The topic is interesting. But complicated. Especially for those who did not serve in the army and armchair analysts. Yes Yes! Information about the structure, hierarchy and number of military units of the army in peacetime - information classified as “OO” is top secret! It is available only to district military commissars and more senior commanders.

Why is it secret?

The explanation for this is extremely simple. Knowing the numbers of the units, their deployment and the number of soldiers in the structural unit, which a drunken demobilizer can tell a fellow traveler on the train, agent “007” can easily calculate what kind of “horror in bearskins” can fall on the peacefully grazing Dutch, Danish or French warriors protecting democracy in Europe.

In 1941, history taught Adi G. a cruel lesson! The vaunted “Abwehr” & Canaris were unable to accurately determine the number of Red Army soldiers and were confused about the names and numbers of units. As a result, the 4 weeks allotted for the “blitzkrieg” stretched out to 6 months. And the error in assessment was commemorated in the 45th with a victorious salute over the Reichstag.

Jokes aside. Let's consider the traditional structure, which to one degree or another remains in the hierarchy of the Russian armed forces, without mentioning the number of soldiers serving in a squad, regiment or division.

Tradition and modernity

Traditionally, two number systems have developed: classical formations and separate ones.

Classic structures is a military formation, the basis and name of which was laid in the ancient times of the formation of the Russian army during the Romanov dynasty: 1613-1917. The hierarchy of subordination was almost completely adopted by the Red Army by 1941.

Separate military formation - evolved based on the conditions of development and transformation of the troop structure. The cavalry disappeared into oblivion, the Strategic Missile Forces and the Submarine Fleet developed and took dominant positions. The army did not stand aside from these changes. Being a labile (inactive) structure, within the framework of existing units (divisions) it enlarged or reduced them. Depending on the tasks solved by the unit. Thus, intermediate links appeared, which began to be called “individual”: companies, battalions, regiments, divisions.

In the modern army, military formations include:

1) divisions;

2) military units;

3) connections;

4) associations.

  1. Any military formation has the status legal entity. Military formations conclude and execute civil contracts and agreements.
  2. Each military formation has a name: real or conditional.
  3. The conventional name consists of the inscription “military formation” and a combination of numbers. Also, a “No” sign is placed. As a result, the entire conventional name looks like this: “military unit No. NNNN.”
  4. The official name includes a peacetime combined arms number, a staff name, an honorary name (if any) and the name of state awards (if the military formation is awarded orders). For example: 1234 Guards Arkharinsky Order of Lenin Red Banner separate tank regiment.
  5. In order to ensure their activities, military formations, starting with a separate company, are assigned buildings, structures, premises, equipment, machinery, weapons, inventory and the material resources necessary for carrying out their activities.

HIERARCHY of the 1945-1991 model

The main hierarchical structures of troops that have retained their historical names:

Branch

In the Soviet and Russian armies, a squad is the smallest military formation with a full-time commander. The squad is commanded by a junior sergeant or sergeant. Usually there are 9-13 people in a motorized rifle squad. In departments of other branches of the military, the number of personnel in the department ranges from 3 to 15 people. In some branches of the military the branch is called differently. In artillery - crew, in tank forces - crew.

Platoon

Several squads make up a platoon. Usually there are from 2 to 4 squads in a platoon, but more are possible. The platoon is headed by a commander officer rank. In the Soviet and Russian armies this is a junior lieutenant, lieutenant or senior lieutenant. On average, the number of platoon personnel ranges from 9 to 45 people. Usually in all companies of troops the name is the same - platoon. Usually a platoon is part of a company, but can exist independently.

Company

Several platoons make up a company. In addition, a company may also include several independent squads not included in any of the platoons. For example, in a motorized rifle company there are three motorized rifle platoon, machine gun squad, anti-tank squad. Typically a company consists of 2-4 platoons, sometimes more platoons. A company is the smallest formation of tactical importance, that is, a formation capable of independently performing small tactical tasks on the battlefield. Company commander captain. On average, the size of a company can be from 18 to 200 people.

Motorized rifle companies usually have about 130-150 people, tank companies 30-35 people. Usually a company is part of a battalion, but it is not uncommon for companies to exist as independent formations. In artillery, a formation of this type is called a battery; in cavalry, a squadron.

Companies began to be created for the first time in Western Europe at the end of the 15th - beginning of the 16th centuries. The number of companies in peacetime reached 100-150, and in wartime - 200-250 people.

Battalion

Consists of several companies (usually 2-4) and several platoons that are not part of any of the companies. The battalion is one of the main tactical formations. A battalion, like a company, platoon, or squad, is named after its branch of service (tank, motorized rifle, engineer, communications). But the battalion already includes formations of other types of weapons. For example, in a motorized rifle battalion, in addition to motorized rifle companies, there is a mortar battery, a logistics platoon, and a communications platoon. Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel. The battalion already has its own headquarters. Typically, an average battalion, depending on the type of troops, can number from 250 to 950 people. However, there are battalions of about 100 people. In artillery, this type of formation is called a division.

Initially, the term “battalion” meant “order of battle,” but then began to be used as the name of a military unit. In the Russian army, battalions were first created by Peter I. They consisted of four companies of the same type and were part of a regiment. The battalion's strength is up to 500 people.

Regiment

In the Soviet and Russian armies, this is the main tactical formation and a completely autonomous formation in the economic sense. The regiment is commanded by a colonel. Although regiments are named according to the branches of the military, in fact this is a formation consisting of units of many branches of the military, and the name is given according to the predominant branch of the military. The number of personnel in the regiment ranges from 900 to 2000 people.

Brigade

Just like a regiment, it is the main tactical formation. Actually, the brigade occupies an intermediate position between a regiment and a division. A brigade can also consist of two regiments, plus battalions and auxiliary companies. On average, the brigade has from 2 to 8 thousand people. The brigade commander, just like in the regiment, is a colonel.

Division

The division is the main tactical unit in various types armed forces. Divisions are designed to conduct combat as part of larger formations: an army, a corps, a squadron. A division usually consists of several regiments or brigades, units or units. Divisions first appeared in the sailing fleets of a number of states in the 17th century, as an integral part of a squadron of ships.

According to the staff - major general, in reality - usually colonel.

Frame

The corps is an intermediate formation between the division and the army. The corps is already a combined arms formation, that is, it is usually deprived of the characteristic of one type of military force. It is impossible to talk about the structure and strength of the corps. As many buildings existed or exist, so many of their structures exist. Corps commander, Lieutenant General.

Army

This term is used in three main meanings:

A. Army - the armed forces of the state as a whole;

b. Army - ground forces of the state's armed forces (as opposed to the navy and military aviation);

V. Army is a military formation.

In this article we are talking about the army as a military formation. The army is a large-scale military formation for operational purposes. The army includes divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. Usually armies are no longer divided by types of troops, although there may be tank armies dominated by tank divisions. An army may also include one or more corps. It is impossible to talk about the structure and size of the army, because as many armies exist or existed, so many of their structures existed. The soldier at the head of the army is no longer called “commander”, but “commander of the army.” Usually the regular rank of army commander is colonel general. In peacetime, armies, as military formations, are rarely organized. Usually divisions, regiments, and battalions are directly included in the district.

Front (district)

This is the highest strategic military formation in war time. There are no larger formations. The name "front" is used only in wartime for the formation leading fighting. For such formations in peacetime, or located in the rear, the name “okrug” (military district) is used. The front includes several armies, corps, divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. The composition and strength of the front may vary. Fronts are never subdivided by types of troops (i.e. there cannot be a tank front, an artillery front, etc.). At the head of the front (district) is the commander of the front (district) with the rank of army general.

Group of troops

In wartime, this is the name given to military formations that solve operational tasks inherent in the front, but operate in a narrower area or a secondary direction and, accordingly, are significantly smaller in number and weaker than such a formation as the front, but stronger than the army. In peacetime this was what they called Soviet army associations of formations stationed abroad (Group Soviet troops in Germany, Central Group of Forces, Northern Group of Forces, Southern Group of Forces). In Germany, this group of troops included several armies and divisions. In Czechoslovakia, the Central Group of Forces consisted of five divisions, three of which were combined into a corps. In Poland the group of troops consisted of two divisions, and in Hungary of three divisions.

As part of the named divisions Russian army ready to repel any attack and solve any tactical and strategic problems. No one doubts this!

A regiment is a paramilitary unit consisting of battalions and, as a rule, part of brigades or divisions. The peculiarity of the regiment is that it is an independent and full-fledged formation in organizational, economic and combat terms, essentially representing a stationed military unit in peacetime. The command of the regiment is exercised by an officer with the rank of colonel.

How many people are in a regiment in the Russian army?

Depending on the type and type of troops, as well as staffing, a regiment can have from 500 to 3000 people. A regiment as a combat structure usually includes units of various types of troops in addition to the main one (the most numerous), in order to maintain maximum independence and the ability to withstand various threats in the theater of operations. At the same time, regiments are divided not only by types of troops, but also by the nature of the tasks performed, and are also named according to the nature of the main type of weapons.

Some options for regimental formations:

How many people are in a Russian motorized rifle regiment?

A motorized rifle regiment consists of a headquarters, three motorized rifle battalions (36 infantry fighting vehicles + 5 armored personnel carriers or 40 armored personnel carriers each), a tank battalion (36-40 tanks), an anti-aircraft missile artillery battalion, an artillery battalion, an anti-tank battery, an electronic warfare company, a company communications, RKhBZ company, material support company, reconnaissance company, engineer company, repair company, medical company, commandant platoon and orchestra.

This regiment's composition pursues the goal of ensuring sufficient high level autonomy of conducting combat operations by forces of one formation. Carrying out missions of both offensive and defensive nature against enemy ground units. At the same time, the regiment has the necessary measures to protect against chemical and biological weapons, can fight enemy armored vehicles thanks to reinforcement by a tank battalion and the presence of anti-tank weapons, and also has some defense capabilities against enemy air attacks, thanks to the presence of anti-aircraft artillery, MANPADS, air defense systems and small air defense systems range of action.

The main weapons used: BMP-2, BMP-3, BTR-70, BTR-80, BRDM-2, BRM-1K, T-72, T-80, T-90 tanks. MANPADS Strela, MANPADS Igla, ZSU Shilka, ZSU-23, ZRAK Tunguska, SAM Strela-10, Kraz, Kamaz, Ural, Gas trucks, UAZ vehicles, SAU 2S1 Gvozdika, SAU-2S12, SAU-2S23, ATGM Metis, Fagot , Competition, mounted grenade launchers AGS-17, SPG-9.

Main individual weapons: Ak-74, Ak-74M, AKSU-74, RPK-74, PM pistols, RPG-7 and RPG-18 grenade launchers, RGD-5 and F-1 hand grenades, sniper rifles SVD.

There are also later models of equipment and individual weapons in smaller quantities. Extensive rearmament is planned. UAV units are being introduced.

How many people are in a parachute regiment?

The total number is 1400-1600 people. The parachute regiment consists of a regimental headquarters, three parachute battalions, a self-propelled artillery battalion, a reconnaissance company, an engineer company, a repair company, an airborne support company, a logistics company, a communications company, an anti-aircraft missile battery, an anti-tank battery, commandant platoon, RCBZ platoon, medical platoon and orchestra.


Main weapons used: BMD-1, BMD-2, BTR-D, self-propelled guns 2S9, trucks GAZ, UAZ vehicles, Strela-10 air defense system, Igla MANPADS, Strela MANPADS, Metis, Bassoon, Competition anti-tank systems, mounted grenade launchers AGS-17, SPG-9

Main individual weapons: AKS-74, AKSU-74 assault rifles, RPKS-74 machine guns, PM pistols, RPG-7D, RPG-16 grenade launchers, RGD-5, F-1 hand grenades, SVD-S sniper rifles.

Airborne landings occur mainly through military transport aircraft An-12, An-22, Il-76. Mi-8 and Mi-26 helicopters are used. The parachute regiments do not have tank battalions or heavy equipment in general, such as massive self-propelled guns or the Tunguska ZRAK. Firepower and security have to be sacrificed for the sake of the possibility of airborne landing, which imposes strict restrictions on weight and size characteristics. The armored vehicles of the Airborne Forces are as lightweight as possible and covered with anti-fragmentation and bulletproof armor, while at the same time they are very mobile. The same restrictions apply to the arsenal of individual weapons of paratroopers; they are as lightweight as possible, folding stocks are widely used, and shortened barrels are often used in relation to basic models of firearms.

The total number is 1400-1500 people. The combat structure of a tank regiment is similar to a motorized rifle regiment, only there are 3 tank battalions (31 tanks each) and one reinforced motorized rifle battalion (42 infantry fighting vehicles).


Tank formations represent the heavy striking power of ground forces, designed both for defensive tasks and for offensive actions involving breaking through fortified enemy positions with deep penetration into the rear. The greatest threat to armored vehicles currently comes from enemy bomber and attack aircraft, as well as specialized anti-tank helicopters. Anti-aircraft units within a tank regiment are represented by short-range air defense systems and therefore cannot fully counteract air attack forces. Full-fledged cover of advancing tank units is provided by specialized air defense formations armed with medium- and long-range systems, as well as fighter aircraft.

This will be my first blog post. It’s not a full-fledged article in terms of the number of words and information, but it’s a very important note, which can be read in one breath and has almost more benefits than many of my articles. So, what is a squad, platoon, company and other concepts known to us from books and films? And how many people do they contain?

What is a platoon, company, battalion, etc.

  • Branch
  • Platoon
  • Battalion
  • Brigade
  • Division
  • Frame
  • Army
  • Front (district)

These are all tactical units in the branches and types of troops. I have arranged them in order from least number of people to most to make it easier for you to remember them. During my service, I most often met with everyone up to the regiment.

From the brigade and above (in number of people) during the 11 months of service, we didn’t even say. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I do not serve in a military unit, but in educational institution.

How many people do they include?

Department. Numbers from 5 to 10 people. The squad is commanded by the squad leader. A squad leader is a sergeant's position, so commode (short for squad leader) is often a junior sergeant or sergeant.

Platoon. A platoon includes from 3 to 6 sections, that is, it can reach from 15 to 60 people. The platoon commander is in charge of the platoon. This is already an officer position. It is occupied by a minimum of a lieutenant and a maximum of a captain.

Company. A company includes from 3 to 6 platoons, that is, it can consist of from 45 to 360 people. The company is commanded by the company commander. This is a major position. In fact, the commander is a senior lieutenant or captain (in the army, a company commander is affectionately and abbreviated as a company commander).

Battalion. This is either 3 or 4 companies + headquarters and individual specialists (gunsmith, signalman, snipers, etc.), a mortar platoon (not always), sometimes air defense and tank destroyers (hereinafter referred to as PTB). The battalion includes from 145 to 500 people. The commander of the battalion (abbreviated as battalion commander) commands.

This is the position of lieutenant colonel. But in our country, both captains and majors command, who in the future can become lieutenant colonels, provided they retain this position.

Regiment. From 3 to 6 battalions, that is, from 500 to 2500+ people + headquarters + regimental artillery + air defense + fire-fighting tanks. The regiment is commanded by a colonel. But maybe also a lieutenant colonel.

Brigade. A brigade is several battalions, sometimes 2 or even 3 regiments. The brigade usually has from 1,000 to 4,000 people. It is commanded by a colonel. The abbreviated title for the position of brigade commander is brigade commander.

Division. These are several regiments, including artillery and, possibly, tank + rear service + sometimes aviation. Commanded by a colonel or major general. The number of divisions varies. From 4,500 to 22,000 people.

Frame. These are several divisions. That is, in the region of 100,000 people. The corps is commanded by a major general.

Army. From two to ten divisions of different types of troops + rear units + repair shops and so on. The number can be very different. On average from 200,000 to 1,000,000 people and above. The army is commanded by a major general or lieutenant general.

Front. In peacetime - a military district. It’s difficult to give exact numbers here. They vary by region, military doctrine, political environment and the like.

The front is already a self-sufficient structure with reserves, warehouses, training units, military schools and so on. The front commander commands the front. This is a lieutenant general or army general.

The composition of the front depends on the assigned tasks and the situation. Typically the front includes:

  • control;
  • missile army (one - two);
  • army (five - six);
  • tank army (one - two);
  • air army (one - two);
  • air defense army;
  • separate formations and units of various types of troops and special troops of front-line subordination;
  • formations, units and establishments of operational logistics.

The front can be reinforced by formations and units of other types Armed Forces and the reserve of the Supreme High Command.

What other similar tactical terms exist?

Subdivision. This word refers to all military formations that are part of the unit. Squad, platoon, company, battalion - they are all united by one word “unit”. The word comes from the concept of division, to divide. That is, the part is divided into divisions.

Part. This is the main unit of the Armed Forces. The term “unit” most often means regiment and brigade. The external features of the unit are: the presence of its own office work, military economy, bank account, postal and telegraph address, its own official seal, the commander’s right to give written orders, open (44 tank training division) and closed (military unit 08728) combined arms numbers. That is, the part has sufficient autonomy.

IMPORTANT! Please note that the terms military unit and military unit do not mean exactly the same thing. The term “military unit” is used as a general designation, without specifics. If we are talking about a specific regiment, brigade, etc., then the term “military unit” is used. Usually its number is also mentioned: “military unit 74292” (but you cannot use “military unit 74292”) or, for short, military unit 74292.

Compound. As a standard, only a division fits this term. The word “connection” itself means to connect parts. The division headquarters has the status of a unit. Other units (regiments) are subordinate to this unit (headquarters). All together there is a division. However, in some cases, a brigade may also have the status of a connection. This happens if the brigade includes separate battalions and companies, each of which has the status of a unit in itself.

An association. This term combines corps, army, army group and front (district). The headquarters of the association is also the part to which various formations and units are subordinated.

Bottom line

There are no other specific and grouping concepts in the military hierarchy. At least in the Ground Forces. In this article we did not touch upon the hierarchy of military formations of the aviation and navy. However, the attentive reader can now imagine the naval and aviation hierarchy quite simply and with minor errors.

Now it will be easier for us to dialogue, friends! After all, every day we are getting closer to speaking the same language. You are learning more and more military terms and meanings, and I am getting closer and closer to civilian life!))

I wish everyone to find in this article what they were looking for,

Number of soldiers in different military units may be of interest to both people who are interested in military theme and the common man with a wide range of interests. It will not be superfluous to have such information for the purpose of self-education, because it is knowledge in various fields that shapes the modern erudite person. How many people are in the company and other army units will be discussed below.

A company, platoon, battalion, regiment, division are all military units that are characterized by a certain number of people. The number of soldiers in each detachment is determined by military needs and is strictly fixed. For armies different countries such data may be different, as well as when forming special-purpose units.

Number of people in military units


On average, the size of a company can be from 45 to 360 people, motorized rifle companies usually have a composition of about 130-150 people, tank companies 30-35 people

Let's consider how many people there are in military units:

  • How many people are in the department? Usually it includes 5-10 people. The squad leader acts as the commander. Most often, this position is a sergeant's, because the chest of drawers (short for the phrase “squad commander”) is most often a junior sergeant or sergeant.
  • How many people are in the platoon? Usually there are 3-6 branches. The average number of people is from 15 to 60. The head of the platoon is the platoon commander, and this position is an officer's. Thus, the maximum commander can be a captain, and the minimum can be a lieutenant.
  • How many people are in the company? Typically, a company has 45-360 people, that is, from 3 to 6 platoons. The company is headed by a commander. This position is a major one. In fact, a captain or senior lieutenant is most often appointed to command a company.

Note. In army circles, a company commander is called a company commander.

  • How many people are in the battalion? In addition to 3 or 4 companies, this unit may include a headquarters and individual specialists, such as snipers, a signalman, a gunsmith, etc. In some cases, the battalion may have its own mortar platoon, tank destroyers and air defense. As a rule, this unit includes up to 500 people. Minimal amount There are 145 soldiers in the battalion. This unit is commanded by the battalion commander, or battalion commander for short.

Lieutenant colonels initially became battalion commanders. However, today, subject to a shortage of personnel, the commander may be a captain or major, who in the near future will have the position of lieutenant colonel.


On average, the division has 5,000 - 22,000 personnel
  • How many people are in the regiment? The regiment unites from 3 to 6 battalions and can include up to 2,500 people, and sometimes more. In addition to ordinary soldiers, a regiment may have air defense, anti-tank tanks, regimental artillery and a headquarters. A colonel is appointed as the regiment commander. This position can also be held by a lieutenant colonel.
  • How many people are in the brigade? This unit combines several battalions, sometimes up to three regiments. The number of people in a brigade should not exceed 4000. The commander is a colonel, who is most often called a brigade commander.
  • How many people are in the division? Several regiments, including tank and artillery. Sometimes logistics and aviation services are added to their number. The division commander is a major general or colonel. These units can have different numbers of soldiers, ranging from 5,000 to 22,000 people.
  • How many people are in the building? The corps unites several divisions with total number soldiers up to 100,000 people. The major general acts as the corps commander.
  • How many people are in the army? This unit can contain up to 10 divisions of various types of troops, repair shops and rear units. The size of the army can vary significantly, reaching 1 million people. The commander of this unit is a lieutenant general or major general.
  • Front. In peacetime it is a military district. In this case call approximate quantity the soldier turns out to be quite difficult. The numbers vary depending on military doctrine, region, political environment, etc.

The front is a self-sufficient structure, which includes warehouses, reserves, training units, etc. The front can have its own military school. This unit is commanded by an army general or lieutenant general, who holds the position of front commander.

The composition of the front can vary significantly depending on what tasks were set and what the situation is in a particular region. Most often, the front includes the following units:

  • control;
  • 5 or 6 armies;
  • 1-2 missile armies;
  • tank army (possibly two);
  • air defense army;
  • air force;
  • separate formations, including special troops and troops of various types;
  • units, formations and operational logistics institutions.

To strengthen the front, units and formations of other types of armed forces can be used. It is possible to join this unit of the reserve of the Supreme High Command. In this case, the number of soldiers increases significantly.

Other Useful Tactical Terms


Squad, platoon, company, battalion - they are all united by one word “unit”

When we start talking about the number of people in military units, we should consider several terms that are also called military formations.

Rules regarding the creation of units in the armies of the Russian Federation may depend on the characteristics of a particular region. For example, if there is a special dangerous situation, the number of people in the squad can be increased. Also, if necessary, it is possible to add special forces to the unit, which are necessary to quickly resolve a particular situation.

In addition to the terms described above, there are others that are also used in the modern army and relate to this topic. Such knowledge will also be useful to a person interested in military terminology. Let's look at them in more detail:

  • Subdivision. This term refers to all military formations that are part of the unit. A company, platoon, battalion or squad are all units characterized by different composition. Thus, the military unit is divided into units.
  • Part. We are talking about the main unit of the Armed Forces. This term most often implies a brigade and a regiment. External signs unit is the presence of its own military economy, office work, bank account, telegraph and postal address, official seal, open and closed combined arms numbers, as well as the right of the commander to give orders in writing. Thus, the part is characterized by the presence of a certain autonomy.

Military and military units are not at all the same thing. For example, if we are talking about a military unit, then we're talking about about the general designation. But when the conversation turns to a specific brigade or regiment, it would be correct to use the term “military unit”. As a rule, after this her number is mentioned. For example, military unit 45678. You can also use the abbreviation - military unit 45678.

  • An association. This term refers to a unit that includes an army, corps, front, or army group. The headquarters of the association is the part to which the various formations and units are subordinate.
  • Compound. Only division is suitable for this term, since the word itself implies a connection of parts. The divisional headquarters has the status of a unit to which the regiments are subordinate. All this together is a division. But in some cases, the status of a unit can be assigned to a brigade, for example, if it includes separate companies and battalions, each of which is assigned the status of a unit.

All the grouping and specific concepts used in the modern military hierarchy of the ground forces were described above. The navy and aviation have their own military formations, different from those described above. However, the basic terms remain the same. Thus, there is nothing complicated here, and understanding the features army hierarchy Anyone can.

Designed to operate behind enemy lines, destroy nuclear attack weapons, command posts, capture and hold important areas and objects, disrupt the control system and operation of the enemy rear, assist Ground forces in the development of the offensive and crossing of water barriers. Equipped with air transportable self-propelled artillery, missile, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, armored personnel carriers, combat vehicles, automatic small arms, communication and control means. The existing parachute landing equipment makes it possible to drop troops and cargo in any weather and terrain conditions, day and night from various heights. Organizationally, the airborne troops consist of (Fig. 1) airborne formations, an airborne brigade, and military units of special forces.

Rice. 1. Structure of the Airborne Forces

The Airborne Forces are armed with airborne self-propelled units ASU-85; self-propelled artillery pieces"Sprut-SD"; 122 mm howitzers D-30; combat vehicles landing BMD-1/2/3/4; armored personnel carriers BTR-D.

Part of the Armed Forces Russian Federation may be part of a joint armed force (for example, the CIS Allied Forces) or be under a unified command in accordance with international treaties of the Russian Federation (for example, as part of a UN peacekeeping force or a collective CIS peacekeeping force in zones of local military conflicts).

Branch

The smallest military formation in - department. The squad is commanded by a junior sergeant or sergeant. Usually there are 9-13 people in a motorized rifle squad. In departments of other branches of the military, the number of personnel in the department ranges from 3 to 15 people. Typically, a squad is part of a platoon, but can exist outside of a platoon.

Platoon

Several branches make up platoon. Usually there are from 2 to 4 squads in a platoon, but more are possible. The platoon is headed by a commander with the rank of officer - junior lieutenant, lieutenant or senior lieutenant. On average, the number of platoon personnel ranges from 9 to 45 people. Usually in all branches of the military the name is the same - platoon. Usually a platoon is part of a company, but can exist independently.

Company

Several platoons make up company In addition, a company may also include several independent squads not included in any of the platoons. For example, a motorized rifle company has three motorized rifle platoons, a machine gun squad, and an anti-tank squad. Typically a company consists of 2-4 platoons, sometimes more platoons. A company is the smallest formation that has tactical significance, i.e. a formation capable of independently performing small tactical tasks on the battlefield. Company commander captain. On average, the size of a company can be from 18 to 200 people. Motorized rifle companies usually have about 130-150 people, tank companies 30-35 people. Usually a company is part of a battalion, but it is not uncommon for companies to exist as independent formations. In artillery, a formation of this type is called a battery; in cavalry, a squadron.

Battalion consists of several companies (usually 2-4) and several platoons that are not part of any of the companies. The battalion is one of the main tactical formations. A battalion, like a company, platoon, or squad, is named after its branch of service (tank, motorized rifle, engineer, communications). But the battalion already includes formations of other types of weapons. For example, in a motorized rifle battalion, in addition to motorized rifle companies, there is a mortar battery, a logistics platoon, and a communications platoon. Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel. The battalion already has its own headquarters. Usually, on average, a battalion, depending on the type of troops, can number from 250 to 950 people. However, there are battalions of about 100 people. In artillery, this type of formation is called a division.

Regiment

Regiment- This is the main tactical formation and a completely autonomous formation in the economic sense. The regiment is commanded by a colonel. Although regiments are named according to the types of troops (tank, motorized rifle, communications, pontoon-bridge, etc.), in fact this is a formation consisting of units of many types of troops, and the name is given according to the predominant type of troops. For example, in a motorized rifle regiment there are two or three motorized rifle battalions, one tank battalion, one artillery division (read battalion), one anti-aircraft missile division, a reconnaissance company, an engineering company, a communications company, an anti-tank battery, a chemical protection platoon , repair company, material support company, orchestra, medical center. The number of personnel in the regiment ranges from 900 to 2000 people.

Brigade

Just like the regiment, brigade is the main tactical formation. Actually, the brigade occupies an intermediate position between a regiment and a division. The structure of a brigade is most often the same as a regiment, but there are significantly more battalions and other units in a brigade. So in a motorized rifle brigade there are one and a half to two times more motorized rifle and tank battalions than in a regiment. A brigade can also consist of two regiments, plus battalions and auxiliary companies. On average, the brigade has from 2 to 8 thousand people. The brigade commander, as well as the regiment, is a colonel.

Division

Division- the main operational-tactical formation. Just like a regiment, it is named after the predominant branch of troops in it. However, the predominance of one or another type of troops is much less than in the regiment. A motorized rifle division and a tank division are identical in structure, with the only difference being that in a motorized rifle division there are two or three motorized rifle regiments and one tank, and in a tank division, on the contrary, there are two or three tank regiments and one motorized rifle. In addition to these main regiments, the division has one or two artillery regiments, one anti-aircraft missile regiment, a rocket battalion, a missile battalion, a helicopter squadron, an engineer battalion, a communications battalion, an automobile battalion, a reconnaissance battalion, an electronic warfare battalion, a logistics battalion, and a repair battalion. - a recovery battalion, a medical battalion, a chemical defense company and several different auxiliary companies and platoons. Divisions can be tank, motorized rifle, artillery, airborne, missile and aviation. In other branches of the military, as a rule, the highest formation is a regiment or brigade. On average, there are 12-24 thousand people in a division. Division commander, Major General.

Frame

Just as a brigade is an intermediate formation between a regiment and a division, so frame is an intermediate formation between the division and the army. The corps is a combined arms formation, that is, it usually lacks the characteristic of one type of force, although there may also be tank or artillery corps, that is, corps with a complete predominance of tank or artillery divisions in them. The combined arms corps is usually referred to as the "army corps". There is no single structure of buildings. Each time a corps is formed based on a specific military or military-political situation, and can consist of two or three divisions and various quantities formations of other military branches. Usually a corps is created where it is not practical to create an army. It is impossible to talk about the structure and strength of the corps, because as many corps exist or existed, so many of their structures existed. Corps commander, Lieutenant General.

Army

Army is a large military formation for operational purposes. The army includes divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. Armies are usually no longer divided by branch of service, although tank armies may exist where tank divisions predominate. An army may also include one or more corps. It is impossible to talk about the structure and size of the army, because as many armies exist or existed, so many of their structures existed. The soldier at the head of the army is no longer called “commander”, but “commander of the army.” Usually the regular rank of army commander is colonel general. In peacetime, armies are rarely organized as military formations. Usually divisions, regiments, and battalions are directly included in the district.

Front

Front (district)- This is the highest military formation of the strategic type. There are no larger formations. The name “front” is used only in wartime for a formation conducting combat operations. For such formations in peacetime, or located in the rear, the name “okrug” (military district) is used. The front includes several armies, corps, divisions, regiments, battalions of all types of troops. The composition and strength of the front may vary. Fronts are never subdivided by types of troops (i.e. there cannot be a tank front, an artillery front, etc.). At the head of the front (district) is the commander of the front (district) with the rank of army general.

The art of war in Russia, as throughout the world, is divided into three levels:

  • Tactics(the art of combat). A squad, platoon, company, battalion, regiment solve tactical problems, i.e., fight.
  • Operational art(the art of fighting, fighting). A division, a corps, an army solve operational problems, that is, they wage a battle.
  • Strategy(the art of waging war in general). The front solves both operational and strategic tasks, i.e. it leads major battles, as a result of which the strategic situation changes and the outcome of the war can be decided.