published on: 18/05/2026
Author:
Patch
Support Weapons Platoon Interview
For this week’s article, I interviewed 2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus, the head of the Support Weapons Platoon. This article will contain general knowledge about what the platoon entails, what they do, what you can learn in their school, how to join that platoon, and other information you may find useful.
Pvt.Patch:
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus, for how long have you been the head of the Support Weapons Platoon?
:
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
I became head of the platoon in the autumn of 2024. The Support Weapons Platoon was formed around that time, as a merger between the Artillery Department and the AT Department. I personally came from Artillery, where Mauser was the leader.
For a few months, Doctor was temporarily running the platoon until a permanent head was chosen. For most of that time, we were called the Heavy Weapons Platoon, which I still think sounds cooler, but HQ changed it to the more accurate “Support Weapons Platoon”. I suppose accuracy won over style this time.
Pvt. Patch:
What would you say are the main responsibilities of your platoon in the operations in BiA?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
Our main responsibilities are essentially two: artillery and heavy weapons.
On the artillery side, we handle pretty much everything, from 2-inch hand mortars all the way up to Katyushas. On the heavy weapons side, we operate specialized AT assets, gun emplacements, heavy AA and similar systems during operations.
Basically, if it is not light AA or light AT that regular infantry can carry and operate, there is a good chance it falls under us.
Pvt. Patch:
Are the necessary skills to perform well in the platoon already expected of a member that just joined or is it a skill that's developed over time?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
It depends on the role. Our goal is that, by the end of training, every platoon member should be able to carry out any task related to our field.
The most demanding part is leading an artillery battery, mainly because we calculate fire parameters manually. As you may already know, we do not use the artillery computer. So yes, that takes practice. Our aim is for every member of our department to eventually be able to take that role, and I think we have managed that quite successfully.
On the other hand, if someone joins us for a standard operation, they do not need to know everything from day one. For example, entering the given firing data into the gun is not especially complicated. That is why we often put new members directly into operations with us, so they can get used to the work in practice. Or, to put it more simply, we let them get properly “cooked” in the field. Haha, that was an artillery joke. Sorry.
Pvt. Patch:
Which school belongs to your platoon?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
We have created the Support Weapons Training School, with the aim of teaching anyone interested the “secrets of the trade”.
The school consists of four training sessions. Three of them focus on artillery, while one covers the rest of the heavy weapons. I would also like to add that the whole idea of having specialized schools is very solid. It is something that also exists in real military structures, and it gives people a clearer path to develop specific skills.
We are now close to having our first graduates, and I am very happy about that. I hope the institution continues and evolves into something even more useful for BiA.
Pvt. Patch:
Would you say the teaching done in your school is mainly directed towards new members with little to no knowledge on the field or even the more experienced members of BiA can learn something useful in those training sessions?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
Many BiA members are already very experienced in Arma. However, Arma has many different layers, and mastering some of them — especially artillery — is quite a specific skill set. So yes, I believe even experienced members can gain something useful from a few sessions with us.
That said, we designed the school so that someone with just a basic understanding of the game can, by the end of the training, have all the knowledge needed to lead the platoon during operations. That is the standard we are aiming for.
Pvt. Patch:
What are the general requirements to join the platoon and what do you, as the head of the Support Weapons Platoon, specifically look for when considering new members?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
Anyone can join the platoon right after completing basic training.
What I personally look for in new members is very simple: willingness to learn new things and a positive attitude. That is all.
My friend John Arma would probably add that they should also like numbers, but I usually avoid saying that out loud.
Pvt. Patch:
Once someone becomes a member of the platoon, will they be able to play in related slots every operation?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
As soon as someone joins the platoon, even as a trainee, they can take related slots, with a few exceptions depending on the situation.
For example, our newest member, Pvt. el_hamptero, has already played in two operations, one of them as an artilleryman, even though he has not yet attended a department training session. He had a total kill count of zero in those missions, and we are very proud he didn’t kill himself.
I believe we can teach a lot on the job — maybe even more than in a formal training session sometimes. That is why I try to assign slots with that in mind: pairing experienced members with newer ones, considering language or background when useful, and generally making sure people learn while actually playing.
Pvt. Patch:
If a new member wanted to join your platoon today, what would be the necessary steps to achieve that?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
If they are a new member, they need to have completed BCT first.
If they are already part of another department, or in any other special case, they need approval from their current head and/or from HQ before making the change.
In any case, a DM to me is enough to start the process. So, do not be shy.
Pvt. Patch:
If you could choose one thing for all BiA members to know or to do during operations to help the CLS platoon, what would it be?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
There is something Mauser, the previous head of Artillery, once told me: “It’s always their fault.”
I try to honor that principle as much as possible. So, when friendly bombs start landing on your heads, please remember: it is always your fault. Or else, please do not go where we are firing.
Pvt. Patch:
Lastly, what message would you like to leave for the readers of this article?
2nd Lt. Dr. Lexus:
Try to have fun.
We are lucky that we get to experience war through a game and not under real circumstances. That is something worth remembering.
So, keep a positive attitude, enjoy the operations, learn what you can, and try not to stand where the artillery is landing.
Or even better, join us. After all, it is better to shoot than to be shot at.
Pvt. Patch:
Thank you for your time.
Patch