Army Units Explained

Armies throughout the world have different organizational structures. However, a large number utilize the NATO standard. In this video, we will provide a simple explanation of all Army Units and how many soldiers in each formation.
At Premier History we want to take you on a journey through time and grow your knowledge to see what it was actually like to be in some of the pivotal points in World History.
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[@PremierHistory]

Which formation or unit would you like to take charge of, or perhaps you have? Welcome back! If you are new here make sure to hit subscribe to expand your knowledge on Military History and join the growing Premier History Community!

[@oneloyalclonetrooper3939]

Probably a battalion because it has a decent number of troops and will be easier commanded due to higher flexibility and I will probably be there in person maybe and I play Warhammer (if you know that that is it will make more sense ) and I have fielded about that many troops once or twice but it's nothing compared to those who have actually lead that in person and I honour them

[@phinehasjacob9122]

Probably a brigade. Moves better than a division and can hold its own.

[@kevincody8391]

this is going to resemble sex . . . it's not the size, it's the personalities, whether on top or below. Having a division CG who was a mustang = enlisted man in WWII pull up in a jeep and 1st Q: asked a Bn CO when was the last time your troops had a hot meal? Then there's a brigade CO after 2 weeks in the field w 1week off before another two weeks awayfrom wife & kids says Ill be by Sat 08:30 to inspect Eq, expect mud and dust washed off. or you can have Mormon XO who frowns on drinking and is a rat fink to above Br CO. a lot of alcohol consumed while also a lot of PTSD group therapy going on w Viet vets. No the Eq didn't get t washed off, if a promotion got polished was by XO. Father's best friend #1 on list for promotion to Br Genl, a good indicator your headed for 3 or 4 stars. From there on up 2 of every 3 tours = Pentagon. Screw that, I'm outta here, I just want to be w troops, wearing fatigues and not some monkey suit. Ppl

[@kevincody8391]

@@phinehasjacob9122 and a nice mix, 2 Bns of mechanized infantry + 1 Bn of Armor or vice versa. Along w a Bn of artillery in support, combined arms tactics. That's a challenge, a true test of I am more than one dimensional, more than just excellent infantry or armor officer at O-5.

[@Spud500]

I have lead a section and a fireteam before but I'm looking up to leading a platoon.

[@davidfinch7407]

These numbers only apply to Infantry units. When you say a platoon has at least 26 soldiers, a tank platoon has four tanks with four soldiers per tank, which is only 16 soldiers.

[@itsalmostfun8567]

in ww2 its five like the tiger H1 and tiger E or the shermans like the m4a1 m4a2 m4a1(76w) m4a2(76w) m4 100mm m4a2e8 and m4a3e8 they have 5 but the tiger H1 and E is the same but people can differentiate they have all of the have 5 but modern tanks is 3-4 but the H1 and E difference is the frontal turret armour the left one in H1 is vertical and has an armour of 100mm in E its horizontal and has 150mm or the engine part H1 has worse engine or the circle things on the back (I FORGOT SOWWY) and the E wich is more "PLANE" and the cuppola that E has sloper than H1 and E has better smoke placement than H1 and E has zimmerit and H1 did not so E is more superior than H1

[@evilgamer293]

Mf every tank has a gunner and a driver and 2 others.

[@QemeH]

The "number of subordinate units" is really the more reliable indicator of size rather than the "total number of soldiers" - it's always a pyramid built on the 3-to-7-rule as the possible _span of command_ Same goes for fire fighting: Two firefighters are a squad, so all squads on one rig are a "section", all rigs in one station (or area) are a "platoon" and multiple platoons built up "battalion" commands. And that structure doesn't change weather it's a 2-man-ambulance or a 7-crew-rescue.

[@zhoubaidinh403]

Small potatoes, I wanna be Generalismo, Dictator and teach barbarians lessons!

[@tacorama]

@@QemeHmultiple platoons build a company, then multiple companies build a battalion

[@Crustymarine]

A good way to explain the BASICS of a unit's elements is "3 and a head". 3 maneuver elements and a controlling element (HQ). For example, the smallest element being a Fireteam, 3 trigger pullers and Fireteam leader. 3 Fireteams and a Squad leader = Squad 3 Squads and Platoon leaders = Platoon 3 Platoons and Company leaders = Company And so forth... Why 3 and a head? The 3 maneuver elements provide the HQ any combination of options. Maneuver, base of fire, reserve, etc.. Anyway, that's the way I learned it...

[@PremierHistory]

Very well explained Crusty, thanks for sharing!

[@diosdadoapias]

this is the U.S. Marine standard.

[@fjeezy1305]

Very easy to remember.

[@kevincody8391]

3+HQ works, there some of symmetry / balance. when the Army transitioned to 3 + HQ greater effectiveness followed. believe 3+HQ to be after WWII / Korea where they. used regimental combat teams. Even DivArty w 4 Bns works the math, 3 x 155s + 1 Bn of 8 inch long range guns. a Bn of 155s support a brigade, along w battery of 8 in. 3 batteries of Arty to a Bn that supports a brigade of 3 Bns w HQ battery attached to Brigade HQ. 3 brigades to a division. Signal Bn, Engineers, MPs probably also followed breakdown of 1 company per brigade w HQ at division level. it used to be warrant officers were technicians, not in actual command of troops. Guess w growth of tech that is blurred. There were gobs of WO in Nam as helicopter pilots.

[@PhilLesh69]

At schofield barracks in Hawaii each battalion had their own set of barracks, 4 buildings arranged in a square with a parade ground in the center, and they were known as "quads". I believe that each building was for each of the 3 operational companies and the battalion HQ company. I lived across the street from one in the wooden field officers quarters. My father commanded the S&T battalion. His quad was all the way down at the end near where the division commander and other general's quarters were.

[@jimgaul67]

In Vietnam we had about about 120 soldiers in a company. There were five platoons, 3 rifle, 1 weapons (mortars) and a command platoon (captain, communications, Forward observer, etc.). During Dewey Canyon 2 we went out with 121 and 2 weeks later we had 70+. They pulled us out because we ceased to be at minimum company strength. It’s in the book”Lam Son 719” Alpha company 4/3.

[@Sir-Kay]

And every single one of you got dealt with accordingly by the Vietnamese.

[@jimgaul67]

@@Sir-Kay not sure what you mean?

[@Burchington]

​@@jimgaul67 dudes an anti-american hippy I think

[@nutyyyy]

Very nice video. The US Marine Corps is now running 15 man Squads with three fire teams, a Squad leader, Assistant Squad Leader and Squad Systems Operator.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks TheGreatScot 45, very interesting!

[@FDC9529C]

What is the exact task of system operator in USMC? Does a fire team led by him/her take different type of missions when it's compared to traditional fire teams? A korean army/marines infantry squad with 8~12 men still normally have only 2 fire teams led by squad leader and vice squad leader. (Mech infantry units may have smaller squad). Never heard of such a interesting position.

[@johnnyj222]

SSO is for newer tech changes. Maybe drones, maybe radios, may other tech and intel. Maybe all of that. An old radio operator just had to carry and tune in. Now stuff beeds specialization. ​@@FDC9529C

[@johnnyj222]

SO is more tech. Drones, different computer systems,etc. Ukraine shows how important this is, just don’t want random joes doing that.

[@ytoussulis]

I served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman in a cavalry regiment during the Vietnam Era (1964-1967). Although only a Specialist 4th Class, I was assigned as an acting Sergeant and led a squad of twelve men. Our platoons, at that time, were comprised of four squads (46 men) and four platoons per company (184 men). All of that later changed after the 1980s. Also, a "regiment" was basically a calvary term for a battalion, and our squads were called "troops."

[@kevincody8391]

Did you know of either of the Ordways? Ski Ordway served during your time, maybe also his Bro Butch, there was never not one or the other between '66-71. They were O-5s. Ski somewhat of a legend whether combat or running a 10k after a hard night of drinking. Ski's Bn CO KIA, so as XO takes over, supposed to be temporary. The division CG goes back and forth w Pentagon for months w 'you can't have a Major running a Bn' vs 'he's the the best Bn CO I've got' the 10k, after Ski hosted one of parties known for, gets passed early by younger w a snide remark. @ 8k Ski passes him w 'see you at finish'. Another way, Ski retired to Colorado, imagine that :) he and wife had open door policy, knock and find a place to rack, better PTSD than VA. their Dad got hosed twice = WWII & Korea by ambitious types. The CG in WWII wanted to be a Corp CO, well he's got 3 divisions already, 1 in cemetery, 1 in hospital, 1 in field. The CG in Korea told regimental CO I want you to split two Bns to attack pass. I advise against sir, that's a direct order. Who got blamed for failure? Their sister's husband one of 1st killed in Nam. The two sons both had every reason to say no, not for me, I'm outta here. And stuck it out. And then later both did tell the Army or bureaucracy eff you, I'm out of here. Butch was #1 on list to be promoted to BG, a likely indicator of 3+ stars on your bars. and it's not like some gravy train awaiting him, never went to work for a defense contractor. Their gr gr Grandpa was 1st Sgt on Lewis & Clark expedition, where one of the two went Cuckoo Larue mid winter. Once you get past your resentment of authority and officers of . . . the two Ordway Bros true, intriguing what motivated them and what didn't, what they said yes to, and what no. Ski's real name as given = Godwin III, Butch = Roderic, aka Ric. Godwin II the Dad who got hosed twice.

[@bdobson1616]

71, 74. div mp squads were diferent. plt went to the bgde. 2nd plt, 2nd bdge. 10 m151 a1s, flip o matic. if you cant drive. 25 troops plus admin, 1lt, ssg . 1 pig gunner, was my pleasure. happiness is a belt fed weapon.

[@diosdadoapias]

In the Philippines: Element- 1 person, squad- 6 persons, Section- 12 persons, Platoon- 4 squads with 7-man frontage(included is the platoon sgt.) Company 4/5 platoons, Battalion 5/more company. regiment and Brigade, and Division- 10,000 persons.

[@Spud500]

I like how you have New Zealand Soldiers slow marching in the background, good to see my country is being recognised

[@bridgecross]

And he managed to fit them all in one shot! Very nice. (j/k luv kiwis)

[@kellynicholl6321]

Shame we don't wear the lemon squeeze hats much anymore

[@tomislavgrozdanic]

The biggest difference between a Regiment and a Brigade explained. Most people think that the Regiment and Brigade are the same unit because it’s build by battalions, so here is why. The regiment are battalions from the same branch, ie 3 infantry battalions can be a infantry regiment, a brigade uses battalions from different branches, ie infantry battalion, armored battalion, artillery battalion etc.

[@davidwolf226]

This is a great breakdown with the fluidity in the composition of each of these units. This has always fascinated me given my Navy background where the various unit compositions are derived from a completely different perspective. If you haven't already done so, you should also do a breakdown of the Navy and the Air Force.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks David glad you liked it, great ideas for some future videos!

[@TheAlvoss]

Why bother with the AirFarce? They are hardly military and screw up more than any other branch of service. The worst mistake ever was to lose the great Army Air Corp and create the chair force. The Army Air Corp was comprised by true fighting men that were smart enough to learn to fly also. The Air Force gets medals for doing things at 2,000 and usually higher altitudes. What soldier, Army or Marine would earn a medal for fighting an enemy from so far away? All Air Force assets should be divided amongst the 3 fighting branches and use a few assets to continue the Military Air Command (MAC).

[@mdouglas9387]

@@TheAlvoss Wow! What disrespect for the United States Air Force! Even IF they were limited to logistics, which they are not, that alone would contribute largely to make victory possible. Remember, amateurs talk strategy, professionals talk logistics. ALL of our military branches have their place in our military! Tree top observers simply don't have the big picture in mind.

[@ef3001]

@@TheAlvoss Wow, inter-service rivalry much? That said, I heard AF physical standards are the lowest amongst the services if you're not a pilot.

[@TheAlvoss]

@@ef3001 That is true. I've never met an AirFarce guy that earned my respect. Not true of Marines or Army. Even the Coast Guard has been doing a great job with drug interdiction. I would rather be on my own in another combat situation than have 100 AirFarce clowns helping me. Thanks

[@williamcooper2415]

Squad leader is best in my opinion, as it is completely mission driven and void of political correct goals. A squad's primary goal is their combat objective and what training that is routinely required. That means that the squad leader is less stressed out about insignificant issues that the modern military finds itself enthralled in.

[@rogerpattube]

Thanks for this simple explanation. Many books and videos assume the reader knows how many are in a company, brigade, division etc.

[@PremierHistory]

No problem Roger glad you liked it!

[@alfredopampanga9356]

I still don’t know. Seems the terms are so indefinite that no meaningful conclusion can be drawn on how many individuals comprise it.

[@Lichcrafter]

Very helpful! I was always confused about this.

[@snuggles03]

That was a fantastic video, very easy to understand and answered every single question I’ve ever had about how an army is broken down into different groups. Thanks very much

[@ashmorgan4528]

“Snuggles” why is the iron cross of the Nazi regime your avatar? Why do you think this misinformation video is fantastic?

[@martig1000]

Thank you a lot !!! Właśnie tego szukałem .

[@therealslimshady14]

Thank you so much I've always wondered about this

[@PremierHistory]

No problems at all Tough Doge, thanks for watching!

[@kyawzaya3862]

Thanks for your information , Sir .

[@leopardknowledge.1430]

Hey premier so as per usual like I always say every week great video especially this one today. I mentioned this some months passed but perhaps you could make a discord server for the channel since the community is growing. Anyway great video.

[@kyawzaya3862]

Thanks for your information , Sir , .

[@ericktamberg670]

In Brazilian Army, a Section is named Combat Group (13 men - one Sergeant, two Corporals and ten Privates).

[@barbaradugan]

Thank You

[@donaldtalton1357]

Or in some cases a Warrant Officer may command a Division, or a well liked Sgt. Depending on what day of the week it is. Such clarity.

[@user-mj9jk5px6q]

very useful

[@jetsetjoey]

*Army Unit Name: # of Soldiers* 1) Fire Team: 3-4 2) Squad: 8-12 3) Section/Patrol: 8-25 4) Platoon/Troop: 26-55 5) Staffel/Echelon: 50-90 6) Company: 80-250 7) Battalion: 300-1,000 8) Regiment/Group: 1,000-3,000 9) Brigade: 3,000-5,000 10) Division: 6,000-25,000 11) Corps: 20,000-50,000 12) Field Army: 100K-200K 13) Army Group/Front: 500K 14) Combatant Command: 500K-1M

[@christopherhazell420]

Great list! Army Group & Combat Commands ceased being formations of the U.S. Army after WWII. Field Army's were utilized until the early 2000s. Today, they are known as Army Service Component Commands.

[@bridgecross]

0:28 Do we still have that big NATO table somewhere? It's like something out of a Bond film, or Dr. Strangelove. It's awesome.

[@fadelali330]

Thanks***

[@shastaham7630]

My son at E-4 was an FTL in Iraq (U. S. Army, Combat MP). When he made E-5, he became an ASL. But, it has been my observation that most, if not all, military units are understaffed at every level. My son's FT consisted of 3-5 soldiers, one with a SAW, one with a rifle with attached grenade launcher, and one with a shotgun. One was assigned as the vehicle driver/commander and another manned the mounted heavy weapon. Ideally this totalled 5 bodies, but his never got over four. His squad complement was two fire teams, an ASL and a squad leader, the latter usually being an E-5 with mote TIR/TIS. He said his company never had more than six squads and no platoon structure. When asked how he felt about the undermanned units and loose structure, he made it very clear that the flexibility resulted in more efficient mission completion due to the trust engendered by semi-permanent teams independent of the necessity of training replacements.

[@fadelali330]

Thanks#

[@smellymilk593]

this is convinient.

[@caliscribe2120]

Enjoyed the video very much. Who gets to be leader every time you go to a larger group, ie from fireteam to squad or squad to platoon. Is it by seniority if the same ranks or by achievement? Thanks.

[@mannyg9059]

"Son, you're in: A Co. 1st Bn. 26th Mar. Reg. 3rd Mar, Div.?" "Son, what the hell did you just say?" Non-military civilian dad's kryptonite.

[@robertn2]

Alot has change since I was in the Army, I was specialist back then and we didn't have lance corporeal, so made do with us guys. During peace time I was put in charge of details by the Squad leader and in the NCO Academy I wore a Squad Leader's sleeve for a day. After the academy for one day in the absence of the Platoon Leader and Platoon Sergent, I was the most senior enlist in the platoon. But darn no lance corporeal not even a pesky corporeal. (Note: we were told a corporeal would be assign to us in case of war).

[@ushopelife7538]

Nice

[@user-qf6eq3dw5z]

We had Big John in our company. He was counted as one squad.

[@mannyg9059]

We had Honest John (a high-ranking liar)

[@kirkbolas4985]

In WWII, my dad served in the European theater of operations and was a USN corpsman assigned to a platoon of US Marines. What was the average size of a Marine platoon in that era? I as because I never got the impression from my father that his platoon was as large as what was described as a NATO standard platoon in this video.

[@Patrick-mt2gn]

First Xd. Cool Video Mate

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Cupcake TV

[@user-ot4ip1wl2j]

興味深い動画です❗️日本語版もあれば良いのですが😃💦

[@lowandslow3939]

When I was in, early 80’s, my Infantry Company had 11 men per squad and three or four squads per platoon. Four platoons per company.

[@dennisleighton2812]

In a modern Army/Force, often the size of the force is determined by the type of vehicle/transport involved. Smaller vehicles will have smaller fire teams eg 4 men. In larger vehicles, like a BA Jackal 2, you could have 5 (the 5th man on the heavy weapon). In a larger vehicle (eg Stryker, APC) there would be 2 x 4 man fire teams (squad). If the force is unmounted, fire teams could be a bit larger (5 men) allowing for a separate command position (Team Leader), with maybe a heavy weapons pair (M240 Bravo). The nature of what needs to be done often dictates the disposition of combat teams, so it's hard to be exact. Western Armies tend to devolve decision-making much further down the command structure, allowing for more flexibility. More structured armies (like Russia) have much more rigid structures, who fight predetermined battle doctrines, with little room for deviation, thus decision-making devolves much higher up the chain of command. When things go wrong, Senior command officers are thus forced to enter the battlefield to take over direct control, as no-one else has the authority to deviate. We have seen this happen in recent days in Ukraine.

[@trevorhart545]

The Key point you raise that in WW1 it was a pre set number at Section level moving upwards. Mechanisation has impacted on seat availability, as you have pointed out, but also the expansion/variety of support weapons a Fire Team or Higher can carry. This is an Infantry review as David Finch has pointed out.

[@dennisleighton2812]

@@trevorhart545 True. I missed that distinction. Thanks Trevor.

[@rb95051]

Correct. I was squad leader using M113 (I know, long ago), we were 6 men squad; one machine gun and 5 assault rifle men…. Sardinia granadeers

[@robertwillis4061]

​@offroadguy7772Not as much as Russia is? Last count 5 Russian to 1 Ukrainian.

[@kingofthejungle3833]

Two points the last group (XXXXXX) is also referred to as a theatre. Secondly, in Australia the rank of lieutenant is pronounced leff-tenant, except in the navy, but they are just different

[@roberthudson1959]

The US military is structured rather differently than your video suggests. The seven geographical and four functional unified combatant commands are permanent formations, but the number of assigned troops varies as necessary. For example, Central Command controlled a large portion of the military during the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan, while Space Command is rather small. Combatant commanders are generals or admirals, not generals or the army or admirals of the fleet. Those ranks have not been authorized since 1981.

[@losonsrenoster]

The numbers include combat troops as well as support staff, radio operators, medics, cooks, storemen, clerks, chaplains, drivers, etc.

[@pawelpap9]

This is probably what HQ thinks. Before the battle the numbers are 10% lower, after the battle 60% lower.

[@zaynevanday142]

That Mach past in the background looks like Waiouru Military camp there was a Pinzgauer in the background

[@dusanvr]

Former Yugoslav Army In original 1. Odelenje 4-6 soldier's 2. Vod 20-25 3. Četa. 120-180 4. Bataljon 600-800 5. Brigada. 2000-2500 6. Divizija 10-15k 7. Korpus 30-45k 8. Armija 100k + Ranks in original 1. Regrut 2. Vojnik 3. Razvodnik 4. Desetar 5. Mladi Vodnik 6. Vodnik 7. Stariji Vodnik 8. Stariji Vodnik prve klase 9. Zastavnik 10. Zastavnik prve klase 11. Podporucnik 12. Poručnik 13. Kapetan 14. Kapetan prve klase 15. Major 16. Podpukovnik 17. Pukovnik 18. General Major 19. General Podpukovnik 20. General Pukovnik 21. General Armije

[@itsalmostfun8567]

Thx BTW i know the nazi wehrmacht ranks not the SS or the SA

[@KCKingdomCreateGreatTrekAgain]

Combatant command sounds like a job for Zapp Brannigan!

[@notmenotme614]

Pick a unit. Basically every nation is so different, that the unit can have any number of soldiers and have any rank of officer in charge.

[@thatsallwegot]

Cooool

[@jessgatt2306]

A squad that specializes in ambush tactics, that, or a platoon specializing in point defense.

[@kweeks10045]

12 men, generally broken into two six man units leapfrogging.

[@christopherhazell420]

As for the U.S. Army, the echelon, Army Group was last utilized in WWII. Field Armies is a term no longer used either. They were converted in 2004 to Army Service Component Commands.

[@TheAngelOfDeath01]

What needs to be noted about these formations is that smallest of the "major independent formation" capable of independent operations (meaning the presence of an HQ) is the Battalion. Company, Echelon, Platoon, Section, Squad, and Crew are all relevant only to their assigned Battalion -- and are, in far most cases, all designation for soldiers meant for COMBAT. So, if you have a Battalion of 1,000 men it can include things like a Supply Company, Signal Company (part of HQ in charge of communication with the larger formations such as Brig., Reg., Div., Corps., Army.), Armour, Mechanised, etc. The idea behind this, in terms of a modern army, dates back to the First World War as a means of solving as well as calculating logistical problems (not a negative figure speech). People often tend to forget just how big and important an issue logistics are. Gen. Bradley once said that: Amateurs talk strategy; professionals talk logistics! And this is very true, indeed. You can have the best of tactics and strategy, but you will ALWAYS loose if you have poor logistics. It's what we see from Russia right now: piss poor logistics! And logistics goes all the way back to when the seed is planted in ground, or when cotton plants are planted. It's ALL part of logistics: the ability to equip and supply your military force from start to finish to ensure victory in the field.

[@kevincody8391]

at the officer level you are rotated in and out of assignments, from command to staff at HQ level. The military knows what works and does for that reason. at Bn level an O-5, Lt Col will have two O-4s underneath underneath and 6 O-3s 3 company COs, 3 staff, S-1, S-2, S-4. The 0-4s, Majors will rotate from S-3, plans & operations to XO, executive officer, if CO KIA XO takes over. interspersed w 3+ years of one year classes, officer basic training in your branch ( infantry, armor, artillery, etc ) then advanced. a major headed for promotion will attend Cmd & Genl staff college, followed by a tour in the Pentagon. and then if O-5 potential offered the oppty to obtain masters degree at a University and later also attend one of many war colleges incl ICAF, Industrial College of Armed Forces. Right next door to NWC, future strategists, hold seminars w distinguished speakers every Wednesday along w State Dept incl CIA, FBI & Treasury personnel. Almost every Colonel, O-6, has had 5+ x year schooling above college plus 2 x Pentagon assignments. Besides actual combat. and then we've got a mix of people besides Academy grads; Genl Miley fr Princeton, Powell ROTC, Mattis a Marine. From all parts of the country incl cities. the System methodically gradually prepares & exposes you to increasing responsibilities, range of. And it works, have confidence in both individuals and system.

[@AA-69]

I'd just Love taking charge of MYSELF !.. It gives me the freedom to THINK for myself, and decided against being another pawn for government, Investors and the industrial military complex 🤔.

[@BenDover010]

Great video!!! but I was told by many commissioned officers that one you are truly a soldier until O-6 afterwards you become more or less a politician…

[@baddog9320]

Ok this is how US Army Engineers broke down in my time. From bottom up Section 2-6 solders E4 specialist/ corporal in charge, sometimes a E5 Sargent. Squad , two sections with a E6 staff Sargent in charge. Sometime an E5, very rare E4. Platoon, four squads, E7 Sargent first class. Sometimes E6 as Plt Sgt. Has a 01 or 02 Lt. Detachment one to two platoons, E7 in charge. In the two platoon I seen. Plt Sgt were E6s. ( only units I've seen with out an officer, but were under an O3 captain at company level for UCMJ) BTW best units I've ever been in. Company usually four to six platoons. Have seen three platoons. In charge is 1Sgt. (E8) And officer of captain (03) Battation 3 to 5 companies. Sargent Major and LtCol (05 Brigade i just remembered 3 Bn. But could be wrong. Command Sargent Major and full bird Col (06) ( note once one recieves Sargent Major or above they are an E9) Division. Dont remember how many Bde. If there is a set number. Command Sargent Major and Lt General Note I've been places that At the time post was less then Division with top NCO as CSM, and Brig General as commander. And been at places that had CSM and Major General as commander. Then there is Corp. Then Sargent Major of the Army and General ( General of the Army if one is made) Then the civilian chain of command. I don't remember the order seceratary of ____ a few times then commander in chief. Since we are currently without a legal president. There is no commander in chief. ( had to throw that snide comment in) The same can be said of those secretaries. Since a legal president must appoint them. But then again. Our military is so ate up now. Can't tell you how far down I don't recognize. I lost respect when the black beret was issued to dirty nasty legs. Any Sarget Major of the Army that ordered this is a P.O.S. and doesn't respect those that earned thier berets.

[@LanternOfLiberty]

I have led squad, section and platoon and have been a company executive officer. That last one kind of sucked. Knowing everything and being able to do everything, like the CO, but rarely ever doing it. Platoon was the best, cuz you could delegate.

[@itsalmostfun8567]

yes actually it will change and change for like napoleonic wars they are a bit "FEWER" or "MORE" depends on the time

[@klausolekristiansen2960]

A German officer, towards the end of WWII: "We are called the fifth armored army group. That is because we have five tanks."

[@martinmckowen1588]

In the Australian Army it used to be group, section, platoon, company, battalion, brigade, division.

[@tauweemclean7402]

I love this video Premier History, it's awesome, but I noticed when it reaches a certain level, in regards to man power there is no mention of SNCO again, but being in the military I know this is not true, please address this for the edification of viewers.

[@chriszablocki2460]

You tell me. I'm still in the dark in your little gameshow.

[@nmjerry]

Troops are company equivalent for cavalry or armored cav

[@monke3807]

The video in the background is from the New Zealand Army basic training

[@ernestlane]

What are the special groupings. I was a platoon leader in an engineer construction group in the 1970's in West Germany.

[@kennygottlieb3628]

I would be glad just to have my own Company…

[@zaynevanday142]

In the Commonwealth we use the 2 fire team doctrines a platoon is made up of 3 sections of ten men each and a Headquarters element of a Officer a Sargent a Signaller a Company is made up of 120 pers 3 platoons of Infantry and a Platoon of HQ Staff commanded by a Major and a battalions strength is 800-1000 Men commanded by a Lt Col a brigade is made up of 3 Battalions and commanded by a Brigadier and so on and so forth

[@trevorhart545]

That was the 1980s standard. Mechanisation creating vehicles with varying accommodation has changed the structure as has both support weapons and objective/mission. The importance of the NCO is paramount for this flexibility.

[@jeffdege4786]

Not every unit is made up of the next smaller unit. In the US Army, for example, a platoon is made up of squads, the intermediate-sized section is skipped. Similarly, regiments contain battalions, but brigades are also made up of battalions, rather than brigades being made up of regiments that were made up of battalions. Back in the 1860s, brigades contained regiments and regiments contained companies, and battalions were skipped. You don't mention troop in the video, but your thumbnail equates troop to platoon. Usually, troop is reserved for company-sized cavalry units. Just as squadron is reserved for battalion-sized cavalry units. Company-sized artillery units are called batteries, and their subunits are gun crews.

[@voodoowarrior7457]

I had an HHC of 189 soldiers.

[@Jerry10939]

Troop, Battery and Company are the same. Troop for Cav, Battery for artillery,

[@Thisiswhereweare1946]

First. My favorite unit is the regiment. A lot of regiment have centuries of history.

[@PremierHistory]

Thanks Fan of the 41st president

[@michaelbedinger4121]

My favorite unit is the regiment as well. This is one unit you do not hear much about. At one time, like back during the civil war, the regiment was the main unit in the us army. Is the us army slowly doing away with this unit organization?

[@Thisiswhereweare1946]

@@michaelbedinger4121 The only regiment to my knowledge that's stil in service is the Rangers.

[@michaelbedinger4121]

@@Thisiswhereweare1946 Thank you very much for the information. Do you have any idea why the regiment unit is slowly going out of existence?

[@Thisiswhereweare1946]

@@michaelbedinger4121 Moslty because there's few situations in which there would be a need for a unit larger than a battalion but smaller than a brigade.

[@g.o.g.survivalgaming3734]

10th mt. Fort Drum, NY climb to glory

[@logoseven3365]

Grandpa was a lieutenant colonel and commanded an artillery battalion. He said it was perfect.

[@lucavignolini2408]

Can you please post the source to the Parade video in the back ground? Thanks

[@dough6759]

Looks British. 60% guess.

[@rball690]

Commonwealth drill. Picture is quite blurry. But the buildings in the background do not look typical Canadian.

[@coreywarde6030]

Definitely British Commonwealth. I would guess Aussie or Kiwi - would also have to be quite dated as well - looks like battledress and SLRs - the Australian Army transitioned to F88 in early 90s and from Battledress to Service Dress in early to mid 90s as well

[@mikenolan9440]

Kiwi recruit course march out parade. Fairly recent as dress and weapons are current

[@redrb26dett]

The smallest unit size is the battle pair ie two men who are partners or battle buddies

[@tonghan5633]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍

[@kmoses2814]

I would like to take charge of the Ant battalion 🐜

[@hubertbagtas9029]

Is there a navy units if possible???

[@mirromarnicco3162]

👍

[@vintageguitarz1]

How about doing a NATO Air Force command structure? USAF Capt. ret., 20th SOS, 27th Spl Ops Wing, Nam 1970-73

[@exuberance3973]

I’ve never even heard of a staffel before lol

[@geedub7912]

@Harvey Hill : It's German and usually refers to some type of unit, big or small depending on how it's phrased. I was in a NATO unit (97th Sig. Bn.), Coleman Barracks, Mannheim, Ger. back in 82/84. We spent a lot of time training with the Germans and that's the only reason I know this. I've never heard it from anyone other than a German soldier and I certainly don't think it's a NATO standard. There's plenty more in this video that I don't think is correct as well.

[@Phoenix411th]

Can you do a video like this for the us air force

[@PremierHistory]

Great idea

[@jamiecarter5083]

MP platoons have 9 per squad, 3 squads, 3 teams per squad, 3 soldiers per team......

[@scotmatheson1109]

Is there a field marshall rank in the US army?

[@ozzygrunt4812]

This is the basic symbology of formations, why don’t we talk about formations in peace time v war time? I.e the battalion I served in whilst I was an infantry soldier in the 90s had 580 men (peace) “however”, when we went on exercises from Battalion to tri-service, this peace time battalion ballooned out to 3,000. This comprised of the infantry as well as combat and non-combat support elements I.e an infantry company (D Coy) had a strength of 90 men (peace), but with cooks/transport/medial/int/mortars/signals/logistics and recon/snipers, it ballooned out to 180 personnel. BHQ (Battalion Head Quarters) had mainly the external elements I.e Armour/engineers/Artillery/aviation and special forces. In a tri-service exercise we dealt with air as well as sea movement. So on top of the 180+ personnel we now dealt elements of the navy and air forces, and this could of been Australian of that from a partnered country eg New Zealand or America.

[@jonlittle8989]

I would honestly take like a fire team mainly cause all that pressure on you for dozens of men maybe thousands or millions would be way to much to bare having a small group with people you can get to know would seem better

[@retepluaptrimor2674]

1:14 what is the use of section team where already have a team and squad and directly to platoon? The section team is useless unit.

[@jilongxie6561]

In China, there are total 13 field armies in the land army. But the people in Chinese field army is smaller, about 80 thousands people.

[@xXChadXx]

Each countries had different Numbers or rank olok at ww2 german field 3 army group front each with more than a million and also a battalion usually had 1000+

[@renatodemavibas3367]

Most of the groupings here are for infantry

[@VladimirDylan]

Field Army

[@engchoontan8483]

Simulate strategies for = sizing (probabilities, statistical analysis) = company assets = battalion assets = brigade assets = division assets For those who want to use expensive approaches, your dependence on special-preferrential units changes your strategies. Before counting costs, count effectiveness. Example of brigade assets includes those from companies and battalions. Example of combined-arms, dependence on fighter-jets to counter fighter-jets, missile shooting, ... how many will not be shot-down.? That number applied to diesel-piston with the same missiles, ground-based, ship-based, ... is it acheiveable.? Why prefer 7.62mm.? Because since ww2, that is the smallest lowest-common-denominatornfor air, sea, land. Why 86mm motar.? Size weight volume price effectiveness compared with 61mm, makes the 61mm looks like you are short-changing yourself. Why 30mm gun instead of 20mm gun.? Why 40mm grenade-launcher and no-hand-grenande.? Why need RR.? Why need 155mm artillery.? 120mm is for closer range when 155mm is danger to self. effectiveness with the = baseline of the same number-percentage of ineffectiveness. Calculate logistical and movement speeds.

[@raphaeldombawel4276]

A platoon or company

[@mauriziorenganeschi5813]

I commanded an infanrty battalion in the italian Army whlie I was a major.

[@rball690]

Hopefully not the battalion I witnessed in Norway (1980) that sent out a company on attack and they got turned around and ended up attacking their battalion HQ.

[@mauriziorenganeschi5813]

@@rball690 I was in command in 2003/2004; in 1980 I was still at high school.

[@emirergun1474]

Turkish military is like that too. Majors command battalions mostly.

[@TheLondonForever00]

I'm sorry but you forgot god tier mode, that's wherr I stand on my game

[@michaelconley2371]

Field army

[@pincermovement72]

I wonder what the British army could muster now ?

[@OG_lemonbrev2]

intro with a german army quad holding mg3

[@simonh6371]

No mate they are wearing DPM for a start, not Flecktarn. Those are Dutch marines, the guy with a green beret with his back turned is most likely a British Royal Marine.

[@timothy1949]

dont really understand how it works, now Putin said they have 600K troops in the SMO zone, so the entire thing is one army group? what about before they increased they units? say they had 200K - 300K troops in the zone, then its like 2 corps? or they dont even use this system at all? I know they have BTGs, but at the same time also tank divisions and marine brigades...its so confusing, its probably the one part of military that i feel that i really dont know anything about compare with like weapons and tactics...

[@wm.courtney9114]

Neither the British or the United States Army make use of the ranks Field Marshal or General of The Army. To the best of my knowledge current policy hasn't eliminated those ranks entirely from either army. Nevertheless, the increased complexity of war along with command decentralization mitigates against that much power finding its way into a single individual's hands. The same cannot be said of the Chinese People's Liberation Army or of the Army of the Russian Republic.

[@abdulqayumkhan3992]

Brigade

[@obedientlycommunications4815]

2 million

[@kadartibor5029]

This is not explained, this is just listed.