BACK TO MILSIM WEST

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PLATOON LINGO

Your PL and SL will use these constantly. Learn them before the op — asking what "SL" means mid-contact is not a good look.

How It's Structured

From top to bottom — where you fit and who you report to.

COMPANY

The whole faction on the field

Everyone on your side. Commanded by the CO (cadre). You are one small part of this.

PLATOON

Your group — e.g. Platoon 1

Led by your PL. This is the unit you belong to for the entire event. After buying your ticket, join the private Facebook group for your faction — the link is on the MSW website. Your platoon and squad assignment gets posted there. If you want to team up with a friend, request it early or put their name in the comments when purchasing your ticket.

SQUAD

Your smaller unit — e.g. Squad 4

A 9-man element within your platoon. Led by your SL. When you hear "Platoon 1, Squad 4" — that's your home. On the field when you get separated, you scream your number — "ONE FOUR" means Platoon 1, Squad 4. That's how your team finds you.

TEAM

Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie

Fire teams within your squad. Alpha is typically first in — they take the most contact. Bravo flanks. Charlie provides support or backup. Led by your ATL or BTL.

Roles & Abbreviations

Everyone on the field has a role. These are the ones you'll hear. Cadre = MSW staff. They lead, sleep, and fight alongside you the entire op.

CO

Company Commander

CADRE

Commands the entire company — everyone on your faction. You can talk to them if you need to.

XO

Executive Officer

CADRE

Second in command of the company. Steps in when the CO needs support.

1SG

First Sergeant

CADRE

Handles logistics, accountability, and the company CCP. If you're lost or have a problem, find the 1SG.

PL

Platoon Leader

Commands your platoon. When they give an order, you move. This is the person you'll hear the most from.

PSG

Platoon Sergeant

CADRE

Supports the PL and steps in if the PL goes down. Manages ammo, water, and logistics within the platoon.

RTO

Radio Telephone Operator

The PL's radioman. Manages all communications, tracks call signs and frequencies, relays information up and down the chain.

Medic

Platoon Medic

Carries up to 30 IV bottles. Heals dead participants. One per platoon — do not waste their supplies.

SL

Squad Leader

Runs your squad. Receives orders from the PL and translates them into movement for your team. Your most direct point of contact.

SFR

Squad First Responder

One per squad. Carries up to 4 IV bottles. Your first option for a heal before going to the Platoon Medic or CCP.

ATL / BTL

Alpha / Bravo Team Leader

Leads the Alpha or Bravo fire team within your squad. Directly above the riflemen. If your SL is down, your TL takes over.

Call Signs

Everyone on the radio uses a call sign, not their name. The pattern is simple once you know it.

The pattern

The number before = platoon number. The number after = role. So 16 = Platoon 1, Platoon Leader. 24 would be Platoon 2, Squad 4.

X6Platoon Leader (X = platoon number)
X7Platoon Sergeant
X6RPlatoon RTO (radioman)
X1 / X2 / X3Squad Leaders 1, 2, 3
X1A / X1BAlpha and Bravo Team Leaders, Squad 1
6Company Commander (CO)
7First Sergeant (1SG)
5Executive Officer (XO)
Sierra 1 / 2Sniper Teams

Field Terms

Words and reports you'll hear called out during the op.

LACE Report

Liquids, Ammo, Casualties, Equipment. Your SL will ask for this to check your squad's status. Know your numbers.

SALUTE Report

Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment. How you report enemy contact. Keep it fast and factual.

FRAGO

Fragmentary Order. A quick update to the current mission — change of objective, new orders mid-op. Pay attention.

WARNO

Warning Order. Advance notice that a mission is coming. Gives you time to prepare before the full order is issued.

ROE

Rules of Engagement. The rules governing when and how you can engage the enemy. Know yours before the op starts.

CCP

Casualty Collection Point. Your faction's respawn zone. Where you go when you're dead to drink an IV and get back in the fight.

MEDEVAC

Medical Evacuation. Called when a participant needs to be moved to a medic or CCP urgently.

OPORD

Operations Order. The full mission briefing — objectives, routes, timelines, call signs, frequencies. Issued before each mission.

RON

Remain Overnight. When your element stays in a position through the night instead of returning to base.

Hasty Defense

A quick defensive position set up on the move — not a full fortified position, just enough cover to hold ground temporarily.