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In military terminology squad refers to a small military unit (led by a non-commissioned officer) that is subordinate to an infantry platoon. In countries following the British Army tradition, including the Australian Army and the Canadian Forces Land Force Command, this organization is referred to as a section. In most armies a squad consists of eight to twelve soldiers, sometimes as many as fourteen, and may be further subdivided into fireteams.

[edit] Organization

In the United States Army, a squad is composed of two fireteams of four or five soldiers each. In the United States Marine Corps, a squad is typically composed of three fireteams of four Marines and a squad leader who is a junior non-commissioned officer.

[edit] Leadership

A squad is led by an NCO known as a Squad Leader. His second in command is known as an Assistant Squad Leader. In Britain and the Commonwealth, these appointments are known as Section Commander and Section 2 i/c, respectively.

Typical ranks for squad leaders are:

    * US Army: Staff Sergeant
    * Canadian Forces: Sergeant
    * British Army: Corporal
    * German Army: Unteroffizier

[edit] Other military uses

In the Canadian Army, the term "squad" actually refers to a portion of a drill movement.