What does a 2IC REALLY do?

[TangoTwoBravo]

Doctrine is a good guide for discerning folks, as it captures tested collective experience of an enduring nature. It should not be applied without thought, but it is a great starting point.

If you read B-GL-309-003/FP-001 (Infantry Platoon and Section in Operations) it gives a breakdown of duties for pretty much everyone in a platoon. The roles of a section 2IC are:

    a.    command the section in absence of the section comd

    b.    control the distribution of ammo, rations, water and other supplies

    c.    assist the section comd in training the section

    d.    assist the section comd in maintaining discipline within the sect

In practice, those four duties have many tasks and activities within them. Commanding the section in the absence of the section comd is huge. This can be temporary, such as during periods of battle procedure when the sect comd is away and the 2IC is running the sect in charge of concurrent activity. It could be permanent, such as when the sect comd is a casualty or moves up the chain to replace another NCO. The control of ammo, rations etc is also a very important role. This takes the burden, but not the responsibility, off the sect comd.

A good 2IC of any army organization will execute duties a, c and d above. Most will have some aspect of b, especially if it extends to administration. I would not want centralized control of PDR Pt 1s. Unit COs own this. They will use their judgement in combination with existing practices and doctrine to ensure that their subordinates are assigned the appropriate duties and are aware of their responsibilities. In the case of a rifle platoon, I would expect that the PDR Pt 1 for a Sect 2IC would encapsulate the four duties above, perhaps with some details fleshed out along with some other responsibilities as deemed appropriate.

Cheers,

T2B

 

[GnyHwy]

Pulled from the NCMGS for the rank of MCpl.

That doesn't surprise me.  I remember the first time I read the PER writing guide.  The examples for criteria justifying an MOI to MCpl would have been hard pressed for CWO to pull off. 

 

[ArmyRick]

From an infantry perspective. Keeping it simple and based on my experiences as an Infantry WO (Qualified as a CSM).
There is doctrinal stuff we can go on and on about, but lets go off some practical real life experiences.

Section 2IC
This is a key job and leadership development position IMO. I think alot of infantry battalions and regiments on ex have senior CPLs acting in this position without the PLQ, but it serves as good PD.
-Section 2IC ram rods the section alot. The section commander will be at O groups alot or planning his own battle procedure out and does not have time to closely pull things together
-In Battle procedure, the sect 2IC should link up with both his sect comd and PL 2IC and coordinate the section level battle procedure to his extent. Admin such as water, ammo, rats, stores, vehicle prep is vital. Rehearsals if time permits and if Sect 2IC understands enough of the mission at hand.
-On an actual mission, 2IC assist with command and control (A biggy) especially since some operations can have alot of moving parts and even the most experienced section commanders can't be everywhere and watch everything. Sect 2IC ensures during/post battle that ammo/cas is prepared and takes care of "battle admin" (Ammo, Casualty, PW). Let the section commander deal with preparing to fight the next battle. In this job, you and the PL WO will know each other well.
-On routine day to day life on tour and back in Canada, I expect Sect 2ICs to "muckle" onto less than experienced (or performing or motivated) and get those soldiers up to speed. He/she may tasks a switched on senior troopy to do it or do it themselves. Make sure it is done. As a Sergeant, you have too much going on in a unit to re-train or baby sit weaker soldiers.
-At all times, keep an eye on how the soldiers in the section are doing and advise section commander when things are going for a dirt dive.

Always be loyal to your chain of command. If your sergeant behaves in a way NOT accetable, speak to your PL WO about it propmtly. It may be an issue or just a personality clash. If its a personality clash, suck it up and deal with it.

Next some PL WO insight

 

[ArmyRick]

PL 2IC (Or PL WO though not always a WO)

This is another key job in the army. First thing to understand. Officers are responsible for command and control. WO and NCO make it happen. In the infantry doctrine, the only time an NCO is a commander is a Sergeant, Infantry Section Commander. Beyond that, you actually slide down the chain. For example, a WO in a fully staffed Platoon is 2IC, then as a MWO in the role of CSM you are after all the officers in the company, etc, etc. Many people mistakenly think a CSM for example takes over after an OC, Coy 2IC and LAV Capt go down. He doesn't and it is not his job unless all officers are done for.

PL WO (Not formal duties)
-The PL WO sets the tone in terms of conduct, bearing, discipline for his whole platoon
-The PL WO sort of "mentors" new officers to the battalion but in such a way as to empower, not humiliate the new 2LTs.
-The PL WO deals with any and all disciplinary problems brought to his attention (Always bring any potential disciplinary incident to CoC, something may not be disciplinary and may in fact be criminal, a good WO knows where to find the answer if he doesn't know it)
-The PL WO mentors and develops the Section commanders. He also pulls any overly enthusiastic SGT who is stepping on PL COMD toes and discretely lets him know whats up and whats not
-PL WO is damn well on PT, in the field and on BFT. YOU must lead by example. This doesn't mean you need to outrun a platoon of 20-25 year olds, but your on PT and driving it just as hard
-The PL WO has the job knowledge and understands in detail all platoon weapons and kit. Not familiar, self imposed PD.
-During battle procedure, get sect 2IC all the goodies they need to function, understand the warning order, relay said warning order, supervise prep and carry out rehearsals. Do not hesitate in long drawn out battle procedure to check in on PL COMD (Make sure he/she eats, coffee, etc).
-During the mission, PREPARED to take over at any time PL Comd goes down. MUST stay SA at all times. Ensure ammo, cas, PW are dealt with, coordinate efforts with CSM
-Keeps in touch with CQ on state of PL stores
-Step back every now and then, ask troops how they are doing. Know whats going on with the morale state of the platoon
-Got a real issue with your PL COMD? Think the mission is ridcolous and out to lunch? Think work load on the troops is too hard? Go see the CSM and ask for a private talk. Be prepared to be told to suck it up.

PL WO is a down right exhausting and tough job, but the rewards are a platoon that functions smoothly. And your troops will know it and think highly of you.