Docs
Graded Roles
PSG

Platoon Sergeant

The Discipline Boss

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

PSG

Overview

“The PSG is the senior NCO in the patrol and second in succession of command.”
Essentially the PL’s right-hand man, and the guy in charge of the welfare, sustainment, and discipline of the troops.

The PSG role is typically more hands-on compared to the PL role.

Overall, the PSG:

  • Advises the PL on planning.
  • Leads the patrol whenever the PL is absent.
  • Supervises the platoon’s discipline, logistics, maintenance, and readiness.
  • Maintains accountability of all soldiers and equipment.
  • Prepares and briefs paragraph 4 of the OPORD.

Resources

This is a hands-on role.

While you won’t be making most of the decisions during the planning phase, you will be plenty busy administrating your platoon in all phases of the patrol.

Just like the PL role, if you are standing there doing nothing, then you’re wrong. There is always something to occupy yourself with when you are PSG.

Delegation

Just like the PL, you are pretty much required to delegate tasks if you want to succeed. Your SLs are there for you — use them.
You will also have a medic assisting you with anything medical-related.

I recommend picking a medic with PSG experience so you can get free advice.

Delegate based on strengths — assign security to detail-oriented SLs and logistics to organized ones — to maximize efficiency.

Medic

This will be the medical expert in the platoon. He will assess and provide medical care and fill out TCC cards.
Use him to help you direct aid and litter teams and develop a medical plan.

He can help you with plotting and planning CCPs, MEDEVAC and CASEVAC locations, and triage procedures.

The medic ensures compliance with medical protocols and coordinates with higher medical assets for evacuations.

SLs

You will delegate the most to your Squad Leaders. Here are some of the common things you can delegate:

  • Security details.
  • Status and supply reports.
  • Rehearsal reports.
  • Security reports.
  • Range cards and sector sketches.
  • Material and info distribution.

SLs (Squad Leaders) execute delegated tasks at the squad level, ensuring soldiers are prepared and accountable.

Planning Phase

During the planning phase, the PSG is preoccupied with filling out the 4th paragraph of the OPORD, making sure everything is accounted for, and improving security on the patrol base.

During the planning phase, the PSG stays around the middle of the PB and occasionally does spot checks on his soldiers in the firing lines.

During the planning phase, the PSG:

  • Ensures all equipment is operational and ready to go (RADIOS).
  • Maintains and adjusts the PB security (fine-tuning machine guns, lines of fire) based on METT-TC.
  • Ensures that noise and movement are kept to a minimum.
  • Ensures that soldiers are awake.
  • Ensures PCIs and PCCs.
  • Maps out sectors of fire and range cards.
  • Makes supply requests (ammo, water/food, CLP).
  • Administers PB tasks.
  • Receives reports from SLs to account for soldiers’ well-being, weapons, water/food, and ammo.
  • Ensures supplies are distributed according to the PL’s guidance.
  • Assists the PL in planning.
  • Ensures everything is on time; keeps accountability of time.
  • Fills out the 4th paragraph of the OPORD.
  • Works with the medic on the medical plan; plots out CCPs, AXPs, and HLZs.

METT-TC stands for Mission, Enemy, Terrain and Weather, Troops and Support Available, Time Available, and Civil Considerations. PCI (Pre-Combat Inspections) and PCC (Pre-Combat Checks) verify gear and readiness. PB = Patrol Base; CCP = Casualty Collection Point; AXP = Ambulance Exchange Point; HLZ = Helicopter Landing Zone.

Movement Phase

During the movement phase, the PSG’s main role is to maintain 360-degree security and keep constant communication with the PL and SLs. This also applies in the ORP and any other actions before execution.

The PSG is typically located toward the end of the patrol during movement.

During the movement phase, the PSG:

  • Maintains 360-degree security.
  • Maintains accountability of soldiers by counting them in and out of the PB and ORP.
  • Supervises rear security.
  • Maintains security during halts.
  • Supervises crossing of LDAs.
  • Assists with ORP occupation.
  • Supervises, establishes, and maintains security at the ORP.
  • Establishes and supervises CCPs.

Execution Phase

During the execution phase, the PSG helps in maneuvering troops and maintains awareness of the situation.

During the execution phase, the PSG:

  • Manages the CCP; directs aid and litter teams; works with the medic.
  • Sends 9-Line MEDEVAC requests if needed.
  • Gets status reports from SLs after actions on the objective.
  • Communicates with the PL on the unit’s status.
  • Positions and directs the troops to best help with the engagement.
  • Maintains accountability of weapons, ammo, and soldiers’ welfare after actions.
  • Helps the PL in any way possible.

During execution, prioritize casualty evacuation while maintaining security to prevent further losses.

Tips

  • Keep yourself busy at all times; there is always something you can improve on.
  • Build strong relationships with SLs — regular check-ins foster trust and improve platoon cohesion.

What a PSG SHOULDN’T Do

  • Disagree with the PL publicly; this hurts soldier morale.
  • Neglect accountability and security.
  • Dismiss PL and SL input/feedback.
  • Fail to request supplies or skip checks (not checking if radios work is a BIG one).
  • Micromanage Squad Leaders.
  • Delay status reports.
  • Be non-communicative or uncooperative with the PL.

Closing

The PSG’s bread and butter is security and accountability.
If you can get these two figured out, then you have most of the role figured out.

Last updated on
SLPL