What is a squad leader and how to become one

Do you want to lead a team in combat? If you've got good marksmanship, weapon handling, leadership skills, values, and attributes to prepare a platoon for their wartime mission, then pursuing a career in the military as a squad leader can give you an edge. Generally, a squad leader is a tactical center of a team, who leads the maneuvers of his/her /her squad to ensure mission objectives are accomplished on time. The military is an incredible organization that brings you a sense of duty, discipline, honor, courage, hard work, and determination. Being in the military allows you to have a sense of purpose that is fulfilling and full of patriotism, where you learn what it takes to be a leader. Not only that, but becoming a squad leader brings you plenty of benefit packages, such as lucrative wages, 30 vacation days, comprehensive healthcare, housing, cash allowances, education expenses, family services, and even retirement support after you serve.

As a squad leader, your prime duty is to supervise and manage the first-line supervisors and soldiers within the squad. Your squad typically consists of nine to ten soldiers that make up two to three fire teams each. As a squad leader, your core responsibility is to enforce discipline and ensure each member of your unit abides by the military standards. Leading your squad, you may get the opportunity to lead by example, disseminate, and execute orders on a mission. Other than leadership, as a squad leader, you may keep track of equipment, regulate its maintenance, and ensure the proper arming of your soldiers during defensive, offensive, stability, and all kinds of amphibious operations. As a squad leader, your job is more than just leading a team. You are the one who dedicates yourself to the careers and success of your soldiers by taking the responsibility of their counseling, job shadowing, and one-on-one mentoring whenever they need it. This perseverance and dedication makes a squad leader role stand out from all other professionals.

If you aspire to become a squad leader, you may need a bachelor's degree or equivalent credentials. But you might be able to get this role with a high school diploma, if you've got experience or training in military services. To be a successful squad leader, you must have mental preparedness, physical fitness, strong leadership skills, and a concrete skill-set to respond in stressful situations while coordinating your squad's actions and movements. Leading a small military unit or platoon, you may work regular hours, travel within a working day, and overseas work or travel may come frequently too. While working in military services, your salaries are usually rank based. As a squad leader, you may earn an average annual salary of $33,298. You may expect to earn more while progressing through various military ranks. Not only that, but a career in military service may bring advancement opportunities. With more experience and the acquisition of a military skill-set, you may expect promotion to higher ranks of army supervisors or platoon sergeants and may lead the way!