Depending on where you train, you will find the Element Leader (EL) in a variety of positions relative to their element. I've seen people lead from the front, the rear, and the middle, as well as standing off to the side and not getting into the stack at all.

The front is a bad idea because the first person to get shot is usually at one end or other of the stack. Not a desired outcome if you ask me. I've seen this tactic taken to the extreme where the "downed" EL continues to issue commands via voice comms. I'm not lying! It's funny as hell.

The rear is not as bad as the front because it's marginally safer, but still should be avoided if possible. An EL needs to stay focused on the mission and not on any one actual threat as pointmen and rear guards often become mixed into the action. The EL controls the flow of the team through the area of operation (AO).

Staying outside of the element is also a risky choice because the EL is not being covered. The team is in a good position to keep itself safe due to their formation and how their individual responsibilities keep the unit relatively secure, but the EL is out on a virtual island.

The best choices are somewhere toward the middle of the formation. The EL is not directly involved in the one to one hostile contacts, so he can remain focused on meeting objectives, assessing the evolution of the mission, and making adjustments to keep the team safe and the team moving toward the goal.

When possible, have more operators ahead of the EL than you have behind the EL.

We recommend:
(P=pointman, C=coverman, B=back-up, r=rear guard/security)
3man team EL in 2nd position P, EL, R
4man team EL in 3rd position P, C, EL, R
5man team EL in 3rd position for small rooms; 4th position for large rooms. P, C, EL, B, R and P, C, 2C, EL, R
6 and 7 man team EL in 4th position P,C,2C,EL,B,R or P,C,2C,EL,B,2B,R
8 man teams EL in 5th position P, C, 2C, 3C, EL, B, 2B, R

These are all best case scenario, offering the EL the greatest opportunity to minimize the time spent engaging threats and maximize the time spent focused on the big picture.

One other important thing to remember is that larger teams need to be more efficient in their movement to avoid crossing firelines and to allow the El good sightlines and the ability to direct traffic quickly and effectively. Get a point of dominance and hold it until directed otherwise.