CADRE INTERVEIW: THOMAS
- Nordic Milsim
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Name: Thomas Randløv
Callsign: Samurai
Military Background: Danish Armed Forces Event: The Segezha Strike
Faction: NATO
Position: 1st Platoon, NATO
Role: Platoon Sergeant
Nordic Milsim Staff positions "The Segezha Strike"
NATO
CO: JOHAN FORSBERG
XO: JOHAN STEVNVALL
1ST SERGEANT: JONATHAN WESTNY
1ST PLATOON SERGEANT: THOMAS RANDLØV
2ND PLATOON SERGEANT: ADAM VADI DRIS
RUSFOR / PMC KARPOVA
CO: CAMERON STEVENS
XO: LEVENT PALMQVIST
1ST SERGEANT: ROBIN MACKAFOJ
1ST PLATOON SERGEANT: TBA
2ND PLATOON SERGEANT: JIMMY BODMAR
Introduction
You will serve as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant during The Segezha Strike, commanding your platoon under the Company Commander and working closely with a player Platoon Leader.
This interview gives players insight into your leadership approach, how you run a platoon in the field, and what kind of experience your soldiers can expect.
Section 1 – About You
Callsign & background
What is your callsign, and how would you describe your background in milsim or leadership roles?
Callsign Samurai My background 10 year is from the Danish military, where I served in a infantry unit and later in a CSAR unit in various midlevel leadership roles. I did a mission planning on squad level, both infantry and rescue and recovery. Today I work in contingence planning on government level and have different leadership roles, manly in crisis management. In milsim I normally play as a squad leader.
Why Platoon Sergeant?
What made you take on the role of Platoon Sergeant at The Segezha Strike?
I attended the last NM event and after the event, I had done some feedback on the event, and the senior leadership from NM ask if I was interested in a platoon sergeant role. So I accepted and here I am.
Previous experience
Have you led a platoon (or equivalent) before? What lessons did you carry into this event?
No – I only led squad size elements. But I led them both I real world combat and MilSims. But I trust in my skills and in the skills of the squad leaders under my command.
Section 2 – Platoon Leadership
Your leadership style
How would you describe your leadership style when leading an infantry platoon?
I give the squad leaders room to maneuver, trust their skillset. I expect all to know their job and work hard to achieve the goal set by command. And I then I expect good communications. But most important of all I expect all – from enlisted to command to know their limitations and to ask for help when needed.
Leading from the front
How present do you aim to be during combat and movement? Where should your platoon expect to find you?
I will most likely be somewhere around the PL to assisted or attached to the assault force, providing on the ground command and control.
Command and control
How do you ensure clear communication and situational awareness within your squads during high-tempo gameplay?
I keep track of squads of the platoon and other units under command of the platoon – I trust the squad leaders to give good INTEL, to use technical assets as drones and ATAK – so I have battlespace awareness – both in high stress and low intense situations – so I’ll be a steep ahead when the shits hits the fan…
Discipline and initiative
How do you balance discipline with allowing individual initiative from squad leaders and players?
I expect initiative, I expect squad leaders to communicate the initiative and follow the orders given.
Section 3 – Working Within the Chain of Command
Company intent
How do you translate the Company Commander’s intent into clear and actionable orders for your platoon?
I put myself in the squad leaders’ position – break down the goal of the mission to task for the squads. Translated the “1st platoon needs to hold the crossroads” to “1st squad this is your sector; this is your main responsibly”
Coordination with other platoons
How important is cooperation between infantry platoons during large-scale Nordic Milsim operations?
In short VERY – if you don’t coordinate we will been combat ineffective after a very short timeframe. We will not hold our ground, we will be short of support.
Interaction with support elements
How do you plan to work with logistics, QRF, and recon assets to support your platoon’s mission?
I will integrate logistics, QRF, and reconnaissance early in the planning process to ensure unity of effort.
My intent is to treat all support elements as force multipliers, fully integrated into the platoon’s mission execution.
Section 4 – The Cadre System & Player Experience
Working with your Platoon Leader
How do you see the PL–cadre relationship working during the event?
I see the PL–cadre relationship as a partnership built on trust, clear communication, and shared responsibility. It is an opportunity for both parties to face challenges together and rely on each other’s strengths to solve them.
Player well-being
How do you ensure players stay motivated, informed, and included throughout the game?
Sustaining morale over an extended event, particularly in challenging weather, requires clear intent behind every task. When players understand why they are doing something, engagement and commitment increase.
Handling challenges
How do you handle fatigue, frustration, or confusion during a long milsim weekend?
I address fatigue and frustration by keeping tasks purposeful and clearly explained, so everyone understands the “why” behind the mission. Clear communication and realistic pacing help reduce confusion and prevent overload.
I also rely on strong squad cohesion and small wins to maintain morale. When people feel included, informed, and valued, they handle long hours and setbacks far better.
Section 5 – Immersion & Realism
Immersion in practice
What does immersion mean to you as a platoon leader, and how do you help maintain it?
To me, immersion means creating a believable and consistent environment where players stay in role and the mission feels real. As Platoon SGT , I maintain this through clear orders, realistic tempo, and disciplined communication. I set the tone by leading by example, respecting the scenario, and encouraging squads to stay engaged with their tasks and roles. Strong planning, purpose-driven actions, and good cohesion help keep everyone focused and immersed in the experience.
Following the command structure
What do you expect from players in terms of discipline and communication?
Very simple – Follow orders given – communicate – ask questions.
Consequences and learning
How do you turn in-game consequences into learning opportunities?
I frame in-game consequences as feedback, not punishment, by explaining what happened, why it happened, and how we can improve. Quick after-action reviews keep lessons clear while emotions are still fresh.
I focus on solutions, shared responsibility, and small adjustments for the next mission. When players see progress and understand the purpose behind setbacks, frustration turns into learning and stronger cohesion.
Section 6 – Nordic Milsim & The Segezha Strike
Why Nordic Milsim?
What sets Nordic Milsim apart from other milsim events?
The focus on realism and the planning aspect
What players should expect
With up to 250 players in the field, what should infantry players prepare for mentally and tactically?
Get ready, get your kit sorted, do an extra run, train with your team - and prepare to loss a fight but win the battle.
Section 7 – Message to Your Platoon
To your squad leaders
What do you expect from your SLs, and how can they best support you?
Have your kit sorted, have fresh batteries both in NODS, lights and yourself. And communicate.
To every rifleman
What is your message to the players who will be following you into The Segezha Strike?
Have your kit sorted… know your job and know your kit
Final words
Any final thoughts before stepping off at Rödjenäs Gård?
Train with your team – sort your kit… See you soon
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