1-32. The weapons squad leader provides the squad with command and control. The squad has two machine gunners, two assistant machine gunners, two Javelin (or M3) gunners, and two Javelin (or M3) ammunition handlers. The weapons squad provides the platoon with responsive crew served weapons and an antiarmor capability under the platoon leader’s direct control. The M3 MAAWS, when replacing the Javelin, provides the platoon with an antiarmor and antipersonnel capability. The team employs the M3 to destroy enemy personnel, field fortifications, and enemy vehicles.
Weapons Squad Leader
1-33. The weapons squad leader leads the squad’s teams by personal example. The weapons squad leader is responsible for the accountability of squad members and has complete authority over squad subordinates and overall responsibility for those subordinates’ actions. This centralized authority enables the weapons squad leader to act decisively while maintaining troop discipline and unity. Under the fluid conditions of modern warfare, the weapons squad leader accomplishes assigned missions using disciplined initiative without needing constant guidance from higher headquarters.
1-34. The weapons squad leader is usually the senior squad leader, second only to the platoon sergeant, and performs all the duties of the rifle squad leader. In addition, the weapons squad leader—
- Acts as the subject matter expert on all squad battle drills, crew drills, and individual Soldier tasks.
- Acts as the subject matter expert for the squad’s organic weapons employment and employment of supporting assets.
- Knows weapon effects, surface danger zones, and risk estimate distances for munitions used by and with the squad.
- Controls fires and establishes fire control measures.
- Monitors ammunition expenditure.
- Recommends medium machine gun and Javelin-CCMS (or M3 MAAWS) employment to the platoon leader, for example:
- Coordinates directly and plans accordingly with the platoon leader in placement of the medium machine gun to best cover (base-of-fire effect) the final protective line (FPL) in the defense, overwatch—a task that positions an element to support the movement of another element with immediate fire (ATP 3-21.10)—positions during movement techniques, and support by fire positions in the offense (see appendix C).
- Coordinates directly and plans accordingly with the platoon leader in placement of the Javelin CCMS (or M3 MAAWS) to best cover armored avenues of approach in the defense, overwatch positions during movements techniques, and attack by fire—a tactical mission task using direct and indirect fires to engage an enemy from a distance (FM 3-90)— positions in the offense (see appendix D).
- Employs command and control systems available to the squad and platoon.
- Performs the role of the platoon sergeant as required.
- Conducts TLP.
- Understands the mission and commander’s intent two levels up (platoon and company).
Machine Gunner
1-35. The gunner is normally the senior member of the medium machine gun team. During operations, the gunner—
- Is responsible for the assistant gunner and all the gun equipment.
- Is responsible for putting the gun in and out of action.
- Acts as the subject matter expert for information contained in TC 3-22.240, specifically information about the weapon, aiming devices, attachments, and employment/engagement.
- When attached to a rifle squad, is the subject matter expert for employment of the medium machine gun and advises the rifle squad leader of the best way to employ the medium machine gun.
- Enforces field discipline while the gun team is employed tactically.
- Knows the ballistic effects of the weapon on all types of targets.
- Assists the weapons squad leader and is prepared to assume the responsibilities.
- Understands the mission two levels up (squad and platoon).
Assistant Machine Gunner
1-36. The assistant gunner is the second member of the gun team. The assistant gunner is prepared to assume the gunner’s role in any situation. During operations, the assistant gunner—
- Provides a supply of ammunition to the gun when employed.
- Spots rounds and reports recommended corrections to the gunner.
- Constantly updates the weapons squad leader on the round count and serviceability of the medium machine gun.
- Watches for Soldiers to the flanks of the target area or between the gun and target.
- Obtains ammunition from other Soldiers who are carrying 7.62-mm machine gun ammunition.
- Immediately assumes the role of gunner if the gunner is unable to continue duties.
- Understands the mission two levels up (squad and platoon).
Javelin Gunner
1-37. The gunner is normally the senior member of the Javelin CCMS (M3 MAAWS when replacing the Javelin) team. During operations, the gunner—
- Is responsible for the ammunition handler and all the missile equipment.
- Is responsible for putting the Javelin (or M3) in and out of action.
- Acts as the subject matter expert for information contained in TC 3-22.37, specifically information about the missile, launch tube assembly, battery coolant unit, command launch unit (known as CLU), and employment/engagement. (See TC 3-22.84 for information on the M3.)
- When attached to a rifle squad, is the subject matter expert for employment of the Javelin (or M3) and advises the rifle squad leader of the best way to employ the missile.
- Enforces field discipline while the Javelin (or M3) team is employed tactically.
- Knows the ballistic effects of the missile on all types of targets.
- Assists the weapons squad leader and is prepared to assume the responsibilities.
- Understands the mission two levels up (squad and platoon).
Javelin Ammunition Handler
1-38. The ammunition handler is the second member of the Javelin CCMS (M3 when replacing the Javelin) team. The ammunition handler is prepared to assume the gunner’s role in any situation. During operations, the ammunition handler—
- Provides a supply of missile rounds to the gun when employed.
- Spots rounds and reports recommended corrections to the gunner.
- Constantly updates the weapons squad leader on the round count and serviceability of the Javelin missile system (or M3 MAAWS).
- Watches for Soldiers to the flanks of the target area or between the Javelin (or M3) and target.
- Obtains ammunition (when carried) from other Soldiers within the platoon.
- Immediately assumes the role of gunner if the gunner is unable to continue duties.
- Understands the mission two levels up (squad and platoon).
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