Army Organization
The basic block of all Army operations is the individual soldier. A small group of soldiers organized to maneuver and fire is called a squad. As elements of the Army's organization become larger units, they contain more and more subordinate elements from combat arms, combat support, and combat service 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 branch designation causes an 'element' to become a 'unit.'
Contents
Breakdown of the Army's Organization[edit]
Squad[edit]
9 to 15 Soldiers. Typically commanded by a sergeant or staff sergeant, a squad (or section) is the smallest element in the Army's structure that can operate alone. Its size is dependent of its function, and may or may not be broken down into two or three fireteams for efficiency.
Platoon[edit]
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[edit]
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 calvary unit of comparable size is called a troop.
Battalion[edit]
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[edit]
3,000 to 5,000 Soldiers. 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 calvary, ranger, and special forces units this size are categorized as regiments or groups.
Division[edit]
10,000 to 15,000 Soldiers. Usually consisting of three brigade-sized elements and commanded by a major general, divisions (or legions) are numbered and assigned to missions based on their structures. The division performs major tactical operations for the corps and can conduct sustained battles and engagements.
Corps[edit]
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-planetary operations.
Army[edit]
50,000+ Soldiers. Typically commanded by a lieutenant general or higher, an army combins 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 Prefect. The Prefect and theater army commander may order formation of 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.
Notes[edit]
There is no set size (number of troops) assigned to any specific element. The size of an element of command depends primarily upon the type of unit and its mission.
