As a Squad Leader (SL), which of the following is a primary responsibility?

The primary responsibility of a Squad Leader is indeed to direct the maintenance of the squad's weapons. This role is crucial because the effectiveness of a squad heavily relies on the operational readiness and reliability of its weapon systems. By overseeing maintenance, the Squad Leader ensures that all weapons are functioning properly, reducing the risk of malfunctions in critical situations. This not only enhances the squad's combat effectiveness but also instills a sense of accountability and readiness within the team.

While leading a weapons squad, preparing operations orders, and conducting reconnaissance are important tasks, they fall under different areas of responsibility or may be shared with other leadership roles. For instance, leading a weapons squad is typically the responsibility of a designated leader for that specific squad, rather than the Squad Leader of an infantry unit. Similarly, preparing operations orders is often an integral part of higher command levels or specifically assigned personnel. Conducting reconnaissance may be a task performed by designated scouts or designated individuals within the squad. Thus, directing weapon maintenance stands out as a core leadership duty that directly impacts the squad's effectiveness in operations.