# Squadron Composition Reference

> See the Standing Orders table in SKILL.md for the full list of standing orders and known anti-patterns.

- Skill: `tools-only/squadron-composition-reference` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tools-only/squadron-composition-reference`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/squadron-composition-reference/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: tools-only (https://skillmd.com/u/tools-only)
- Updated: 2026-09-29
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tools-only/squadron-composition-reference

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# Squadron Composition Reference

Use this file to choose execution mode and team size.

## Mode Selection

Choose the first condition that matches.

1. If work is sequential, tightly coupled, or mostly in the same files, use `single-session`.
2. If work is parallel but each worker only needs to report to admiral, use `subagents`.
3. If workers must coordinate directly across task boundaries, use `agent-team`.

## Decision Matrix

| Condition | Preferred Mode | Why |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Single critical path, low ambiguity | `single-session` | Lowest coordination overhead |
| Parallel discovery, synthesis by admiral | `subagents` | Fast throughput without peer chatter |
| Parallel implementation with dependencies | `agent-team` | Supports teammate-to-teammate coordination |
| High threat or high blast radius | `agent-team` + red-cell navigator | Adds explicit control points |

## Team Sizing

- Small mission: `1 admiral + 2-3 captains`.
- Medium mission: `1 admiral + 4-5 captains`.
- Large mission: `1 admiral + 6-7 captains`.
- Add `1 red-cell navigator` at medium/high threat.
- Keep one admiral only.
- Squadron cap: 10 squadron-level agents (admiral, captains, red-cell navigator). Crew are additional — up to 4 per captain, governed by `references/crew-roles.md`.

## Role Guide

- `admiral`: Defines sailing orders, delegates, tracks dependencies, resolves blockers, final synthesis.
- `captain`: Commands a ship. Breaks task into sub-tasks, crews roles, coordinates crew, verifies outputs. Implements directly only when the task is atomic (0 crew).
  - Crew roles: Executive Officer (XO), Principal Warfare Officer (PWO), Navigating Officer (NO), Marine Engineering Officer (MEO), Weapon Engineering Officer (WEO), Logistics Officer (LOGO), Coxswain (COX). See `references/crew-roles.md` for role definitions and crewing rules.
- `red-cell navigator`: Challenges assumptions, validates outputs, checks rollback readiness.

## Anti-Patterns

See the Standing Orders table in SKILL.md for the full list of standing orders and known anti-patterns.