The purpose of this page is to discuss the Army Platoon Sergeant duties, responsibilities, and job description.
Serving as a Platoon Sergeant is a tough and challenging job, which comes with an enormous amount of responsibility. In my opinion, serving as a Platoon Sergeant is one of the most demanding jobs in the Army.
Normally, a Platoon Sergeant has somewhere between 10-15 years of military service. They normally have combat experience, too. In addition, the Platoon Sergeant previously served as a Team Leader, Squad Leader and/or Section Sergeant. Therefore, they are a seasoned NCO with plenty of real-world experience.
Manages the training, health and welfare of personnel and their families during deployments; teaches, coaches and mentors junior managers to be successful in management, training and physical fitness; advises the First Sergeant on planning and execution of all training and operational readiness; advises the Command Sergeant Major on planning and execution of operations during deployment; manages 6 million dollars worth of equipment during deployment operations and in garrison; helps personnel to perform to standard while complying with safety constraints. ~ Army Writer
Platoon Sergeant Duties & Responsibilities
Listed below are the most common Platoon Sergeant duties and responsibilities:
Individual Training
The Platoon Sergeant is responsible for the individual training within their platoon. This includes Warrior Task Training and MOS related training. They ensure that each individual Soldier is proficient in their MOS and with basic Soldiering skills. Some of these tasks include qualifying with their weapon, physical fitness, first aid, communicating on a radio, drill and ceremonies, and the call for fire. The bottom line is that Soldiers must be able to do their job AND shoot, move and communicate in combat.
Enforce the Army Standards
The Platoon Sergeant is the disciplinarian in the platoon. They enforce all Army standards within their Platoon. Several examples include uniform standards, appearance standards, professionalism standards, and physical fitness standards. They make on-the-spot corrections when issues arise. They handle most issues directly with the Soldiers and their Squad Leader or Team Leader. When needed, they advise the Platoon Leader and make recommendations for Article 15’s, demotions, and other administrative and non-administrative punishments.
Handle Soldier Issues
Whenever a Soldier has an issue, the NCOs fix the problem. The Platoon Sergeant resolves Soldier issues that the Team Leaders and Squad Leaders can’t handle. This might include pay problems, personnel file problems, marital issues, financial problems, and anything else. This is done via counseling and/or close interaction with the Soldier.
Personnel Accountability
The Platoon Sergeant keeps a close eye on personnel accountability. They must know where their Soldiers are at all times. They maintain personnel accountability with their Squad Leaders.
Soldier Welfare
Platoon Sergeants are responsible for the welfare of their Soldiers. This includes their health and morale. To do so, Platoon Sergeants handle Soldier issues and serve as their Soldiers’ advocate to the Platoon Leader, First Sergeant, and Company Commander. Sometimes this entails working during non-duty hours. In essence, they check on their Soldiers’ quality of life, living conditions, and overall health and welfare.
Physical Fitness
Platoon Sergeants are responsible to ensure their Soldiers maintain a high level of physical fitness. They create effective physical fitness programs for their troops and also stay in shape themselves. When Soldiers fail to achieve Army standards, Platoon Sergeants must counsel their Soldiers and help them develop a plan to meet the Army standard.
Maintenance
Another common Platoon Sergeant duty is to maintain the platoon’s equipment. The Platoon Sergeant manages the platoon maintenance program.
During Motor Stables, the Platoon Sergeant facilitates PMCS and ensures all equipment receives its scheduled services. They check on ordered parts, verify the maintenance report, and work directly with the Platoon Leader to maintain a high level of operational readiness. They ensure the platoon’s equipment is safeguarded, stored properly, and maintained.
Facilities Management
Platoon Sergeants ensure the billets are clean and their platoon area stays clean at all times. They might also be responsible for installation property, such as classrooms, billets, and office buildings.
Soldier Development
Platoon Sergeants ensure their Soldiers are developed for positions of increased responsibility. They do this by giving classes, mentoring their subordinate NCOs, counseling Soldiers, and ensuring Soldiers receive formal and informal education on a variety of subjects. This includes classes, counseling, NCODP sessions, military education and civilian education.
Administration
Platoon Sergeants handle counseling, awards, promotions, pay issues and countless other administrative tasks for their Soldiers. They don’t always do everything themselves, but they make sure it is done to standard and on time.
Details/Garrison Tasks
Platoon Sergeants frequently work with the First Sergeant and Sergeant’s Major to staff flag detail, installation police call, and various other additional duties on a military installation.
Prepare Troops for Combat
In my opinion, this is the most important Platoon Sergeant duty. Platoon Sergeants must ensure their Soldiers are physically and emotionally prepared to deploy to war. They must ensure their Soldiers are trained and proficient on all Warrior and MOS related tasks. They ensure their Soldiers are mentally and physically tough.
Now that we’ve talked about some of the duties and responsibilities of the Platoon Sergeant, let’s take a moment and talk about the job description of the Platoon Sergeant.
Example Platoon Sergeant Job Descriptions
If you are looking for several example Platoon Sergeant Job Descriptions, you are in the right place. Listed below are six examples of a Platoon Sergeant Job Description. I found these examples from old NCOERs in my previous duty assignments.
I’ve also received input from former Platoon Sergeants. If you need to create your own job description for your NCOER, feel free to use these as a template, or just as a starting point.
As a platoon sergeant, you must hold at least the rank of a staff sergeant. You must be within pay grade E-6. You must have been in the force for at least four years. Your experience must include the practical application of acquired knowledge. You must possess communication, leadership, and analytical skills. Platoon sergeants earn an average salary of $59,246 per year. It varies between $40,000 and $87,000. ~ Zippia
Platoon Sergeant Job Description # 1
Serves as Platoon Sergeant in a light infantry platoon, part of a light infantry company in a light infantry battalion; Ultimately responsible for the ability of the platoon to fight and win in combat; Responsible for planning and executing individual training on Warrior Tasks and MOS Training; Supervises 8 NCOs and 24 Soldiers. Responsible for the health, welfare, morale and training of assigned Soldiers; Spearheads maintenance program for 24 pieces of MTOE equipment valued at $2.1 million; Serves as enlisted adviser to the Platoon Leader and handles the day-to-day activities within the platoon; Additional duties as unit Equal Opportunity Adviser.
Platoon Sergeant Job Description # 2
Serves as a Platoon Sergeant in a signal platoon, part of a signal company in a signal battalion; Primary responsibility to prepare platoon to deploy and fight in combat; Responsible for planning and executing individual training of the Soldiers and collective training of the platoon towards full mission readiness in support of the company combat service support missions; Responsible for sustaining mission readiness of materials and MTOE property valued at over $11 million. Responsible for the health, welfare, training and professional development of 29 Soldiers assigned to the platoon; Enforces the highest standards in Soldier appearance, morale, discipline and safety.
Platoon Sergeant Job Description # 3
Serves as Platoon Sergeant in a maintenance platoon, part of a Forward Support Company in a mechanized infantry battalion; Ultimately responsible for the ability of the platoon to fight and win in combat; Responsible for planning and executing individual training on Warrior Tasks and MOS Training; Supervises 5 NCOs and 21 Soldiers. Responsible for the health, welfare, morale and training of assigned Soldiers; Spearheads unit maintenance program for 63 pieces of MTOE equipment valued at $3.1 million; Serves as enlisted advisor to the Platoon Leader and handles the day-to-day activities within the platoon; Additional Duties as Readiness NCO.
Platoon Sergeant Job Description # 4
Serves as a Platoon Sergeant in a mortar platoon, part of a light infantry company in a light infantry battalion; Responsible for individual, MOS and Warrior Task Training within the platoon; Enforces Army Standards to everyone in the platoon; Plans, resources, supervises and assesses platoon training, along with the Platoon Leader; Ensures the platoon is mentally and physically prepared to do their wartime mission; Primary Hand Receipt Holder of $2.3 million in MTOE property. Responsible for the health, welfare, training and professional development of 26 Soldiers assigned to his platoon.
Platoon Sergeant Job Description # 5
Serves as a Platoon Sergeant of a truck platoon, part of a transportation company in a transportation battalion; Ultimately responsible for the ability of the platoon to fight and win in combat; Responsible for planning and executing individual training of the Soldiers and collective training of the platoon towards full mission readiness in support of the company combat service support missions and state emergency missions; Responsible for sustaining mission readiness of materials and MTOE property valued at over $4 million. Responsible for the health, welfare, training and professional development of 32 Soldiers assigned to his platoon; Enforces the highest standards in Soldier appearance, morale, discipline and safety; Additional duty of Awards NCO.
Platoon Sergeant Job Description # 6
Serves as the Platoon Sergeant of 4th platoon (fuel) in a supply company in a Forward Support Battalion. Responsible to plan, supervise and direct all fuel missions in the unit. Advises Platoon Leader and Company Commander on matters of fuel and material readiness; Enforces safety and environmental protection procedures and security for all fueling equipment; Confirms environmental protection program compliance, including spill prevention and contingency plans; Performs administrative duties as needed; Maintains 39 pieces of MTOE property valued at $7.3 million; Supervises 8 NCOs and 21 Soldiers.
Platoon Sergeant Job Description # 7
91X4O Platoon Sergeant
Serves as Platoon Sergeant for 5th Platoon in A BTRY 1-158 Field Artillery; responsible for discipline, accountability and development of 7 Soldiers and 7 NCOs; supervises personnel readiness, maintenance of $60 million worth of equipment; enforces technical and tactical training standards for unit mission accomplishments; advises the Maintenance Control Officer and S-4 on matters of maintenance and material readiness; enforces safety and environmental protection procedures and security for all maintenance equipment and supplies during mobilization. ~ Source: Army Writer
Final Thoughts
Once again, this is by no means a comprehensive list of Platoon Sergeant duties, responsibilities, and job descriptions. But it is a good starting point, and probably a 90% solution as to what they are supposed to do. In essence, the Platoon Sergeant is responsible for everything that their Soldiers do or don’t do. As you can see, the Platoon Sergeant duties and responsibilities are very significant. Although it is a very challenging job, it’s also very rewarding.
What are your thoughts? What do you think are the most important Platoon Sergeant duties and responsibilities that I have on this list? Also, is there anything I left off the list, but should have added? We would love to hear from those who are serving, or have served as a Platoon Sergeant. Leave a comment below and let us know. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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Thanks alot for this article…… Am preparing my self to start platoon Sergeant’s battle course… Nxt week…..i know itz a tough challenge
We are glad it helps you Yesuz. Good luck!
Thanks very much for all put together and made it a success for a platoon sergeant actually performed simple tasks and mission given at any point in short period of time ,i am sierra leonean by Nationality age 32 height 5ft 2inch tall with fair complexion in colour like running /sporting activities belongs to the communication department in the Naval wing my email address read gibrillaakimsesay@yahoo.com greatful in advance.
I'll address some of platoon sergeant's responsibilities in peace time. They are responsible for keeping fitness, morale and all other standards where they are supposed to be. If you have a top flight platoon sergeant your troops will train hard and fight hard.
Also, they are the level of authority where I would like to handle my minor to moderate problems i.e. pay and personal issues. You have your squad and platoon leaders, but you sometimes need someone with more experience and breadth of knowledge. Usually anything handled at above this pay grade is a more serious problem.
Thanks for sharing, Jeff.
I am fortunate to have an amazing PSG living in my house. I have learned so much more about my own responsibilities by watching what he does. I learned what right looks like when it comes to monthly counseling, training objectives, standard enforcing, discipline, and etc. His PL even commented to me how fortunate he was as a new officer to have him in his back pocket because of how he counsels and follows up, along with everything else. Every month he gives his Team Leaders (Squad leaders but in the CAV) a monthly counseling with goals on it at the start of each IDT weekend. He follows up on Sunday with his assessments on their performance. They are expected to do the same for their Soldiers. this is just one example, but it stands out to me a lot because of how much diligence he has and how seriously he takes his job.
I would absolutely love to be a Platoon Sergeant. I think it would be fun to lead that many soldiers while having the chance to train a new Platoon Leader at the same time.
Working as a Platoon Sergeant is definitely a great job.
This post provides a good overview of the depth and range of responsibilities that a Platoon Sergeant will likely encounter. Helping your Soldiers development is something that I really think is important. That includes military education and enforcing the physical fitness standards. Thank you for the comprehensive overview.
You can really see what a person’s priorities are when they become a PSG. It’s important to think externally about what is best for your Soldiers, even if it means doing something uncomfortable for you.