T9 Roles and Responsibilities

Listen to 5 soldiers talking about their responsibilities. Write down

each soldier’s rank, and what he is responsible for.

1. PLATOON LEADER

My name is John. I'm a second lieutenant and I'm a platoon leader. I

must make sure the platoon accomplishes its missions using my
initiative. I am responsible for all the platoon does or fails to do. On
operations I need to decide how to maneuver the squads and fighting
elements of the platoon, as well as maintain 360 degree security. I can
request and control supporting assets like air support, artillery and
armor. I need to understand the mission and commanders' intent two
levels up: at the company and battalion level.

2. PLATOON SERGEANT

My name is Eric. I am the platoon sergeant . That means I am the

senior NCO in the platoon and second in command. I am a tactical
expert in infantry platoon and squad operations. I advise the platoon
leader on tactical matters. I am responsible for the care of my men, the
weapons, and equipment of the platoon. I need to ensure the platoon is
prepared to accomplish its mission. I supervise pre-combat checks and
inspections. And I monitor our logistical status during operations. I put
in requests for rations, water, fuel, and ammunition to higher
headquarters. I set up and operate the unit’s casualty collection point
(CCP) and direct the platoon medic and litter teams in moving
casualties.

3. PLATOON RADIOTELEPHONE OPERATOR

Hi, my name's Philip and I'm the platoon's radiotelephone operator –

the RTO for short. I am responsible for the platoon’s communication
with company HQ. During operations, I make sure we can communicate
at all times. If communication with company is lost, I immediately
inform the lieutenant or platoon sergeant. One of my most important
duties is to manage the batteries during operations – this is very
important.

4. AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN

Hello. I'm Dave Kowalski and I'm a Specialist and I'm one of the
squad's automatic rifleman. I'm second-in-command of the fireteam,
under the team leader. I carry the 5.56 mm M249 machine gun. I can
engage targets from the prone, kneeling, and standing positions with
and without night observation devices. If anything happens to the
sergeant I'll take over the fireteam.

5. TEAM LEADER

I am Sergeant Saunders. I'm one of the team leaders in the platoon. I'm
in charge of my team and I'm responsible for their actions. So they'd
better behave. I'm responsible for the care of my team’s men, weapons,
and equipment. During operations, I lead my team in fire and
movement. And I'm in charge of security of my team’s sector. I can
take over the duties of the squad leader and platoon sergeant if
necessary.

T11 Promotion
Unit 11 Task 4

I graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2007. I then

attended a 12-week Platoon Commanders Battle Course held at the
Infantry Battle School, IBS, in Brecon. I learnt about Platoon tactics
and the course ended with an overseas exercise to test my knowledge
about commanding infantry soldiers. I was appointed as a 2nd
Lieutenant platoon commander in Catterick with the Mercian Battalion.
For two years I was responsible for leading and training 30 infantrymen
and their general welfare. After this initial platoon command I was
promoted to Lieutenant. I still led my platoon but I had more
responsibility and did more training. After three years I was promoted
to Captain and acted as a company second in command for 2 years. I
was responsible for planning training for the company of about 120
men and deputising for the company commander. I also took care of
company maintenance and logistics. On operations I ran the company
operations cell and had key input into the Company Commander's
plans. I then became a senior captain. I hope to be promoted to Major
next year.