Leading and Being Led

Being Led

Being led is not as black and white as it might seem. You can make your leadership's life simple in a variety of ways. Remember you are just a bullet away from becoming the leader yourself in some situations, so while you are being led try to act how you would like someone under your command to act. Everyone has their own "style" of leadership. Some people like to be super hands on, some like to have well thought out plan, and some people lead as needed. Don't get mad at someone just because you think they are doing it wrong.

How to be led:

• Listen to the leaders. Sometimes the ROE or part of the briefing actually needs to be followed to complete the mission.

• Communicate any important info up the Chain as soon as possible.

• Help keep track of your team, sticking with a battle buddy and watching each other keeps your leaders from having to search for a body later.

• Don't waste important assets without asking or being told to use it. If you do need to use it on an immediate threat, report that you used it.

• Keep an eye out for opportunities your leadership may not have seen.

• Ask before scavenging gear. Make sure it is reported if you do.

• Echo orders and contact reports.

• Don't be afraid to make a suggestion every now and then. Input is important, especially during initial planning.

• If you disagree with an order you're given, only suggest alternatives if there's no urgency. Otherwise, follow it

"A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”

Leading

Every Coalition company member is expected to lead at some point. Whether it's just a Fireteam lead or vehicle command slot every now and then, or getting a "Field promotion" in the middle of a firefight. Without Good leadership a combat group will not last long.

What to do as a leader:

• Make a plan. Change it as needed "No plan survives contact with the enemy".

• Always keep track of your command. Losing contact with someone you are responsible for is bad for both ends.

• Communicate. The chain of command is just a funnel of info to the top. Remember to keep it relevant and brief though. see communication guide for more

• Have a designated 2nd in command if possible. If you go down the faster the command is picked up the better.

• Know your assets, and use them accordingly. Give those RATs, GRENs, and ARs designated targets!

• Use your SOP's, Formations, and tactics to your advantage.

• Keep your head down as much as possible. The longer the chain of command stays intact, the longer everyone knows what is going on.

• Do not be afraid to micromanage when it is needed.

For a more detailed and informative guideline on a specific leadership role, see the links below.

Fireteam Leading

Fire Team Leader

Squad Leading

Squad Leader

Platoon Leading

Platoon Leader

Platoon Sergeant

Succession of Command

Speaking of "Field Promotions" the correct line of Succession for both the Platoon and a Fireteam are important to know. It is also important to remember your place in this line when you slot leadership. This keeps the chain from breaking down, or at least staying broken for long. If you find that you have "Earned" yourself a "Field Promotion" then the first thing you should do when safe is to get on the proper radio net and notify anyone still on that net that you are taking charge of your unit. If you cannot take command for some reason like not having the proper radios or not feeling experienced enough to take over you should IMMEDIATELY Pass the news to the next in line that They are in charge. This also goes for if you see someone that might not be aware that they just Earned a promotion. Make sure the line is followed as well as the situation allows. Generally the longer the line stays intact the better information flows.

As shown in the second image, the next fireteam member in the line of succession is the AR. As such, you should only take the role if you're willing to assume command of the fireteam at some point during the mission.

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