Armies tend to use the following command structure:
Name | Size | Commanded by |
---|---|---|
Squad | 8 soldiers | Sergeant |
Platoon | 32 soldiers (4 squads) | Lieutenant |
Company | 128 soldiers (4 platoons) | Captain |
Battalion | 512 soldiers (4 companies) | Lieutenant Colonel |
Brigade | 2048 soldiers (4 battalions) | Colonel |
Division | 10.240 soldiers (5 brigades) | Major General |
- Squads are the smallest units in the field. When a platoon commander wants something done on the battlefield, they send a squad.
- Platoons are usually the smallest units charged with a particular mission during an engagement.
- Companies are usually the smallest units charged with particular roles on the battlefield. A commander might order a company to take a village, with the company commander then directing his 4 platoons to specific objectives in line with the mission goal.
- Battalions are the smallest units that are usually left on their own, without being physically associated with a larger formation. Mercenary legions are usually at least battalion-sized.
- Brigades are often responsible for long-term independent commands. Their colonels are ordered to accomplish a particular job or role and left to do so within the parameters provided by the brass. Most successful mercenary legions are about brigade-sized, as larger units are progressively more difficult to organize and transport.
- Divisions are the backbone of armies and the usual unit counted when opposing forces are measured. A division might be given responsibility for a substantial length of a war front. Major generals command divisions, usually with the assistance of a substantial staff.