When we refer to the "size of the force", what is usually involved in the military field is the structure and size of the organization. The size of the troops reflects their command structure, combat capabilities, and mobility. Here's a brief rundown of the troop sizes.
Class (squad).
Number of people: 8-12 people.
Leader: squad leader, deputy squad leader.
Main Missions: Tactical basic missions such as patrols, positional defense, and skirmishes.
Data points: In a typical infantry squad, there may be 2 riflemen, 2 machine gunners, 1 grenade launcher and 1 sniper, etc.
2. Platoon
Number of people: 20-50 people.
Leader: Platoon Commander, Platoon Deputy.
Composition: 2-4 classes.
Main Mission: Support and carry out company-level missions, with basic tactical mobility capabilities.
Data points: A common infantry platoon may include 3 rifle squads, 1 machine gun squad, and 1 mortar squad.
3. Company (company).
Number of people: 100-200 people.
Leader: Company Commander, Company Officer.
Composition: 3-5 platoons.
Main tasks: tactical maneuvering and performing battalion-level tasks, capable of fighting independently.
Data points: For example, an infantry company in the U.S. Army typically consists of 3 rifle platoons, 1 ** platoon (including machine guns and mortars), and company headquarters.
4. Battalion
Number of people: 300-1000 people.
Leaders: Battalion commander, battalion deputy.
Composition: 3-5 companies, plus support units (e.g. communications, medical, engineers, etc.).
Primary Mission: Sustained combat capability capable of performing tactical and campaign-level missions.
Data points: The Russian Army's motorized infantry battalion may include 3 motorized infantry companies, 1 tank company, artillery battery, and other support units.
5. regiment
Number of people: 2000-4000 people.
Leader: Regiment Commander.
Composition: 2-5 battalions, plus support and special units (e.g. reconnaissance, artillery, air defense, etc.).
Main Mission: Large tactical unit capable of performing a variety of combat missions with a high degree of mobility.
Data Points: A RAF regiment may include several armoured reconnaissance squadrons, several armoured squadrons, and support units.
6. Brigade (brigade).
Capacity: 3,000-10,000 people.
Leader: Brigadier Commander.
Composition: 2-4 regiments, plus support and special units (such as artillery, engineering, communications, etc.).
Main tasks: a bridge between strategy and tactics, capable of conducting large-scale, multi-day combat missions and commanding several regimental units.
7. Division
Composition: The division consists of several combat brigades (e.g., infantry brigades, armored brigades), artillery units, support units (e.g., engineering, communications, medical, etc.), and special forces.
Size: The size of divisions varies depending on type and country, but is usually between 10,000 and 30,000 people. For example, an infantry division in the United States may have 15,000-18,000 men, while a motorized infantry division in Russia may have 8,000-12,000 men.
Command structure: Divisions are led by division commanders with division headquarters providing command and control. Division headquarters usually include chief of staff, operational department, intelligence department, logistics department, etc.
Missions and capabilities: The division's primary mission is to carry out campaign-level missions, cooperating with other divisions in large-scale operations. They have logistical support and command and control capabilities, and are able to sustain operations and coordinate operations with other forces. Divisions can also be adapted and expanded as needed to suit different operational environments and strategic needs.
Training and equipment: Divisions need to go through a long period of training and preparation to form effective combat effectiveness. The armament of the division includes various ** systems, vehicles, communications equipment and other necessary military equipment.
8. Field Army or Army Group
Composition: Army groups consist of multiple divisions and other support units, and can range in size from hundreds of thousands to millions. The structure of the army group can be flexibly adjusted according to strategic needs.
Command structure: Army groups are usually led by generals or generals and are staffed with staff to provide command and control. The General Staff is responsible for tasks such as strategic planning, operational command, intelligence gathering and analysis.
Tasks and capabilities: Army groups are responsible for commanding multiple divisions and other army group-level units to participate in large-scale wars or campaigns. They have strong strategic and operational planning capabilities, the ability to coordinate and control the actions of multiple divisions, and a wide range of logistical support and command and control systems. Army groups also need to work closely with other theater-level units and the Supreme High Command to ensure a unified strategy and direction of action.
Resources and logistics: The operation of the army group requires a large amount of resources and logistical support, including food, fuel, ammunition, medical equipment, etc. Army groups need to build and maintain a complex logistics network to ensure the combat effectiveness and sustained combat capability of their troops.
9. Army Corps or Field Army Corps
Composition: The Front Army is a theater-level unit composed of group armies and other support units. They usually include multiple army groups, separate brigades, and other special forces. The size of the front is huge, depending on the military structure and needs of the country.
Command structure: The front is led by a senior general and is staffed with a staff department to provide comprehensive capabilities such as strategic planning, operational command, and logistical support. The staff of the front needs to work closely with the army group and the high command to ensure coordinated action.
Tasks and capabilities: The front is responsible for carrying out strategic tasks that involve coordination between multiple army groups. They need to have comprehensive strategic and campaign planning capabilities, be able to command and control large-scale combat operations, and play a critical role in the entire theater of operations. The formation and deployment of the Front requires a long period of preparation and planning to ensure a high level of combat readiness and combat capability.
10. Military District or Theater Command
Composition: A large military district is the highest level of military organization and is responsible for commanding and controlling one or more front armies. The scope of a large military district can cover the entire country or region and involve millions of military personnel. They are under the direct authority of the High Command and have overall responsibilities and powers.
Command structure: The Grand Military Region is led by a senior general designated by the Supreme Command, and is staffed by a staff department to provide overall strategic planning, operational command, resource allocation, and logistical support. The Grand Military Region also needs to work closely with other state-level military organizations and institutions to ensure the achievement of strategic objectives.
Tasks and Capabilities: The tasks of large military regions are to defend national territory, implement national strategies, and maintain the need for comprehensive strategic planning, operational command, and resource management capabilities to address a variety of security challenges and threats. The Grand Military Region also needs to establish and maintain cooperative relations with other countries and international organizations to promote regional stability and security.