Military unit

The term military unit is used to refer to any group of two or more soldiers. Armies are divided into groups of various sizes according to function and for tactical and administrative purposes. This article gives an overview of some of the terms used to describe military units in armed forces across the world. Whilst it is recognised that there will be differences between armies of different nations, it seems that a large proportion are modelled on the British and/or American models. Readers interested in the detailed specifics of a national army (including the British and American) should consult the relevant entry for that country.

Typical military units in an army
Name Number of personnel Number of subordinate units Officer in charge
Corps 30,000+ Varies Lieutenant General

Division 10,000–20,000 2-4 brigades Major General

Brigade 2000–5000 2+ regiments or
3-6 battalions Brigadier General

Regiment (UK) 650+ 1+ battalions Brigadier or Colonel

Battalion 300–1000 2–6 companies Lieutenant Colonel

Company 150–300 3–6 platoons Captain

Platoon 30–40 2+ squads First or Second lieutenant

Squad 8–12 2+ fireteams NCO (Staff Sergeant)

Fireteam (Mostly USA) 4–5 n/a NCO (Sergeant)

Typical military units in an army
Name	Number of personnel	Number of subordinate units	Officer in charge
Corps	30,000+	Varies	Lieutenant General
Division	10,000–20,000	2-4 brigades	Major General
Brigade	2000–5000	2+ regiments or 3-6 battalions	Brigadier General
Regiment (UK)	650+	1+ battalions	Brigadier or Colonel
Battalion	300–1000	2–6 companies	Lieutenant Colonel
Company	150–300	3–6 platoons	Captain
Platoon	30–40	2+ squads	First or Second lieutenant
Squad	8–12	2+ fireteams	NCO (Staff Sergeant)
Fireteam (Mostly USA)	4–5	n/a	NCO (Sergeant)

In addition to these, further units include Section and Squadron. Army, Army Group and Theater are all large units which vary significantly between armed forces in size and hierarchy position.

Military unit

See also