DUTIES OF A PLATOON COMMANDER AT THE FRONT
General Notes: The selection and training of section commanders is of the highest importance, and a commander must assure himself that the man selected has the confidence of the men as well as his own.
A platoon commander should know his men and all about them, and keep a record in a book arranged in sections always kept up-to-date. This is easy to say, but harder to do, when the platoon changes day by day.
He should know his drill and be capable of moving the platoon into any position easily and by the shortest possible route.
He should know how to organize a task allotted to him, such as delivering over a working party, placing a line of sentries, arranging posts and reliefs, and occupying a line of trenches.
He should be able to assume responsibility for all trench stores, bombs, periscopes, etc., handed over to him.
He should know the geography of his battalion trenches, the position of company and battalion headquarters, and keep trained guides at hand who can find their way to all important points by day or night.