US Army Unit Structure

Question 1

4 Soldiers

Led by a Sergeant

Answer 1

Team
Smallest unit
Graphic symbol is a rectangle with no additional symbols

Question 2

2-3 Teams (8-16 Soldiers)

Led by a Staff Sergeant

Answer 2

Squad
Size depends on function
Graphic symbol is a rectangle with a single dot on top

Question 3

2-4 Squads (16-44 Soldiers)
Led by a Second or First Lieutenant
Assisted by a Sergeant First Class

Answer 3

Platoon
Basic combat unit
Graphic symbol is a rectangle with three dots on top

Question 4

3-5 Platoons (60-200 Soldiers)
Led by a Captain
Assisted by a First Sergeant and Second Lieutenant (Executive Officer)

Answer 4

Company
Can perform a battlefield function on its own
Graphic symbol is a rectangle with one short line rising from the top

Question 5

3-5 Companies (300-1,000 Soldiers)
Led by a Lieutenant Colonel
Assisted by a Command Sergeant Major and two Majors (Executive Officer and Operations Officer)

Answer 5

Battalion
Both tactically and administratively self-sufficient
Graphic symbol is a rectangle with two short lines rising from the top

Question 6

3 or more Battalions (1,500-3,200 Soldiers)
Led by a Colonel
Assisted by a Command Sergeant Major

Answer 6

Brigade
Combines primary combat arm with sustainment and support functions
Graphic symbol is a rectangle with a single X on top

Question 7

3 Brigades (10,000-16,000 Soldiers)
Led by a Major General
Assisted by two Brigadier Generals and a Command Sergeant Major

Answer 7

Division
Conducts major tactical operations and sustained battles and engagements
Graphic symbol is rectangle with two X on top

Question 8

2-5 Divisions (20,000-40,000 Soliders)
Led by a Lieutenant General
Assistant by a Command Sergeant Major and extensive staff

Answer 8

Corps

Provides command, control, and logistical support to synchronize and sustain multinational operations

Question 9

What does the S4 shop do?

Answer 9

S4 = Logistics, providing supplies and services

Question 10

What does the S1 shop do?

Answer 10

S1 = Personnel Administration, acting as a liaison between HQ and subordinate units; often called the Adjutant at the unit level

Question 11

What are the three branches of the US Army?

Answer 11

1. Combat Arms: involved in actual fighting
2. Combat Support: provides operational assistance to Combat Arms to include combat missions as necessary
3. Combat Service Support: provides logistical and administrative support to the army; personnel normally not involved in combat operations directly

Question 12

What does the S3 shop do?

Answer 12

S3 = Operations, planning and training to coordinate the accomplishment of the mission

Question 13

What does the S2 shop do?

Answer 13

S2 = Intelligence, Security, and Information Operations, gathering information, controlling maps, and providing GIS analysis

Question 14

What are the five types of divisions, and how many active duty divisions exist in the US Army?

Answer 14

The five divisions are:

1. Armored,
2. Mechanized,
3. Light Infantry,
4. Airborne, and
5. Air Assault.

There are currently 10 active duty divisions.