RIFLE COMPANY Good afternoon, gentlemen! This class is an introduction to the US Army Infantry Rifle Company, its organization, weapons, personnel, and their duties. The purpose is to teach you what you need to know about the rifle company and the duties of its personnel. You need to learn this so you will know: What your duties are when you are assigned as one of the company officers, NCOs, support troops, or combat troops 2) Where you can ask for the help you need to perform your mission Pay close attention in class. We will force-feed you a lot of information in a short time. You don’t need to take notes. This is your copy of the complete set of flip charts and notes. This class will give you an introduction to the Rifle Company. Study the charts and notes later to LEARN and REMEMBER all these facts. For now, if there is anything you don’t understand, raise your hand right away and ask! If you have a question, the odds are that there are at least a couple of other guys who need to ask it too, so go ahead.

Infantry Battalion WPNS Rifle companies appear in the infantry battalion Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE). Here is a copy of the Battalion TOE line and block chart. WPNS PLT

Rifle Company Was historically the largest unit which could be commanded by the voice of one man Tactics now spread a company too far to be commanded by commander’s voice, but company is still the largest unit where a single man can control the whole unit The company is the closest thing a soldier has to a home in the army The company is a soldier’s family The commander should know every man’s name To understand how a company is supposed to work, you must understand how close-knit it is supposed to be The company is the soul of the army Let’s take a minute to look at the background and purpose of a company: --Was historically the largest unit which could be commanded by the voice of one man --Tactics now spread a company too far to be commanded by one commander’s voice, but a company is still the largest unit which a single man can control. --The company is the closest thing a soldier has to a home in the army --The company is a soldier’s family. --The commander should know every man’s name. --To understand how a company is supposed to work, you must understand how close-knit it is supposed to be. --The company is the soul of the army. (Note: Close cooperation and teamwork are especially difficult in WWII reenacting, where different units unknown to each other usually form “pickup” companies for a weekend. This makes good leadership even more important.)

Rifle Company Organization Here is the organization chart for a TOE rifle company. Note that it also is “triangular”, with three maneuver Rifle Platoons. For close-in fire support, it also has a Weapons Platoon with two .30 caliber light machineguns, and three 60mm mortars. It has a small command and administrative section. We will discuss most of the personnel in each of the company’s subunits, and their functions.

Rifle Company Headquarters Command Group: Company Commander—Captain Executive Officer—First Lieutenant First Sergeant—Master Sergeant Communications Sergeant—Staff Sergeant Bugler Orderly Messengers (2) Command Group: Company Commander—Captain Executive Officer—First Lieutenant First Sergeant—Master Sergeant Communications Sergeant—Staff Sergeant Bugler* Orderly* Messengers* (2) *Note: We will not discuss these personnel in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have buglers, orderlies, or full-time messengers. Please see the notes pages on these personnel.

Company HQ Personnel and Duties The Company Commander has absolute responsibility for everything his company does or doesn’t do—discipline, tactics, ordnance, supply, administration, and training. He can delegate authority, but not responsibility. Has to lead by example. In the Army as well as in the hobby, the commander’s most powerful weapon is force of personal example. It’s hard to gain the respect and loyalty of the troops, easy to lose it. Should know all his men, and know their health and morale Must always be aware of the tactical situation, anticipate and plan for prospective missions Always called “the Old Man”, regardless of age --The Company Commander has absolute responsibility for everything his company does or doesn’t do—discipline, tactics, ordnance, supply, administration, and training. --He can delegate authority, but not responsibility. (If he assigns a lieutenant a mission, and the lieutenant doesn’t accomplish it, it is still the captain’s ass on the line.) --Has to lead by example. In the Army as well as in the hobby, the commander’s most powerful weapon is force of personal example. It’s hard to gain the respect and loyalty of the troops, easy to lose it. --Should know all his men, and know their health and morale --Must always be aware of the tactical situation, anticipate and plan for prospective missions --Always called “the Old Man”, regardless of age

Company HQ Personnel and Duties The Executive Officer assists the Old Man BUT—his area of responsibility is focused on making the company run Handles administration, supply, and maintenance – so the Old Man can focus on the combat mission. Keeps constantly aware of the tactical situation and plans, since he is only one life away from taking command. The Executive Officer assists the Old Man --BUT—his area of responsibility is focused on making the company run --Handles administration, supply, and maintenance – so the Old Man can focus on the combat mission. --Keeps constantly aware of the tactical situation and plans, since he is only one life away from taking command.

Company HQ Personnel and Duties The First Sergeant runs the company administration and keeps the NCOs sharp His finger is always on the pulse of the company His advice to the CO is priceless Soldiers should always have an eye out for the Top Sergeant. He will never let any lapse pass without correction. The CO is responsible for everything that happens in his company, but a good Top Sergeant will cover the Old Man’s rear by flawless administration and by shaping up weak NCOs. Not a tactical leader, unless everything is going to hell in a hurry First Sergeant --Runs the company administration and keeps the NCOs sharp --His finger is always on the pulse of the company --His advice to the CO is priceless --Soldiers should always have an eye out for the Top Sergeant. He will never let any lapse pass without correction. --The CO is responsible for everything that happens in his company, but a good Top Sergeant will cover the Old Man’s rear by flawless administration and by shaping up weak NCOs. --Not a tactical leader, unless and until everything is going to hell in a hurry!

Company HQ Personnel and Duties Communications Sergeant is in charge of setting up and troubleshooting telephone and radio nets He monitors the daily changes in the Division SOI (Signal Operating Instructions). Ensures that everyone knows sound and visual signals Receives and dispatches messengers Makes sure the CO never misses a message! Communications Sergeant --Is in charge of setting up and troubleshooting telephone systems and radio nets --He monitors and disseminates to company personnel the daily changes in the Division SOI (Signal Operating Instructions). --Ensures that everyone knows sound and visual signals --Receives and dispatches messengers --Makes sure the CO never misses a message!

Company HQ Personnel and Duties Bugler in garrison or camp signals formations, work tasks, and all other activities as directed by the CO and First Sergeant. Trained as an observer In combat, serves as an observer Assists CO in observation, command, and control Bugler* --In garrison or camp will signal formations, work tasks, and all other activities as directed by the CO and First Sergeant. --Trained as an observer --In combat, serves as an observer --Assists CO in observation, command, and control *Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have buglers.

Company HQ Personnel and Duties Orderly is the personal assistant of the CO. Trained as an observer In combat, serves as an observer or messenger Accompanies the CO wherever he goes, assists in observation, and serves as CO’s bodyguard Orderly * --Is the personal assistant of the CO. --Trained as an observer --In combat, serves as an observer or messenger --Accompanies the CO wherever he goes, assists in observation, and serves as CO’s bodyguard *Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have an orderly.

Company HQ Personnel and Duties Messengers (“runners”) carry messages between company and battalion if needed. On establishing a combat position, the company sends one messenger to battalion to wait there for any messages. (Messages between platoon and company are carried by platoon messengers.) Messengers * (“runners”) --Carry messages between company and battalion if needed --On establishing a combat position, the company sends one messenger to battalion to wait there for any messages from battalion to company. Other messenger remains at company to carry messages from company to battalion. --(Messages between platoon and company are carried by platoon messengers.) *Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have the luxury of full-time messengers.

Rifle Company Headquarters Administration Group: Supply Sergeant Mess Sergeant Cooks Cooks’ helpers Company Clerk Administration Group: Supply Sergeant Mess Sergeant Cooks* Cooks’ helpers* Company Clerk *Note: We will not discuss these personnel in class. Duties of cooks and cooks’ helpers are mostly self-explanatory.

Company HQ Personnel and Duties Supply Sergeant ensures the company has everything it needs (and sometimes more) He must be expert at Army supply procedures Continuously updates himself on the constantly shifting supply and ammo points so he knows where to requisition supplies and ammo Supply sergeants have a reputation for lighthearted larceny. As long as it is for the good of the company and not personal gain, the Old Man will overlook such nefarious activities. Supply Sergeant --Ensures the company has everything it needs according to the TOE (and sometimes more) --He must be an expert on Army supply procedures --Continuously updates himself on the constantly shifting supply and ammo points so he knows where to requisition supplies and ammo --Supply sergeants have a reputation for lighthearted larceny. As long as it is for the good of the company and not personal gain, the Old Man will overlook such nefarious activities.

Company HQ Personnel and Duties Mess Sergeant is the god of the mess hall In combat, makes every effort to feed the troops hot food, not K rations As long as the food is good, no one messes with the mess sergeant Mess Sergeant --Is the god of the mess hall --First Sergeants do not supervise Mess Sergeants, who hold specialist positions in a separate career line, and will not become first sergeants. --In combat, makes a special effort to feed the troops hot meals, not just the omnipresent K rations. --As long as the food is good, no one messes with the mess sergeant.

Company HQ Personnel and Duties Company Clerk works directly for the First Sergeant. His job is to get hammered daily by the Topkick. Main function is personnel administration The clerk may have a lowly position, but he is responsible for some important things highly necessary for troops’ morale: Pay Mail Awards and decorations Leave and R and R orders Correct and timely processing and reporting of assignments and promotions Company Clerk --Works directly for the First Sergeant. His job is to get hammered daily by the Topkick. --Main job is personnel administration--accounting for everyone and knowing where they are: present, sick, wounded, dead, missing, AWOL --The clerk may have a lowly position, but he is responsible for some important things highly necessary for troops’ morale: -Pay -Mail -Awards and decorations -Leave and R & R orders -Correct and timely processing and reporting of assignments and promotions

Rifle Platoon HQ The Rifle Company has three Rifle Platoons. Each one has a small Platoon HQ and three Rifle Squads. The platoon is the smallest unit led by an officer. (NOTE: He is a platoon leader, not a commander.)

Rifle Platoon HQ Platoon HQ Personnel Platoon Leader Platoon Sergeant Platoon Guide Messengers Basic Privates Platoon HQ Personnel include: --Platoon Leader --Platoon Sergeant --Platoon Guide --Messengers* --Basic Privates* *Note: We will not discuss these personnel in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have messengers or basic privates. Please see the notes pages on these personnel.

Rifle Platoon HQ Personnel and Duties Platoon Leader Is a second lieutenant Leads his unit from the front, by example Learns faster if he listens to his Platoon Sergeant, who has a major job of teaching new officers Usually even if he listens to the Platoon Sergeant, may not last long in combat. One study said the average life of a 2d LT under fire was 15 minutes. Dogfaces in the platoon usually don’t inquire much about the new looey until he shows he is good enough and lucky enough to stay around for awhile. Platoon Leader --Is a second lieutenant --Responsible for training, discipline, control and tactical employment of his platoon --Leads from the front, by example --Learns faster if he listens to his Platoon Sergeant, whose unwritten major job is teaching new officers --Even if he listens to the Platoon Sergeant, usually won’t last long in combat. One Army study said the average life of a 2LT under fire was 15 minutes. --Dogfaces in the platoon usually don’t inquire much about the new looey until he shows he is good enough and lucky enough to stay around for awhile.

Rifle Platoon HQ Personnel and Duties Platoon Sergeant Nominal rank is Technical Sergeant, E-7 Is the assistant platoon leader, advising and assisting the platoon leader in leadership and control of the platoon In combat, takes a position wherever he can best assist in observation and control of the troops—usually somewhere on the flank or rear, kicking ass and taking names In setting up a defensive position, usually places the MGs, mortars, and rocket launchers, and assigns sectors of fire Takes the place of the platoon leader if he is absent or a casualty Platoon Sergeant --Nominal rank is Technical Sergeant, E-7 --Is the assistant platoon leader, advising and assisting the platoon leader in leadership and control of the platoon --In combat, takes a position wherever he can best assist in observation and control of the troops—usually somewhere on the flank or rear, kicking ass and taking names --In setting up a defensive position, usually places the MGs, mortars, and rocket launchers, and assigns sectors of fire --Takes the place of the platoon leader if he is absent or a casualty --Is nominally a senior NCO. Though movies usually show him as a grizzled, experienced, salt-of-the-earth Regular Army NCO, in practice, PSG’s tended to be young. (In WWII, the competent pre-war regulars and experienced National Guard NCOs were frequently promoted quickly during mobilization to cadre forming divisions – unless they were over a minimum age as of Pearl Harbor and got discharged.) --The platoon sergeants in combat divisions tended to be younger than tradition has it, and less experienced than war movies suggest. What they were was good. --A PSG was generally promoted to that position because he performed well. --Because of longer experience, he was usually a few steps ahead of the PL. --He knew the men in the platoon a lot better because he had been with them, often from training.

Rifle Platoon HQ Personnel and Duties Platoon Guide Rank is staff sergeant, E-6 Functions as a kind of assistant Platoon Sergeant Assists in observation and control on the march and movement to combat In establishing a defense, places the rifle squads and assigns sectors of fire Replaces the Platoon Sergeant if he is absent or a casualty Platoon Guide --Rank is staff sergeant, E-6 --Functions as a kind of assistant Platoon Sergeant --Assists in observation and control on the march and movement to combat --In establishing a defense, places the rifle squads and assigns sectors of fire --Replaces the Platoon Sergeant if he is absent or a casualty

Rifle Platoon HQ Personnel and Duties Messengers Carry messages between platoon and company HQs When establishing a defense, one messenger goes to company HQ to await messages for the platoon; the other messenger waits at platoon for messages to the company Messengers* --Carry messages between platoon and company HQs --When establishing a defense, one messenger goes to company HQ to await messages for the platoon; the other messenger waits at platoon for messages to the company *Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have the luxury of full-time messengers.

Rifle Platoon HQ Personnel and Duties Basic Privates Standing by to serve as replacements for casualties Called for by tactical doctrine, but in combat would prove to be a rare luxury for the commander Basic Privates* --Standing by to serve as replacements for casualties --Called for by tactical doctrine, but in combat would prove to be a rare luxury for the commander --When the 29th Division landed on Omaha Beach, all units were at 120% of authorized strength, in anticipation of 20% casualties. Casualties at Normandy were luckily somewhat lower (12%, still bad enough) but the overstrength was used up quickly, and thereafter all combat units were chronically understrength due to casualties. *Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will probably never have any extra “basic privates”.

Rifle Squad Personnel and Duties Squad Leader Assistant Squad Leader/Antitank Grenadier BAR Gunner Assistant BAR Gunner Riflemen (7) Squad Leader Assistant Squad Leader/Antitank Grenadier BAR Gunner Assistant BAR Gunner BAR Ammo Bearer Riflemen (7)

Rifle Squad Personnel and Duties Squad Leader Has rank of Staff Sergeant, E-6 Is responsible for the discipline, appearance, training, control, and conduct of his squad Enforces rules of hygiene and sanitation, Ensures weapons are cleaned and serviceable Arranges for feeding of his men Constantly monitors and reports on men’s morale and health (especially condition of troops’ feet) Constantly monitors and reports on the ammunition status of his men; requests resupply from Platoon Leader when needed In combat, leads one fire team of his squad, usually to provide base of fire Designates targets, and trains other members of his squad to designate targets By voice command or signals, controls the fire of his squad Squad Leader --Has rank of Staff Sergeant, E-6 --Is responsible for the discipline, appearance, training, control, and conduct of his squad --Enforces rules of hygiene and sanitation, ensures weapons are cleaned and serviceable, arranges for feeding of his men --Constantly monitors and reports on men’s morale and health (especially condition of troops’ feet) --Constantly monitors and reports on the ammunition status of his men; requests resupply from Platoon Leader when needed --In combat, leads one fire team of his squad, usually to provide base of fire --Designates targets, and trains other members of his squad to designate targets --By voice command or signals, controls the fire of his squad: open fire, adjust fire, shift fire, regulate rate of fire, cease fire

Rifle Squad Personnel and Duties Assistant Squad Leader Has rank of Sergeant, E-5 Performs duties as assigned by the Squad Leader Leads second fire team of his squad Takes the place of the Squad Leader if he is absent or a casualty Carries M1903 bolt-action rifle with grenade launcher attachment and sight, for firing antitank grenades On order, fires on enemy tanks and vehicles Can also fire .30-’06 rifle ammunition Assistant Squad Leader --Has rank of Sergeant, E-5 --Performs duties as assigned by the Squad Leader --Leads second fire team of his squad --Takes the place of the Squad Leader if he is absent or a casualty --Carries M1903 bolt-action rifle with grenade launcher attachment and sight, for firing antitank grenades --On order, fires on enemy tanks and vehicles --Can also fire .30-’06 rifle ammunition Note: The 1942 FM 7-10 “Rifle Company in the Rifle Regiment” says the ASL is also the AT Grenadier. This may have changed later, but we do not have any of the interim updates for any of our manuals.

Rifle Squad Personnel and Duties BAR Gunner Carries Browning Automatic Rifle Provides automatic fire for close-in fire support and enemy fire suppression in the assault In the defense, provides automatic fire on group targets or enemy crew-served weapons BAR Gunner --Carries Browning Automatic Rifle --Provides automatic fire for close-in fire support and enemy fire suppression in the assault --In the defense, provides automatic fire on group targets or enemy crew-served weapons

Rifle Squad Personnel and Duties Assistant BAR Gunner Carries extra ammunition for the Gunner Hands the gunner ammunition while firing Takes over as Gunner if original Gunner is absent or becomes a casualty Assistant BAR Gunner --Carries extra ammunition for the Gunner --Hands the Gunner ammunition while firing --Takes over as Gunner if original Gunner is absent or becomes a casualty

Rifle Squad Personnel and Duties BAR Ammo Bearer Carries extra ammunition for the Gunner Goes to company ammo supply point to get more ammo when needed Takes over as Gunner if original Gunner and Assistant are absent or become casualties BAR Ammo Bearer --Carries extra ammunition for the Gunner --Goes to company ammo supply point to get more ammo when needed --Takes over as Gunner if original Gunner and Assistant are absent or become casualties

Rifle Squad Personnel and Duties Riflemen (7) Provide basic fire and maneuver as ordered for the squad and platoon in the attack Serve as scouts Observe and fire as ordered in the defense Riflemen (7) --Carry out basic fire and maneuver as ordered for the squad and platoon in the attack --Serve as scouts --Observe and fire as ordered in the defense

Weapons Platoon WPNS PLT HQ 60mm mortar LMG --The Rifle Company also has a Weapons Platoon as its own organic TOE fire support. --The Weapons Platoon includes a small Platoon HQ, a Light Machinegun Section with two Browning M1919A1 .30 caliber machineguns in two machinegun squads, and a Mortar Section with three 60mm light mortars in three mortar squads. --These machineguns and mortars are generally used to cover dangerous enemy avenues of approach in the defense, and to provide supporting fire on enemy crew-served weapons and important personnel positions when our units are in the attack. The machineguns can be employed singly, but are usually employed in pairs, with interlocking fields of fire, usually to cover gaps between squads or platoons. The mortars can be employed in a battery of three under the Company Commander’s control, but can also be employed singly and attached to the frontline rifle platoons to fire on their order. 60mm mortar LMG

Weapons Platoon Personnel and Duties Platoon Leader Platoon Sergeant Messengers Transport Corporal Drivers The Platoon HQ includes the: --Platoon Leader --Platoon Sergeant --Messengers* --Transport Corporal* --Drivers* *Note: We will not discuss these personnel in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have Messengers, Transport Corporals, or Weapons Carrier Drivers. Please see the notes pages on these personnel.

Weapons Platoon Personnel and Duties Platoon Leader Has rank of Second Lieutenant Is usually newly commissioned and has capabilities and limitations the same as new rifle platoon leaders Controls the fires of his sections when practicable, or delegates control to his platoon sergeant or section leaders Keeps up to date on Commander’s fire plan and prospective missions Monitors ammunition status and requests resupply as needed Platoon Leader --Has rank of second lieutenant --Is usually newly commissioned and has same background, capabilities, and limitations as new rifle platoon leaders. --Controls the fires of his sections when practicable, or delegates control to his platoon sergeant or section leaders --Keeps up to date on Commander’s current fire plan and prospective missions --Monitors ammunition status and requests resupply as needed

Weapons Platoon Personnel and Duties Platoon Sergeant Has rank of Technical Sergeant, E-7 Has same background, capabilities, and limitations as Platoon Sergeants of Rifle Platoons Marches at rear of Platoon to prevent straggling Observes and monitors situation to rear and flanks of platoon Supervises ammo resupply Controls fire of section as ordered by Platoon Leader Assists Platoon Leader in observation and control of fire Platoon Sergeant --Has rank of Technical Sergeant, E-7 --Has same background, capabilities, and limitations as Platoon Sergeants of Rifle Platoons --Marches at rear of Platoon to prevent straggling --Observes and monitors situation to rear and flanks of platoon --Supervises ammo resupply --Controls fire of any section as ordered by Platoon Leader --Assists Platoon Leader in observation and control of fire

Weapons Platoon Personnel and Duties Messengers (runners) Same duties as messengers of Rifle Platoons Carry messages between platoon and company HQs When establishing a defense, one messenger goes to company HQ to await messages for the platoon; the other messenger waits at platoon for messages to the company Messengers* (runners) --Same duties as messengers of Rifle Platoons --Carry messages between platoon and company HQs --When establishing a defense, one messenger goes to company HQ to await messages for the platoon; the other messenger waits at platoon for messages to the company *Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have the luxury of full-time messengers.

Weapons Platoon Personnel and Duties Transport Corporal In charge of the weapons carriers (3/4 ton trucks) Supervises first echelon weapons carrier maintenance Supervises security of weapons carriers Gets ammunition requisitions from Platoon Leader or Platoon Sergeant and ensures ammo is delivered in a timely manner Transport Corporal* --In charge of the weapons carriers (3/4 ton trucks) --Supervises drivers in first echelon weapons carrier maintenance --Supervises security of weapons carriers --Gets ammunition requisitions from Platoon Leader or Platoon Sergeant and ensures ammo is delivered in a timely manner *Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will probably never have Transport Corporals.

Weapons Platoon Personnel and Duties Drivers Drive weapons carriers as ordered Perform first echelon (drivers’) maintenance on weapons carriers Keep aware of locations of company and battalion ammunition supply points Drivers* --Drive weapons carriers as ordered --Perform first echelon (drivers’) maintenance on weapons carriers --Keep aware of locations of company and battalion ammunition supply points *Note 1: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class. Reenactor units in simulated combat will rarely have weapons carriers, or drivers, or mortar and machinegun ammo resupply. Note 2: FM 7-10, Rifle Company, does not state how many drivers and weapons carrier vehicles are in the Company. I am looking for a TOE to find this data.

Machinegun Section Personnel and Duties Machinegun Section Leader Has rank of Staff Sergeant, E-6 Leads his sections in route and approach marches In combat, employs sections according to orders from Platoon Leader or Company CO Assigns locations for squads within the section location Assigns targets or sectors of fire to squads Monitors ammunition status and ensure ammo replenishment by ammo bearers Machinegun Section Leader --Has rank of Staff Sergeant, E-6 --Leads his sections in route and approach marches --In combat, employs sections according to orders from Platoon Leader or Company CO --Assigns locations for squads within the section location --Assigns targets or sectors of fire to squads --Monitors ammunition status and ensures ammo replenishment by ammo bearers

Mortar Section Personnel and Duties Mortar Section Leader Has rank of Staff Sergeant, E-6 Leads his sections in route and approach marches In combat, employs sections according to orders from Platoon Leader or Company CO Assigns locations for squads within the sections location Assigns targets or sectors of fire to squads Monitors ammunition status and ensure ammo replenishment by ammo bearers Observes rifle platoons and relocate mortar squads according to changing action and situation of rifle elements Mortar Section Leader --Has rank of Staff Sergeant, E-6 --Leads his sections in route and approach marches --In combat, employ sections according to orders from Platoon Leader or Company CO --Assigns locations for squads within the section location --Assigns targets or sectors of fire to squads --Monitors ammunition status and ensure ammo replenishment by ammo bearers --Observes rifle platoons and relocates mortar squads according to changing action and situation of rifle elements

Rifle Company Summary This block of instruction has given you a brief overview of the Rifle Company, its place in the bigger organization plan, the key personnel in the rifle company, and their duties. Keep your class handouts and study them until you have a good basic grounding on company duties and functions. Review before you come on your next event, with emphasis on the duties you will be performing for that event. This block of instruction has given you a brief overview of the Rifle Company, the key personnel in the rifle company, and their duties. Keep these class handouts and study them until you have a good basic grounding on company duties and functions. Review these notes before you come on your next event, with emphasis on the duties you will be performing for that event.

Rifle Company Summary ? Any Questions? Are there any questions?

Rank and Command   The following authorized ranks are prescribed for each level of command. Leaders in these positions might not hold the maximum authorized grade at a given moment, but this represents the intended distribution.   Rifle squad: Staff Sergeant Platoon guide: Staff Sergeant Platoon sergeant: Technical Sergeant Platoon leader: Lieutenant Company Commander: Captain Battalion Commander: Lieutenant Colonel Regimental Commander: Colonel Division: Major General Corps: Lieutenant General Army: General Army Group: General Here is a quick reference to the levels of rank for commanders and assistants at different levels of units. (Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class.)

Unit/Size Symbols Here is a quick reference to the symbols for different sizes of units. (Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class.)

Unit/Branch Map Symbols Military Police Here is a quick reference for the symbols for the different types of units from different branches of the Army. (Note: This slide is for student reference only, not for inclusion in class.)