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TL

Team Leader

SL Aid

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

TL

Overview

“The TL leads from the front to control the movement and placement of fire from his fire team.”

The TL primarily assists the SL and leads their fire team in combat according to the SL’s instructions and the PL’s intent.
They fight alongside their JOES and are right on the firing line where all the action happens.

It’s not a graded role, but don’t screw over your SL and get him a bad grade by slacking on your tasks. You WILL be peered out if you half-ass it.

A standard fire team consists of four soldiers:

  • Team Leader (TL)
  • Automatic Rifleman (AR) with M249 SAW
  • Grenadier (GRN) with M320/M203
  • Rifleman (RFLMN)

Overall, the TL:

  • Maintains accountability of his soldiers and equipment.
  • Completes sector sketches and reports to the SL.
  • Sends team LACE (Liquid, Ammo, Casualties, Equipment) reports to the SL.
  • Disseminates information to the Joes.
  • Leads and fights alongside his soldiers during the execution phase.
  • Positions team members for optimal firepower and security.

Delegation

In terms of delegation, you will rely on your JOES to handle their stuff.

Planning Phase

During the planning phase, the TL stays on the firing line posting security with his soldiers. He may be pulled into the OPORD briefing if perimeter security is solid.

During this phase, the TL:

  • Maintains security and discipline of his soldiers (quiet, alert, NO SLEEPING ON THE FIRING LINE).
  • Conducts spot checks on his soldiers (weapons clean, ammo loaded, PPE on).
  • Ensures sectors of fire are assigned and range cards are completed.
  • Disseminates information received from the SL.
  • Submits LACE reports to the SL.
  • Maintains priority of work; ensures the team completes assigned tasks (rehearsals, camo applied).

Movement Phase

During movement, the TL leads the fire team from the front (or positions based on formation).

During this phase, the TL:

  • Maintains proper movement techniques and intervals.
  • Ensures 360 security
  • Keeps communication in check (hand signals, whispers during halts).
  • Positions the team on the firing line at halts, ORP, or PB.
  • Maintains accountability (headcounts at every halt).

Execution Phase

During execution, the TL takes an active role in actions on the objective.

The TL is the direct link between the SL’s orders and the Joes’ execution fight with aggression.

During this phase, the TL:

  • Executes actions on the objective according to SL instructions and PL intent.
  • Bounds with the other team to advance.
  • Controls the team’s rate and distribution of fire.
  • Maintains security after actions on the objective.
  • Maintains accountability of soldiers and equipment.
  • Submits LACE reports to the SL.
  • Helps the SL in any way possible (e.g., consolidating ammo, aiding casualties).

Tip: Use “I’m up, he sees me, I’m down” during rushes to keep momentum. Suppress and maneuver — your AR is your base of fire.

Tips

  • Lead by example — if you’re hustling, your Joes will too.
  • Communicate constantly with simple, clear instructions.
  • BACKBRIEF, they should understand everything
  • Stay calm under fire — your Joes will mirror your energy.
  • Practice battle drills until they’re muscle memory.

What a TL SHOULDN’T Do

  • ignore the SL.
  • Slack on security or accountability.
  • Fail to relay information to Joes.
  • Let his personal issues distract him from the mission.

Closing

You will be a TL many times during CST. Get used to it and just do your job.

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