A battalion is a military unit used by the United States Army since it was first formed. It has traditionally been commanded by a lieutenant colonel, assisted by a command sergeant major as the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer (NCO). With a dedicated headquarters unit and supporting military staff, the battalion is considered the smallest unit capable of independent operation due to its organic administrative and logistical capabilities.[1][2]
Battalions are typically composed of between four and seven companies, with between 300 and 1,200 soldiers total.[1][2] In the past, several battalions would be grouped together to form a regiment, but from the middle of the 20th century on they have instead been grouped into brigades or brigade combat teams.[1] In recent years, the US Army has made use of battalion-sized task forces customized around specific missions.[2]
An equivalent-sized unit of cavalry (including modern cavalry) is referred to as a squadron.[1][2]