diff --git a/GameSettings.cpp b/GameSettings.cpp
index 417c9e625..fe1afbb84 100644
--- a/GameSettings.cpp
+++ b/GameSettings.cpp
@@ -1289,6 +1289,10 @@ void LoadGameExternalOptions()
 
 	gGameExternalOptions.fNoEnemyAutoReadyWeapon			= iniReader.ReadInteger("Tactical Gameplay Settings", "NO_ENEMY_AUTOMATIC_WEAPON_READYING", 1, 0, 2);
 
+
+	// enable schedules and decision making for any named npc regardless of their team
+	gGameExternalOptions.fAllNamedNpcsDecideAction			= iniReader.ReadBoolean("Tactical Gameplay Settings", "ALL_NAMED_NPCS_DECIDE_ACTION", FALSE);
+
 	//################# Tactical Cover System Settings ##################
 
 	// CPT: Cover System Settings
diff --git a/GameSettings.h b/GameSettings.h
index eb7004c09..3ca503ff5 100644
--- a/GameSettings.h
+++ b/GameSettings.h
@@ -344,6 +344,7 @@ typedef struct
 	BOOLEAN fAllowInstantInterruptsOnSight;
 
 	BOOLEAN fNoEnemyAutoReadyWeapon;
+	BOOLEAN fAllNamedNpcsDecideAction;
 
 	UINT16 usAwardSpecialExpForQuests;
 
diff --git a/TacticalAI/DecideAction.cpp b/TacticalAI/DecideAction.cpp
index 05ababce2..b55d0a669 100644
--- a/TacticalAI/DecideAction.cpp
+++ b/TacticalAI/DecideAction.cpp
@@ -813,7 +813,7 @@ INT8 DecideActionGreen(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier)
 	// if real-time, and not in the way, do nothing 90% of the time (for GUARDS!)
 	// unless in water (could've started there), then we better swim to shore!
 
-	if (fCivilian)
+	if (fCivilian || (gGameExternalOptions.fAllNamedNpcsDecideAction && pSoldier->ubProfile != NO_PROFILE))
 	{
 		// special stuff for civs
 
@@ -1427,7 +1427,7 @@ INT8 DecideActionYellow(SOLDIERTYPE *pSoldier)
 		return( ZombieDecideActionYellow(pSoldier) );
 #endif
 
-	if (fCivilian)
+	if (fCivilian || (gGameExternalOptions.fAllNamedNpcsDecideAction && pSoldier->ubProfile != NO_PROFILE))
 	{
 		if (pSoldier->flags.uiStatusFlags & SOLDIER_COWERING)
 		{