Platoon leader

{{Short description|Military occupation, commander of a platoon, typically an officer}} {{more citations needed|date=March 2023}} [[Image:Infantry Platoon Nato.svg|thumb|right|200px|Standard NATO military map symbol for a friendly infantry platoon.]]

A '''platoon leader''' (NATO) or '''platoon commander''' (more common in Commonwealth militaries and the US Marine Corps) is the officer in charge of a platoon. This person is usually a junior officer – a second lieutenant or first lieutenant or an equivalent rank. The officer is usually assisted by a platoon sergeant. Some special units, such as specific aviation platoons and special forces, require a captain as platoon leader, due to the nature and increased responsibility of such assignments. Platoons normally consist of three or four sections (Commonwealth) or squads (US).

== Responsibilities of a Platoon Leader ==

The duties and responsibilities of a platoon leader is similar in the armies. Based on the US Army publications,<ref>ATP 3-21.8, https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN13842-ATP_3-21.8-001-WEB-4.pdf, Last accessed: 03.02.2023 {{PD-notice}}</ref> it is possible to address that a platoon leader:

* Leads the platoon in supporting the higher headquarters missions. He bases his actions on his assigned mission and intent and concept of his higher commanders. * Conducts troop leading procedures. * Maneuvers squads and fighting elements. * Synchronizes the efforts of squads. * Looks ahead to the next “move" of the platoon. * Requests, controls, and synchronizes supporting assets. * Employs mission command systems available to the squads and platoon. * Checks with squad leaders ensuring 360-degree, three-dimensional security is maintained. * Checks with weapons squad leader controlling the emplacement of key weapon systems. * Issues accurate and timely reports. * Places himself where he is most needed to accomplish the mission. * Assigns clear tasks and purposes to the squads. * Understands the mission and commander’s intent two levels up (company and battalion). * Receives on-hand status reports from the platoon sergeant, section leaders, and squad leaders during planning. * Coordinates and assists in the development of the obstacle plan. * Oversees and is responsible for property management

In Mechanized infantry units, also, the platoon leader: * Normally dismounts when the situation causes the platoon to dismount. * Serves as Armoured personnel carrier or Infantry fighting vehicle commander when mounted. * Develops the fires with the platoon sergeant, section leaders, and squad leaders.

==Military rank== === NATO code === While the rank is used in some NATO countries, it is ranked differently depending on the country. {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" ! rowspan=2| NATO code ! rowspan=2| Country<ref>{{cite book |author1=NATO |title=STANAG 2116 NATO |date=2021 |publisher=NATO Standardization Agency |edition=7th |location=Brussels, Belgium |pages=D-1–D-3}}</ref> ! colspan=2| English equivalent |- ! UK ! US |- ! OR-7 | Romania | Staff sergeant | Sergeant first class |- ! OR-3 | Poland | Lance corporal | Private first class |}

===Use=== {| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px; text-align:center; color:inherit;" |- style="background-color:#CCCCCC;" ! Rank ! First platoon adjutant ! Platoon adjutant ! Platoon major ! Platoon leader |- | rowspan=2| '''{{army|Moldova}}'''<ref name="Moldova">{{cite web |title=Epoleţi |url=https://www.army.md/inf/epoleti/epoleti.htm |website=army.md |publisher=Ministry of Defense |access-date=26 May 2021 |language=ro}}</ref> | rowspan=2| | 50px | 50px | 50px |- | {{lang|ro|Plutonier-adjutant}} | {{lang|ro|Plutonier-major}} | {{lang|ro|Plutonier}} |- | rowspan=2| '''{{army|Poland}}'''<ref name="Poland_Army&AirForce">{{cite web |title=Sposób noszenia odznak stopni wojskowych na umundurowaniu wojsk Lądowych i sił Powietrznych |url=https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/iwsp/u/14/fc/14fc23f7-28a0-4a42-9ac0-287d512ffcb9/08b_oznaki_stopni_wojskowych_na_umundurowaniu_wl_i_sp_ok.pdf |website=wojsko-polskie.pl |publisher=Armed Forces Support Inspectorate |access-date=7 June 2021 |language=pl}}</ref> | colspan=3 rowspan=2| | 50px |- | {{lang|pl|Plutonowy}} |- ! rowspan=2| {{army|Romania}}<ref name="Romania">{{cite web |title=Grade militare (Military ranks) |url=https://www.defense.ro/foto/album6 |website=defense.ro |publisher=Romanian Defence Staff |access-date=1 February 2021 |language=ro}}</ref> | 50px | 50px | 50px | 50px |- | {{lang|ro|Plutonier adjutant principal}} | {{lang|ro|Plutonier adjutant}} | {{lang|ro|Plutonier-major}} | {{lang|ro|Plutonier}} |}

==References== {{reflist}}

Category:Military organization Category:Military ranks Category:Military leadership