ARTICLES

ARTICLES
The weapons platoon must be able to deliver both direct and indirect sustained fires for the
company. Direct fire is best delivered through the medium machine gun, the C6 GPMG. In
the weapons platoon is an MG section consisting of three fire teams under the command of a
sergeant. Each fire team possesses the manpower to carry the gun, the tripod and sufficient
ammunition for full employment of the GPMG. As well, MG fire teams can be assigned a C16
to augment firepower for static, generally defensive, tasks. Along with an MG section, a
mortar section of three fire teams under the command of a sergeant should also be established
and, like the MG section, each fire team should operate a single lightweight mortar with its
ancillary equipment and ammunition. The weapons platoon has a small headquarters with a
commander, a 2IC, a signaller and a runner; in counter-insurgency or peace support operations
this headquarters can receive additional training to assume the vital role of a company
operations and intelligence centre.
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PlHQ
Pl Comd (Lt)
Pl 2IC (WO)
Pl Signaller (C-P)
Pl Runner (C-P)
Sect Comd (Sgt)
2 x Team Comd (MCpl)
3 x MG Op (C-P)
3 x Asst MG Op (C-P)
3 x Ammo Bearer (C-P)
Sect Comd (Sgt)
2 x Team Comd (MCpl)
3 x Mortar Op (C-P)
3 x Asst Mortar Op (C-P)
3 x Ammo Bearer (C-P)
Figure 3: Weapons platoon
The company headquarters, consisting of the OC’s tactical CP, the 2IC’s command post, and
the CQMS and transport detachments, produce a rifle company of 128 personnel all ranks.
THE BATTALION
Thus far, our examination has reemphasized flexibility within the rifle section while enhancing
the ability of the platoon and company to manoeuvre through consolidation of crew-served
weapons into a weapons platoon. We now move to the battalion. The infantry battalion
continues to serve as the basic currency of ground power due to its supporting and sustaining
elements and planning and administrative staff. To accomplish this, the battalion must be able
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