squads

A squad is a small, cohesive unit within a larger organization, designed to perform specific tasks with a degree of autonomy. In many military forces, a squad consists of roughly eight to fourteen soldiers and is subdivided into two or more fireteams. A squad is typically led by a non-commissioned officer, usually a sergeant, with a second-in-command or fireteam leaders providing subunit command. Exact size and structure vary by country and service, but the squad sits between the fireteam and the platoon in the organizational hierarchy.

In combat units, squads are organized to provide combined arms capability and flexibility for movement, reconnaissance, and firepower distribution. A squad often includes a rifle group and subordinate fireteams, with team members carrying individual weapons and operating under the squad leader’s coordination. This arrangement supports rapid reconfiguration and mutual support during operations.

Outside the military, the term is used by police and security organizations. A squad may refer to a unit of officers or detectives assigned to a specific function, such as patrol, traffic enforcement, or investigative tasks, and is typically commanded by a sergeant or lieutenant. The concept similarly appears in other paramilitary or specialized services that emphasize small, mission-focused teams.

In sports, the term squad denotes the group of players eligible for selection for a competition. It encompasses both the active players and reserves, and selections for a match are drawn from the squad rather than a single starting lineup. In this sense, the squad represents the pool from which teams are formed.

The word derives from the French escouade, historically used to describe a small unit prepared for a particular task.