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Roles
in an Infantry Company
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Introduction
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 The
infantry company is organised to meet the requirements of a peacetime
establishment with the ability to increase in size in times of emergency,
war etc... The establishment of a peacetime infantry company has a company
headquarters and several platoons including a specialised weapons platoon.
The various jobs in the company are necessary for the correct functioning
of the company as a cohesive unit. These jobs include administration and
logistical jobs as well as combat roles.
In a reserve infantry
battalion every member must first undergo basic recruit training which
qualifies the soldier as a rifleman. After this there are a multiple of
roles available to the soldier.
Below are some of
the roles which are filled by personnel in an infantry company.
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| Rifleman |
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 The
riflemen form the backbone of an infantry company and are the most numerous
job in it. As a rifleman you form part of a 9 man section under the command
of your section commander. Your primary weapons in this role are the Steyr
AUG assault rifle which can engage targets effectively up to 300 metres
away, and the General Purpose
Machine Gun (GPMG) or Light Machine Gun which can hit targets at up
to 1000 metres. Every member of a reserve infantry battalion begins his
training as a rifleman and is taught to be taught to be proficient in
weapons handling, fieldcraft, tactical skills, first aid and navigation
to name a few things.
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| Section
Commander |
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A
section commander holds the rank of Corporal and leads the 8 men under him.
Section commanders are trained after several years service and are selected
from the unit to attend one of the Brigade Potential NCO's (Non Commissioned
Officers) Courses which are run annually. This is a very responsible position
within the infantry company as the section commander not only leads his
troops while on the ground but also trains and adminsiters them, ensures
their discipline is high and that they are doing their jobs correctly. |
| Mortarman
/ Detachment Commander |
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A mortarman is part
of a detachment that operates the 60mm
mortar, a weapon capable of hitting a target that is up to 2 km away.
As a detachment commander you may have the opportunity to direct where
the mortar fire lands. This involves the use of specialist targeting equipment
which helps ensure that you hit the target accurately. Each
mortar is commanded by a Detachment Commander (DC).
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| Anti-Tank
Missile Operator / Detachment Commander |
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The missile operator’s
job is to destroy enemy armoured vehicles before they can attack. An infantry
company use the Carl Gustaf
84mm Recoilless Anti-Tank Rifle. This powerful man-portable weapon
is capable of destroying armoured targets up to 700metres away and in
the anti personnel role at 1000 metres. As part of your training on the
84 Anti Tank Rifle you will be taught how to load and fire then weapon
and engage targets in a tactical manner.
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| GPMG
SF Gunner / Detachment Commander |
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The
GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) when used in the SF (Sustained Fire)
role, i.e tripod mounted is used as a medium machine gun (MMG) to support
the company in offensive and defensive operations. In this roled the GPMG
SF can hit targets up to 1800 metres away. The crew of three consists of
the gunner, loader and the DC (detachment commander). |
| Driver |
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Driving is an essential
skill in an Infantry Battalion. With important weapons and equipment in
a vehicle a driver needs outstanding abilities to be able to control a
vehicle, including off road, and possibly under fire. As a driver in the
Army Reserve you will be trained on the Nissan Patrol Off Road Vehicle
first, later progressing to the mini bus and HGV's.
For more information
on vehicles used by the battalion visit the
page on Vehciles
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| Radio
Operator |
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The radio
operator is an essential part of the infantry company as it is necessary
to establish and maintain effective communications between units to help
direct and coordinate their activities, training and operations. As a radio
operator you have to understand the battle and be able to send accurate
reports to your commanders. Radio operators in the infantry are trained
to communicate effectively using the technologically advanced SINCGARS radio. |
| Storeman
/ Quartermaster |
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The storeman and quartermaster
coordinate the logistical end of things in an infantry unit. This involves
obtaining clothing, equipment and weapons for the troops as well as food,
accommodation, ammunition and training materials.
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| Administration
Clerk |
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An administration
clerk works in the battalion or company offices and assists in the running
of the unit by administering the activities of the unit.
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- For
more information on Training in the Army Reserve Click
Here
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