Platoon HQ

**Platoon HQ** (**PLT HQ**) is the Command Element of an Infantry Platoon or Mechanized Platoon. This small element serves as a functional grouping of up to 4 soldiers, each with a completely different role: A Platoon Leader, a Platoon Medic, and often a Forward Air Controller and/or Platoon Sergeant.

Although each of these soldiers carries weapons and combat gear, the Platoon HQ is a non-combat unit that will do its best to avoid contact with the enemy, so as not to lose the Platoon Leader to enemy fire.

The Platoon HQ's position is tracked on the map with a marker that follows the Platoon Leader's position.

## Typical Structure

### Typical Deviations

While a **Platoon HQ** element always contains a Platoon Leader and Platoon Medic by default, it may also contain up to two additional soldiers, each with a specific role. These are the Forward Air Controller (**FAC**) and Platoon Sergeant. Their participation in any mission, or lack thereof, depends on mission parameters and other factors.

A Forward Air Controller acts as a liaison between all ground forces and all Aircraft (**Air**) participating in the mission. This role only exists if there are any aircraft present, of course. He uses both Platoon Net and Air Net to convey messages between these two forces, coordinating Air Transport and Close Air Support. Though he is a part of the **Platoon HQ** element, the FAC is not fully subordinated to the Platoon - he's part of the Air group, collaborating with the Platoon. In some cases may even leave the Platoon HQ altogether if he is needed elsewhere (e.g. up in the sky, or observing for one of the Squads). While he is with the Platoon HQ, however, he has the advantage of being able to use Voice to confer with the Platoon Leader about their collaborative effort.

A Platoon Sergeant is somewhat rarer, and typically appears only when playercount is sufficiently high. The Platoon Sergeant can share some of the burden of Platoon Leadership, and is normally the first in line to inherit the Platoon Leader's position if he is killed. A Platoon Sergeant typically keeps track of the positions of friendly and enemy units, ensures that Squads perform their duties quickly and efficiently, and makes sure to point out anything the Platoon Leader might've missed. Furthermore, he serves as an additional pair of eyes (and gun) to protect the Platoon HQ element from any hostiles that threaten it.

Note: An experienced Forward Air Controller can fulfill both of the above roles simultaneously, but is always a FAC first. His main task is to keep the Aircraft coordinated, and only then shoulder the burden of Platoon Leadership, if at all required.

#### Motorized Platoon HQ

If the Platoon's Squads have been outfitted with motor vehicles for transport through the combat zone, it is likely that the **Platoon HQ** will also have such a vehicle all of their own - typically an unarmed Jeep or HMMWV - with which to drive around. Note that this vehicle does not have a dedicated crew to operate it - the members of Platoon HQ will drive it around themselves, and will often dismount whenever they have stopped. The Platoon Sergeant often serves as the driver for the vehicle, if he is present, though this doesn't override his duty as PLT Sergeant.
## Roles

Each member of the **Platoon HQ** has a completely different and unique role. The default Platoon HQ always contains a Platoon Leader and Platoon Medic, and typically has at least a Forward Air Controller *or* a Platoon Sergeant, if not both. Each of the players in these roles must be an experienced *ShackTac* member - particularly the Platoon Leader, as he is responsible for running the entire Platoon and fulfilling its objectives.

### Platoon Leader

*Main article: Platoon Leader*
 The Platoon Leader is the commander of an entire Infantry Platoon. Before the mission begins, he is given a set of objectives to accomplish, and must create a battle plan by which the Platoon will accomplish them. After formulating this plan, the Platoon Leader distributes orders to the Squads and to any other available assets, which they will attempt to follow as closely as tactically viable. Throughout the mission, he must constantly make adjustments to the plan according to the unforeseen problems that inevitably arise, and the ever-dwindling strength of his Squads and assets.

The Platoon Leader himself, along with the **Platoon HQ** element, accompany the Squads throughout the mission. The close proximity to the Squads allows the Platoon Leader to survey the terrain and make better-informed decisions about which Squad should move where, assault what, and provide cover from what position. He spends much of his time either looking at the map, using his binoculars to examine the battlefield, or speaking with his assets on the radio.

A Platoon Leader must be an experienced player with an aptitude for both strategy and command. In Company-level operations, he must be prepared for a possible scenario where he must take control of the entire Company - while also retaining command of his Platoon. He may delegate some or even all of his Platoon-leadership tasks to the Platoon Sergeant, if present, to alleviate some of the pressure.

### Platoon Medic

*Main article: Platoon Medic*
 A Platoon Medic is a soldier responsible primarily for the physical well-being of the members of the **Platoon HQ**. He is equipped similarly to a Squad Medic, with plenty of medical equipment. Having a separate medic in this unit is often crucial, because the Platoon HQ often finds itself far from friendlies - in which case an injury to any of them could end with fatalities if it were not for the immediate presence of a medical professional.

A Platoon Medic's job is significantly less involved than that of a Squad Medic, if for no other reason than the fact that the **Platoon HQ** is a non-combat unit which actively avoids drawing enemy fire. As such, his medical services are unlikely to be called for; On rare occasions he may even reach the end of the mission without having administered any medical aid whatsoever. This makes the Platoon Medic role a much more "laid-back" role (at least in most circumstances), which is why it is favored by Game Masters, or players who want a less intensive experience for a change of pace. Nonetheless, quite a few videos over the years have featured Platoon Medics in very intense situations.

On occasions where the **Platoon HQ** is in close proximity to other friendlies, a Platoon Medic may be called on to provide medical treatment to those friendlies, which he will do just like any other medic. This often happens when a nearby Squad has injured soldiers but has already lost its own Squad Medic. Injured Air Crew also prefer landing at the Platoon HQ's position for treatment by the Platoon Medic, as this position is often away from enemy contacts and the Platoon Medic can spare the time to treat the injured crewman - whereas a Squad Medic is often closer to enemy contacts and busy treating his own Squad-mates.

### Forward Air Controller

*Main article: Forward Air Controller*
 A Forward Air Controller (**FAC**) is a liaison between the ground forces and the Aircraft cooperating with them. This role only exists in missions that feature friendly aircraft, and only when those aircraft are an integral part of the mission. In missions where the Platoon is the largest unit on its side, the FAC is attached to the **Platoon HQ** element and can usually be found right next to the Platoon Leader. In larger missions, the FAC will likely be attached to Company HQ instead.

The FAC spends much of his time listening to both Platoon Net and Air Net, and relaying any pertinent information from one channel to the other. For example, when the FAC hears a Platoon Net report about a juicy target or a Squad needing assistance, he can direct CAS aircraft towards that target, advise them on ingress and egress routes, and maybe even give a Battle Damage Assessment after the attack is completed. Conversely, when the aircraft report a threat approaching any ground asset, the FAC will pass it on to the relevant ground units. Furthermore, the FAC often personally inspects potential Landing Zones and Drop Zones for the Helicopters, and is responsible for guiding them into the zone. Finally, the FAC keeps track of the condition, armament and location of all Aircraft, and periodically reports this information to the Platoon Leader.

While the FAC can be seen as the nominal commander of the aircraft, they can be extremely autonomous at times, and in emergencies may or may not actually defer to his judgment at all. Nonetheless, Aircraft become significantly less effective without a FAC to guide and coordinate them.

### Platoon Sergeant

*Main article: Platoon Sergeant*
 A Platoon Sergeant is the Platoon Leader's second-in-command. When present, his job is to help the Platoon Leader in any way he can, up to and including leadership tasks. He is first in line to inherit the position of Platoon Leader, on the event of his death. Furthermore, a Platoon Sergeant provides physical protection to the **Platoon HQ**. The Platoon Sergeant slot seems to be missing in some *ShackTac* videos - particularly in Adversarials - but is still quite commonly seen.

As the Leader's second-in-command, the Platoon Sergeant can help ease much of the burden of leadership. Just like the Platoon Leader, he must constantly keep track of all available information about friendly and enemy positions and strengths. He must listen to the Platoon Net, and call the Platoon Leader's attention to any transmissions he may have missed. The Platoon Leader will sometimes confer with his Sergeant about the battle plan, using him as a sounding-board for ideas. When the Platoon Sergeant is not busy with these tasks, he will often be seen providing 360 Security for the **Platoon HQ**, keeping an eye out for threats that might have slipped through or around friendly lines.

The Platoon Sergeant slot is reserved for experienced members of *ShackTac*, particularly those wanting to play a slightly more laid-back role for a change. However when taking this role they must be ready for the possibility that they will have to inherit command of the entire Platoon, should the Platoon Leader be killed. In such a case, the Platoon Sergeant becomes the new Platoon Leader for the rest of the mission.

## Equipment

As a non-combat unit, members of the **Platoon HQ** do not carry any significant weaponry. Nonetheless, they are each outfitted for combat, and can defend themselves to some extent if necessary. In normal situations, **Platoon HQ** does not carry any specialty equipment that is not available at least to every Squad Lead Element as well, but in low-tech scenarios they may be the only unit that possesses things like Radios or even maps.

### Primary Weapons

Each member of the **Platoon HQ** carries an Assault Rifle or equivalent weapon - typically the same weapons carried by the Riflemen. However, the **Platoon HQ** members are not expected to use their weapons often or even at all. Doing so would draw fire towards the **Platoon HQ**, which may result in the death of the Platoon Leader or FAC who are both crucial for the smooth progress of the mission. Instead, the unit tends to stay as far away from enemies as possible - preferably behind one or more of the Squads.

Nonetheless, if push comes to shove, or if a non-threatening enemy contact is located, the members of **Platoon HQ** can use their rifles to engage that enemy and hasten its death. These weapons are particularly useful at medium range. If an enemy unit manages to evade the Squads and reach the Platoon HQ's position, these rifles may come in handy to defend the Platoon Leader.

### Grenade Launchers

Both the Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant are equipped with Grenade Launchers, typically mounted directly under the barrels of their Assault Rifles. While either or both men might be carrying a few offensive grenades (e.g. HE Grenades), they are often equipped with a larger quantity of Smoke grenades and/or Flares. These will be used to conceal friendly movement and illuminate the battlefield, respectively, in support of nearby Squads.

Both men can use their smoke or flares to signal to other units, particularly to Aircraft. This can be used to mark the position of the Platoon HQ, the position of enemies, or a designated Landing Zone. Different colors can be used to mark different targets, and the Forward Air Controller needs to inform the aircraft regarding which color denotes what.

### Hand-thrown Flares and Smoke

The Platoon Medic in particular carries a large number of hand-thrown Smoke Grenades, which can be used to provide impromptu concealment. This can help the Medic reach a wounded soldier, or provide cover for such a soldier to reach him. In emergencies, particularly near the later stages of the mission, these grenades can be used to conceal the Platoon's withdrawal, throwing them liberally behind the retreating forces.

Hand-thrown flares are typically available to most members of **Platoon HQ** during night missions. The short throwing distance and small light radius of these flares is not particularly effective at illuminating the battlefield, but is exceptionally useful for lighting up Landing Zones for aircraft.

### Medical Equipment

The Platoon Medic is outfitted the same as a Squad Medic with regards to medical equipment. Depending on the version of the game being played, the Medical Kit may provide infinite medical aid to whoever carries it, and likely also allows performing certain medical actions that are not otherwise available.

The Platoon Medic will rarely be called upon to use this equipment at all, because his team-mates in the **Platoon HQ** do their best to stay out of harm's way. Nonetheless, the Platoon Medic will offer assistance to anyone who passes nearby, and may be needed to treat injured Air Crews or other units who do not have their own Medics.

Since the Medical Kit is a rare and very useful item, it will often be recovered from the Platoon Medic's body, if it can be found.

### Radios

Each member of the **Platoon HQ** carries a 148/152 radio, and will at least be listening in on Platoon Net. All except the Platoon Medic will often use their 148/152 to communicate with other units as well. The Forward Air Controller uses his 148/152 to communicate on two channels simultaneously - both Platoon Net and Air Net, and relay information from one to the other.

In addition, each member carries a 343 short-range radio set to a dedicated channel for the **Platoon HQ**. However, as these men rarely stray far away from one another, they are far more likely to use Voice to speak with one another than their 343 radio.

In Low-Tech scenarios, or scenarios where radio communications are deliberately limited, it is quite possible that 343 radios will be completely missing, and that the Platoon Leader will be the only one carrying a 148/152 - if he has one at all. In these scenarios, the Platoon Sergeant may have to double as a Runner for easier communication with the Platoon's other units.

### Maps

Even in low-tech scenarios, it is highly unusual for the Platoon Leader to be missing a map. Nonetheless such videos do exist, in which the Platoon Leader needs to lead his men by navigating a completely unknown terrain.

### Vehicle

Many *ShackTac* missions require the Infantry to travel into and/or out of the combat zone in unarmed (or lightly-armed) Light Vehicles, typically Trucks, Jeeps, HMMWVs, or similar. They may even need to protect these vehicles and keep them going through the combat zone. This set-up is called a Motorized Platoon.

In order for the **Platoon HQ** to keep up with the other units, it is outfitted with its own vehicle. This will usually be an unarmed HMMWV or other similar fast vehicle. While it offers the Platoon HQ no real protection, it does allow the unit to cover a lot more ground faster. Other than keeping up with the troops, the Platoon HQ may use the vehicle to move from one Squad to the other, surveying more ground and keeping better coordination with the Squads.

As with most motorized units, the vehicle supplied to Platoon HQ does not have its own crew. The Platoon Sergeant will typically be tasked with driving the vehicle, and he will typically dismount whenever the vehicle is not being used. If a Platoon Sergeant is not available, the Platoon Medic will likely take the wheel.

Because the Platoon HQ consists of only 4 men at the most, and its vehicle is likely to have more than 4 seats, Platoon HQ can easily use its vehicle to rescue stragglers from other units in emergency situations.

## Map Markers

The **Platoon HQ** element has a map marker that looks like this:

HQ  XPLT

* The central symbol is the NATO symbol for a Fireteam-sized Infantry unit.
* "HQ" denotes that this is a Headquarters element.
* X is a single-digit number representing the sequence of the Platoon within its parent Company.
* PLT is short for "Platoon".
* The entire symbol will be colored yellow, to distinguish it from any of the Squad markers. The color is similar to, but lighter than, the color used for Weapon Team and Logistics unit symbols.

***Examples:***

 HQ  2PLT

The **Platoon HQ'**s map marker tracks the position of the Platoon Leader. If a Platoon Sergeant takes command, he will often reset the marker to indicate his own position. If both men are gone, the marker will likely stay with their bodies, as the Platoon Medic and/or FAC will likely seek to join other units.

## Communications

Members of **Platoon HQ** have access to all three channels of communication - Voice, 343 short-range radio, and 148/152 long-range radio. Since they tend to travel together as a tight group, Voice is the primary method of communication between them, but most members of the unit are highly active on the 148/152 radio. Communications using this radio are an essential part of the roles of the Platoon Leader and Forward Air Controller.

### Voice

For their own safety, the various members of **Platoon HQ** generally travel together, in close proximity to one another. This allows them to use Voice as the primary method of communication with one another. While most of this communication tends to be simple banter, some of it is highly mission-relevant.

The Platoon Leader can confer in person with the Platoon Sergeant about the battle plan. He uses the Platoon Sergeant as a sounding-board for ideas, combining their expertise to try and figure out the best way to achieve the Platoon's objectives. Although the Platoon Leader makes the final choice, the Platoon Sergeant's input can be invaluable.

The Forward Air Controller also often converses with the Platoon Leader regarding the current status of the Aircraft and what tasks they could assist with. They might even go together to scout out potential Landing Zones for aircraft, to ensure that they find one that is both safe and easy to land in. Although the FAC often reports threats spotted by aircraft on the Platoon Net (see below), in some cases he may report these directly to the Platoon Leader by Voice, especially if the threat is not immediate (e.g. static defenses in the objective area, Anti-Aircraft protecting certain parts of the map, and so forth).

Finally, while he does often listen in on the Platoon Net, the Platoon Medic does most of his communications by voice. In particular, whenever soldiers from other elements are nearby, the Medic will usually call out to check whether any of them need Medical Attention, or they may call out for his assistance.

### 343

Each member of **Platoon HQ** carries a 343 short-range radio, like all other members of the Platoon. This radio will be set to a channel dedicated to the **Platoon HQ** itself. This primarily allows the members of the unit to stay in contact when any of them strays a little further from the others.

However, because they rarely leave the safety of the group, such situations are rare, and most intra-group communications will be carried out by Voice instead (see prev. section).

In emergencies, the 343 radio can be used to make contact with other units who have lost their 148/152 long-range radio. In such situations, the Platoon Leader will typically instruct the Platoon Medic or Platoon Sergeant to switch over to another element's net to ask whether anyone can hear them, and request a status update.

### 148/152 Platoon Net

Each member of the **Platoon HQ** carries a 148/152 long-range radio set to the Platoon Net. The Platoon Leader in particular will be using this channel constantly to issue orders to the Squads and other assets, while receiving reports from them. The Platoon Sergeant does the same (when he is present), although he transmits less often.

On Platoon Net, the Platoon Leader's callsign is "Command", or (more rarely) "Lead". Most transmissions from the Squads will begin with this word, followed by the callsign of the unit making the transmission.

The Forward Air Controller relays information on the Platoon Net that was received from the aircraft - particularly reports about incoming threats that have been spotted from the air. When ground elements call for air support on Platoon Net, it is the Forward Air Controller's job to determine whether any aircraft can respond, and relay the request to the Air Net (see next section).

Note that the Platoon Medic typically carries a 148/152 set to the Platoon Net so that he can listen in and remain informed about the Platoon's situation. However, he will not use this net to broadcast except in complete emergencies (e.g. when most/all other members of the **Platoon HQ** have been killed).

### 148/152 Company Net

In Company-level operations, the Platoon Leader simultaneously uses two different 148/152 radio channels, the Platoon Net (see above) and the Company Net. On Company Net, he can remain in contact with the Company Commander as well as any other Company-level assets, such as other Platoons, the Forward Air Controller, and so forth.

On Company Net, the callsign "Command" refers to the Company Commander. This is not to be confused with the callsign "Command" on Platoon Net, which refers to the Platoon Leader.

The Platoon Sergeant will likely be listening in on Company Net, but will rarely if ever broadcast on it unless the Platoon Leader has been killed.

In Company-level operations, the Forward Air Controller is likely to be part of Company HQ rather than **Platoon HQ**, and will therefore listen and transmit on Company Net.

### 148/152 Air Net

Air Net is a special 148/152 channel dedicated entirely to the Aircraft supporting the mission. Aircraft use this channel primarily to communicate with one another (coordinating flight patterns, pointing out targets, and so on), as well as with the Forward Air Controller.

The FAC simultaneously uses both this channel and Platoon Net, and the primary part of his job is to relay information from one to the other. On Air Net, aircraft will report threats they have spotted approaching the Platoon, as well defensive forces as in the objective areas - which the FAC will report to the relevant unit over Platoon Net. Conversely, units on Platoon Net will make calls for air support, which the FAC will transmit on Air Net (often with instructions for specific aircraft to handle the task).

### Callsigns and Terminology

There aren't many callsigns and terms associated directly with specific members of **Platoon HQ**. Most of them, namely the Platoon Medic and Platoon Sergeant, are referred to by their full role names.

The term "Platoon" *as a proper noun* is sometimes used to refer to the **Platoon HQ** element. For example, someone might say "Let Platoon know that they have enemies to their southwest", or "We're withdrawing to Platoon's position". Do not confuse this with "the platoon", which refers to the entire platoon including all of its subordinate assets.

On Platoon Net, the Platoon Leader goes by the callsign "Command". Messages to the Platoon Leader will start with the word "Command", followed by the callsign of the element transmitting the message, e.g. "Command, Bravo" (meaning "Command, this is Bravo"). When the Platoon Leader transmits to an element, this will be reversed, e.g. "Bravo, Command".

On Company Net, the callsign "Command" is used for the Company Commander instead. When talking on Company Net, the Platoon Leader can identify himself by the name of his Platoon, e.g. "First Platoon" or "Second Platoon", but can instead shorten this to "One" or "Two", respectively. For example, "Command, One", means "Command, this is 1st Platoon".

Messages transmitted from aircraft directly to the Platoon Leader typically use the word "Ground" instead of "Command". In return, the Platoon Leader will refer to all available aircraft collectively as "Air", unless referring to a specific air unit. For example, "Phantom 1, Ground" is a call from the Platoon Leader to Blackhawk number one.

Finally, the Forward Air Controller is referred to by the short callsign "FAC" (pronounced "Fak") on all 148/152 radio nets. This includes all calls on Air Net. If the FAC has been killed, the term FAC will be used when speaking to whoever replaced him or has taken up his air-control duties, typically the Platoon Leader.

## Chain of Command

The **Platoon HQ** element is either the highest command element on its side, or a mid-level command element under a Company. In both cases, most of the men in the Platoon HQ are high-value individuals whose roles must be inherited quickly and efficiently on the event of their deaths, in order to prevent chaos in the chain of command. Most importantly, the Platoon Leader's job needs to be filled as soon as possible if he is killed.

Furthermore, in Company-level operations, the Platoon Leader himself must be ready to inherit command of the entire Company on the event of the Company Commander's death. The Platoon Sergeant is also in line to inherit that role, in dire situations.

### Downwards Inheritance

Both the Platoon Leader and Forward Air Controller serve an important link in the chain of command, and on the event that either of them is killed, someone will need to step up quickly to inherit their roles in order to prevent chaos. The role of Platoon Sergeant serves, in large part, to have a man capable of replacing the Platoon Leader very quickly in such a scenario.

#### Platoon Leader

When a Platoon Leader dies, failure to replace him quickly may result in a lot of unnecessary confusion in the ranks. Therefore, sorting out inheritance of the Platoon Leader role is critical, and there are clear guidelines on how it should be done.
A major part of the Platoon Sergeant's job, if he is present, is to inherit the Leadership role quickly and efficiently. He will usually be the first one to notice that the Platoon Leader has been killed (since he will likely be nearby at the time). Because Platoon Sergeants are typically experienced players, they will always be well-drilled for this possibility, and will typically take over with little fuss.
Upon inheritance, the Platoon Sergeant will set himself as the leader of **Platoon HQ**, so that the unit marker will now follow him instead of sticking to the corpse of the original leader. He will also transmit a message on Platoon Net and Company Net that he has taken over. The Platoon Sergeant is typically well aware of the existing battle plan, and may or may not choose to alter it once he takes command.
If a Platoon Sergeant is not present, or has already been killed, command falls to the Squad Leader of the first Squad in the Platoon, e.g. Alpha in 1st Platoon, or Delta in 2nd Platoon. This process, as well as further inheritance beyond these men, is explained in greater detail in the article about the Platoon Leader.
Note: If Platoon Leadership has been transferred to someone outside **Platoon HQ**, they will not inherit command of the Platoon HQ element. Instead, the Platoon Medic and Forward Air Controller (if they are still alive) will disband the Platoon HQ element entirely by joining in with any other group they can find.
#### Platoon Medic

The Platoon Medic's primary role is to provide Medical Attention to other members of the **Platoon HQ**, and is likely the least essential role in the entire Platoon. Therefore, inheritance of this role is extremely low priority, and practically never happens.
Should the Platoon Medic be killed, however, anyone who locates his body may retrieve the Medical Kit or rucksack and thus gain the Medic's special abilities. The Platoon Sergeant may sometimes do this, if he has spare room in his inventory. Nevertheless, the Platoon Medic role itself is not inherited.
#### Forward Air Controller

Aircraft are highly autonomous, but their coordination with the ground forces can increase their effectiveness by a whole order of magnitude. Therefore, the loss of a Forward Air Controller can be a serious blow to all air support operations.
A Platoon Leader can inherit this role once he realized that the FAC has been killed, by going over to Air Net and announcing the FAC's death. The Platoon Leader still needs to command the platoon, which means that the amount of attention he can give to the aircraft will be limited. The effectiveness of air support will be reduced to some degree because of this, but it is not as bad as losing ground-air contact altogether.
It is rare to see anyone other than the Platoon Leader take over the FAC position. If both the FAC and Platoon Leader have already been killed, the Platoon Sergeant (if present) will inherit both roles together. If he is also killed, Platoon Leadership will be inherited downwards as normal (see previous sub-section), but the FAC role will not be. Instead, aircraft will become fully autonomous, typically under the leadership of the most experienced pilot in the air (usu. the CAS helicopter, if present, or the leader of the Air Transport group).
#### Platoon Sergeant

The Platoon Sergeant's primary job, as indicated earlier, is to serve as a replacement for the Platoon Leader in case he is killed. However if the Platoon Sergeant himself is killed first, no one will inherit his role. On the event of the Platoon Leader's death, command will simply fall through to the Squad Leaders or anyone else capable of taking the job.
Note however that the Platoon Sergeant does carry some special equipment that might be useful to others, and locating his body can be of some priority - but it is not crucial.
### Upwards Inheritance

In Company-level operations, Platoon Leaders are in line to inherit the role of Company Commander. Upon a Commander's death, his role will first be inherited by his Company XO. If the XO is also killed, command then falls to the leader of 1st Platoon. If he is *also* dead, command then typically falls to the leader of 2nd Platoon.

If all of the men listed above have been killed, command may end up falling down to the Platoon Sergeants, but by this point the mission may be completely aborted instead. Nevertheless, if the Company is still at fighting strength (having only lost its command officers), it is far more likely that some or all of them will REJIP immediately to avoid having to scuttle the entire mission.