A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads depending on the nationality, branch o
Read moreA platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads depending on the nationality, branch of service, and mission type. In US military organization, the platoon can contain from as few as nine (e.g., Communications Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company [HHC], Infantry [Airborne, Air Assault, Light] Battalion) to over 100 members (e.g., Maintenance Platoon, HHC, Infantry [Mechanized] Battalion]. Platoons are normally organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest/lowest echelon military unit led by a commissioned officer—the platoon leader or platoon commander, usually a lieutenant (O-1/2). However the rank of the officer may range from warrant officer (W-1) to captain (O-3), or even major (O-4), in rare cases. He/she is usually assisted by a senior non-commissioned officer—the platoon sergeant. In some instances, especially whenever the platoon commander ranks above lieutenant, there is a second officer of lower rank assigned as assistant platoon commander (e.g., USMC Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team [FAST] Platoon).
In some armies, platoon is used throughout the branches of the army. In others, such as the British Army, most platoons are infantry platoons, while some carry other designations such as tank, mortar, or heavy weapons platoons. In a few armies, such as the French Army, a platoon is specifically a cavalry unit, and the infantry use "section" as the equivalent unit.
