1-17. The duties and responsibilities inherent within the Infantry rifle platoon and squad enable the exercise of command and control throughout the conduct of operations. Command and control is the exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission (JP 1, Vol 2). The command and control warfighting function is the related tasks and a system that enable commanders to synchronize and converge all elements of combat power (ADP 3-0). Combat power is the total means of destructive and disruptive force that a military unit/formation can apply against an enemy at a given time (JP 3-0).
Note. Combat power is the ability to fight. The complementary and reinforcing effects that result from synchronized operations that yield a powerful blow that overwhelms enemy forces and creates friendly momentum. Army forces deliver that blow through a combination of five dynamics. The dynamics of combat power are leadership, firepower, information, mobility, and survivability. (See FM 3-0 for additional information on the five dynamics.)
1-18. Leadership is the most essential dynamic of combat power. Leadership is the activity of influencing people by providing purpose, direction, and motivation to accomplish the mission and improve the organization (ADP 6-22). It is the multiplying and unifying dynamic of combat power, and it represents the qualitative difference between units. Leadership drives command and control but is also dependent upon it. The collaboration and shared understanding inherent in the operations process (see chapter 2) prepare leaders for operations, expand shared understanding, hone leader judgment, and improve the flexibility that leaders apply to the other dynamics of combat power against enemy forces. Leadership is a critical component that allows unit leaders to carry out their duties and responsibilities.
1-19. During operations, no amount of technology or equipment can take the place of competent leadership. The leaders within the platoon and squad lead through a combination of personal example, persuasion, and compulsion. The following paragraphs address the duties and responsibilities of the key personnel common to the Infantry rifle platoon. (See paragraphs 8-2 to 8-5 for sustainment specific responsibilities within the platoon and squad.)
Note. The duties and responsibilities of leaders and platoon members must be executed even in the absence of a particular leader to ensure mission accomplishment in accordance with the commander’s intent. A mission is the essential task or tasks, together with the purpose, that clearly indicates the action to be taken and the reason for the action (JP 3-0). The commander’s intent is a clear and concise expression of the purpose of an operation and the desired objectives and military end state (JP 3-0). The end state is the set of required conditions that defines achievement of the commander’s objectives (JP 3-0). (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)
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