Battalion

A battalion, in many armies, is a unit consisting of between 500 and 1500 men. A battalion is typically organised into companies, and is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. In some countries, the term battalion is used only for infantry units, while others also use it for tank and cavalry units. Several battalions may be organised into a regiment or a brigade.

British Army[edit]

In the British Army, the various infantry regiments are presently organised into 36 battalions.^[1] The Royal Logistics Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) are also organised into battalions. A battalion is always commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel, with a Major as second-in-command (2IC). It is normally subdivided into five companies; HQ (Headquarters) company, a manouevre support company (which provides fire support using mortars, machine guns, snipers, etc.), and three rifle companies. Each company is commanded by a Major.

United States Army[edit]

Battalions are also used in the United States Army and United States Marine Corps.

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