Light Infantry
Light Infantry formations are best suited for built up areas, Mountains and wooded terrain; what is generally regarded as "slow go" terrain. Slow go terrain would be ground that is restrictive in nature and slows down fast moving Armor and Mechanized Infantry formations. Light Infantry move slower than Armor and Mech Infantry formations. Light Infantry must either walk into battle or rely on some other unit for a ride. They can ride on trucks (motorized), in helicopters (air assault), inserted by air (airborne) or ride on top of armored fighting vehicles (AFVs). Light Infantry formations do not have organic vehicles used for transport into combat. Light Infantry are often considered an elite formation in their ability to strike deep into enemy territory mixed with a generally higher level of elan amongst the soldiers and NCO's of the units.
A US Light Infantry Battalion in the 1990s consists of the HHC and three rifle companies. The Battalion was authorized 505 soldiers.
Rifle Squad: The basic maneuver element for armies of the 2nd half of the 20th Century and 21st Century. A Rifle Squad is lead by a Junior NCO in rank Sergeant or Staff Sergeant. Rifle Squads in Light Infantry formations consist of 7-13 soldiers organic to the squad. A squad may have a machine gun team and/or an Anti-Tank team attached to it for a specific mission.
Some nations employ squads with two junior NCOs in command, Sergeant and Corporal grouped around one or two Light Machine Guns (LMG). The squad has no additional formal organization. The United Kingdom for example employs this type of rifle squad. Other nations use fire teams which employ small numbers of troops grouped around a Light Machine Gun.
I've used titles rather than specific weapon systems. If you are building a Nation for a Nation Role Play, you will want to designate your rifle, LMG, Grenade Projection system and AT system. I'm not doing that for you. You choose the weapons. This guide merely suggests how to organize your army.
7-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Assistant Squad Leader - Corporal, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Assistant Gunner - Private, rifle, bayonet
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
2x Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
7-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
A Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
B Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
8-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Assistant Squad Leader - Corporal, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Assistant Gunner - Private, rifle, bayonet
2x Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
2x Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
9-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Assistant Squad Leader - Corporal, rifle, bayonet
2x Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
2x Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
3x Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
9-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
A Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
B Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
10-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Assistant Squad Leader - Corporal, rifle, bayonet
2x Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
2x Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
2x Anti-Tank Gunners - Private, rifle, AT Missile /w sight, bayonet
2x Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
11-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Assistant Squad Leader - Corporal, rifle, bayonet
2x Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
2x Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
2x Anti-Tank Gunners - Private, rifle, AT Missile /w sight, bayonet
3x Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
11-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
A Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
2x Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
B Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
2x Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
12-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Assistant Squad Leader - Corporal, rifle, bayonet
2x Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
2x Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
2x Anti-Tank Gunners - Private, rifle, AT Missile /w sight, bayonet
4x Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
13-man Rifle SquadSquad Leader - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
A Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
B Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
C Team Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Light Machine Gunner - Private, LMG
Grenadier - Private, rifle, grenade projector, bayonet
Riflemen - Private, rifle, bayonet
The
Rifle Platoon is a subordinate element to a Company consisting of three or four Rifle Squads, the Platoon Headquarters and possibly a Weapons Squad. The Platoon is the lowest level that is lead by a commissioned officer. He will also have an experienced NCO to assist him with the management of the platoon and for tactical guidance. Depending on what year you are replicating in the late 20th Century and 21st Century, platoon communications is handled a few different ways.
Platoons will have two or three General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) which have a maximum effective range of approximately 1000 yards against an area target while mounted on a tripod. Your platoons can either employ a weapons squad to manage/organize your platoon weapons or make them inherently part of your platoon headquarters. If you have a large number of personnel, you'll want a weapons squad.
Platoon Headquarters Platoon Leader - Lieutenant, rifle, bayonet (USMC: Platoon Commander)
Platoon Sergeant - Senior NCO, rifle, bayonet
Radio Telephone Operator (RTO) - Private, rifle, bayonet & man portable radio (1950+)
1-5 Runners - Private, rifle, bayonet (Pre-1950)
Assistant Platoon Sergeant - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet (USMC - Optional)
Weapons SquadSquad Leader - Junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
2x MMGunners - Private, MMG, Pistol
2x Assistant Gunners - Private, rifle, bayonet, tripod, spare barrel
2x Ammunition bearer - Private, rifle, bayonet, spare ammunition (Pre-1990)
2x Anti-Tank Gunners - Private, rifle, bayonet, Msl sight & ATGM (1970+) or rocket launcher (Pre-1960)
Company: The Company can manage two to five Maneuver Platoons plus combat support assets if available. Combat Engineers would count as a Maneuver Platoon for this figure even though their role is strictly Combat Support. The Company consists of the Company Headquarters element, three Rifle Platoons (for administrative purposes) and additional weapons sections/platoons if applicable. Depending on what time period you are describing, the Company may have a Light Weight Company Mortar Section (LWCM), Anti Tank Section (AT), Mortar Platoon or Weapons Platoon.
Company HeadquartersCompany Commander - Captain, pistol, rifle, bayonet
Company Executive Officer - 1st Lieutenant, rifle, bayonet
Company Sergeant - 1st Sergeant (or equivalent rank), pistol
Supply Sergeant - Junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
NBC NCO - Junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
2x RTO - Private, rifle, bayonet & man portable radio (1950+)
1-5 runners - Private, rifle, bayonet (pre-1950)
Supply clerk/Armorer - Private, rifle, bayonet
The Co. XO is the second in Command and assists the company commander with mission planning and leadership of the Company. The Company SErgeant is
the senior NCO for the company and is the Company Commander's right hand with issues dealing with the soldiers. He is also a source of guidance for the Company Commander. The Supply Sergeant and Supply Clerk provide all necessary supplies to the Company except Class III & V (POL products and ammunition). If you are using two RTOs instead of runners, one radio is tuned to the Company frequency and the other is tuned to the Battalion Command frequency. The NBC NCO is trained in how to deal with chemical attacks and decontamination. He both provides training to the company on this area as well as organizes the company for decon procedures. There may be light trucks available at the Company Headquarters section. The CO and XO and/or 1SG may have a light truck (command vehicle) and the Supply sergeant may have a 2-3 ton truck for moving supplies forward.
Light Weight Company Mortar Section (LWCM) (1990+)Section Leader - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet, Mortar ballistic computer (MBC)
Squad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet, Mortar ballistic computer (MBC)
2x Gunners - Private, rifle, bayonet, mortar tube & sight
2x Asst. Gunners - Private, rifle, bayonet, base plate & bipod
The LWCM section typically employs two Small 50 - 60mm Mortars. They deploy in two 3-man squads. The platoons will carry their High Explosive ammunition during movements, each soldier carrying one round a piece.
Mortar Platoon (Pre-1990)Platoon Headquarters
Fire Direction Center (FDC)
3 - 4x Mortar Squads
Platoon HeadquartersPlatoon Leader - Lieutenant, rifle, bayonet
Platoon Sergeant - Senior Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Fire Direction Center (FDC)Fire Direction Computer (FDC) - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet, Mortar Ballistic Computer (MBC)
Fire Direction Computer (FDC) - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet, Mortar Ballistic Computer (MBC)
2x RTO - Private, rifle, bayonet
Mortar Squad Squad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Gunner - Private, rifle, bayonet
Asst. Gunner - Private, rifle, bayonet
Ammunition Bearer - Private, rifle, bayonet
The Company Mortar Platoon will employ three or four Medium sized 80 - 90mm mortars in four man squads to provide immediate indirect fire support for the company. The Company Commander, the XO and the Platoon leaders are all on the Company frequency and can call in mortar fire. The FDC receives fire missions from the platoons and using their MBC determines the appropriate deflection (direction of fire), elevation (of the mortar tube) and charge (propellant for the round) to use for the fire mission. For Light Infantry formations, the Company Mortar Platoon existed from 1950 to 1990 and was replaced by the LWCM section. The Mortar Platoon utilized one utility truck for each squad plus one for the FDC/Platoon Headquarters. The Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergeant would travel with one of the mortar squads, but never in the same vehicle.
Anti-Tank Section (ATGM) (1990+)Section Leader - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Squad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet, ATGM sight
Gunner - Private, rifle, bayonet, ATGM sight
2x Ammo Bearers - Private, rifle, bayonet, ATGM
Squad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet, ATGM sight
Gunner - Private, rifle, bayonet, ATGM sight
2x Ammo Bearers - Private, rifle, bayonet, ATGM
Squad Leader - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet, ATGM sight
Gunner - Private, rifle, bayonet, ATGM sight
2x Ammo Bearers - Private, rifle, bayonet, ATGM
The AT Section came into existence when the Mortar platoons went away. The AT gunners were removed from the Platoon level and organized into their own section at Company level. When at Platoon, they numbered six soldiers, who strictly carried ATGM and their corresponding sights as well as personal weapon. As an AT section, they picked up 7 additional soldiers including NCO leadership. The Squad Leaders dual role as gunners as well as NCO leaders. There are six gunners including the squad leaders and six ammo bearers. Each man, gunners and ammo bearers each carry an ATGM. The ATGM is disposable, the sight is not. The gunner will attach his sight to the ATGM, fire it and throw the launcher away. Then attach the sight to the next missile for firing.
Weapons Platoon (pre-1950)Platoon Headquarters
Mortar squad
Machinegun squad
AT squad
The Platoon Headquarters consists of the PL and PSG. The Mortar Squad consists of a three gun section of mortars that looks identical to the Mortar Platoon which replaced it. The Machine gun squad consists of six GPMG machine gun teams and one NCO for administrative purposes. The AT Squad consists of six rocket launched AT teams of two men each and one NCO for administrative reasons.
The size of your company will determine how large your battalions, regiments (or brigades), divisions and Corps will be. If the platoon consists of 40 men and there is a Mortar Platoon consisting of 22 soldiers and five trucks as well as an 8-man company headquarters, the company will number 150 soldiers.
the
Infantry Battalion consists of three to five Infantry companies, a headquarters and headquarters company and possibly a weapons company.
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC)Company Headquarters
Command Section
Staff Sections
Communications Section
Support Platoon
Medical Platoon
AT Platoon (1990+)
Reconnaissance Platoon (1985+)
Mortar Platoon (1985+)
Mess Section
Maintenance section
Company HeadquartersCompany Commander - Captain, pistol, rifle, bayonet
Company Executive Officer - 1st Lieutenant, rifle, bayonet
Company Sergeant - 1st Sergeant (or equivalent rank), pistol
Supply Sergeant - Junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
NBC NCO - Junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
2x RTO - Private, rifle, bayonet & man portable radio (1950+)
Company Clerk - Private, rifle, bayonet (pre-1985)
Supply clerk/Armorer - Private, rifle, bayonet
Command SectionBattalion Commander - Lieutenant Colonel, pistol
Battalion Executive Officer - Major, pistol
Battalion Command Sergeant Major - Command Sergeant Major, pistol
3x Light truck Drivers - Privates, rifle, bayonet
Staff SectionsS1, Personnel Officer - Captain, rifle, bayonet
S2, Intelligence & Security Officer - Captain, pistol
S3, Operations & Training Officer - Major, pistol
S3 Air, Air Operations Off - Captain, rifle, bayonet
S4, Supply & Logistics Off - Captain, rifle, bayonet
S5, Civil Military Cooperation Off - Captain, pistol
S6, Communications Off - Captain, rifle, bayonet
Chaplain - Captain,
the Lord AlmightyJudge Advocate General - Captain, rifle, bayonet
Operations Chief (S3) - Master Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Operations Sergeant (S3) - Sergeant First class, rifle, bayonet
NBC Operations NCO (S3) - Staff Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
2x Radio Telephone Operators (S3) - Private, rifle, bayonet
Intelligence Chief (S2) - Master Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Battalion Intelligence Collection Off (S2) - Lieutenant, rifle, bayonet
Senior Intelligence Analyst (S2) - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
2x Intelligence Analysts (S2) - Private, rifle, bayonet
Personnel Services NCO (S1) - Master Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Personnel Actions NCO (S1) - Sergeant First Class, Rifle, bayonet
Legal Services Clerk (S1/JAG) - Sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Chaplain's Assistant (S1/Chaplain) - Private, rifle, bayonet
2x clerk/typists (S1) - Private, rifle, bayonet
Battalion Supply Sergeant (S4) - Sergeant First Class, rifle, bayonet
Communications SectionThe Communications Section establishes high powered antenae near the Tactical Operations Center (TOC). It is generally located at a distance of at least one kilometer from the TOC in an attempt to prevent enemy Artillery or CAS to locate the antennae. The Commo section has maintainers, RTOs, a wire laying team and NCO leadership; about 8-12 soldiers
Support PlatoonThe support platoon consists of 10 trucks intended for carrying the entire Battalion's worth of Basic Load of Ammunition. The Battalion will issue one BLA, store a second BLA on the Support Platoon and a third BLA in the Brigade Support Area (BSA). The Support Platoon consists of a Platoon leader, Platoon Sergeant, dispatch NCO, Ammunition NCO, Maintenance NCO, 10 drivers and 5 assistant Drivers.
Medical PlatoonThe Medical Platoon consists of the Battalion Aid Station, Line medics and the evacuation Section. There is a wheeled ambulance for each company in the battalion. There are two medics in each ambulance. One of the evac medics is the NCOIC. The Line medic section consists of one soldiers for each rifle platoon in the battalion. There is one NCO for each rifle company. One soldiers is assigned to each Rifle platoon in the battalion. They accompany the platoons during combat operations. The Battalion Aid Station consists of a Platoon Leader who is either a Physician's Assistant (Warrant Officer) or a Physician in rank Lieutenant or Captain, Platoon Sergeant, Triage Sergeant, and three medics. The BAS is located in the Combat Trains with the Administrative and Logistics operations Center (ALOC) and the support platoon. They use a General Purpose Medium or Large Tent with approximately 30 cots as a temporary housing area for wounded soldiers.
AT Platoon (1990+)The AT Platoon consists of four vehicles with an AT weapon mounted on it. This may be interchanged with a high caliber machine gun when there are no armor threats. The Platoon consists of a PL, PSG, 2x Section Sergeants, 4x drivers, 4x gunners and 4x Loaders.
Reconnaissance Platoon (1985+)The Recon platoon is used by the Battalion S2 section to look at enemy locations in the deep battle area and report them to the TOC. The Platoon consists of the PL, PSG and three 6-man recon squads. Each Squad has a Squad leader (Junior NCO), RTO, Sniper, spotter and 2x Scouts.
Mortar Platoon (1985+)The Battalion Mortar Platoon consists of five vehicles, the PL, PSG, FDC and four Mortar squads. The FDC consists of two junior NCO FDCs and two RTOs. The mortar squad consist of a junior NCO squad leader, gunner, Asst gunner and two ammo bearers.
Mess SectionThe mess section consists of the Mess steward who is a senior NCO, food purchasing NCO and as many cooking teams as their are companies in the battalion. Each cooking team consists of a team Leader (Junior NCO), and three cooks, one of whom is titled, First Cook.
Maintenance sectionBattalion Motor Sergeant - Sergeant First Class, rifle, bayonet
Services NCO - sergeant, rifle, bayonet
Maintenance records clerk - Junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
Senior Mechanic - junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
Dispatch clerk - private, rifle, bayonet
3x Mechanics - Private, rifle, bayonet
Weapons Company (1960-1985, referred to as Combat Service Support Company CSC. In 1990, the Weapons Company dissolved when the AT Platoons were removed and one weapons platoon was established in the HHC.)
Company Headquarters
3-5x AT Platoons (1960 - 1990)
Reconnaissance Platoon (1960-1985)
Mortar Platoon (1960-1985)
Company HeadquartersCompany Commander - Captain, pistol, rifle, bayonet
Company Executive Officer - 1st Lieutenant, rifle, bayonet
Company Sergeant - 1st Sergeant (or equivalent rank), pistol
Supply Sergeant - Junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
NBC NCO - Junior NCO, rifle, bayonet
2x RTO - Private, rifle, bayonet & man portable radio (1950+)
Company Clerk - Private, rifle, bayonet (pre-1985)
Supply clerk/Armorer - Private, rifle, bayonet
AT Platoon (1990+)The AT Platoon consists of four vehicles with an AT weapon mounted on it. This may be interchanged with a high caliber machine gun when there are no armor threats. The Platoon consists of a PL, PSG, 2x Section Sergeants, 4x drivers, 4x gunners and 4x Loaders.
Reconnaissance Platoon (1985+)The Recon platoon is used by the Battalion S2 section to look at enemy locations in the deep battle area and report them to the TOC. The Platoon consists of the PL, PSG and three 6-man recon squads. Each Squad has a Squad leader (Junior NCO), RTO, Sniper, spotter and 2x Scouts.
Mortar Platoon (1985+)The Battalion Mortar Platoon consists of five vehicles, the PL, PSG, FDC and four Mortar squads. The FDC consists of two junior NCO FDCs and two RTOs. The mortar squad consist of a junior NCO squad leader, gunner, Asst gunner and two ammo bearers.
Subject: Nation RP; Design Your Army 
Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:45 am
