A battalion is a military unit. The term is used in different contexts depending on the branch of service, but generally refers to a tactical unit composed of two to six companies or batteries, and typically commanded by a lieutenant colonel. It is larger than a company and smaller than a regiment or brigade.
Battalions usually number between 300 and 1,000 soldiers, though this can vary significantly. They are typically capable of independent operations for a limited duration. The battalion commander is responsible for the unit's training, discipline, and administration, as well as its tactical employment in combat.
The term "battalion" can also refer to a unit composed of specialist troops, such as an engineer battalion, a signal battalion, or a medical battalion. In these cases, the battalion provides specialized support to a larger formation. The specific organization and composition of a battalion depend on the doctrine of the armed forces involved and the specific mission assigned. The term is used across many modern military forces worldwide.
