Who leads a platoon?

• A. Platoon Leader (2LT/1LT) and Platoon sergeant (SFC)
• B. Company Commander
• C. Battalion Commander
• D. Platoon Leader only

Answer: (A)

Platoon leadership is a two-person team: the officer in command and the senior noncommissioned officer who keeps everything running. The platoon leader, usually a 2nd or 1st lieutenant, plans and directs operations and training and makes the primary tactical decisions. The platoon sergeant, typically a sergeant first class, is the senior NCO who handles preparation, discipline, logistics, and day-to-day readiness, acting as the lead adviser to the platoon leader. They work together to guide the platoon, and the platoon sergeant can assume command if the platoon leader is unavailable. Higher-level leaders like the company commander or battalion commander oversee larger units and don’t lead the platoon day-to-day. Saying the platoon is led only by the platoon leader misses the essential, hands-on leadership the platoon sergeant provides.