[Andreas]

What exactly is the role of a squadron leader in FS? Do they participate in combat missions or just do the paperwork and deliver the briefings to the pilots?

[Black Wolf]

The player gets to be squadrn leader at some point, so they must do. I suspect there's a lot more to it than just the missions though that the engine couldn't emulate.

[aldo_14]

Probably assign who flies, what they fly, what weapons they fly with, their individual combat roles and responsibilities, and maybe also plans certain aspects of the missions.

[Unknown Target]

Squadron leaders assign missions, briefings, do paperwork, and sometimes lead the wing in missions.

At least, I'm pretty sure that's how it works in real life.

[Flaser]

The higher-ups designate the targets and the type of deployment necesary.

The squadron leader weaponeers the mission (decides how many, what kind of ships and when will fly with whom in the cockpit).

In cut-off the squad. leader also has authority to follow up on his orders and designate objectives of his owns.