Understanding the complexities of the battlefield means that infantry units must fight as coordinated, cohesive units or suffer the inevitable consequences of defeat. Key to this understanding is the knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of each member of the unit.
The following are the duties and responsibilities of each member of the platoon during the planning process. This does not include all duties, but is a base to work from.
Platoon/Patrol Leader
Post the time schedule (backwards plan)
Develop the course of action (COA)
Write paragraphs 1 (Situation), 2 (Mission), and 3 (Execution)
Request/assign additional support if needed
Follow the coordination checklist:
Intelligence; Operations; Adjacent units; Fires; Air
Supervise the soldiers as they prepare, rehearse, and complete the plan
Give the priority of rehearsals:
Actions on the objective; Actions at linkup; Actions on contact; Actions during contact
Know where your unit’s elements are at all times
Plan routes and create overlays
Platoon Sergeant/Assistant Patrol Leader
Help the platoon leader
Write paragraph 4 (Service Support)
Supervise paragraph 5 (Command and Signal)
Coordinate with medics and identify aid and litter teams
Identify the casualty collection point (CCP)
Task organize the support element
Reorganize men, weapons, and equipment as needed in support of operation
Provide status reports to commander (keep all informed)
Identify the objective rally point (ORP)
Identify en route rally points
Participate in route planning and creation of overlays
Determine actions at halts as per S-2 (intelligence) brief
Plan for supporting security elements
Know where your unit’s elements are at all times
Enforce the six priorities of work in the patrol base (PB) or forward operations base (FOB):
Security plan; Maintenance plan; Hygiene plan; Water plan; Mess plan; Rest plan
Maintain the sensitive items list (three copies)
Squad Leader
Control the squad
Rotate heavy loads
Prepare for assault, support, and security
Help with paragraphs 1 (Situation), 3 (Execution), and 5 (Command and Signal)
Help with the entire planning process (squad mission responsibilities)
Assist with route planning and overlays
Weapons Squad Leader
Rotate heavy loads
Determine the tactical employment of crew-served weapons
Assist with paragraphs 1 (Situation) and 3 (Execution)
Team Leader
Lead by example
Identify and request supplies for the team
Inspect supplies for deficiencies
Prepare the terrain model and SOP sketches
Post maps, photos, and any visual reference materials
Ready the briefing area for the operations order (OPORD)
Request and coordinate for the rehearsal area
Start rehearsals with the squad leader’s guidance
Assist with route planning and overlays
Medic
Control the aid and litter teams
Organize and ID the casualty collection point (CCP)
Triage and treat the wounded
Determine evacuation (ground or air)
Ensure the hygiene and health of soldiers
Supervise first aid training
Inspect individual first aid kits (IFAK)
Inspect vehicle first aid kits, including trucks and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) helicopter if possible
Determine procedure to move wounded and killed in action (KIA) from target
Assist with paragraphs 3 (Execution) and 4 (Service Support)
Be prepared to brief medical portion of operations order (OPORD)
Radio Operator
All communication issues (crypto, hop sets, frequencies, timing, program radios, etc.)
Maintain a frequency card to communicate with all friendlies (ground and air)
Ensure unit knows all passwords and checkpoint procedures
Maintain patrol log and en route recorder
Prepare the size, activity, location, uniform, time, and equipment (SALUTE) report
Prepare any situation reports (SITREP)
Prepare sketches and grid reference graphic (GRG)
Assist with overlays (determine any communication blackout areas)
Assist with paragraph 5 (Command and Signal)
Forward Observer
Plan for all fires
Coordinate all fire support
Be prepared to follow theater SOP for call for fire
Create overlays—determine target reference points (TRP)
Assist with paragraphs 3 (Execution) and 5 (Command and Signal)
Mobility Element Leader
Ensure all vehicles are in a state of readiness
Check and confirm vehicle load plan
Coordinate with gunners
Handle all aspects of route planning
Prepare overlays (routes and checkpoints)
Coordinate for security, blocking positions, ambulance, and route reconnaissance
Provide helicopter landing zone (HLZ) security
Determine actions at halts
Breachers/EOD
Identify primary/alternate breach point (door, window, wall, etc.)
Prepare for breach (surreptitious, ladder, mechanical, ballistic, thermal, explosive)
Plan for destruction of captured equipment using blow in place (BIP) kit
Assist with paragraph 3 (Execution)
Prepare room for operations order (OPORD)
Reserve Element Leader
Prepare for sensitive site exploitation (SSE)
Take control of/secure enemy prisoners of war (EPW)
Ensure interpreters (TERP) are standing by for rehearsals/operations order (OPORD)
Organize battlefield interrogation team (BIT)
Reinforce mail element if/when necessary
Plan for helicopter landing zone (HLZ)
Assist with paragraphs 1 (Situation) and 3 (Execution)
Reconnaissance/Sniper Section
Perform route reconnaissance
Perform close-target reconnaissance (CTR)
Plan for objective reconnaissance (leader’s recon)
Prepare overlays (fields of fire and known danger areas along route)
Determine sniper employment and primary/alternate positions
Be prepared for overwatch security where needed
Assist with paragraphs 3 (Execution), 4 (Service Support), and 5 (Command and Signal)
The listed duties and responsibilities of unit members enable unit success. For example:
•The assault element seizes the objective and protects special teams during post assault.
•The security element isolates and supports withdrawal from the objective.
•The support element handles direct- and indirect-fire support for the unit and cordons off the target area.
•Command and control handles conflicts with internal elements, friendly units, and follow-on objectives or targets, and coordinates fire support.
MISSION-ORIENTED COMMAND AND CONTROL
The mission-oriented C2 (or mission control) both encourages and helps subordinates to act within the intent and concept of both the battalion and company commanders. Mission-oriented C2 requires that subordinate elements clearly understand the purpose and intent of their commanders two levels up. This allows them the freedom to respond, with disciplined initiative, to the changing situation without further guidance. With mission-oriented C2, the combat leader must:
Expect Uncertainty. Understand that the impact of combat and dynamic battle conditions may challenge the leader’s ability to know what is happening, even in his immediate area of operation (AO).