6 types of fire team leaders you’ll meet in the infantry

Tim Kirkpatrick
May 8, 2018 1:08 AM PDT
1 minute read
Army photo

SUMMARY

Training to become an infantryman is one hell of a tough task. A young troop goes through months of intense training before earning their specific MOS and joining the grunts. Once you’ve entered your first unit, you’ll become a member…

Training to become an infantryman is one hell of a tough task. A young troop goes through months of intense training before earning their specific MOS and joining the grunts.


Once you've entered your first unit, you'll become a member of the team and work under a "fire team leader." You'll quickly learn that the motivated grunts in charge have some unique personalities.

Related: 6 types of enlisted 'docs' you'll meet at sick call

1. The "bloodline"

These fire team leaders are working their way through the lower ranks just like their father and their father's father did before them. They want to embody their ancestors' leadership abilities and make an impact through hard work and sacrifice.

They put their team before themselves. (Photo by Marine Cpl. Reece Lodder)

2. The "elbow or a**hole"

Although they somehow managed to sneak their way into a leadership role, this fire team leader couldn't lead their way out of a paper bag. In fact, we're not even sure if they know the difference between their elbow or their a**hole. No grunt wants to follow this guy to the liquor store, let alone the war zone.

3. The "know-it-all"

This type of motivator has read every infantry leader manual ever printed. Their only downfall is that they've never actually put their knowledge to use in a real combat situation.

4. The "overachiever"

These are the ones who volunteer for everything, thinking it will look good on their resume one day. We're not hating on them, but sometimes they do get annoying.

5. The "smooth talker"

Beleive it or not, not every leader has to yell at you to get the point across. This type of leader is the perfect blend between rock-solid and go-with-the-flow because they've deployed before.

Also Read: 8 things a boot lieutenant should never say

6. The "geardo"

They buy all the little extra pieces of tech that aren't issued at supply thinking it'll make them a better leader. Truthfully, you don't need the special edition bi-pod that tells the time in 8 different countries when you're only humping a pack in one.

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