|
We are new to the 76th IBCT, what is a
Brigade Combat Team?
Answer:
This
is an important question because those of us
who have not served in the military can feel
overwhelmed trying to understand the Army's
structure. The basic building block of the
Army is the individual soldier. As soldiers
are grouped together each larger grouping is
considered an 'element'. Missions are
executed, or carried out, by different sized
elements within the Army. The following
provides a general framework for
understanding how elements are organized. As
several of each element joins together, they
form the next larger element. For example,
two to four squads would make a platoon. The
exact size of each element can depend on the
specific function and the role of the unit.
The descriptions below are derived from the
unclassified Army Pamphlet 'Organization of
the United States Army'.
Team
(2-4 soldiers). This is the smallest
element in the Army's organizational
structure. The team leader is typically
a non-commissioned office (usually a
Sergeant). Teams make up squads.
Squad/Section (4-10 soldiers).
Two teams make up a squad. The leader is
a non-commissioned officer (usually a
Sergeant or a Staff Sergeant). Squads
make up platoons.
Platoon (16-44 soldiers). A
platoon consists of two to four
squads/sections. The leader is usually a
Lieutenant. A Staff Sergeant or Sergeant
First Class is second in command.
Through the coordination of squads more
than one task can be completed at one
time. Platoons make up companies
Company (62-190 soldiers). Three
to five platoons and a headquarters
section form a company which is normally
commanded by a Captain. A First Sergeant
is the company commander's principal
non-commissioned assistant. A company
may control additional combat and combat
support elements. A company is a
cohesive component that can perform
specific functions on its own, in simple
terms they are the basic,
fully-contained fighting force of the
Army. The company is the basic tactical
element of the battalion.
Battalion (300-1000 soldiers). A
battalion is composed of four to six
companies and is normally commanded by a
Lieutenant Colonel. The Command Sergeant
Major is the battalion commander's
principal non-commissioned assistant and
the commander has a headquarters element
to oversee mission, training, logistics
and administration. A battalion is
tactically and administratively
self-sufficient and capable of
independent operations of limited
duration and scope. Battalions make up
brigades.
Brigade (3000-5000 soldiers). A
brigade headquarters commands the
tactical operations of two to five
battalions. A brigade is normally
commanded by a Colonel. The Command
Sergeant Major is the senior,
non-commissioned officer.
As the world
has changed, there have been modifications
to how units are organized, particularly
with the brigade structure. The Army has
moved toward a modular force in which units
of roughly the same size can be assembled,
like building blocks, to create very large
fighting forces. These building blocks are
today called Brigade Combat Teams (BCT). The
76th Infantry Brigade is formally known as
the 76th IBCT. Brigade Combat Teams are
roughly the size of Brigades and are
commanded by a Colonel. COL Courtney
(Corey) Carr is the 76 IBCT Commander.
Recently Asked Questions
December -
What is being done to address deployment
needs of Guard families?
November -
What behavior can teachers expect from
my school aged children?
October -
What is proper etiquette at military
events?
September -
How
I am going to juggle my obligations
during a long deployment?
August -
How will the
deployment impact financial aid for
school?
July -
What
is the difference between a battalion
and a brigade?
June -
Are there specific resources to help
parents of deploying soldiers?
May -
Are there deployment resources for
infants & toddlers?
April -
What are the
dental programs available for National
Guard Families?
March
-
How can I get a
military ID card?
|
