Platoon leader
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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 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).
Responsibilities of a Platoon Leader
[edit]The duties and responsibilities of a platoon leader is similar in the armies. Based on the US Army publications,[1] 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.
Military rank
[edit]NATO code
[edit]While the rank is used in some NATO countries, it is ranked differently depending on the country.
| NATO code | Country[2] | English equivalent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | US | ||
| OR-7 | Romania | Staff sergeant | Sergeant first class |
| OR-3 | Poland | Lance corporal | Private first class |
Use
[edit]| Rank | First platoon adjutant | Platoon adjutant | Platoon major | Platoon leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Moldovan Ground Forces[3]
|
|
|
| |
| Plutonier-adjutant | Plutonier-major | Plutonier | ||
 Polish Land Forces[4]
|
| |||
| Plutonowy | ||||
 Romanian Land Forces[5]
|
|
|
|
|
| Plutonier adjutant principal | Plutonier adjutant | Plutonier-major | Plutonier | |
See also
[edit]- Crew chief (disambiguation)
- Team leader
- Squad leader
- Platoon Leader (film)
- Platoon Leader (memoir)
- Platoon Leaders Class
References
[edit]- ^ ATP 3-21.8, https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN13842-ATP_3-21.8-001-WEB-4.pdf, Last accessed: 03.02.2023
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ NATO (2021). STANAG 2116 NATO (7th ed.). Brussels, Belgium: NATO Standardization Agency. pp. D-1 – D-3.
- ^ "Epoleţi". army.md (in Romanian). Ministry of Defense. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
- ^ "Sposób noszenia odznak stopni wojskowych na umundurowaniu wojsk Lądowych i sił Powietrznych" (PDF). wojsko-polskie.pl (in Polish). Armed Forces Support Inspectorate. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
- ^ "Grade militare (Military ranks)". defense.ro (in Romanian). Romanian Defence Staff. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
