There are a number of basic principles that apply to the organisation of all types of battalion in my army as follows:
1. Battalions having all soldiers horsed such as Cavalry and Horse Artillery are called regiments rather than battalions but the basic structures are identical.
2. Each battalion is autonomous and capable of independent operations and has vehicles and equipment accordingly.
3. Each battalion consists of operational companies and a headquarters company which includes platoons of all the necessary supporting services.
4. Battalions are commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel supported by a Battalion Sergeant Major with a Major as adjutant and second in command. The Major also commands the headquarters company.
5. The Lieutenant Colonel, Sergeant Major and Major are all members of the arm of service applicable to the battalion. The only exception is for Medical battalions where command is exercised by Staff officers.
6. Captains command companies/batteries with a Company Sergeant Major as assistant. Lieutenants command platoons. Sergeants are usually posted on the basis of one for every 12 or so privates. Corporals are posted on the basis of one for every six privates. The only exceptions are in specialist units like Medical, Workshop and Veterinary companies where the ratio of NCOs is usually higher.
7. Medical personnel are allocated on the basis of potential for casualties. Therefore non combat battalions have a smaller complement with a single doctor whereas Infantry battalions have two doctors and sufficient medics to staff both a battalion aid post and give each combat company a dedicated medic.
8. Quartermaster personnel are allocated on the basis of two privates for each wagon, limber or heavy trailer. Quartermaster personnel are responsible for vehicles, driving and welfare of horses, all classes of Battalion supplies with the NCOs doing the cooking on the field kitchen.
9. Staff troops are provided to give expert resource for battalion administration and are allocated on the basis of the potential amount of administrative work in each particular battalion type. For example Quartermaster and Medical battalions have significantly more Staff troops than Infantry or Artillery battalions.
10. Signals personnel are provided on the basis of potential communications needs. Non combat support battalions therefore tend to have a higher complement than combat units.
11. All battalions have field kitchens and water trailers and, other than Medical battalions, a medical supply trailer. Combat battalions also have light signals trailers. Non combat support battalions have signals wagons and/or heavy trailers reflecting the heavier communications demand.
12. All battalions have two standard bearers carrying a national flag and the unique battalion flag under the command of the battalion Sergeant Major who also commands the Staff platoon in combat battalions.
2. Each battalion is autonomous and capable of independent operations and has vehicles and equipment accordingly.
3. Each battalion consists of operational companies and a headquarters company which includes platoons of all the necessary supporting services.
4. Battalions are commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel supported by a Battalion Sergeant Major with a Major as adjutant and second in command. The Major also commands the headquarters company.
5. The Lieutenant Colonel, Sergeant Major and Major are all members of the arm of service applicable to the battalion. The only exception is for Medical battalions where command is exercised by Staff officers.
6. Captains command companies/batteries with a Company Sergeant Major as assistant. Lieutenants command platoons. Sergeants are usually posted on the basis of one for every 12 or so privates. Corporals are posted on the basis of one for every six privates. The only exceptions are in specialist units like Medical, Workshop and Veterinary companies where the ratio of NCOs is usually higher.
7. Medical personnel are allocated on the basis of potential for casualties. Therefore non combat battalions have a smaller complement with a single doctor whereas Infantry battalions have two doctors and sufficient medics to staff both a battalion aid post and give each combat company a dedicated medic.
8. Quartermaster personnel are allocated on the basis of two privates for each wagon, limber or heavy trailer. Quartermaster personnel are responsible for vehicles, driving and welfare of horses, all classes of Battalion supplies with the NCOs doing the cooking on the field kitchen.
9. Staff troops are provided to give expert resource for battalion administration and are allocated on the basis of the potential amount of administrative work in each particular battalion type. For example Quartermaster and Medical battalions have significantly more Staff troops than Infantry or Artillery battalions.
10. Signals personnel are provided on the basis of potential communications needs. Non combat support battalions therefore tend to have a higher complement than combat units.
11. All battalions have field kitchens and water trailers and, other than Medical battalions, a medical supply trailer. Combat battalions also have light signals trailers. Non combat support battalions have signals wagons and/or heavy trailers reflecting the heavier communications demand.
12. All battalions have two standard bearers carrying a national flag and the unique battalion flag under the command of the battalion Sergeant Major who also commands the Staff platoon in combat battalions.
Tony, as I was reading this I kept shaking my head yes, yes, etc. You have described the battalion structure of the US Army as I remember serving in it years ago. Right on.
ReplyDeleteHi Dale....You're quite right, my army is structured on the basis of the US army of the Vietnam period. Very pleased you approve. Regards.
DeleteThat was my era. Nice country Vietnam, too bad it was at war. I'll be following.
ReplyDeleteDale
My era too. I was actually living in the US in the early seventies and have always had an affection for the country ever since. Regards.
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