Become an Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Officer in the British Army, and you’ll be doing what really matters. In an armoured or mechanised battalion, the platoon vehicles could be either Warrior or AFV 432. In so doing, the sergeants acted as "file closers", working the line by putting men forward to replace casualties in the front rank, exhorting men to fire, reload, move forward, etc. [4] In the French Army in the 1670s, a battalion was divided into 18 platoons who were grouped into three "firings"; each platoon in the firing either actually firing or reloading. Platoons are commanded by Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs). Due to a shortage of officers, a non-commissioned officer rank of Platoon Sergeant Majorwas introduced from 1938 to 1940 … According to Merriam-Webster, "The term was first used in the 17th century to refer to a small body of musketeers who fired together in a volley alternately with another platoon. In infantry units, rifle platoons are generally made up of five squads. US Tank Destroyers under British command via the lend-lease programme were organised into platoons of four. A section is broken into two assault groups, similar to the British and Australian organization. The REME is the British Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Each squad is led by a Sergeant, who is usually a Staff Sergeant (SSG, E-6). Britannica now has a site just for parents! Battalions and brigades were not affected by that system. In the United States Marine Corps, Infantry Rifle Platoons nominally (per TO&E) consist of 43 Marines and are led by a platoon commander, usually a second lieutenant (O-1), assisted by a platoon sergeant, a staff sergeant (E-6). There's also the MGL within each section. The Weapons Company is usually led by a first lieutenant (O-2) and a gunnery sergeant (E-7) due to the generally larger number of Marines (up to 69 in the 81mm mortar platoon) in these platoons (the heavy machinegun platoon being the exception with only 28 members) and the more complex weapon systems employed. The sections were specialized by primary weapon and each contained a different number of men. [citation needed], An armoured "platoon" is known as a "troop". Sections are the smallest components in the Indian army consisting of ten men and commanded by a Havildar.[13]. Marine Security Force Regiment (MSFR), and Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST), https://mrvop.wordpress.com/2011/02/09/thaiarmysetting/, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Platoon&oldid=996406616, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles needing clarification from June 2020, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2018, Articles with unsourced statements from November 2011, Articles with unsourced statements from April 2011, Wikipedia articles incorporating a citation from the 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica with Wikisource reference, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, tank and light armored reconnaissance platoons consist of two sections, each containing two tanks/light armored vehicles and crews, assault amphibian vehicle (AAV) platoons consist of four sections, each containing three AAVs and crews (Per T/O 4652M. Makes painting an absolute joy. Prior to 1940, a platoon might be commanded by either a warrant officer WO III or a lieutenant. For combatant platoons (platoons engaged in combat with guerrilla rebels), a corporal or sergeant would be the most likely commander. In the Canadian Army, the infantry Platoon Commander is a second lieutenant, lieutenant or a junior captain assisted by a platoon warrant (who holds the rank of warrant officer, but can be a Sergeant). The British Army rifle platoon consists of a platoon headquarters and 3 rifle sections. A typical infantry company consists of 3 rifle platoons and a 4th platoon known as a weapons platoon. In the attack (especially if part of the assault echelon) or in a deliberate defense, rifle platoons are usually augmented with a two-man mortar forward observer team and are often reinforced with a seven-man machinegun squad and/or a four-man assault weapons squad from the Infantry Companies Weapons Platoon. Airlanding units were rained to a very high standard indeed and should always be rated as veterans. The “platoon system” in municipal police and U.S. baseball and gridiron-football organizations signifies the use of two or more shifts or teams of comparable strength that alternate on duty. The squads were primarily a non-tactical sub-unit used mainly for drill (marching practice, formations, ceremonies, etc.) Each squad is led by an Oberfeldwebel, and its size corresponds to the typical passenger capacity of its squad vehicle (either wheeled or armoured). More recently, the designated marksman of each Australian fireteam has been issued the HK417 in Afghanistan and possibly afterwards. A platoon is a part of an infantry company and is further divided into three or four sections. Platoon, principal subdivision of a military company, battery, or troop. Great variations on poses. Indeed, the sections, as well as the platoons, were primarily administrative sub-units of the company, since tactically the company seldom employed in other than as a massed formation. For other uses, see, communications platoon (USA headquarters and headquarters company [HHC], airborne, air Assault, and light infantry battalions), Maintenance platoon (USA HHC mechanized infantry/combined arms battalion), Reglement concernant l'exercice et les manoeuvres de l'infanterie. Platoon organization varies depending on the country and the branch, but a platoon generally comprises 50 people, although specific platoons may range from 9[1] to 100 men.[2]. Great quality, good size. The LMG group is armed with the SS77 while rest of the platoon is armed with R4 assault rifles, with rifle grenades if available. In the Australian Army, an infantry platoon has thirty-six soldiers organized into three eight-man sections and a twelve-man maneuver support section, with a lieutenant as platoon commander and a sergeant as platoon sergeant, accompanied by a platoon signaller and sometimes a platoon medic (full strength of forty men). In the United States Army,[19] rifle platoons are normally composed of 42 soldiers. Platoons are also used in reconnaissance, light armored reconnaissance (scout dismounts), combat engineer, law enforcement (i.e., military police), Marine Security Force Regiment (MSFR), and Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) companies. The sergeants, assisted by the corporals, led the two sections (half-platoons) and the squads (the terms were often used interchangeably until 1891) of the platoon. Each of these three platoons is divided into sections. The Rifle Platoon is made up of three sections of nine soldiers each. Platoons are commanded by a … In a few armies, such as the French Army, a platoon is specifically a cavalry unit, and the infantry use "section" as the equivalent unit. Step 2 If you join an Infantry regiment you go on to do the 16-week Platoon Commanders Battle Course in Brecon, Wales. A section comprises 10 soldiers led by a corporal who's assisted by a lance corporal as second in command. Fireteam bravo has a HK417 7.62mm for the designated marksman role. The headquarters consists of a Platoon Leader (PL)--usually a First Lieutenant[20] (1LT), a Platoon Sergeant (PSG)--usually a Sergeant First Class (SFC, E-7), a radio-telephone operator (RTO), a platoon forward observer (FO), the FO's RTO, and the platoon medic. late 1970s British Army Training Film, laying out the fundamentals of Troop Platoon Deployment and tactics. The rifle squads each consist of two fire teams and a squad leader, while the weapons squad consists of two medium machine gun teams, two close combat missile teams, and a squad leader. After this, you'll be a capable tactician, as well as physically and mentally robust. Each section can be sub-divided into two fire-teams, commanded by the Section Commander and 2iC respectively, as well as normal two man Scout, Rifle and Gun Teams. [5] The system was also used in the British, Austrian, Russian and Dutch armies.[6]. At this point all of these responses form a part of another battle drill. Lieutenant. Each fireteam (also called a "brick" by Australian soldiers) has one soldier with an F89 Minimi LSW and the other three armed with F88 Steyr assault rifles. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. In the Hungarian Armed Forces, a Rifle Platoon is commanded by either a 2nd Lieutenant or a 1st Lieutenant, with a Platoon Sergeant (with the rank of Sergeant Major), a Platoon Signaller, an APC driver and an APC gunner composing the Platoon Headquarters. Rifle platoons consist of three rifle squads of 13 men each, led by a sergeant (E-5). Under the 1791 regulations a peloton in the French Army was used in the equivalent manner to a company, with the first section led by the sous-lieutenant and the second section led by the lieutenant, a captain commanding the entire group.[12]. Each soldier is armed with an automatic or semi-automatic rifle and all commissioned officers carry a side arm. Here we have a seating diagram I just did up of the British Army's Armoured Infantry Rifle Platoon mounted in FV510 Warrior IFVs. When predators meet – Anti-Tank Platoon, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment and the US Army’s 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment had … Add to basket. The term “squad” was used more generically; any group of three or more soldiers could comprise a squad, and it … Almost all smaller formations are based on the designations of those reforms, which originally suggested tactical flexibility by keeping the size of small units in round numbers (10, 20, 100). The Platoon Commanders’ Battle Course at the Infantry Battle School ), combat engineer assault breacher sections consist of two CEV assault breacher vehicles and crews, This page was last edited on 26 December 2020, at 12:04. and a Logistics Company (Transport and Stores). Cpl Natasha Szalay from the 11th Signal Regiment explains why being a training corporal is important to her and the qualities needed for the role. Omissions? After training is complete, they are responsible for leading up to 30 soldiers in a platoon or troop, both in training and on operations. Since soldiers were often organized in two or three lines, each firing its volley together, this would have normally meant platoons organised so that intention half or a third of the company is firing at once. Letter designations can be used, such as Alpha Flight, Bravo Flight, etc. In some elite units, such as Maglan, Egoz or Duvdevan, the teams are usually smaller and themselves commanded by officers, with the platoon commanded by a higher-ranking officer, while in special forces units like Shayetet 13 and Sayeret Matkal all combatants are officers. One rifle per fireteam has an attached 40mm grenade launcher; one of the grenadiers is the lance corporal. The executive officer, when assigned, or usually the junior lieutenant and the first sergeant were normally positioned behind the battle line so as to assist the company commander in overseeing the company and managing the rear (company trains, including the wagoner and company supply wagon - under the supervision of the quartermaster sergeant, as well as casualties, enemy prisoners, non-combatants, deserters, etc.). A section comprises eight soldiers led by a corporal with a lance corporal as second in command. - A peloton is a mainly a term designating an infantry unit. An officer was referred to as "platoon commander", while a WO III in the same position was called a "Platoon Sergeant Major" or PSM.[11]. In armored vehicle units, platoons consist of sections containing two or three vehicles and their crews: In low altitude air defense (LAAD) batteries, the firing platoons consist of three sections, each consisting of a section leader and five two-man Stinger missile teams. A Corps contained two or more Divisions and was one step below an army group. The scope of this decision making process is outlined in the Squad Leader training program and is not relevant to this drill. In the Singapore Army, a platoon is a Lieutenant's billet. The platoon leader is usually a junior officer—a second or first lieutenant or an equivalent rank. Both weapons have been modified in light of operational experience. Sections are commanded by a Sergeant or Master Corporal with a Master-Corporal or Corporal in the second in command, or 2IC, position; two members of a section will carry C9 LMG's and the remainder will carry C7 or C8 assault rifles fitted with either optics or a grenade launcher. Both were led by a platoon leader and assistant platoon leader and consisted of three 9-man rifle squads mounted in three vehicles. The corporals, and the sergeant, prior to the increase to two corporals per section, led the two squads of the section. Each squad and the platoon headquarters is equipped with an BTR-80 Armoured personnel carrier. "[3] The word is from the 17th-century French peloton, from pelote meaning a small ball (from the low Latin "pilotta" from Latin "pila"). In the 17th century the term referred to a small body of musketeers who fired together in a volley alternately with another platoon, and it has always retained some sense of systematic alternate employment. Under normal circumstances expect a British infantry platoon to resemble the organisation in the following diagram: Note: In addition to the above, infantry platoons deploying on operations have a range of other weapons and systems available to them Three infantry platoons will make up a typical infantry company, sometimes with a heavy weapons or support platoon in addition. The infantry battalion weapons company consists of three heavy weapons platoons: 81mm mortar Platoon (referred to as “81s platoon or 81s”), heavy machinegun Platoon (.50cal HMG and 40mm AGL), and anti armor Platoon (Javelin missile and Antitank TOW missile launchers). It has been transferred into modern usage from medieval army reforms of the Georgian king David the Builder. These platoons are the elementary small unit of the Armoured Infantry Battalion. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). His/her deputy has an RPG, there are also two soldiers with PKM machine guns, two with AK-63 assault rifles—one is an RPG grenadier, the other is the Medic—the APC driver and the APC gunner. A British platoon usually consists of 25 to 30 men. Each section has two fireteams of four men, one led by the corporal and the other by the lance corporal. and "house-keeping" matters, such as interior guard duty, billeting, messing, fatigue details (i.e., working parties), etc. Leading your team of engineering experts, you’ll be helping to make the world a safer, better place. British Eighth Army Platoon quantity. An additional senior sergeant serving as the "platoon sergeant" (originally designated as "assistant to platoon commander" from 1917 until 1940, and as "platoon leader" until 1943, when officer platoon commanders were re-designated as "platoon leaders") was not authorized until 1943. The weapons platoon typically provides heavy weapons support to the company and includes mortar, anti-armor and heavy machine guns organically. In total, the field artillery platoon (at full strength of men, horses, and equipment) consisted of a lieutenant, two sergeants, four corporals, 24 privates, 31 horses, four limbers, two caissons, two field guns, two spare wheels, plus ammunition, implements, tools, spare parts, and baggage. These platoons are equipped with at least one heavy machine gun, rocket launcher or anti-tank gun, with the crews of these weapons commanded by a corporal. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Sergeants of inferior rank act as assistant squad leaders in the other squads. A rifle company weapons platoon has a 60mm mortar section of 13 Marines with three M224 LWCMS 60mm mortar squads, an assault section of 13 Marines and six SMAW rocket launchers divided into three squads of two teams each, and a medium machine gun section of 22 Marines and six M240G general-purpose machine guns divided into three squads of two teams each. The platoon was originally a firing unit rather than an organization. Depending on the time period, the platoon could include from as few as 20 privates (with two corporals, two sergeants, and a lieutenant) to as many as 44 (with four corporals, two sergeants, and a lieutenant) with 10 to 22 privates per section. Three Züge make up a Kompanie ("company"). Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. In others, such as the British Army, most platoons are infantry platoons, while some carry other designations such as tank, mortar, or heavy weapons platoons. Rifle platoons normally consist of a small platoon headquarters and three or four sections (Commonwealth) or squads (US). and, if need be, physically assisting or restraining men who refused to move forward or attempted to flee. [7] Due to a shortage of officers, a non-commissioned officer rank of Platoon Sergeant Major was introduced from 1938 to 1940 for experienced non-commissioned officers who were given command of platoons. [citation needed] The platoon strength is typically 30 to 50 soldiers. The typical flight chief is a master sergeant. The commanding officer (a captain), and the one to three lieutenants, serving as platoon commanders (not designated as platoon "leaders" until 1943) and the executive officer (again depending on the time period, but not officially authorized until 1898) would direct the fighting, leading from the front in the attack and on the flanks in the defense. Updates? [citation needed] Beginning in 1992, the Singapore Armed Forces has allowed warrant officers to be appointed as platoon commanders. Made by Heckler and Koch, they fire NATO standard 5.56 x 45mm ammunition. United States Army. If you've read my article on the British Army Infantry Platoon, the main differences are:. [citation needed]. In addition, there are at least two light machine guns, each commanded by a lance corporal. Traditionally, there were three sections in a platoon; while a platoon operated together during an assault, most patrols were carried out at the section level. The German Army equivalent of the platoon is the Zug (same word as for train, draught, move or streak), consisting of a Zugtrupp ("platoon troop" or platoon headquarters squad), of four to six men, and three squads (Gruppen) of eight to eleven men each. Please note: We’ll begin shipping this product in the week commencing 14 December. Docs » Infantry Battle Drills ... or setting up a support by fire position for a platoon level action. In the first platoon, the platoon leader's assistant is a Hauptfeldwebel; in the second and third platoons, the assistant is an Oberfeldwebel. There are three Platoons in a Rifle Company, which is commanded by a Major, and three Rifle Companies in an Infantry Battalion, which is commanded by a Lieutenant-Colonel. Each platoon was divided into four sections, each commanded by a corporal. Corrections? Every unit in the British Army needs REME personnel to repair, recover and maintain its vehicles and equipment. Normally for infantry it has 32 men, but can vary depending on the type of unit. In the 18th century, battalions were often organized for tactical purposes into 16 platoons of about 24 men each, plus 2 or 4 platoons of grenadiers or light infantry. Each gun section was led by a sergeant (who also rode his own horse) and consisted of two half sections led by a corporal. These are the British Army's standard combat weapons. This is roughly equivalent to a U.S. Army Mechanized Infantry Platoon. In the Swedish army, a platoon is organized in the following way, according to Markstridsreglemente 4 Pluton (Ground combat regulation 4 Platoon): In the Royal Thai Army, a platoon is commanded by either a Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant, assisted by a Platoon Sergeant, usually of the rank of sergeant major. The system was said to have been invented by Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden in 1618. In the South African army, a platoon usually consists of 27 soldiers and one officer organized into three sections 10 soldiers each plus an HQ which contains 8 men. In total, the platoon comprises 29 soldiers, of whom eight are vehicle crew. The Irish Army's infantry platoon consists of 31 soldiers and is commonly referred to as a Rifle Platoon. Support weapons platoons (such as mortar or anti-tank platoons) are generally larger and are commanded by a captain with a colour Sergeant or WO2 as 2ic. However, in practice, a Second Lieutenant is usually appointed and then eventually promoted. The function of administration is introduced at this level,…, …a company headquarters, three rifle platoons of three squads each, and a weapons platoon in which were placed light, crew-served weapons for close-fire support. From the 1700s until the late 1800s in what would become the United States, an infantry platoon was a "half company" commanded by a lieutenant, assisted by two sergeants and two corporals (increased in 1861 to four corporals). The standard procedure, once the company had marched into its position in the line of battle, was for the company to form facing the enemy as two ranks, by platoon, one behind the other. In a few armies, such as the French Army, a platoon is specifically a cavalry unit, and the infantry use "section" as the equivalent unit. Pathfinders … Two or more platoons make up a company, which has 100 to 250 soldiers and is commanded by a captain or a major. Both Delta Bravo and Dee Jay provided information directly related to British Army section TO&E. SKU: UMOS002 Categories: 20mm, British, Infantry, PSC, World War II Tag: New Products. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Another of these vehicles is used for the Zugtrupp. One half section contained the gun and its implements, its limber (including one ammunition chest) and four to six horses (depending on gun weight and available horses), and several members of the gun crew. Everywhere the Army deploys, the REME also go. A unit consisting of several platoons is called a company/battery. Three sections of two squads each in the heavy machinegun platoon, two sections of four squads each in the 81mm mortar platoon, one section of two squads with four teams each in the Javelin missile section, and one section of four squads with two teams each in the antitank TOW missile section. In many corps, platoon-sized units are called troops instead. Originally, it was meant to be a small detachment of exactly 20 men to be led by a leader of corresponding rank. In the New Zealand Army, an Infantry Platoon is commanded by a 2nd Lieutenant or a lieutenant, with a Platoon Sergeant, a Platoon Signaller and a medic (where relevant) composing the Platoon Headquarters. By the end of World War I in 1918, the rifle platoon had expanded to its largest size in U.S. Army history into a unit of 59 soldiers. Those selected to help train new soldiers must be something special; inspirational, professional and supportive, acting as mentors and guides. The Israel Defense Forces uses platoons (Hebrew: "mahlakot", literally "divisions") as the basic unit composing the company and usually consists of 30 to 65 soldiers (or 3–4 tanks in the Armored Corps). During their time as a Second Lieutenant, Officers complete special to arms training relevant to their Corps. The platoon was reintroduced into the British Army in 1913. Although the basic platoon structure has remained the same since the maneuver support section was removed in 2001, the particulars of the section-level structure and equipment were updated in 2018 going into 2019. …four squads make up a platoon, which has 20 to 50 soldiers and is commanded by a lieutenant. They consist of three rifle squads, one weapons squad, and a six-man headquarters. The “platoon system” in municipal police and U.S. baseball and gridiron-football organizations signifies the use of two or more shifts or teams of comparable strength that alternate on duty. 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