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Jim
Lv 7
Jim asked in Politics & GovernmentMilitary · 5 years ago

Is there a difference in the generic name of military formations in your language based on size?

Update:

Brits has a Waffen SS formation, much smaller than a regiment called "The British Free Corps," and the Finns had a battalion-sized unit. Finnisches Freiwilligen-Bataillon der Waffen-SS. These are frequently omitted in listings of "units" which are technically larger. My "answer" below was intended to be included with the question. Clumsy me.

2 Answers

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  • 5 years ago

    Unit names can be based on size, but, also on what they are.

    E.g., the Army has platoons, and companies. But, armoured troops have troops, and squadrons for the same sized units.

    Canada has brigades, and the "brigade group," which is bigger than a brigade, but, smaller than a division. It is like a very capable brigade. We also call battalions a regiment sometimes, especially in reserve units.

    Of course, the different services have different names. E.g., the platoon/troop, and company/squadron sized units are called flights, and squadrons in the Air Force. A battalion sized unit is a Group. The navy has "divisions" which can vary in size.

    And, different armies have different words even though they speak the same language. A group smaller than a platoon might be a "squad" in the USA, but, a "section" in Canada. Smaller still might be a "detachment," which can also be used for a much larger unit separated from it's main home. E.g., when I was in the 1st Canadian Signal Regiment, a "det" was a 2, or 3 man team. That would be called a fire team in some places.

  • Jim
    Lv 7
    5 years ago

    Russian, for instance has a different word for formations of regimental/brigade size or larger, and smaller formations (Часть, Подрасделение) and the US changes the numbering system at that point as well, with brigades and regiments having their own numbers and smaller formations deriving theirs from larger formations. I think they could all be referred to as units. I'm particularly interested in German WWII units differently named in the SS and Heer, and I wanted to use the correct terms. I'm not asking about specific formation names, just the overall wording based on unit size. Any answer is welcome. I would be particularly grateful if you would mention if you served in any of the national armed forces mentioned.

    I'm interested in nuances with the language of formations similar to the as a British brigadier not referred to as a generals and major generals in some armies being the equivalent of US brigadier generals.

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