Platoon Structure

Disclaimer: The below platoon structure accounts for a 42 man platoon. Note that we don’t use the term “platoon” in the same way that the real-life military does due to the scale of our operations. We typically refer to a platoon as the entirety of our combined forces, including both infantry and vehicles.

Our platoon structure needs to be able to flex according to the number of players and the mission requirements. When planning for an operation, it is important to organize the platoon in such a way that accommodates an effective span of control.

The best leaders have a strong understanding of the roles and tools available to them. Below is an overview of some of the assets available within our unit.

1. Combat Medics
   1. Team Level: Placing medics at the team level obviously provides that team with immediate medical assistance when needed. However, there are numerous drawbacks to this approach. This puts the medic in the most danger since they are on the front line. It also significantly slows down the fireteam while they wait for the medic to treat the injured or assist other teams. This can result in multiple elements getting tangled together.
   2. Squad Level: Placing medics at the squad level is typically the best option in our unit. It allows the fireteams to focus on their jobs and greatly increases their mobility compared to team level medics. It allows the squad leader to more easily prioritize and coordinate medical assistance. This can also allow for the medic to serve as an assistant squad leader if needed.
   3. Platoon Level: Platoon level medics can be utilized if we are short on available medics for the operation or to allow a squad to serve in a full assault capacity. However, if not managed carefully, your squads may not get medical attention quickly enough.
2. Specialists
   1. Support Teams: The squad on the right in the diagram is comprised of support teams. Anyone can fill these roles so long as they have completed BCT gold, however, specialists are trained in the advanced functions of these roles. These teams trade mobility for firepower; they are the middle ground between a fireteam and a weapons team. The two support weapons are the medium machinegun, such as an M240 and the medium anti-tank launcher, such as the M3 MAAWS.
   2. Weapons Teams: Weapons teams do not act in the same capacity as a fireteam. They are typically comprised of 3 people, however, this can be adjusted to 2-4 people. Weapons teams carry the heaviest weapons, and as a result, have very low mobility. They struggle in close quarters combat but can provide heavy firepower from entrenched or elevated positions. The four types of weapons team are Mortar, HMG, GMG, and HAT (Heavy (Guided) Anti-Tank).
3. Marksmen
   1. Designated Marksmen: Designated marksmen can operate at the fireteam level or alongside a squad leader. This extends the teams engagement range at the cost of mobility and close quarters capability
   2. Sniper Teams: Sniper teams are 2-man mobile reconnaissance units who operate at the platoon level. They excel at precisely eliminating high-value targets at long ranges.
4. Combat Engineers
   1. Logistics: When operating in a logistics capacity, combat engineers can provide the platoon with supplies, repair vehicles and equipment, and construct fortifications.
   2. EOD: Explosive Ordinance Defusal teams are the go-to when dealing with IEDs or other explosive devices. They are trained in safely detecting and disarming various explosives. They also double as demolitions experts.
5. TACP’s
   1. Forward Air Controllers: TACP’s can work alongside the operation commander as a 2-man team coordinating support assets. Operating in this capacity allows the TACP to detach from the leader and perform reconnaissance.
   2. Leader Support: A JTAC or RTO can be attaching to a platoon or squad leader to assist them in dealing with multiple radio channels and assets. They also make excellent assistant squad leaders.