ADP 3-90, page 36

Chapter 2 2-18 ADP 3-90 31 July 2019 FIRE TEAMS 2-85. A fire team is a small military unit typically containing four or fewer Soldiers. A fire team is usually grouped by two or three teams into a squad or section. The concept of the fire team is based on the need for tactical flexibility. A fire team is capable of autonomous operations as part of its next larger unit, such as a squad or section. It is usually led by a sergeant. CREWS 2-86. A crew is a small military unit that consists of all personnel operating a particular system. This system might be a weapons system (such as a mortar or a machinegun). The system might also be a vehicle (such as a tank) or a sensor system (such as a target acquisition radar). Based on the system, the rank of the senior crewmember can vary widely from a junior noncommissioned officer to a commissioned or warrant officer. SQUADS 2-87. A squad is a small military unit typically containing two or more fire teams. It typically contains a dozen Soldiers or less. In some cases, the crew of a system may also be designated as a squad. Squads are usually led by a staff sergeant. SECTIONS 2-88. A section is a tactical unit of the Army and Marine Corps smaller than a platoon and larger than a squad. A section may consist of the crews of two or more Army systems, such as a tank section or several fire teams. PLATOONS 2-89. A platoon is a subdivision of a company or troop consisting of two or more squads or sections. A platoon is normally led by a lieutenant. Platoons tend to contain roughly 30 Soldiers, but in some cases they contain significantly more or less than that number depending upon the type of formation. COMPANIES, BATTERIES, TROOPS, AND DETACHMENTS 2-90. Companies, batteries, troops, and detachments are higher echelons than platoons. A company is a unit consisting of two or more platoons, usually of the same type, with a headquarters and a limited capacity for self-support. A troop is a company-size unit in a cavalry organization. A battery is a company-size unit in a field artillery or air defense artillery battalion. A company normally consists of more than 75 Soldiers. Some aviation and armor companies are exceptions to this rule. Companies and air defense and field artillery batteries are the basic elements of battalions. Companies, batteries, and troops may also be assigned as separate units to brigades and larger organizations. Some companies, such as special forces companies, have subordinate detachments instead of platoons, which are organized and trained to operate independently for extended periods. A detachment is a tactical element organized on either a temporary or permanent basis for special duties. 2-91. Company-size combat units can fight together or as subordinate platoons. Cavalry troops frequently operate with their platoons in separate areas. In combined arms battalions, companies either fight as organic units, or they are task-organized. A company team is a combined arms organization formed by attaching one or more nonorganic armor, mechanized infantry, Stryker, or infantry platoons to an armor, mechanized infantry, Stryker, or infantry company, either in exchange for, or in addition to, its organic platoons. These company teams can include other supporting squads or platoons, such as engineers. Company teams are task-organized for specific missions. Company teams can match capabilities to missions with greater precision than units using only organic platoons. However, the attachment of different units at the company level demands thorough training to achieve the maximum complementary effects. Whenever possible, platoons and detachments train together before their commitment to actual operations.