The Combat Leadership Handbook
Combat Leadership focuses on the front-line roles of fireteam and squad leading during direct combat. These leaders are responsible for guiding tactical units, making decisive decisions, and ensuring mission success in intense and challenging environments.
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Acts as an entry-level fireteam leader, leads a fireteam from the front, setting the example and executing team-level battle drills under the direction of a Squad Leader, while developing command proficiency. While in this role the maximum team size is 5, inclusive of the Team Leader.
The Fireteam Leader (FTL) leads the fireteam from the front, setting the example and executing team-level battle drills under the direction of and following the command intent of the Squad Leader. The maximum subordinates for this role is 6, inclusive of the Team Leader.
The Infantry Team Leader (ITL) commands a non-standard infantry team larger than a fireteam but smaller than a standard squad (typically ~8). They can lead rifle or weapons teams depending on tasking under the direction of a Platoon Commander or Squad Commander. The maximum number of subordinates for this role is 8, inclusive of the Team Leader.
The Squad Leader (SL) leads a full infantry squad within a platoon, controlling multiple fireteams to deliver the platoon commander’s intent and coordinating laterally with adjacent squads. SL's operates within a platoon and the maximum size of the Squad is 15, across two fireteams, inclusive of the SL.
The Special Forces Team Leader (SFTL) leads a Special Forces team on complex, time-sensitive missions requiring rapid decision-making and disciplined execution. Inherits advanced SOF equipment and discretion, the SF variant of the Fireteam Leader, with a maximum number of subordinates of 6, inclusive of the SFTL.
The Squad Commander (SC) is a senior Squad Leader operating independently of a Platoon Command structure. SC is a Field Leader role integrating attachments and coordinating adjacent elements to deliver mission intent. The maximum ORBAT size commanded by this role is 15, inclusive of the SC and exclusive of the Mission Support Team.
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Return to the main handbook overview to explore other combat areas and domains.
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