Platoon Leader Responsibilities

A Platoon Leader commands a platoon operating as part of a company. The Platoon Leader receives intent and tasking from the Company Commander and translates them into coordinated tasks for subordinate elements.

Responsibilities include:

• Understanding the company plan and the platoon’s role within it
• Developing a platoon plan aligned with company intent
• Assigning tasks and purposes to subordinate elements
• Coordinating movement, fires and support within the platoon
• Maintaining communication with company command
• Reporting platoon progress and combat effectiveness
• Coordinating with adjacent platoons
• Preserving the platoon’s ability to support the company plan

The Platoon Leader should focus on squads and attached elements rather than directing fireteams.