Army Organization
1. Active and Reserve Components.
a. The United States Army is made up of two parts: active, and reserve components. The active component consists of Soldiers who are on full-time active duty. The reserve component consists of the Army National Guard and the Army Reserve. The reserve component receives military training and is ready to be called to active duty if necessary.
2. Army Unit Organization.
a. Army units can be organized several ways, but the following example is fairly typical:
(1) The squad is the smallest unit, consisting of 8 to 10 Soldiers. The squad leader is an NCO.
(2) The platoon includes the platoon leader (2LT/1LT), platoon sergeant (SFC), and two or more squads.
(3) The company includes the company commander (CPT), first sergeant (1 SG) a headquarters, and two or more platoons.
(4) The battalion includes the battalion commander (LTC), his staff and headquarters, the command sergeant major (CSM) and approximately 3-5 companies.
(5) The brigade includes the brigade commander (COL), command sergeant major, a headquarters, and approximately 3-6 battalions.
(6) The division structure is the capstone element of our Army. It includes three maneuver (armor or infantry) brigades as well as several combat support and service support brigades or battalions. There are currently 10 active divisions, each commanded by a major general (two-stars).
(7) Organizations higher than the division include the Corps, Army, Major Command (MACOM), and in times of war, the Theater.