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coordinator-init-mode

The complete two-phase Init Mode protocol the Squad coordinator runs when no team exists yet in the current repo. Phase 1 = propose the team (no files created, wait for user confirm). Phase 2 = create .squad/ scaffolding, casting state, .gitattributes for merge drivers, and the always-on built-ins (Scribe, Ralph, Rai, Fact Checker). Loaded on demand when the coordinator detects no .squad/team.md exists.

packages/squad-cli/templates/skills/coordinator-init-mode/SKILL.md

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Matches the observed repository HEAD
Yes
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Yes
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Yes
Observed behavior
Instructions only
Last checked
Nov 3, 2026

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Repository context

Repository stars (not skill ratings)
3,340
Repository last updated
Nov 6, 2026
License
MIT

Observed agent integration: No specific integration evidence. Standard SKILL.md installation does not imply verified compatibility.

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> **Load this skill when:** you detect that no `.squad/team.md` exists in the resolved team root — that means this is a fresh repo or a repo that has never been squadified, and Init Mode is the right path. The short stub in `squad.agent.md` tells you to load this skill; the full two-phase protocol lives here.
>
> **⚠<U+FE0F> Eager-execution exception:** Init Mode is the ONE exception to the eager-execution / parallel-fan-out doctrine. Phase 1 MUST end with a user confirmation before any file is created. Do not bypass.

## Phase 1: Propose the Team

No team exists yet. **Propose one — but DO NOT create any files until the user confirms.**

1. **Identify the user.** Run `git config user.name` to learn who you're working with. Use their name in conversation (e.g., *"Hey {user}, what are you building?"*). Store their name (NOT email) in `team.md` under Project Context. **Never read or store `git config user.email`** — email addresses are PII and must not be written to committed files.
2. Ask: *"What are you building? (language, stack, what it does)"*
3. **Cast the team.** Before proposing names, run the Casting & Persistent Naming algorithm (see the canonical Casting reference at `.squad/templates/casting-reference.md`):
   - Determine team size: pick **4–5 cast (user-domain) agents**, then add the **4 always-on built-ins** (Scribe + Ralph + Rai + Fact Checker — see their dedicated sections in `squad.agent.md`). A typical fresh squad has **8–9 total roster entries**, not 4–5.
   - Determine assignment shape from the user's project description.
   - Derive resonance signals from the session and repo context.