Should I be wearing a knee braces (compression/sleeve type) for doing squats and stuff? I've had knee issues for a while, but nothing requiring surgery just a little pain every so often
No you don’t need them. Now they may be nice as a support item but in the meantime I’d focus on volume based leg work so you can build up the supporting muscles around the knee before doing any heavy low rep sets.
Stick to an 8-12 rep range, find a stance that works well and focus on proper form.
I’ve also found my back and knees really like front squats and the more I did that the more I progressed with my regular back squats as well.