Military

NCOs in the light platoon will have to be ready and able to perform more duties and take more responsibility than normal while in peace support operations (PSOs). The reason for this is that the BC and 1SG will usually stay with the heavy platoon, which can be located two or more hours away. Convoy requirements further limit their visits and influence over the light platoon. Additionally, during normal daily operations, as the senior field artillerymen, they will represent the artillery to the maneuver force HQ in your location.

The Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant will be affected the most. They will have to perform all duties as if they were the BC and 1SG. These duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• training schedules for the howitzer sections and the platoon
• details within the platoon
• details for the base camp mayor
• duty rosters
• UCMJ recommendations
• chow problems
• personnel problems
• perimeter defense

While in a base camp, they will also have to be involved in all base camp operations. These operations may include base camp defense, giving and receiving intelligence, friendly troop locations in sector, convoy times and routes so they can update the FA battalion, and maintenance support. They will also attend base camp briefings just like the BC and 1SG attend battalion staff calls at home station. This will take them away from their normal duties and put the responsibility for normal platoon operations on the Gunnery Sergeant (GSG) and the Chief of Sections.

The GSG will have to perform Platoon Sergeant duties in many areas. His skills will need to be well established. This is not the time to learn. His knowledge of Rules of Engagement (ROE), raids, presence missions, and perimeter defense will need to be second nature. The GSG will concentrate on the gunline and ensure daily operations in the platoon continue as usual. His guidance and leadership to the gunline will greatly influence the ability of the platoon to accomplish its mission.

The chief of section's knowledge in platoon operations, the aiming circle, hasty survey, map reading, ROE, and advance party procedures will have to be strong. The gunline chiefs will have to take on more responsibilities. Any of them may be required to perform duties as the GSG. By taking charge and having more initiative, the section chiefs will enable the new platoon sergeant to perform his duties more easily. They still remain the first-line leaders for the soldiers.

The skills and knowledge of all soldiers in the platoon must be at a high standard. The primary areas that the soldiers must know well are: ROE, range cards, guard duty, and construction of fighting positions. Soldiers must also display a significant degree of initiative. Initiative is probably the most important factor that will lead to success. Soldiers who perform their duties and help others without being told make everyone's job much easier.

Success in a peace support operation can be achieved at Home Station by training all officers, NCOs, and soldiers at the next higher duty position and ensuring that they know their own jobs thoroughly.

MOUNTAIN EAGLE IV Lessons Learned

Training and Resourcing the Quick Reaction Force