Identifying separate squads

[Kaedes Nex]

How do you guys tell which squads are which? For example, if you combat squad, or you just have two identical units next to each other, how do you tell where one unit ends and the other begins, so you don't take wounds off the wrong squad?

I've seen some people suggest painting a stripe on the rim of the base, separate base colors, squad shoulder colors, squad markings, etc. But what about those of us who have unmarked or generic or combat squads?

 

With the new formations, sometimes shuffling around Tactical Marines to fit a Gladius in one game or a CAD in another may cause incompatible squad markings. What I thought about doing was using grass tufts on the base. I'd put tufts on one squad of 5, then the next squad of 5 would get no tufts and only rocks or debris. Maybe other squads can get two tufts for each member, etc.

 

That way when you mix them up, you still have a coherent, uniform scheme with no glaring squad markers, but you will always be able to tell each squad apart from the amount of grass tufts on their bases. Any thoughts? Any alternative suggestions?

[Bryan Blaire]

I have the squad types and companies marked on my models, but no actual squad designators numerically, etc. That way I can rearrange squads if I need to, while still using the company markings to distinguish combat squaded units.

[Jarl of Wulfen]

I paint a number on the underside of the base.

[Koremu]

Squads are marked and numbered in the codex-approved manner, of course.

 

I'll admit Combat Squads can occasionally be problematic. There's no codex-designated markings between combat squads (because the separation between them is fluid, based on the needs of the battle).

[Carlson793]

Color coded round yard sale price stickers cut in quarters. Attach a wedge to the top of the base, usually between a models legs so it can be seen from front or back. Has the advantage of not being permanent, so I don't need to decide at assembly if the Marines with Heavy Weapons are Devs or Tacs.