diff --git a/test/gh-aw-plan-lifecycle.test.ts b/test/gh-aw-plan-lifecycle.test.ts
index 0ea79de93..cc99879c9 100644
--- a/test/gh-aw-plan-lifecycle.test.ts
+++ b/test/gh-aw-plan-lifecycle.test.ts
@@ -853,6 +853,11 @@ describe('#1757: squad-plan-validate has adversarial teeth', () => {
     expect(factChecker).toMatch(/Never emit `RESULT: PASS`, `RESULT: FAIL`/);
   });
 
+  it('uses automatic model resolution instead of the literal inherited model', () => {
+    expect(factChecker).toMatch(/^model: auto$/m);
+    expect(factChecker).not.toMatch(/^model: inherited$/m);
+  });
+
   it('requires all five DA elements with concrete semantic thresholds', () => {
     for (const section of [
       '##### Steelman of the opposition',
diff --git a/workflows/squad.md b/workflows/squad.md
index 16c1d385f..e8ea8a4df 100644
--- a/workflows/squad.md
+++ b/workflows/squad.md
@@ -2546,7 +2546,7 @@ Full/last: `✅ Done`, state = Activated. Terminal — no next action needed.
 ## agent: `fact-checker`
 ---
 description: "Produces advisory Devil's Advocate evidence for plan validation"
-model: inherited
+model: auto
 ---
 
 Operate only in Fact Checker's Devil's Advocate mode. Review the complete