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4-80. The Infantry platoon and squad may face a number of situations in which leaders need to conduct negotiations. There are two general types of negotiations, situational and planned. Units conduct situational negotiations in response to a requirement for on-the-spot discussion and resolution of a specific issue or problem. For example, a unit is patrolling its area of operation when a local official approaches it; the local official wishes to discuss an assault that occurred in the area. Units conduct planned negotiations when they foresee a problem, or identify a situation that must be resolved through advanced planning and coordination. For example, the platoon leader conducts a coordination meeting, otherwise known as key leader engagement, between leaders of two belligerent groups to determine route clearance responsibilities.

4-81. At the Infantry platoon and squad level, situational negotiations are far more common than the planned type. In fact, stability operations require the leader, his subordinate leaders, and other Soldiers to conduct some form of negotiations almost daily. This requires them to have a thorough understanding of the ROE.

4-82. Infantry platoon and squad members apply this working knowledge to the process of discussing and, whenever possible, resolving issues or problems that may arise between opposing parties, including the platoon itself. A critical aspect of this knowledge is the negotiator’s ability to recognize that the options under the ROE and rules of interaction are exhausted and turns the discussion over to a higher authority. Negotiations continue at progressive levels of authority until the issue is resolved.

Next: 4-83: Tasks the Platoon Can Support for Other Forces

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad