Although the use of the term "battalion" varies depending on what country and what branch of service is being referred to, a typical battalion in the U.S. Army has anywhere from 300 to 1,000 individual soldiers. The number depends on the scope of the mission.
The battalion is comprised of four to six companies and is most often commanded by a lieutenant colonel. This unit of military organization is often described as the smallest one capable of operating on its own volition. When referring to a cavalry or armored unit, this same level of organization is referred to as a squadron.
