Platoon - Definition and Overview

See also Platoon (movie) and platoon (automobile) for the concept for reducing traffic congestion.

Platoon is a term from military science. In an army, a platoon is a unit of thirty to forty soldiers typically commanded by a Lieutenant assisted by a non-commissioned officer.

A platoon is formed by at least two squads (usually 3 or 4) and is smaller than a company (typically there are 3 or 4 platoons per company). Most platoons are infantry platoons; some carry other designations such as mortar or heavy weapons platoons.

A platoon is the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer.

US Organization

In the United States Army, a platoon is led by a First or Second Lieutenant, with a platoon Sergeant (pay grade E-7) as his or her deputy.

British Organization

In the British Army, the infantry platoon commander is a Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant, assisted by a platoon Sergeant (who usually actually holds the rank of sergeant). It is usually divided into three eight-man sections. Specialist platoons may be led by a Captain, assisted by a Warrant Officer or Colour Sergeant. In many corps, platoon-sized units are called troops instead.

The word is derived from 17th century French peleton, meaning a small ball or small detachment of men, which came from pelote, a ball.

See also

• Military unit