1-44. Habitual attachments for the Infantry rifle platoon normally include a platoon forward observer (FO) team and a platoon combat medic. These habitual attachments are normally attached whenever the platoon deploys.
Forward Observer
1-45. The FO, along with FO’s fire support RTO, is the platoon subject matter expert on indirect fires planning and execution. The FO advises the platoon leader and subordinate leader on the employment and execution for all fire support assets (if assigned), including company mortars, battalion mortars, field artillery, and other allocated fire support assets. The FO is responsible for locating targets and calling for and adjusting indirect fires. The platoon FO team also knows the mission and concept of operations, specifically the platoon’s scheme of maneuver and concept of fires. The FO also—
- Informs the company FIST of the platoon’s situation, location, and indirect fire support requirements.
- Prepares and uses maps, overlays, and terrain sketches.
- Calls for and adjusts indirect fires.
- Operates as a team with the fire support RTO.
- Selects targets to support the platoon’s mission.
- Selects observation posts and movement routes to and from selected targets.
- Operates digital message devices and maintains communication with the company and battalion fire support officers.
- Maintains grid coordinates of current location.
- Prepares to employ Army aviation attack and reconnaissance, and joint and multinational CAS assets.
Combat Medic
1-46. Combat medics are allocated to Infantry rifle companies based on one combat medic per platoon, and one senior combat medic per company. The platoon combat medic or the company senior combat medic goes to the casualty’s location, or the casualty is brought to the combat medic at the CCP. The CCP combat medic makes an assessment, administers initial medical care, initiates a DD Form 1380 (see paragraph 8-31), then requests evacuation or returns the individual to duty.
1-47. The Infantry platoon combat medic usually locates with, or near, the platoon sergeant. When the platoon moves on foot in the platoon column formation, the combat medic positions near the platoon sergeant. If the platoon is mounted, the combat medic usually rides in the same vehicle as the platoon sergeant. Emergency medical treatment procedures performed by the combat medic may include opening an airway, starting intravenous fluids, controlling hemorrhage, preventing, or treating for shock, splinting fractures, or suspected fractures, and providing relief for pain.
1-48. The Infantry platoon combat medic is trained under the supervision of the battalion surgeon or physician’s assistant and medical platoon leader. The platoon combat medic is under the direct supervision of company senior combat medic when attached to the company. The platoon combat medic—
- Triages injured, wounded, or ill friendly and enemy personnel for priority of treatment.
- Conducts sick call screening.
- Assists in the evacuation of sick, injured, or wounded personnel under the direction of the platoon sergeant.
- Assists in the training of the platoon’s CLSs in enhanced first-aid procedures.
- Requisitions Class VIII supplies from the battalion aid station for the platoon (individual first aid kit, CLS, aid bag) according to the tactical SOP.
- Recommends locations for platoon CCP, when established.
- Provides guidance to the platoon’s CLSs as required.
Next Page : Chapter 2 – Planning and Preparing for Operations