PLATOON LEADER

A NUTS Supplement
PLATOON LEADER
NUTS Platoon Leader is a series of optional rules for managing your Platoon – the
infantry and attached units your Star commands. So while your Star may still be
in the thick of the fight, as Platoon Leader you also have to worry about things like
resource management, your soldier’s well being and morale, who to send on the
next Mission and who to keep off the Line.

Here's what you’ll find in this guidebook

● Platoon Organization & Assets

● Issuing Orders for the next Mission
● Basic Platoon Formations
● Platoon Management
● Privation & Fatigue
● Recovery
● Platoon HQ and Squad tracking sheets
● You can even suck up to your CO to get
better Support for your Platoon - hey, check
your ego at the door, your Platoon needs you!
NUTS! Platoon Leader

WRITTEN BY
JOHN CUNNINGHAM
 NUTS PLATOON LEADER

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROLOGUE 1
INTRODUCTION 1
WHAT IS THIS? 1
Type 1
Unit Organization - Platoon 1
LEADERS 3
Who’s In Charge? 3
Leader Functions 3
Assuming Command 3
PLATOON MISSION ORDERS 4
Ask for Support 4
PLATOON MANAGEMENT – AFTER THE
BATTLE 5
Squad Exhaustion & Privation 5
Replacements 6
PLATOON TACTICS 7
Command & Control 7
Squad Formation & Maneuver 8
Platoon Formations 11
Final Thoughts 16
Platoon Management Sheets 17

© 2022 John Cunningham & Ed Teixeira – Two Hour Wargames 12/30/2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 NUTS PLATOON LEADER
mission decisively and to function as an effective unit
PROLOGUE in the military team.”
FM 7-10 Infantry Field Manual, Rifle Company &
The world slowly came back into focus after the Rifle Regiment, June 2, 1942
concussive artillery blasts had sent you and your men
diving for cover, debris and shrapnel ripping apart
everything in the open.
“Sergeant! Sarge! What are your orders?!!?”
WHAT IS THIS?
“Orders???”
NUTS Platoon Leader is a series of optional rules for
“The Lieutenant is down, I think Top bought it too – managing your Platoon – the infantry and attached
you’re in charge now!” units your Star commands. So while your Star may
still be in the thick of the fight, as Platoon Leader you
The artillery barrage had barely stopped when the
also have to worry about things like resource
enemy opened up with a light machine gun, pinning 1st
management, your soldier’s well being and morale,
Squad in place. 2nd Squad’s runner is in your face
who to send on the next Mission and who to keep off
requesting orders while the Radioman says the
the Line.
Captain wants an update on the Mission…and you
don’t know where 3rd Squad is….all hell’s breaking Here's what you’ll find in this guidebook
loose and everyone is looking to you for the answer.
● Platoon Organization & Assets
Right about now you’re wondering what the heck
● Issuing Orders for the next Mission
you’ve gotten yourself into.
● Basic Platoon Formations
Welcome to life as a NUTS Platoon Leader! ● Platoon Management
o Privation & Fatigue
o Recovery
Platoon HQ and Squad tracking sheets
INTRODUCTION
●

NUTS is Squad to Platoon level skirmish game that TYPE

has an advancement system that lets your Star figure
rank up and possibly end up as a Lieutenant in charge The type of Platoon is defined by its national name
of a Platoon, and eventually even a Captain in charge such as Rangers, Volks Grenadiers, or even simply
of a full Company (in the NUTS Company Infantry. Use the appropriate Army List to determine
Commander book), how many squads will comprise the Platoon.
As a Platoon Leader, either this is your life’s current
ambition and you’ve ranked up, or you’re the last
person standing in the line of command…your worst UNIT ORGANIZATION - PLATOON
nightmare. So now what? Well, as Platoon Leader
your job is to manage your Squads and attached units Here's the information about your Platoon or the
to accomplish the Missions your Company parent unit that your squad belongs to. Going down the
Commander hands you. left-hand column and across to the appropriate unit we
provide the following information.
Defeat the Enemy, accomplish your Objectives – and
come back with your people. PLATOON HQ SECTION
A platoon has 1 HQ section. The Platoon HQ section
“The platoon leader is responsible for the training, is typically made up of 1 Platoon Leader, 1 Platoon
discipline, control, and tactical employment of the Sergeant, an Assistant NCO, and 2-3 Riflemen who
platoon. It must be trained to accomplish its combat act as messengers, and possibly an attached Medic.
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ATTACHED SECTIONS WHO’S WHO IN THE SQUAD
Depending on circumstances, a Platoon may also have
attached units from the Company level or other Regardless of size, the squad/section starts with the
sources – such as a Medic, a Sniper, or a Support following soldiers. Here’s how we do it:
Weapon and Crew (an MG or Anti-Tank Weapon of ● The first men in the squad are always the
choice). NCO, the Jr. NCO, and the LMG* gunner.
● The next man would be the LMG assistant.
SUPPORT WEAPONS
● The next man in the squad will carry a Rifle
Support Weapons are tripod mounted machineguns, Grenade Launcher.
mortars and anti-tank weapons from the Company ● When all of the specialists, as listed above, are
Support Platoon that are operate as a single unit, ot are accounted for, the remaining men will be
Attached to a Platoon. A Support Weapon must remain ordinary riflemen.
within 4” of the Group or Platoon to which it is Example - A squad of eight men would consist of the
attached and will Move and make required Tests as five specialists and three ordinary riflemen.
part of that Group or Platoon.
Squads would always keep their LMG* and other
# OF SQUADS OR SECTIONS (NOT HQ) special weapons intact in the squad as long as there
were men to man them.
This tells you the number of squads, or sections, that
are in your platoon. This number does not include a *A US Army LMG infantryman carries a BAR instead of a LMG
Headquarters or HQ squad/section that is usually unless the unit is Airborne. They used a M1919A4 and later
M1919A6 LMG in the squad and didn’t have a BAR at this time.
attached.
INDIVIDUAL REP
# MEN PER SQUAD
This is the number of men in the squad when it is at Reputation or Rep represents a combination of
full strength. This is often referred to as paper training, experience, morale and motivation. Rep is an
strength. This is also the maximum size of the squad expression of a Platoon’s overall fighting quality.
regardless of the result of dice generation. There are 4 levels of Reputation:
● REP 6 – Elite units with numerous successful
DICE GENERATION combat Missions.
● REP 5 – Veteran units that have seen
This tells you how to generate the actual number of considerable action and success.
men that are in the squad as opposed to its paper ● REP 4 – Trained soldiers of some experience.
strength. Here’s how we do it: ● REP 3 -Units of unknown quality who have
● The number represents the minimum number seen little or no action.
of soldiers in the squad. Rolling on the appropriate Army List (page ##)
● Roll 1d6, read the result as rolled and add that determines the Rep of the Platoon, Support Weapon,
many soldiers to the squad. or Leader. Soldiers in your squad may or may not have
the same Rep. If you want to make all of them the
same Rep, go right ahead, otherwise. Here’s how we
Example - My Paratroops have 7 +1d6 soldiers in do it:
their section. I roll 1d6 and score a 6. That gives a
total of 13 but the maximum is 10, so I can only have ● Rolling 1d6 per soldier, reading the result as
10. rolled determines his Rep.

NCO
This tells you what weapon the NCO or non-
commissioned officer is armed with.

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 NUTS PLATOON LEADER
JR. NCO WHO’S IN CHARGE?
This tells you what the Junior NCO is armed with.
The highest Ranking figure on the table decides when
the Mission is over. Other Actions and Reactions are
LMG taken by the Platoon Leader. You could be on a
This tells you how many Light Machine Guns and Mission and NOT be the highest Ranking figure on the
gunners there are in the squad. table!

# MEN W/G-LAUNCHER ATTACHMENT

This tells you how many grenade launcher attachments LEADER FUNCTIONS
there are in the squad or in some cases other special Leaders will use their Rep on the following Tables:
weapons.
● Action (page ##).
# RIFLEMEN ● Will to Fight (page ##).
This tells you the maximum number of ordinary ● Replacements (page ##).
riflemen there are in the squad. Remember that
regardless of what is rolled, the total number of
soldiers in the squad cannot exceed the maximum ASSUMING COMMAND
number.
When Leaders are removed someone will always step
up and replace them. Just go up the following
Rankings.
LEADERS ● Platoon Leader – Lieutenant (or other Rank
per Nationality list).
There are three types of Leaders in NUTS: Platoon ● Platoon Top Sergeant
Leader. Here’s how we do it: ● 1st Platoon Leader – Sergeant.
● 2nd Platoon Leader – Sergeant.
● PLATOON LEADER – The Leader of a Platoon ● 3rd Platoon Leader - Sergeant.
is a Lieutenant. ● Assistant Squad Leader - Corporal
● PLATOON SERGEANT – The ranking NCO, will
take over the Platoon if the Platoon Leader is These on-the-field Promotions are temporary but could
out of action. become permanent.
● PLATOON GUIDE – The second highest
ranking NCO, helps prevent stragglers and
steps in should the Platoon Sergeant go out of
action.
● SQUAD LEADER – An NCO, usually a
Sergeant, who is in charge if a Squad
● ASSISTANT SQUAD LEADER – a junior NCO,
usually a Corporal, who will take over the
Squad if the Squad Leader is out of action.
Players (Stars) can choose to play any one-off game as
any Leader. If playing a Campaign, you start as a
Leader Leader – Rep 5 – of the 3rd Platoon.

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PLATOON MISSION REP/SKILL SUPPORT REQUEST -
OPPOSED CHALLENGE
ORDERS (Roll 1d6 per REP or Skill, looking for successes, score of 1,
2 or 3)
As Platoon Leader, your job is to successfully
accomplish the Missions given to you with the
resources you have – or can get your hands on. Circumstance Modifier

Here’s how you do it:

Attribute - Charismatic +1d6
● What’s your next Mission - typically Patrol,
Attack or Defend.
○ If you’re using the optional Chocolate Attribute - Smooth +1d6
and Cigarettes Missions this could
also be a Raid, Escort or Questioning. Attribute - Dim -1d6
● What Squads are available - Review your
Platoon to see which Squads and attached Attribute - Logical -1d6
units can be used to complete the Mission.
○ If a Unit is Tired or Exhausted it will
Actively Helpful – Previously scored an +2d6
be less effective in a fight
actively helpful response with the
● Order Squads to do the Mission - Order one
opponent.
or more of your Squads and units to do the
Mission.
○ You can decide how many Squads Cold Shoulder – Previously scored a -1d6
need to be on a Mission – e.g., maybe cold shoulder response with the
allocate one Squad to a Patrol and let opponent.
the others rest, but allocate everyone
to a Defense Mission. Failed your last Mission - Did not win -1d6
● Ask for Support - if you’re concerned that your Last Mission
you don’t have enough forces to complete
your Mission, you can ask your Company Mission is a Patrol - The Mission you -1d6
Commander for Supporting units want support for is a Patrol
● Play the Mission - When you play the
Mission you can decide if your Star (the
Platoon Leader) is in charge or if you’re Item – Each Item given to the opponent +1d6
leaving that up to a Squad NCO. (your Captain).

ASK FOR SUPPORT

If you want to ask for Support, you will go to your CO
and make an Opposed Challenge test. You can use
your People Skill or your REP.
● Make an Opposed Challenge test on the
Support Request Table to see if you can argue
successfully for Support
● If you fail this test you can also try and do a
Wheeling and Dealing - “I know a Guy”
Mission (NUTS Compendium page 101) and
barter loot and trade items for support.

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 NUTS PLATOON LEADER
# RESULT PLATOON MANAGEMENT
SUCCESSES
– AFTER THE BATTLE
3+ more Actively helpful response. The Captain
will assign Support, and will answer After the Mission we check to see what happens to
questions and provide support. Roll 1d6 you Leaders (and your Star):
(1) = Battalion support of 1d3 Medium 1. Check to recover Infantry casualties (NUTS
Tanks, (3) = Additional Squad + one page 27).
Medic, (3-4) = Additional Squad + 2. Check to recover Vehicles (NUTS page 56).
MMG/LMG, (5) = FO team + one Medic, 3. Check for Replacements (NUTS page 71).
(6) = Aerial Maps and Intel, remove one 4. Check for Squad Privation (see below)
Enemy PEF at the start of the Mission 5. Adjust Reps as needed (page 71).
after set-up.

1 or 2 Positive response. The Officer will assign SQUAD EXHAUSTION & PRIVATION
more one Company Support. Roll 1d6: (1) =
As Platoon Leader you need to manage your troops to
Medic, (2-4) = LMG/MMG, (5-6) = meet your Mission objective and look out for their
Medium Mortar team health and well-being. Missions can be tiring and
cause Exhaustion and Privation, which will reduce
Same Exchange pleasantries, but nothing more. their combat effectiveness.
After every Mission roll for each Squad engaged on
that Mission to see if they gain a level of Privation.
1 or 2 less Cold shoulder. NPC makes it obvious that Privation represents troops being tired, suffering from
he will not or cannot assign any Support. exposure, malnutrition and disease.
● This test will be made by the Squad Leader,
3+ less Belligerent. You’ve really angered your since the well being of the Squad is their
CO! You cannot make any more Support primary responsibility.
requests for the rest of the Campaign – ● You can have your Star make this test for one
and he sticks you into the worst Mission Squad – though the Squad Leader may resent
for the Company. Increase the Enemy this and your Star gets the Cold Shoulder
Investment Level by 1 point for this penalty on your next Interaction with that
Mission. Squad Leader.
● A unit that is Exhausted is -1 REP to all
actions until it becomes rested. These penalties
Example – Lt Pink has an Attack Mission and wants can stack, and if a unit reaches “0” REP it
Support. He goes to his Company Commander to make goes Out of the Fight.
the request. Pink has a People Skill of 4, won his last
Mission (+1d6) and gives his CO loot item (an enemy
Flag) (+1d6). So he tolls 6d6, and scores 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
6 for only two Successes (“Successes” are scores on 1
1, 2, 3). Pink’s CO has a People Skill of 4, and has no
modifiers. So he rolls 4d6 and scores 1, 2, 2, 4 for a
total of three Successes. The CO gives Pink the Cold
Shoulder and informs him there’s no Support available
for Pink’s next Mission.

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2 SQUAD PRIVATION REPLACEMENTS
(taken vs Platoon or Squad Leader’s REP) After the battle, if playing a Campaign (page ##),
Squads (Stands), Platoons and Support Weapons that
(-1REP if on Attack or Defend Mission, -1REP if half the were removed or left the battlefield will test to see if
Squad were casualties, +1REP if the Unit is not on a they recover or are replaced.
Mission and can rest)
This test is taken by the Platoon Leader. Here's how
(Figures reduced to 0 Rep are considered Out of the Fight.)
we do it:
● Roll 1d6 versus your Campaign Morale.
#D6 RESULT ● Roll 1d6 versus the Rep of the Unit Leader
PASSED (Platoon or Company)– could be you!
● Determine how many d6 were passed between
both rolls.
• No Effect if on a Mission
● Consult the Replacements Table and
• If the unit Rested, the Unit Recovers
2 immediately apply the results.
from Exhausted to Tired, or from
● Replacements are rolled normally from the
being Tired
Lists.
• Unit is Tired. All Figures suffer Slow
(NUTS page 7 - Only counts 1d6
when taking the Fast Move Test) and
Dumbass (NUTS page 6 - Counts Rep
1+1 REPLACEMENTS
one point lower for activation (Taken versus Campaign Morale and Rep)
purposes) Attribute effects.
1 CIRCUMSTANCE
• If the Unit rested, Unit does not
Recover CONTESTING FACTION: -1 to Campaign Morale.
# D6 RESULT
• The unit is Exhausted and operates at PASSED
-1 Rep until it Recovers 2 FULL RECOVERY & REPLACEMENTS
0 • If the Unit rested, gain an additional - Each Unit receives Replacement stands
1REP from disease or other Privation for and units that were Destroyed or Left
effects. At “0” REP the Unit is Out of the Table equal to current Campaign
the Fight. Morale, which should bring Squads and
Platoons up to full strength.

Example – Lt Pink assigned 1st Squad to a Patrol Each unit that was Destroyed is replaced
Mission, which was successful but did result in several at -1 REP (minimum of REP 3)
injured soldiers. He needs to see if they’ll be able to
support the next Mission, which will be an Attack. 1 LIMITED RECOVERY & REPLACEMENTS
Each Unit receives Replacement stands up
He 2d6 vs REP 5 with no modifiers since it was a to ½ current Campaign Morale, rounded
Patrol Mission and the Squad did not take 50% down.
casualties, and scores a 1, 6 for a Pass 1d6. 1st Squad Each unit that was Destroyed or Replaced
is Tired and is temporarily Slow (penalty to Fast is replaced at -1 REP
Move) and Dumbass (Penalty to Activation). He will 0 NO REPLACEMENTS
include them on the Attack but use them as the Platoon Any Squads or Platoons that are at less
Reserve. than half-strength combined into a full
Squad or Platoon.

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whatever their Objective is and carry out their
PLATOON TACTICS orders.
Example orders:
“We moved rapidly in the early morning across
open, rolling country in pursuit of the enemy. I • Squad 1 advance through Woods starting in
looked back at my platoon minutes after going Section 7 and take the Town.
over a rise. The squads, in diamond formation, • Squad 2 advance up the right side of the table
starting in Section 9 and take the Hill in
were dispersed, as were the men within the section 2. Support Squad 1’s attack on the
squads. The dispersed formation seemed larger Town.
than a platoon. They looked like veterans and I • Squad 3 advance to Section 5 and Support
was proud of them.” Squad 1 and Squad 2 as needed
Remembrances: Wes Brown-Approach to • If a Squad has to retreat, Rally on Hill 1 in
Zwickau Section 9

This section is a brief primer on basic Infantry Platoon ● Your Squads will use the REP of the Squad
formations and tactics, based primarily on US sources. Leader for all tests, unless your Star takes
The NUTS system rewards the use of proper tactics, so direct command of a Squad.
give it a try! ● Your Squads will attempt to carry out your
Orders.
● Your Star must spend an Action to change a
COMMAND & CONTROL Squad’s orders. Here’s how you do it:
Most of the time in WW2 a Platoon Leader didn’t o Physical Command: Your Star travels
have radio contact with their squads and couldn’t to within 4” of a Squad and assumes
instantly issue new orders. Here’s how to simulate command.
this. o Give verbal Orders: Your Star moves
● At the start of the Mission make a quick to within 2” of a Squad NCO and
issues a new Order.
sketch of the game table and designate your
o Give hand signal Orders: Your Star
Objectives and Rally point.
moves to within Line of Site of a
Squad NCO and gives hand signal
orders. This requires a 1d6 REP roll
by a Squad NCO – pass 1 = Orders
received and will act on the new
Orders, Pass 0 = Doesn’t get it, the
Squad continues its old orders while
the Squad NCO can try again next
Activation.
o Send a Runner: Your Platoon HQ has
several figures that act as Runners.
You can move a Runner from your
Platoon HQ to a Squad NCO and issue
new orders. The Squad’s next
Activation will follow the new orders.

Sample table sketch and orders

● Write simple orders for each Squad. During
the game each Squad will try to move to
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SQUAD FORMATION & MANEUVER ● 3x Infantry with M1 Rifle

“The squad leader is responsible for the discipline, SQUAD ORGANIZATION

appearance, training, control, and conduct of his
Some WW2 Nations further organized the people
squad. He leads it in combat. Under the platoon
within a Squad into 2-3x smaller maneuver elements.
leader's direction, the squad leader arranges for
These elements are typically not independent Groups
feeding his men, enforces Proper observance of rules
and do not act independently of the Squad.
of personal hygiene and sanitation, requires that
weapons and equipment be kept clean and in ● They are considered part of the same Squad
serviceable condition, and checks and reports on the “Group” (NUTS page 14)
ammunition supply within the squad. His squad must ● They will Activate as a body based on the
be trained to use and care for its weapons, to move Squad Leader’s Activation roll (NUTS page
and fight efficiently as individuals, and function 16)
effectively as a part of the military team.”
Here’s how the main combatants in Europe organized
FM 7-10 Infantry Field Manual, Rifle Company & their Squads. This is a snapshot, the number of people
Rifle Regiment, June 2, 1942 in each standard element could change during the war.
● US Squads: In addition to two leaders, the US
organized Squads into Able, Baker and
If you want to be a Platoon Leader, you should
Charlie teams.
understand how to handle a Squad, since the Squad
o The 2-man Able Team was a scouting
forms the core maneuver and fire unit of your Platoon.
team supported by the Squad Leader,
The formations and tactics at the Squad level reflect
the 3-man Baker Team was formed
forward in many ways to the Platoon level. So let’s see
around the Squad’s Browning
how that works.
Automatic Rifle, and the 4-man
Charlie Team was a maneuver and fire
SQUAD ORGANIZATION
team
Though the terminology could differ (the British Army ● British Sections: In addition to two leaders,
called a Squad a “Section), each Nationality had a the British organized their Squads (called
similar Squad structure with infantry support by one or “Sections”) into the 3-man Rifle Group and
more Squad Light Machine Guns. the 3-man Gun Group
The number of men and women in a Squad and the ● German Squads: In addition to two leaders,
level of automatic weapons support could vary, and the Germans organized their Squads into a 3-
changed as the war progressed – so make sure to use man Machine Gun team and a 5-man Rifle
the right NUTS Unit list for your Campaign. For team.
example, during the 1939-1940 Russo-Finnish War ● Soviet Squad: In addition to two leaders, the
(The Winter War) a Soviet Squad had x15 men, but in Soviets organized their Squads into a 2-man
1941 a Soviet Squad had only x11 men. SMG Team, a 2-man Machinegun Team, and
a 5-man Rifle Team.
Here's a typical x12-man US Squad in 1944:
● Squad Leader – Sgt with SMG or Carbine
● Assistant Squad Leader – Corporal/Junior
NCO with M1 Rifle
● BAR (LMG) Gunner
● Assistant BAR Gunner with M1 Rifle
● Ammo Bearer with M1 Rifle
● 2x Infantry with M1 Rifle and Grenade
Launchers
● 2x Infantry “Scouts” with additional fieldcraft
training, with M1 Rifle
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SQUAD COLUMN
The Column formation was a general formation used
to advance and maneuver quickly, and through
constricting terrain.
The Column is vulnerable to Enemy fire from the
front, but is flexible and the Squad can easily react and
deploy into another formation.
In NUTS terms the two Scouts can be placed 4” ahead
of other figures in the Squad, or split off as a separate
Group that Activates on its own.

SQUAD FORMATIONS
You can arrange and move your Squad however you
like, but historically in WW2 a Squad would be
formed up in one of several standard formations
depending on the circumstances and their Mission. In
brief, the main formations for a WW2 Squad are:
● Column
● Line
● Wedge
● Diamond
In NUTS your figures would typically be 2” apart, or
4” apart for an “open” formation.
Squad Column Formation

SQUAD SKIRMISH LINE

In this formation the Squad spreads out in a long line
on its advance. The Squad is less vulnerable to
Artillery and Machine Gun fire but may have trouble
concentrating its attack.

Squad Skirmish Line

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SQUAD WEDGE ● “V Formation,” or a reverse “Wedge”
Sometimes called a “Reverse V” or “Arrow formation.
Formation” by some nations and drill manuals, the ● Open Column (increase distance to 4”
“Wedge” formation provides a balance of firepower between figures)
towards the front of the Squad and control since the ● Open Skirmish Line (increase distance to 4”
Squad Leader can see all the men in the Squad. The between figures)
Squad Leader assumes the lead position, but may fall
back when the Squad makes contact with the Enemy to
better control the Squad.
WHAT’S THE POINT OF THESE FORMATIONS?
Most nationalities, despite their terminology,
organized their units around the concept of maneuver
and fire power. Squad and Platoon formations provide
the means to move through various terrain, attack or
defend effectively, and react to enemy threats based on
terrain and circumstances.
Here's how the US Army viewed it in WW2.

Squad Wedge Formation

SQUAD DIAMOND FORMATION

The Diamond formation is the most flexible Squad
formation, with the advantages of the other formations
in terms of maneuver and fire power. It is particularly
useful when contact with the Enemy could occur from
almost any direction.

Squad Diamond Formation

OTHER FORMATIONS
Other countries used their own range of formations, so
feel free to adopt those or create your own. These
could include

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OTHER INFORMATION ON SQUAD TACTICS PLATOON FORMATIONS
There is a wealth of historical information on WW2
“a. The platoon leader is responsible for the training,
Squad tactics available on the internet if you want to
discipline, control, and tactical employment of the
experiment with historical tactics.
platoon. It must be trained to accomplish its combat
● US; US Field Manuals: HyperWar with a large mission decisively and to function as an effective unit
number of WW2 US Field Manuals. in the military team.
● British: British Field Manuals: King’s College
b. The platoon sergeant is second-in-command. He
of London has a large collection of WW2
assists the platoon leader in controlling the direction
Field Manuals
and rate of movement in the advance. During all
● German: A translated German Field Manual operations he takes post as directed by the platoon
● Soviet: WW2 Soviet Re-enactor’s Field leader so as best to assist in the control of the platoon.
Manual. He replaces the platoon leader when the latter is not
with the platoon or becomes a casualty.
c. The platoon guide (a sergeant) prevents straggling
and enforces orders concerning cover, concealment,
and discipline. His position is usually in rear of the
platoon, where he observes the situation on the flanks
and rear. He checks ammunition expenditure and
takes advantage of every opportunity to have
ammunition replenished.”
FM 7-10 Infantry Field Manual, Rifle Company &
Rifle Regiment, June 2, 1942

Now that you have a basic understanding of Squad

formations and Tactics, let’s move on to the Platoon
level. This should be relatively familiar to a Squad

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Leader because a Platoon will use similar formations, PLATOON COLUMN
but with more soldiers. "Platoon column" is vulnerable to fire from the front,
Again, as with the Squad, Platoon formations may and requires a change in disposition to employ the
vary based on the Nation and the year of the War, but weapons toward the front; however, it is easily
here are the basics: controlled and maneuvered. It is especially suitable for
narrow, covered routes of advance, for maneuvering
● Platoon Column through gaps between areas receiving hostile artillery
● Platoon Line fire, and for moving through woods, and in fog,
● Platoon Wedge smoke, or darkness.
● Platoon “V” Formation
● Platoon Echelon
These are general formations used in common. When
moving each Squad in the Platoon will try to maximize
the use of cover – no sense in getting shot up trying to
stay in perfect alignment!

PURPLE HEART FORMATION

The “Purple Heart” formation is often adopted by
inexperienced Platoon Leaders and overly excited
wargamers. While it provides easy command and
control, it is not flexible and is vulnerable to fire from
any direction and weapon. This formation is not
advised!

Purple Heart Formation

.
Figure 18, FM 7-10 Infantry Field Manual, Rifle
Company & Rifle Regiment, June 2, 1942

© 2022 John Cunningham & Ed Teixeira – Two Hour Wargames 12/30/2022

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 NUTS PLATOON LEADER
ACTION WHEN ENCOUNTERING THE ENEMY IN PLATOON LINE OF SQUADS
PLATOON COLUMN In this formation the Platoon spreads out in a long line
Every nationality had their own version of roughly on its advance. "Line of squads" enables the platoon
similar formations and tactics. Here’s the “by the leader to develop the maximum fire power to the front
book” response to Enemy Contact when in a Platoon in the shortest time. It is more difficult to control, and
Column. lacks maneuverability; but it is less vulnerable to fire
from the front. It is suitable for rapidly crossing an
area exposed to hostile long-

Contact Front – Squad in Contact pins the Enemy

while other Squads move up in Support.

Figure 18, FM 7-10 Infantry Field Manual, Rifle

Company & Rifle Regiment, June 2, 1942

Contact Flank – Squad in Contact pins Enemy while

other Squads Flank and Support

© 2022 John Cunningham & Ed Teixeira – Two Hour Wargames 12/30/2022

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 NUTS PLATOON LEADER
ACTION WHEN ENCOUNTERING THE ENEMY IN
PLATOON LINE
Every nationality had their own version of roughly
similar formations and tactics. Here’s the “by the
book” response to Enemy Contact when in a Platoon
Line.

The Squad in Contact to the flank pins the Enemy

while the remaining Squads Support and Flank, or
continue to the Objective

PLATOON “V” OR “TWO UP, ONE BACK”

Sometimes called a “V” by some nations and drill
manuals, the "Two squads forward, one squad back"
formation provides security to both front and flanks,
favor maneuver and control, and also provides
flexibility in meeting new tactical situations. The two
forward squads provide fire, and the trailing squad is
positioned for maneuver and support.

Per the above diagram – the Squad in Contact pins the

Enemy while the remaining Squads Support and
Flank, or continue to the Objective per the below
diagram.

Figure 18, FM 7-10 Infantry Field Manual, Rifle

Company & Rifle Regiment, June 2, 1942
© 2022 John Cunningham & Ed Teixeira – Two Hour Wargames 12/30/2022

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 NUTS PLATOON LEADER
ACTION WHEN ENCOUNTERING THE ENEMY IN PLATOON “WEDGE OR “ONE UP, TWO BACK”
PLATOON “V,” OR “TWO UP, ONE BACK.” Sometimes called a Platoon “Wedge” or “Arrowhead”
Every nationality had their own version of roughly for by some nations and drill manuals, the “One squad
similar formations and tactics. Here’s the “by the forward, two squads back” formation is similar to the
book” response to Enemy Contact when in a Platoon “V” formation in that it provides a balance of
“V,” which is one of the most flexible formations a firepower and flexibility. It provides security to both
Platoon Leader can adopt, and which is particularly front and flanks, favor maneuver and control, and also
suited when contact from the Enemy can come from provides flexibility in meeting new tactical situations.
any direction.

This formation is similar to the Platoon “V,” and

would maneuver similarly.

Platoon in contact, leading two Squads engage the

Enemy while the trailing Squad maneuvers to flank the
enemy.

Figure 18, FM 7-10 Infantry Field Manual, Rifle

Company & Rifle Regiment, June 2, 1942

© 2022 John Cunningham & Ed Teixeira – Two Hour Wargames 12/30/2022

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 NUTS PLATOON LEADER
PLATOON ECHELON FINAL THOUGHTS
A formation with squads echeloned to the right or left
This guidebook is intended to help you get more from
rear may be used to protect an exposed flank and
your NUTS games as a Squad or Platoon leader, and
permits maximum fire to be delivered promptly toward
only covers the basic formations and “how-to” do
that flank. This may be adopted by a Platoon given the
things. If you’d like become familiar with Squad and
task of Company Security during a march or advance
Platoon tactics and maneuvers there are some great
where there is a concern of being flanked by the
resources, including those cited before.
enemy.
These two resources have many free PDF downloads
of WW2 US and British field manuals:
● US; US Field Manuals: HyperWar with a large
number of WW2 US Field Manuals.
● British: British Field Manuals: King’s College
of London has a large collection of WW2
Field Manuals
You can also get questions about the rules answered
very quickly at several social media sites:
1. The Official Two Hour Wargames Forum
2. The Two Hour Wargames Facebook Group
3. The NUTS Facebook Group
4. The Two Hour Wargames YouTube Channel

© 2022 John Cunningham & Ed Teixeira – Two Hour Wargames 12/30/2022

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 NUTS PLATOON LEADER
PLATOON TRACKING SHEET
CAMPAIGN MORALE INVESTMENT LEVEL ENEMY CAMPAIGN MORALE ENEMY INVESTMENT LEVEL

PLATOON HQ
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
ROLE
RANK
REPUTATION
FITNESS
PEOPLE
SAVVY
ATTRIBUTE #1
ATTRIBUTE #2
WEAPON
RANGE
TARGETS
PRIVATION
ITEMS

HISTORY

© 2023 Ed Teixeira and John Cunningham – Two Hour Wargames 1/21/2023

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 NUTS– 4TH EDITION
PLATOON TRACKING SHEET
CAMPAIGN MORALE INVESTMENT LEVEL ENEMY CAMPAIGN MORALE ENEMY INVESTMENT LEVEL

PLATOON ASSETS (60MM MORTAR, LMG/MMG TEAM, ETC)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
ROLE
RANK
REPUTATION
FITNESS
PEOPLE
SAVVY
ATTRIBUTE #1
ATTRIBUTE #2
WEAPON
RANGE
TARGETS
PRIVATION
ITEMS

HISTORY

© 2023 Ed Teixeira and John Cunningham – Two Hour Wargames 1/21/2023

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 NUTS– 4TH EDITION
PLATOON TRACKING SHEET
CAMPAIGN MORALE INVESTMENT LEVEL ENEMY CAMPAIGN MORALE ENEMY INVESTMENT LEVEL

1ST SQUAD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
ROLE
RANK
REPUTATION
FITNESS
PEOPLE
SAVVY
ATTRIBUTE #1
ATTRIBUTE #2
WEAPON
RANGE
TARGETS
PRIVATION
ITEMS

HISTORY

© 2023 Ed Teixeira and John Cunningham – Two Hour Wargames 1/21/2023

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 NUTS– 4TH EDITION
PLATOON TRACKING SHEET
CAMPAIGN MORALE INVESTMENT LEVEL ENEMY CAMPAIGN MORALE ENEMY INVESTMENT LEVEL

2ND SQUAD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
ROLE
RANK
REPUTATION
FITNESS
PEOPLE
SAVVY
ATTRIBUTE #1
ATTRIBUTE #2
WEAPON
RANGE
TARGETS
PRIVATION
ITEMS

HISTORY

© 2023 Ed Teixeira and John Cunningham – Two Hour Wargames 1/21/2023

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 NUTS - PLATOON LEADER
PLATOON TRACKING SHEET
CAMPAIGN MORALE INVESTMENT LEVEL ENEMY CAMPAIGN MORALE ENEMY INVESTMENT LEVEL

3RD SQUAD
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
ROLE
RANK
REPUTATION
FITNESS
PEOPLE
SAVVY
ATTRIBUTE #1
ATTRIBUTE #2
WEAPON
RANGE
TARGETS
PRIVATION
ITEMS

HISTORY

© 2023 Ed Teixeira and John Cunningham – Two Hour Wargames 1/21/2023

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 NUTS - PLATOON LEADER

© 2023 Ed Teixeira and John Cunningham – Two Hour Wargames 1/21/2023

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 NUTS - PLATOON LEADER

© 2023 Ed Teixeira and John Cunningham – Two Hour Wargames 1/21/2023

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 NUTS - PLATOON LEADER

NOTES/HISTORY

© 2023 Ed Teixeira and John Cunningham – Two Hour Wargames 1/21/2023

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