What are the core responsibilities of a squad leader?

The core responsibilities of a squad leader primarily involve training and managing their squad. A squad leader plays a crucial role in ensuring that their squad members are well-prepared and capable of performing their designated tasks. This includes conducting training sessions, mentoring soldiers, and evaluating their performance to enhance the overall effectiveness of the unit. By focusing on the development of individual soldiers, the squad leader fosters a cohesive and skilled team that can operate efficiently during missions.

In contrast, planning missions for the platoon typically falls to higher-ranking leaders, such as platoon sergeants or officers, who have broader responsibilities that encompass multiple squads. Implementing strategies without considering soldiers' welfare is contrary to the leadership principles that emphasize care and concern for troops, which is vital for maintaining morale and operational effectiveness. Lastly, overseeing the entire battalion's operations is a responsibility reserved for battalion commanders and their staff, not for squad leaders, who focus on the tactical application within their smaller unit.