- Image via Wikipedia
People normally see the military as a very strict, disciplined and meticulous organization. No other institution is more particular with structure and chain of command than the military. Conservatively run companies and other paramilitary organizations pattern their hierarchy and structure to that of the military in hopes of mimicking the rigid discipline and unquestionable authority the military officers wield over their personnel.
When visualized, the military structure similarly follows the human body composed of cells that form tissues, tissues that form organs and organs that form systems. In the case of the military, it is composed of individuals forming sub-units and formations.
The Australian War Memorial (www.awm.gov.au) shows the basic structure of the Army. There are four sub-units namely, the section, platoon, company and battalion. The section is made up of about 9-16 members and headed by the Corporal or Sergeant. Three sections compose the platoon, which the Lieutenant leads. Three or four platoons make up the Company, which the Captain or Major leads. Four companies make up the battalion headed by the Lieutenant Colonel.
There are also four formations: the brigade, division, corps and army. Three to four battalions make up the brigade, which the Brigadier (General) leads. Consequently, three brigades make up the Division, which the Major General leads. Two or more divisions compose the Corps, which the Lieutenant General leads. Lastly, two or more Corps makes the Army, headed by the General.
The military also has different divisions made for specific tasks. This would generally include the Navy, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard and Health Services.
Army structure varies for each country and time. One of the most intriguing military organizations is that of the Germans during the Second World War. HyperWar, A Hypertext History of the Second World War (http://ibiblio.org/hyperwar), provides a detailed description of the military structures and tactics of participating nations during World War II including Germany.
