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Graded Roles
SL

Squad Leader

Backbone of the Platoon

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

SL

Overview

“The SL is responsible for what the squad does or fails to do.”

The SLs are the ones maneuvering the troops in combat. They are close to the action and fight alongside their squads.
Because of this, it is important that the SL understands the mission and the PL’s intent so he can carry out his part of the mission successfully.

There is also a subset of the SL called the WSL (Weapons Squad Leader). Instead of leading a fire squad consisting of M4s and M249s, the WSL leads a machine gun squad with 2 M240B machine guns. The machine guns are the most effective and highest casualty-producing weapons in the platoon, so it’s important that the WSL understands the best positioning for the machine guns and works closely with the PL to ensure the most effective firepower on the objective.

Overall, the SL:

  • Advises the PL and PSG on planning.
  • Inspects his soldiers and ensures readiness.
  • Enforces discipline at the squad level.
  • Maintains accountability of his soldiers and equipment.
  • Sends LACE (Liquid, Ammo, Casualties, Equipment) reports to the PSG.
  • Fights alongside his soldiers in the execution phase.
  • Helps the PL, PSG, and other SLs in any way possible.

Resources

This is a hands-on role.

The SL is more involved than the PL or PSG during actions on the objective. Because of this, the SL should directly lead and guide his soldiers during action.

Just like the other graded leadership roles, the SL should not idle — there is always something to do.

Delegation

While you have fewer people to manage as an SL, it is still highly encouraged that you delegate tasks (you will be graded on this). For this reason, you have 2 TLs you can use.

Delegate to your TLs and free yourself to focus on squad-level coordination.

TLs

You will have 2 Team Leaders in your squad. Use them to maintain accountability of each fire team.

Here are some of the things you can delegate:

  • Collecting LACE reports from their teams.
  • Having them create sector sketches and range cards.
  • Using them to disseminate information quicker to the Joes after you get briefed.

Planning Phase

During the planning phase, the SL will mostly be in the middle of the PB and will occasionally get up to do spot checks on his squad and to disseminate information.

During the planning phase, the SL:

  • Ensures equipment is being rotated (M249s).
  • Ensures ammunition and other equipment are being distributed equally.
  • Ensures readiness of his soldiers (Do they have their PPE on? Do they have ammo? Are their weapons clean? Have assigned rehearsals been performed?).
  • Ensures discipline of his soldiers (should remain quiet, not sleeping on the firing line).
  • Submits LACE reports to the PSG.
  • Requests supplies if needed.
  • Keeps the PSG informed of squad status.
  • Designates sectors of fire and ensures interlocking fires on the PB.
  • Disseminates OPORD and WARNO information to his squad (SL -> TLs -> Joes).
  • Assigns tasks and purposes to Alpha and Bravo teams.

Added Info: PB = Patrol Base; PPE = Personal Protective Equipment (e.g., helmet, body armor). Use METT-TC to adjust plans based on mission factors.

Movement Phase

During the movement phase, the SL will usually be in the middle of his 2 fire teams.

During the movement phase, the SL:

  • Maintains movement techniques of his squad.
  • Ensures 360-degree security is being maintained during movement and halts.
  • Communicates with leadership on the radio and remains informed.
  • Ensures information is being disseminated.
  • Places his soldiers on the firing line whenever they reach the objective, ORP, or PB.
  • Maintains accountability.

Execution Phase

During the execution phase, the SL will be behind or right alongside his soldiers during combat.

Think of the SL like a boxer and his Alpha team and Bravo teams as his boxing gloves.
The SL coordinates these teams and pushes through the objective with aggression and good coordination.

During the execution phase, the SL:

  • Leads and directs his soldiers during combat.
  • Receives reports from TLs and submits LACE reports to the PSG after actions on the objective.
  • Maintains communication on the radio.
  • Uses techniques such as bounding to push through the objective.
  • Maintains accountability of his soldiers and equipment.

WSL (Weapons Squad Leader)

All of the same roles and responsibilities that an SL has also apply to the WSL.

Here are a couple more things to keep in mind for the WSL.

During the patrol, the WSL will:

  • Ensure machine guns are operational.
  • Assist the PL in planning for machine gun locations.
  • Position machine guns where appropriate on halts, ORP, PB.
  • Designate sectors of fire.
  • Give firing commands (shift fire, alternate fires, fire rate and distribution).

Tips

  • Spot check your soldiers and rely on your team leaders.
  • Use your fire teams as your main fighting force. You should not be using your rifle all that much.
  • Take initiative and maneuver your troops according to plan.
  • If not given direct guidance, then use your best judgment and make your team useful.
  • Conduct quick back briefs with TLs so they understand the plan.

What an SL SHOULDN’T DO

  • Skip rehearsals and assessments.
  • Fail to maintain accountability.
  • Lose communication with teams.
  • Compromise security.
  • Fail to send reports to the PSG.
  • Avoid tunnel vision in combat — maintain situational awareness to adapt to changes.

Closing

Much like the PSG, the main things as an SL are security and accountability.
And always be prepared to take initiative in case things don’t go according to plan (which it won’t).

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