Platoon Leader

## The Role of the Infantry Platoon Leader

The platoon leader leads his Soldiers by personal example and is responsible for all the platoon does or fails to do, having complete authority over his subordinates. This centralized authority enables him to maintain unit discipline, unity, and to act decisively. He must be prepared to exercise initiative within his company commander’s intent and without specific guidance for every situation. The platoon leader knows his Soldiers, how to employ the platoon, its weapons, and its systems. Relying on the expertise of the platoon sergeant, the platoon leader regularly consults with him on all platoon matters.

During operations, the platoon leader:

* Leads the platoon in supporting the higher headquarters missions. He bases his actions on his assigned mission and intent and concept of his higher commanders.

* Conducts troop leading procedures.
* Maneuvers squads and fighting elements.
* Synchronizes the efforts of squads.
* Looks ahead to the next “move” of the platoon.
* Requests, controls, and synchronizes supporting assets.
* Employs mission command systems available to the squads and platoon.
* Checks with squad leaders ensuring 360-degree, three-dimensional security is maintained.
* Checks with weapons squad leader controlling the emplacement of key weapon systems.
* Issues accurate and timely reports.
* Places himself where he is most needed to accomplish the mission.
* Assigns clear tasks and purposes to the squads.
* Understands the mission and commander’s intent two levels up (company and battalion).
* Receives on-hand status reports from the platoon sergeant and squad leaders during planning.
* Coordinates and assists in the development of the obstacle plan.
* Oversees and is responsible for property management.

The platoon leader works to develop and maintain situational understanding. This is a product of four elements. First, the platoon leader attempts to know what is happening in present terms of friendly, enemy, neutral, and terrain situations. Second, he knows the end state representing mission accomplishment. Third, he determines the critical actions and events occurring to move his unit from the present to the end state. Finally, he assesses the risk throughout.

## The Infantry Platoon Leaders Loadout

* Combat Uniform (SPAGPAT)
* Ballistic Vest (SPAGPAT)
* Combat Helmet (SPAGPAT)
* Long Range Radio Bag (SPAGPAT)
* Watch
* Compass
* AN/PRC-148 JEM personal radio (5km radius)
* Map
* PDU-4 rangefinder

Weapons:

* 1X AK-74M SELECT FIRE
* SIDEARM NOT ADVISED BUT IS OPTIONAL

In the Uniform:

* EARPLUGS
* 2X EPINEPHRINE
* 2X MORPHINE
* MICRODAGR GPS
* MAPTOOLS
* 4X TOURNIQUETS

In the Vest:

* 2X 30RND AK-74 7N22

In the Backpack:

* 5X BANDAGE (ELASTIC BANDAGES)
* 5X BASIC FIELD DRESSING (QUICKCLOT)
* 2X 30RND AK-74 7N22
* 2X RDG-2 WHITE SMOKE GRENADES
* 2X RGD-5 FRAG GRENADES

## The Role of the Logistics Platoon Leader

The Logistics Platoon Leader is a critical member of the logistics ground team. The Platoon leader must be an expert in knowing where his platoon is, where they are operating, how they are operating and where all the vehicles are and are moving to. Additionally, the Logistics Platoon Leader must ---

* Responsible for coordinating and communicating with the Infantry Platoon Leader.
* Communicate within the Logistics platoon of where they need to be, move, etc...
* Assign roles within the Logistics platoon.
* Monitor requests for Logistical support and from Infantry platoon.
* Be knowledgeable in what resources and assets they have at the base and FOB to deploy.
* Know how to refuel, sling load, repair, and resupply when necessary.
* Ensures that ammunition and supplies are distributed accordingly when requested.
* Monitors moral, discipline, and health of the Platoon.
* Ensures that their Platoon is prepared to accomplish its mission, which includes having his Rotary Section Leader, as well as Ground Team Leader, do pre-operation checks.
	+ Upholds the baseline standards for platoon discipline.
	+ Knowledgeable of the mission one level up (Company).

## The Logistics Platoon Leaders Loadout

Basics:

* Combat Uniform (SPAGPAT)
* Ballistic Vest (SPAGPAT)
* Combat Helmet (SPAGPAT)
* Long Range Radio Bag (SPAGPAT)
* Watch
* Compass
* AN/PRC-148 JEM personal radio (5km radius)
* Map
* PDU-4 rangefinder

Weapons:

* 1X AK-74M SELECT FIRE
* SIDEARM NOT ADVISED BUT IS OPTIONAL

In the Uniform:

* EARPLUGS
* 2X EPINEPHRINE
* 2X MORPHINE
* MICRODAGR GPS
* MAPTOOLS
* 4X TOURNIQUETS

In the Vest:

* 2X 30RND AK-74 7N22

In the Backpack:

* 5X BANDAGE (ELASTIC BANDAGES)
* 5X BASIC FIELD DRESSING (QUICKCLOT)
* 2X 30RND AK-74 7N22
* 2X RDG-2 WHITE SMOKE GRENADES
* 2X RGD-5 FRAG GRENADES
* REPAIR KIT (IF POSSIBLE)