platoon A platoon is a Military organization, military unit typically composed of two to four squads, Section (military unit), sections, or patrols. Platoon organization varies depending on the country and the Military branch, branch, but a platoon can ...

leader (

NATO The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO ; , OTAN), also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental organization, intergovernmental Transnationalism, transnational military alliance of 32 Member states of NATO, member s ...

) or platoon commander (more common in Commonwealth militaries and the US Marine Corps) is the officer in charge of a

. This person is usually a

junior officer Junior officer, company officer or company grade officer refers to the lowest operational commissioned officer category of ranks in a military or paramilitary organization, ranking above non-commissioned officers and below senior officers. D ...

– a

second The second (symbol: s) is a unit of time derived from the division of the day first into 24 hours, then to 60 minutes, and finally to 60 seconds each (24 × 60 × 60 = 86400). The current and formal definition in the International System of U ...

first lieutenant First lieutenant is a commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces; in some forces, it is an appointment. The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations, but in most forces it is sub-divided into a se ...

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

squad In military terminology, a squad is among the smallest of Military organization, military organizations and is led by a non-commissioned officer. NATO and United States, U.S. doctrine define a squad as an organization "larger than a fireteam, ...

s (US).

Responsibilities of a Platoon Leader

The duties and responsibilities of a platoon leader is similar in the armies. Based on the US Army publications,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 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 Mechanized infantry are infantry units equipped with Armoured personnel carrier, armored personnel carriers (APCs) or infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for transport and combat (see also armoured corps). As defined by the United States Army, me ...

units, also, the platoon leader: * Normally dismounts when the situation causes the platoon to dismount. * Serves as

Armoured personnel carrier An armoured personnel carrier (APC) is a broad type of armoured military vehicle designed to transport personnel and equipment in combat zones. Since World War I, APCs have become a very common piece of military equipment around the world. Acc ...

Infantry fighting vehicle An infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), also known as a mechanized infantry combat vehicle (MICV), is a type of armoured fighting vehicle and armoured personnel carrier used to carry infantry into battle and provide direct fire, direct-fire suppo ...

commander when mounted. * Develops the fires with the platoon sergeant, section leaders, and squad leaders.

Military rank

NATO code

While the rank is used in some NATO countries, it is ranked differently depending on the country.

Use

References

{{reflist Military organization Military ranks Military leadership

Responsibilities of a Platoon Leader

Military rank

NATO code

Use

See also

References