Platoon leader
Military occupation, commander of a platoon, typically an officer
A platoon leader (NATO) or platoon commander (more common in Commonwealth militaries and the US Marine Corps) is the officer in charge of a platoon. This person is usually a junior officer, a second lieutenant or first lieutenant or an equivalent rank. The officer is usually assisted by a platoon sergeant. Some special units, such as specific aviation platoons and special forces, require a captain as platoon leader, due to the nature and increased responsibility of such assignments. Platoons normally consist of three or four sections (Commonwealth) or squads (US).
01Responsibilities of a Platoon Leader
The duties and responsibilities of a platoon leader is similar in the armies. Based on the US Army publications, it is possible to address that a 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, section leaders, and squad leaders during planning.
- Coordinates and assists in the development of the obstacle plan.
- Oversees and is responsible for property management
In Mechanized infantry units, also, the platoon leader:
- Normally dismounts when the situation causes the platoon to dismount.
- Serves as Armoured personnel carrier or Infantry fighting vehicle commander when mounted.
- Develops the fires with the platoon sergeant, section leaders, and squad leaders.
02Military rank
NATO code
While the rank is used in some NATO countries, it is ranked differently depending on the country.
| NATO code | Country | English equivalent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | US | ||
| OR-7 | Romania | Staff sergeant | Sergeant first class |
| OR-3 | Poland | Lance corporal | Private first class |
Use
| Rank | First platoon adjutant | Platoon adjutant | Platoon major | Platoon leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moldovan Ground Forces | ||||
| Plutonier-adjutant | Plutonier-major | Plutonier | ||
| Polish Land Forces | ||||
| Plutonowy | ||||
| Romanian Land Forces | ||||
| Plutonier adjutant principal | Plutonier adjutant | Plutonier-major | Plutonier | |
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Platoon leader”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
Images, from Wikimedia Commons:
- Infantry Platoon Nato.svg by HeavyD14 at English Wikipedia, Public domain
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