What does a platoon sergeant do in the military?

I'm considering joining the military after I finish high school and I'm curious to know about different roles. Can someone explain what a platoon sergeant is responsible for and what their day-to-day tasks look like?

A platoon sergeant primarily serves as the second-in-command to the platoon leader, typically an officer, and assumes command in their absence. This position is usually occupied by a senior non-commissioned officer, often a Sergeant First Class in the U.S Army.

As the primary advisor to the platoon leader, the platoon sergeant's responsibilities span several areas. They are often involved in managing the soldiers within their platoon, including administering disciplinary actions, managing leave requests, and ensuring soldiers maintain physical fitness standards and proficiencies in required training. This role also involves being a mentor to junior enlisted soldiers, providing guidance both personally and professionally.

An important part of the platoon sergeant's job is administrative planning and organization which includes preparing the platoon for operations, managing equipment, and ensuring all personnel are adequately trained and ready for deployment. They're also responsible for keeping the platoon leader informed about matters that concern the soldiers in the platoon.

A typical day for a platoon sergeant can vary greatly but may include attending planning meetings, conducting inspections, supervising the execution of duties by their soldiers, delivering briefings, and overseeing training. While the specific day-to-day duties might change based on the platoon's mission, a platoon sergeant's central focus is to ensure the well-being and readiness of their soldiers.