Platoon Live Fire as a Platoon Leader: Execution
In a previous blog post, I discussed the planning and preparation that went into leading my Platoon during Platoon Live Fire. Commitment to training, empowering subordinate leaders, and understanding your role are all essential to successfully preparing a platoon to dominate at PLT LFX. However, there's another crucial element to success that often gets overlooked: getting the small things right.
Get the Small Things Right
“What is going to go wrong in your lane?” asked my Battalion Commander to the Platoon leaders in my Company. Each of us responded with a complex answer, addressing the potential issues in our areas of responsibility. But my Battalion Commander’s point was simple: the 249 will jam, and communications will fail.
His words highlighted the importance of the small things—the foundational details that, when executed correctly, create the conditions for success. When it comes to a platoon-level live fire exercise, you’re no longer focusing on major tactical shifts. Instead, your attention turns to the small tasks that can make or break the operation. Ensuring weapons are clean, refining marking techniques, and practicing magazine changes may seem minor in the grand scheme of things. But neglecting these details can quickly snowball into significant problems.
For instance, if a soldier forgets to properly mark the breach lane during a night operation, the entire platoon could waste precious time navigating through the breach to mass on the objective. Or, if a soldier struggles with magazine changes under pressure, it could create lulls in your platoon’s suppression—lulls that, in the midst of a firefight, might allow the enemy to regain momentum. While these actions may seem inconsequential on their own, when strung together, they can lead to major setbacks.
In the same way, focusing on the small things creates a culture of discipline and attention to detail, which is essential for the success of larger operations. When you master the small tasks, the bigger ones tend to fall into place.
Take a Deep Breath
Before the start of every game, my soccer coach would repeat the same line: “Your first touch will be the most important touch you will take all game.” The premise behind this statement was simple: the first action that we would take would set the course for how the rest of the game would go.
By the time the first shot is taken on a live fire lane, the scheme of that lane has already been decided in the planning and subsequent rehearsals. My job as the platoon leader was to set that plan in motion—and adjust as obstacles arose. But before diving into the chaos of execution, I needed to slow things down and focus on the tasks that would eventually turn into a rhythm. This calmness allowed me to not only settle into a rhythm but also control the tempo of the Platoon.
Naturally, Squad and Team Leaders are going to be eager to charge ahead and get into the fight. It’s part of their nature. However, as the Platoon Leader, it was my job to ensure we didn’t rush to failure. Slowing down allowed me to see the bigger picture and keep my subordinate leaders focused on what was ahead, not just the immediate task. When 1st Squad engaged with the bunker, it was crucial that 2nd Squad knew exactly when to begin prepping for the breach. This foresight wasn’t just important—it was essential.
The ability to lead at the right pace, ensuring that no one got too far ahead or stalled, allowed me to maintain control of the operation. Leaders need to have a clear mind and avoid getting too fixated on the task at hand. This way, they can anticipate what's coming next and ensure their soldiers are always prepared for the next challenge.
Focus on the Controllables
This post can be shrunk down to one short statement: focus on the controllables. Platoon Live Fire is a whirlwind of emotions, full of unexpected obstacles that seem to rise at the worst moments. During my own Live Fire, two of my Squad Leaders went down just before we were to be evaluated, forcing me to execute my mission with a new set of key leaders. The unexpected was always waiting around the corner, and the only thing I could control was my response to it.
By focusing on the small things—like ensuring equipment is ready, staying calm, and maintaining a steady pace—I was able to lead my Platoon through the exercise despite the unexpected challenges. And when things inevitably went wrong, I had the confidence to adapt and keep my Platoon on track because we had laid a solid foundation from the start.
At the end of the day, the success of a live fire exercise isn’t just about executing the big tactics perfectly; it’s about ensuring that all the little things are accounted for, and that everyone is prepared to tackle whatever comes their way.
