However the rank of the officer may range from warrant officer (W-1) to captain (O-3), or even major (O-4), in rare cases. A platoon is typically the smallest/lowest echelon military unit led by a commissioned officer-the platoon leader or platoon commander, usually a lieutenant (O-1/2). Platoons are normally organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. In US military organization, the platoon can contain from as few as 9 (e.g., Communications Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Infantry Battalion) to over 100 members (e.g., Maintenance Platoon, HHC, Infantry Battalion]. Standard NATO military map symbol for a friendly infantry platoon.Ī platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads depending on the nationality, branch of service, and mission type.
