Who is responsible for assigning the final protective line if the terrain is suitable?

The responsibility for assigning the final protective line rests with the leader of the unit. This is because the leader has the necessary situational awareness, understanding of the mission, and knowledge of their team's capabilities and limitations. They take into account various factors such as terrain suitability, which directly impacts the effectiveness of the protective line.

The leader's role is crucial as they are tasked with ensuring the safety of their personnel while effectively utilizing the geographical advantages offered by the terrain. They can adequately assess visibility, cover, and concealment, which are all vital elements in determining where the protective line should be established to maximize defensive capabilities.

In contrast, while other positions such as unit commanders, team sergeants, and fire support officers have important responsibilities, the specific task of assigning the final protective line typically falls to the immediate leader in charge, who is closer to the operational details and direct command of ground troops.