Which of the following is NOT a core responsibility of the platoon leader during Phase 2 air assault?

• A. Direct vehicle maintenance.
• B. Command the movement.
• C. Maintain coordination with aircraft.
• D. Perform risk management.

Answer: (D)

In Phase 2 air assault, the platoon leader’s focus is on coordinating the maneuver and keeping the airlift synchronized with ground execution. Direct vehicle maintenance falls under this leader’s purview because they must ensure vehicles are ready and mission-capable, guiding the crew and prioritizing maintenance so the movement stays on track. Commanding the movement is the leadership action that drives the platoon through the planned sequence, tempo, and routes. Maintaining coordination with aircraft is essential to ensure lift timing, pickup zones, and loading/unloading procedures align with the ground plan.

Risk management, while vital in every operation, is not viewed here as a core platoon-leader duty in this phase. The formal risk-management process is typically carried out through safety procedures and higher-level planning channels, with the platoon leader integrating those safety measures into execution rather than performing the risk-management workflow as a stand-alone task during Phase 2.