- ATP 3-21.8Publication
Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad
ATP 3-21.8 is the techniques manual for the Infantry rifle platoon and squad across Infantry, Stryker, and armored brigade combat teams. It carries battle drills, movement formations, and the offensive and defensive tasks small units actually execute. The posted file is the January 2024 edition incorporating change 1, dated June 2025.
- Reference
SHARP and equal opportunity at the squad leader level
AR 600-20 governs both programs. A squad leader's job is to prevent, to know the reporting options, and to act immediately when something is reported, without conducting their own investigation.
- STP 21-1-SMCTPublication
Soldier's Manual of Common Tasks, Warrior Skills, Level 1
STP 21-1-SMCT holds the task summaries for skill level 1 common tasks -- the conditions, standards, and performance steps trainers use to certify a Soldier. It is what a squad leader trains and evaluates against. Higher skill levels are covered in the STP 21-24 series.
- Reference
Soldier and NCO of the Month and Quarter boards
Recognition boards are run under local command policy, not AR 600-8-19, and they reward a different performance than a promotion board does.
- Acronym
SAW
Squad Automatic Weapon
- Board question
What are the three weapons control statuses?
Weapons hold, weapons tight, and weapons free. Weapons hold means engage only in self-defense or when directly ordered. Weapons tight means engage only targets positively identified as hostile. Weapons free means engage any target not positively identified as friendly.
- Board question
What is the NCO support channel and how does it relate to the chain of command?
It is the leadership channel that parallels and reinforces the chain of command. It runs from the command sergeant major to the first sergeant to the platoon sergeant to the squad, section, or team leader. It is used to transmit and enforce standards, carry out the commander's orders, and supervise Soldiers' daily duties. It does not replace the chain of command and it is not a separate chain.