This page is about playing a video game. It is not medical, tactical, or safety advice for real life, and nothing here should be used as such.
In one line: the squad leader is responsible for everything the squad does or fails to do. You lead nine people by leading two: your team leaders.
What you do
- Direct your two team leaders, and let them direct their teams.
- Control the squad's movement, and the rate and spread of its fire.
- Fight by fire and movement: one team covers while the other moves.
- Pick each team's general position and the sector it covers.
- Call for and adjust supporting fire when the squad has it.
- Plan before you move, and brief the plan.
- Look after your people, their weapons, and their kit. Coach your team leaders.
What you report
- About the enemy: a spot report in the SALUTE format. See Radio procedure.
- To the platoon leader: where you are, how you are getting on, and what the enemy is doing.
- To the platoon sergeant: ammunition, casualties, and equipment.
What good looks like
- You get the job done without step by step guidance from above.
- You know the commander's intent two levels up: platoon and company.
- You are ready to step up as platoon sergeant or platoon leader.
What you carry
Kit
A rifle, a radio, and a map.
Who you work with
You answer to the platoon leader and lead two team leaders. Next step up: platoon sergeant.
By the book
From ATP 3-21.8, paragraphs 1-9, 1-25, and 1-26. The manual has the squad leader as the senior infantry soldier in the squad, leading it through the two team leaders.
Sources
This page is adapted for a game. Where it differs from the source, it says so. Read the current edition at the source for the real thing.
Version 1, updated .