The Seabee rifle squad is composed of a squad leader, three fire teams and a grenadier. Ideally, the rifle squad will contain three fire teams of four men each, a grenadier, and the squad leader for a total of 14 men.

Squad Leader

The squad leader is generally a first class petty officer (E-6). He carries out the orders of the platoon commander and is responsible to him for the discipline, appearance, training, control, and conduct of his squad at all times. He must pay particular attention to the care and maintenance of the weapons and equipment of the squad. In combat, he has the important responsibilities of fire discipline, fire control, and maneuvering his squad. He takes a position where he can best observe and control his squad and carry out the orders of the platoon commander. He controls his squad by voice and visual commands. The squad leader is primarily a leader; therefore, he only fires his own weapon in critical situations. He is armed with the service rifle.

Grenadier

The grenadier, generally a third class petty officer (E-4), carries out the orders of the squad leader and is responsible to him for the effective care, maintenance, and employment of his weapon-the M203 grenade launcher. In combat, the grenadier always moves with or is close to the squad leader. Usually, another E-4 in the squad is trained to replace the grenadier should he become a casualty. On the jobsite, the grenadier has no special authority unless specifically designated.