The basic building block of all Army organizations is the individual soldier.
A
small group of soldiers organized to maneuver and fire is called a squad. As
elements of the Army's organizational structure become larger units, they contain
more and more subordinate elements from combat arms, combat support and combat
service support units.
A company is typically the smallest Army element to be given a designation and
affiliation with higher headquarters at battalion and brigade level. This
alphanumeric and branch designation causes an "element" to become a "unit."
Squad - 9 to 10 soldiers. Typically commanded by a sergeant or staff sergeant, a
squad or section is the smallest element in the Army structure, and its size is
dependent on its function.
Platoon - 16 to 44 soldiers. A platoon is led by a lieutenant with an NCO as second
in command, and consists of two to four squads or sections.
Company - 62 to 190 soldiers. Three to five platoons form a company, which is
commanded by a captain with a first sergeant as the commander's principle NCO
assistant. An artillery unit of equivalent size is called a battery, and a
comparable armored or air cavalry unit is called a troop.
Battalion - 300 to 1,000 soldiers. Four to six companies make up a battalion, which
is normally commanded by a lieutenant colonel with a command sergeant major as
principle NCO assistant. A battalion is capable of independent operations of
limited duration and scope. An armored or air cavalry unit of equivalent size is
called a squadron.
Brigade - 3,000 to 5,000 solders. A brigade headquarters commands the tactical
operation of two to five organic or attached combat battalions. Normally commanded
by a colonel with a command sergeant major as senior NCO, brigades are employed on
independent or semi-independent operations. Armored cavalry, ranger and special
forces units this size are categorized as regiments or groups.
Division - 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers. Usually consisting of three brigade-sized
elements and commanded by a major general, divisions are numbered and assigned
missions based on their structures. The division performs major tactical operations
for the corps and can conduct sustained battles and engagements.
Corps - 20,000 to 45,000 soldiers. Two to five divisions constitute a corps, which
is typically commanded by a lieutenant general. As the deployable level of command
required to synchronize and sustain combat operations, the corps provides the
framework for multi-national operations.
Army - 50,000 + soliders. Typically commanded by a lieutenant general or higher, an
army combines two or more corps. A theater army is the ranking Army component in a
unified command, and it has operational and support responsibilities that are
assigned by the theater commander in chief. The commander in chief and theater army
commander may order formation of a field army to direct operations of assigned
corps and divisions. An army group plans and directs campaigns in a theater, and is
composed of two or more field armies under a designated commander. Army groups have
not been employed by the Army since World War II
