Platoon Leader

The Boss

References: Ranger Handbook TC 3-21.76 | Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad ATP 3-21.8

Overview

“The PL is responsible for what the patrol does or fails to do.”
This is not to be taken lightly. Everything that happens — good or bad — is automatically your fault.

The PL plans and manages the mission; very little hands-on work is done by the PL.

Overall, the PL:

• Plans and makes timely decisions.
• Issues orders.
• Assigns tasks and purposes.
• Supervises during execution.

Resources

The best thing about being PL is that the mission you are running is entirely yours. You have been given an objective and an end state by the commander. Technically speaking, as long as you meet the commander’s intent, how you execute the mission is up to you.

Doctrine is there to guide you, and of course, it serves its purpose. But you don’t have to follow it word for word when taking charge of your mission.

Use this to your advantage, and be a bit creative in your mission planning process. If you want to stick to doctrine, that’s fine too, but always be sure to UNDERSTAND THE COMMANDER’S INTENT and communicate your intent and process to your platoon.

Delegation

To be successful as a PL, you must delegate tasks. This is non-negotiable.

The PL has too many things to plan, manage, and execute (planning and creating OPORDs requires more than you think). There is a reason why you have so many people in a platoon — make good use of them and put them to work. Remember: Task and Purpose.

Some will struggle more than others with delegation out of fear that they will “lose control” or “the mission won’t go as planned.”
This shouldn’t be an issue as long as you communicate clear intent and direction.

Here are some examples of tasks you can delegate:

• Have someone plan fires and targets.
• Have someone build your TMK.
• Have someone figure out route planning.

Tip: Always follow up on delegated tasks with spot checks to ensure alignment with your vision, but avoid micromanaging to build trust and efficiency.

RTO

Your RTO is essentially your right-hand man. He will carry your radio and monitor the net so you can focus on other tasks.

The radio is the most powerful weapon you have. It enables you to communicate with precision so you can run things according to plan.
It also allows you to call for vast amounts of firepower. All you have is rifles and machine guns, but with a radio, you can call for CAS, fires, and airstrikes whenever you are outgunned and outnumbered.

When picking your RTO, I recommend choosing one who has already been a PL, so you can get helpful advice during your mission.

The RTO (Radio Telephone Operator) should be proficient in radio procedures, including encryption and frequency changes, to ensure secure and reliable communication.

FO

Rely on your FO to plan fires and provide advice.

The FO (Forward Observer) coordinates indirect fire support (e.g., artillery, mortars) and ensures accurate targeting to support the platoon’s maneuver.

Paceman/Compassman

Rely on your Paceman to handle route planning and determine the fastest, most efficient way to get to the objective.

The Compassman maintains directional control using a compass, while the Paceman tracks distance via pace count. Together, they ensure accurate navigation during movement.

PSG

Your PSG will offer planning and execution advice. Work closely with him. He will also maintain discipline in the platoon. Let him handle NCO tasks such as readiness, sustainment, and discipline while you focus on the big picture with planning and execution.

The PSG (Platoon Sergeant) is typically the most experienced NCO in the platoon and acts as your second-in-command, managing logistics and personnel.

SL

Your SLs will maneuver and direct the soldiers doing the actual work. Communicate your intent to them and ensure they understand your plan during OPORDs and WARNOs. They are essentially the link between the PL and the Joes.

SLs (Squad Leaders) lead their squads in executing assigned tasks, enforcing standards, and providing feedback to the PL on squad status.

Planning Phase

The PL’s bread and butter is planning. Missions almost never succeed without good planning and preparation.

Most of your attention should go toward planning the mission, which is why the PL delegates.

Remember: The PL is responsible for everything the platoon does or fails to do.

During the planning phase, the PL performs these tasks:

• Writes and briefs the WARNO and the OPORD using METT-TC and common sense to analyze the situation.
• Creates the time schedule with timing for planning, movement, and execution.
• Delegates tasks for the mission.
• Receives status reports from the PSG and SLs.
• Coordinates with the PSG and SLs; receives feedback and input.

The PL is at the center of the PB and ORP during the planning phase.

METT-TC stands for Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, Troops and Support Available, Time Available, and Civil Considerations. Use this framework to evaluate factors influencing your plan.

Movement Phase

The PL’s role during the movement phase is to maintain awareness of the environment and keep constant communication with the PSG and SLs.

The PL can position himself anywhere within the formation where he can maintain command and control.

During this phase, the PL:

• Supervises platoon movement.
• Directs the compassman on actions and directions.
• Determines where to place the ORP.
• Maintains awareness of the environment and changes plans if something comes up.
• Maintains constant communication with subordinates.

Use hand and arm signals or radio checks to confirm positions during movement, especially in low-visibility conditions.

Execution Phase

During the execution phase, the PL takes a mostly supervisory role and refines the plan based on what he sees.
Essentially, allow your soldiers to execute the plan, and if anything goes wrong, quickly make decisions and correct it before the problem escalates.

This is the most chaotic phase of the mission. Clear communication must be maintained, and trust should be given to your subordinates that they will complete the mission without clear direction on unexpected events.

During this phase, the PL:

• Conducts leaders’ recon; changes the plan according to the situation observed.
• Keeps HQ informed with SITREPs. When you take contact, let higher know.
• Communicates; pays close attention to the radio to understand the situation.
• Maneuvers squads and fighting elements depending on the situation.
• Plans and controls where your soldiers are firing.
• Positions himself where he can maintain command and control.
• Makes the best of things and finds a way to succeed no matter how bad the situation is.
• MAKES DECISIONS.

Tips

• Whenever you delegate tasks, spot check and ensure that the work is done to your standards (but don’t micromanage).
• Always occupy yourself with something. If you are doing nothing, then you’re wrong.
• BE CONFIDENT.

What a PL SHOULDN’T Do

• Plan and execute without delegating or getting input from your PSG and SLs.
• Micromanage.
• Be vague in directions; skip over important details for execution.
• Compromise the unit during movement.
• Abandon common sense.
• Neglect communication with others and higher.
• Be indecisive.
• Stall/freeze during execution.

Closing

The best thing a PL can do is make the right decision.
The second best thing a PL can do is make the wrong decision.
The worst thing a PL can do is make no decision.