Battalions

A battalion is a military unit, typically consisting of up to 1,000 soldiers, commanded by a lieutenant colonel and subdivided into several companies, each typically commanded by a major or a captain. The typical battalion is built from three operational companies, one weapons company and one headquarters company. In some countries battalions consist exclusively of infantry, while in others battalions are unit-level organizations. The word battalion has its origins in the Late Latin word battalion, which derives from Late Latin battālia, meaning "battle" or "combat" The English-language term originally characterised a large group of soldiers ready for battle. Over time, its meaning evolved in military terminology.