Army Structure Some humanoid forces utilise an organised structure. The basic building block of all military organizations is the individual soldier. A small group of soldiers organized to maneuver and fire is called a squad (or unit). As elements of the forces structure become larger, they contain more and more subordinate elements including specialist, transportation, support and supply resources. Squad A squad usually consists of 5 to 10 soldiers and is typically commanded by a sergeant or staff sergeant. A squad may be split into two or more sections with each section consisting of two or more soldiers. A squad or section is the smallest element in a forces structure, and its size is dependent on its function. The basic five man squad tends to be the smallest operation infantry unit. Some more specialist squads may be smaller, in particular, Special Forces squads may consist of two or three soldiers. 5 Man Squad Sergeant Private (HMG) Private Private Private The eight man squad detailed below could easily be split into two or three sections should tactical requirements dictate. For example, the two HMG soldiers (perhaps with a Corporal in charge) could form a single fire support section and operate separately from the main squad. 8 Man Squad Sergeant Corporal Lance Corporal Private (HMG) Private (HMG) Private Private Private Platoon A platoon is led by a Lieutenant with a Noncommissioned Officer such as a Master Sergeant as second in command. A platoon consists of two to four squads.         Squad Platoon     Squad Squad Company Three to five platoons form a company, which is commanded by a Captain with a Master Sergeant as the commander’s principal NCO assistant. An artillery unit of equivalent size is called a battery, and a comparable armoured or air cavalry unit is called a troop.           1st Platoon Company         2nd Platoon       3rd Platoon     Battalion Three to six companies make up a battalion, which is normally commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel with a command Sergeant Major as a principal NCO assistant. An armoured or air cavalry unit of equivalent size is called a squadron. The following table shows a hyperthetical battalion based on 3 squads to a platoon, 3 platoons to a company and 3 companies to a battalion.         Squad 1st Platoon 1st Company Battalion Squad Squad Squad 2nd Platoon Squad Squad Squad 3rd Platoon Squad Squad Squad 1st Platoon 2nd Company Squad Squad Squad 2nd Platoon Squad Squad Squad 3rd Platoon Squad Squad Squad 1st Platoon 3rd Company Squad Squad Squad 2nd Platoon Squad Squad Squad 3rd Platoon Squad Squad Brigade Or Regiment A brigade commands the operations of two to five battalions. Normally commanded by a Colonel with a command Sergeant Major as a senior NCO. Division Usually consisting of two or three brigades and commanded by a Major General. Based on the five man Squad (one Sergeant with four soldiers), a platoon will consist of 15 soldiers, a company will consist of 45 soldiers and a battalion will total 135 soldiers. However, this excludes command units at each level. A platoon Lieutenant may be accompanied by additional soldiers, often communications specialists. The same is true for a company Captain and a battalion Lieutenant Colonel. If you want an army larger than battallion level, then you will need a very large cupboard. A brigade or Regiment may consist of two or more battalion's taking the total to 270 soldiers for two battalions and more than 400 soldiers for three battalions.