What responsibility does the rifleman primarily hold in the fire team?

The rifleman's primary responsibility in the fire team is to carry out the orders of the fire team leader. This role is essential because the rifleman acts as the executing force that implements the tactical decisions made by the leader. The fire team leader devises plans based on the overall mission and situational awareness, and it is the rifleman's duty to execute those plans effectively.

By adhering to the orders given, the rifleman ensures unity of effort within the team and contributes to the success of the mission. This responsibility highlights the importance of trust and communication among team members, as the rifleman must understand and interpret the leader's directives to respond appropriately to changes on the battlefield.

While leading the fire team, conducting reconnaissance, and operating communication devices are all important tasks, they typically fall under the purview of other roles within the team. The fire team leader, for example, is responsible for leading and strategizing, while the team may have designated members for reconnaissance and communications. Thus, the rifleman's role is focused on implementing orders and contributing to the tactical objectives set by the leader.