuing written orders to all the subunits of just how far to go before turning off the highway, what point to turn 48° move another 120m and what tree to park next to in advance of actually moving out. At least how do make it seem like this is not happening?
First, I don't understand the difference between waypoints and "order chains" mentioned by Eric?
Second, this discussion reminds of the discussion on covered arcs. While I agree that a long chain of waypoints is unrealistic, and unnecessarily complex, having a couple of waypoints is in no way unrealistic.
In real life, if a platoon leader wants his platoon to move to a destination, he could simply point to it and rely on his trained and experienced squad leaders and TCs to execute the move along the best covered routes. Or he could simply lead himself and rely on his subordinates to follow him--no need for written orders at all.
And all this nonsense about "48 degrees" and "120 meters"--again, in real life, no one would think about meter or degrees at all--they're thinking in terms of covered routes, potential kill zones, etc. For instance, why is it unrealistic to suppose that a squad would sneak 20 meters up to a road, dash five meters across the road, and then make a 90 degree turn into a gully on the far side? They wouldn't be thinking about any of the meters or degrees--just "up to the road"--"across the road"--"into the gully".
The fact is that IN REAL LIFE you have subordinates who can think for themselves to at least some extent and don't need *every* *single* *action* spelled out for them (yes, even in the Russian army!). In a game where your subordinates are unthinking automatons, you need waypoints to give them some semblance of intelligence.
If you're worried about people getting carried away, limit the number of waypoints (2-4?).
