The "Groups" (i.e. "squads" ) concept in Conflict doesn't enable the kind of "squad" level strategy and team work that it should. Currently the "Platoon" has only "Groups" and "Group Leaders" (which allows for locked "groups" of one player). There's no actual gameplay benefit of being a Group Leader.

I suggest that the hierarchy should be Platoon -> SQUAD -> Team. The current terminology of "group" is changed to "team" to avoid ambiguity (i.e. "Team" / "Team Leader" is the same functionality as "Group" / "Group Leader" is now).

The role of Squad Leader needs to be earned through expertise / rank / achievements, etc (with the possible exception of the start of the game).

This additional "Squad" level preserves the current mode of play where players can lock their own personal "Team" and do their own thing, however they still belong in the hierarchy under a Squad Leader (who has no specific control over them).

Squad Leaders should be able to see their location and the location of other Squad Leaders in their Platoon (but not any other players). This would enable much better co-ordination of strategy, etc. As is the case now, Team Leaders should not appear on the map (otherwise players would setup their own single player teams just to get the “perk” of having their position marked on the map).

The number of available Squads should be fixed per side according to the number of players in the Platoon. Say one Squad created for every 8 players in the team. Technically, Squads should allow there to be as many Teams as there players.

Additionally, the ability for a Squad Leader to annotate / draw on the map so that only their Squad can see would help communicate strategy and plans for their Squad subordinates (similarly the Platoon leader could annotate / draw on the map so that only Squad Leaders can see).

This recognizes a players "rank / experience" and provides some actual gameplay benefit and purpose for achieving "Squad Leader" (but players should be able to opt out of the role if they do not want the position of Squad Leader).

This gives players the optional flexibility of following a "leader" and teaming up with their Squad mates or "doing their own thing" without placing any burden on them of "having to follow orders" or "having to ask permissions" which a more rigid hierarchical team play command structure might enforce.

Additionally, it could be good to add the Squad Leader's radio frequency on the map marker to enable easier coordination with Squad Leader.

I think this very simple solution would add a lot to the team play aspect of Conflict, which to be honest is pretty lacking and quite haphazard at the moment.