The Platoon Commander has a great many responsibilities, starting well before the mission has even begun. He is the final say in things and is responsible for the conduct of the assigned mission from start to finish. He directs the three main squads of the Platoon, as well as any attachments, and uses a multitude of skills to accomplish the mission with the minimum of friendly and the maximum of enemy casualties.
The Platoon Commanders motto is "Life or death, from my commands". This is intended to remind him of the fact that the virtual lives and, more importantly, the gaming enjoyment of every member of the platoon are ultimately his responsibility, and that his orders, good or bad, will at some point result in someone (and in bad cases, many someones!) having to sit out due to a virtual death. It is important that the Platoon Commander is able to function as a leader even when things aren't going according to plan and virtual bodies are stacking up. His cool-headed orders, given in the midst of raging fights, are often the deciding factor between victory and defeat.
Plans the mission, briefs the squad leaders and element leaders and ensures that the plan is understood.
Conveys the "Commander's Intent" to all of his squad and element leaders. His intent allows for squad and element leaders to know why they're doing what they're doing, how they're doing it, and what the desired end state is. Thus, if necessary, an element leader can make a rapid tactical decision, or assume command of the entire platoon if casualties are taken, while acting within the guidance of the intent of the Platoon Commander.
Distributes special assets.
Dictates the Rules Of Engagement (ROE). Any special considerations are made and conveyed, and the platoon receives updated ROE from the Platoon Commander when appropriate.
Supervises the execution of the mission, issuing new or updated orders as it progresses. The Platoon Commander stays on top of the tactical situation and issues appropriate, timely orders as the tactical situation evolves.
Positions himself where he can exercise the best command and control of his squads. In order to guide the fight effectively, it is important that the Platoon Commander is able to see it. To this end, he must constantly judge where he can best accomplish this, and ensure he's able to safely maintain such a position. In the event that the platoon splits into assault and support elements, the Platoon Commander will either go with the assault or stay at the support position - whichever he chooses, he ensures that his Platoon Sergeant goes with the other element.
Uses his Platoon Sergeant to share the workload. The Platoon Sergeant is there to assist the Platoon Commander wherever possible, and should be used as needed.
Avoids micromanagement, trusts in the judgment of his squad leaders, and allows them to develop the fight when possible. Squad Leaders are smart, capable individuals. The Platoon Commander treats them as such, and in turn, they shine in the fight. Giving them an opportunity to be creative in how they carry out orders, and trusting their assessment of the situation when given, is an important aspect of being Platoon Commander.
Keeps his squads within mutual supporting distance of each other whenever possible. A Platoon Commander must be capable of making plans in which the platoon does not run off helter-skelter all over the place, attempting to do everything at once. This dilutes the combat power of the platoon and sacrifices the squads' ability to mutually support each other. The Platoon Commander must be able to make judgment calls as to when the platoon should stay tightly focused and mutually-supporting, and when it is necessary to detach a squad (or more) to facilitate mission accomplishment.
Reorganizes the platoon as needed to fulfill the mission. This can include merging understrength elements into larger elements, or reorganizing the platoon in the event of significant casualties.
Coordinates with support elements such as arty and CAS (Close Air Support), via their Forward Observers and Forward Air Controllers, if available.
Maintains awareness on the platoon's combat status, casualties, ammo, and other capabilities. This includes getting ACE (ammo, casualties, equipment) reports after fights.
Ensures that resupply is conducted as needed..