The maneuvering elements of a rifle company are the rifle platoons. A Seabee rifle platoon consists of a platoon headquarters and three or more rifle squads. Each rifle squad is composed of three or more work crew/rifle fire teams. The primary combat mission of the rifle company, as well as the rifle platoon, is to repel the enemy assault by fire and close combat. Each rifle platoon headquarters consists of a platoon commander, platoon petty officer, platoon guide, communicator, and a messenger.

Rifle Platoon Commander

The rifle platoon commander is generally a chief petty officer (E-7). Normally, he is the project supervisor. He is responsible for the training, discipline, control, and tactical deployment of his platoon. The rifle platoon commander carries out the orders of the company commander and controls his platoon through his squad leaders. In combat, the rifle platoon commander positions himself where he can readily control his squad leaders and, at the same time, remain in contact with his company commander. The rifle platoon commander is generally linked with the company commander by either radio or field telephone or both. He is armed with the service pistol.

Rifle Platoon Petty Officer

The rifle platoon petty officer, generally a first class petty officer (E-6), is the next senior man in the platoon and is second in command. As such, he performs all duties assigned by the rifle platoon commander and stands ready to assume command in his absence. On the job, he will assist in project supervision. In combat, he assists in all aspects of supevision and control of the platoon. The rifle platoon petty officer positions himself where he can hear the commands of the rifle platoon commander but far enough away to avoid becoming a casualty should the rifle platoon commander be hit. The rifle platoon petty officer is also armed with the service pistol.

Rifle Platoon Guide

The rifle platoon guide is generally a first class petty officer (E-6) who performs the administrative functions the rifle platoon commander may direct. He is directly responsible to the rifle platoon commander for the supply and timely resupply of the platoon in combat and often performs a similar task on the jobsite. He also maintains the platoon casualty record. While the platoon is moving in training or in combat operations, the rifle platoon guide helps prevent straggling. He is armed with the service rifle.

Rifle Platoon Communicator and Messenger

These men are generally constructionmen (E-3); and during normal construction, they are assigned to work a crew/rifle fire team. The rifle platoon communicator and messenger, in combat, provide communications between the rifle company headquarters and the rifle platoon commander and also between the rifle platoon, its squads, and attached units. The rifle platoon communicator uses radio or telephone communication methods, while the rifle platoon messenger generally travels on foot. Both are armed with service rifles.