Battalion (United States Army)

A battalion is a military unit used by the United States Army since it was first formed. It has traditionally been commanded by a lieutenant colonel, assisted by a command sergeant major as the highest-ranking non-commissioned officer (NCO). With a dedicated headquarters unit and supporting military staff, the battalion is considered the smallest unit capable of independent operation due to its organic administrative and logistical capabilities.

Battalions are typically composed of between four and seven companies, with between 300 and 1,200 soldiers total. In the past, several battalions would be grouped together to form a regiment, but from the middle of the 20th century on they have instead been grouped into brigades or brigade combat teams. In recent years, the US Army has made use of battalion-sized task forces customized around specific missions.

An equivalent-sized unit of cavalry (including modern cavalry) is referred to as a squadron.