bataljon

A battalion is a military unit typically composed of 300 to 1,000 soldiers and commanded by a lieutenant colonel or, in some forces, a colonel. It is usually part of a regiment or brigade and represents a basic maneuver element capable of conducting independent operations for a limited period under higher command.

Size and composition vary by country and service. In infantry, a battalion typically consists of three to five rifle companies plus a headquarters and a support company. Armored, mechanized infantry, or artillery battalions reorganize around different subunits, such as tank or howitzer batteries, and include specialized support elements like engineers, reconnaissance, and logistics to sustain operations at battalion level.

Role and operations. A battalion is the primary tactical unit capable of independent action on the battlefield for a defined duration. It conducts offensive and defensive missions, reconnaissance, security tasks, and maneuver in coordination with other units within a brigade or larger formation. The battalion commander, usually a lieutenant colonel, exercises command through a dedicated headquarters and staff.

Origins and terminology. The term battalion derives from the French bataille and historically emerged in European armies during the early modern period as a subdivision within a regiment. The word has been adapted into many languages with forms such as bataljon, batalion, or batalyón, reflecting regional spelling. Today, the battalion remains a standard unit of organization across multiple branches, including infantry, armor, artillery, and engineers.