What additional duty does the Weapons Squad Leader (WSL) have compared to the Squad Leader (SL)?

The role of the Weapons Squad Leader (WSL) includes specific responsibilities that enhance the squad's combat effectiveness, particularly in terms of firepower management. Among these, controlling the machine guns is a key duty that distinguishes the WSL from the Squad Leader (SL). The WSL directly oversees the operation, deployment, and maintenance of machine guns within the squad, ensuring that they are used effectively in combat scenarios.

This responsibility requires not only technical knowledge about the operation of machine guns but also tactical insight on when and where to employ these weapons to maximize their impact on the battlefield. The WSL must coordinate the use of machine guns with the overall tactical plan, providing sustained fire support to cover the movements of the squad and enable their mission objectives.

While other duties, such as maintaining accountability of Rangers, submitting LACE reports, and issuing warning orders are also important, they do not specifically highlight the unique role of the WSL in managing heavy weapon systems. This distinction emphasizes the WSL's critical role in ensuring that the squad can leverage its firepower effectively, contributing to mission success.