BIFV (Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle) Squad and Platoon Leader Span of Control

Abstract : A field exercise was designed to establish the necessary environment for tactical conditions under which platoon/squad leader span of control could be measured. The information recorded by the observer team and the chief controller support the view that there was no one area of measurement in which leader errors could be attributed directly to fatigue, stress, or preoccupation with other critical tasks. Failures of omission or commission seemed to reflect knowledge deficiencies or memory failure, not lack of time or crisis-invoked situations. The duties assigned to Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (BIFV) squad and platoon leaders are considered to be well within their capabilities, given appropriate training. Recommendations for assisting squad and platoon leaders in the future include development of a Combat Leader's Guide and creation of BIFV tactical exercises without troops.