Who is responsible for maintaining the prescribed direction and rate of march in a platoon?

The correct answer is the platoon guide. The platoon guide plays a crucial role in maintaining the prescribed direction and rate of march for the platoon during movements. This individual is responsible for ensuring that the soldiers are aligned correctly and that the platoon maintains its formation and pace. By closely monitoring the ranks and relaying any necessary adjustments to the members of the platoon, the guide ensures that the unit's cohesion and efficiency are preserved during movement.

While the platoon leader does set the overall objectives and strategic direction for the platoon, the guide specifically focuses on the execution of physical movements in coordination with that direction. The company commander and sergeant major have broader responsibilities that encompass multiple units and operations, rather than the detailed tactical execution of marching in a specific formation. This distinction highlights the critical function of the platoon guide in maintaining not only the direction but also the tempo of the unit's movements.