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A battalion is a military unit, typically consisting of up to one thousand soldiers [1] commanded by a lieutenant colonel and subdivided into a number of companies, each typically commanded by a major or a captain. The typical battalion is built from three operational companies, one weapons company and one headquarters company.
- TEAM. Four soldiers make up a team — a noncommissioned officer and three junior enlisted soldiers. Teams with special functions may also include officers or warrant officers.
- SQUAD. Commanded By: Staff Sergeant. Also referred to as a SECTION. Two teams make up a squad, which has four to 10 soldiers. In an infantry squad, the teams divide duties: one serves as a base-of-fire element, while the other serves as the maneuver element.
- PLATOON. Commanded By: Lieutenant. 2-3 squads. A platoon consists of a few squads and up to a few dozen soldiers. They’re generally run by a lieutenant, often with a noncommissioned officer as second in command.
- COMPANY. Commanded By: Captain. 3-4 platoons. A company has anywhere from a few dozen to 200 soldiers. It’s a tactical-sized unit that can perform a battlefield function on its own.
Learn about the history and structure of battalions, tactical military organizations composed of a headquarters and two or more companies. Compare the differences between battalions in Western armies and the Soviet army, and the ancient Greek phalanx formation.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Learn how the U.S. Army is organized from the smallest unit, a squad, to the largest, a field army, and how they fought in the Vietnam War. Find out the number of soldiers, commanders, and examples of each unit level.
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What does Battalion mean in the Army?
Learn the meaning of battalion as a noun, with synonyms, examples, and word history. A battalion is a large group of soldiers or other people organized to act together.
A battalion is a military unit used by the United States Army since it was first formed. It has traditionally been commanded by a lieutenant colonel, assisted by a command sergeant major as the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer (NCO).
Learn about the different types and sizes of military units, from squads to armies, and their roles and functions. Find out how the ancient and modern units compare and contrast, and see diagrams and charts.
