Military Organization & Rank Vocabulary

a military unit of 300-1000 soldiers

“The battalion advanced at dawn.”

Origin: Italian battaglione, from battaglia `battle`

a military unit typically consisting of battalions

“The regiment had a distinguished history.”

Origin: French régiment, from Latin regere `to rule`

a military unit of several regiments or battalions

“The brigade commander ordered the assault.”

Origin: Italian brigata `troop`, from brigare `to fight`

a large military unit of 10,000-20,000 soldiers

“The armored division broke through.”

Origin: Latin divisio `a dividing`

a military unit of two or more divisions

“The corps coordinated the offensive.”

Origin: French corps `body`, from Latin corpus

troops stationed in a fortress or town

“The garrison held out for months.”

Origin: Old French garison `defense`

a core group forming the nucleus of a larger organization

“The cadre trained new recruits.”

Origin: French cadre `frame`, from Italian quadro `square`

a military officer assisting a commander

“The adjutant handled administrative duties.”

Origin: Latin adjutare `to help`

a specialist on an ambassador's staff

“The military attaché reported on capabilities.”

Origin: French attaché `attached`

a personal assistant to a senior military officer

“The general's aide-de-camp managed his schedule.”

Origin: French `camp assistant`