What is the primary role of an infantry squad leader?

The primary role of an infantry squad leader is to lead and conduct small unit operations. This encompasses a variety of critical tasks, including planning missions, executing tactics, and managing the squad during engagements. An effective squad leader must ensure that all squad members understand their roles and positions, maintain situational awareness, and adapt to the evolving dynamics of combat scenarios.

By focusing on leading the squad, the squad leader plays a pivotal role in unit cohesion and combat effectiveness, making decisions that directly impact the performance and safety of their soldiers. Successful execution of small unit operations involves not just commanding during combat but also planning for training, rehearsals, and after-action reviews, thereby fostering both accountability and continuous improvement within the squad.

While coordination of logistics, communication with higher command, and administrative tasks are important functions within a military unit, they do not embody the primary focus and responsibility of a squad leader, who must prioritize operational leadership and tactical execution in the field.