What Is Section (military unit)?
A section is a small military group of soldiers who work closely together. It is usually part of a bigger unit, such as a platoon or company. A section is often led by a junior leader, like a corporal or sergeant, and is used for tasks that need a small, flexible team.
Definition
A section is a basic group of soldiers in many armies. It is larger than a fire team in some forces, and smaller than a platoon. In many countries a section has about 8 to 12 soldiers, but the exact number can change from one army to another.
The main jobs of a section are:
- Move as a team on the battlefield
- Use weapons together to support each other
- Carry out orders from platoon and company leaders
- Protect and help each member of the group
History / Origin
The idea of dividing soldiers into small groups is very old. Ancient and medieval armies already used small groups so leaders could control their men more easily.
The word “section” became common in modern armies when weapons became more powerful and battles spread over wider areas. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, armies needed small groups that could move fast, hide better, and use new weapons like machine guns.
By the time of the First World War and Second World War, many countries used sections as the main fighting groups inside a platoon. These sections were often built around key weapons, such as a light machine gun, with the rest of the soldiers helping to protect and supply that weapon.
Symbol & Abbreviation
The way a section is shown on maps and documents can differ between countries, but some common ideas are:
- Abbreviation: Often written as “Sec” or sometimes “Sect” in plans and orders.
- Map symbols: In NATO style military maps, a small unit like a section can be shown with a basic symbol for its type (for example, a cross for infantry) with extra marks to show size. The exact symbol is set by each army.
- Unit number or name: Sections may be named or numbered, such as “1 Section” or “Alpha Section” inside a platoon.
These symbols and short forms help officers and soldiers quickly see where each section is and what it should do.
Current Use Around the World
Today, many countries still use sections as key fighting groups, but the size and name can change.
- British and Commonwealth armies: A section is usually about 8 soldiers led by a corporal. Several sections form a platoon.
- Some European armies: A section can be close in size to what others might call a squad. It often has 8 to 12 soldiers, with one or two light machine guns.
- United States: The word “squad” is used more often for this level. The US squad is similar in role to a section in other armies, and squads are built from fire teams.
- Other forces: Many armies and police or security forces use the word “section” for a small team under one leader, even if the exact number of people is different.
Modern sections are trained to move in different formations, use radios, support vehicles, and work with other sections as part of a larger plan.
Example Conversions
The size of a section is not the same everywhere, but these simple examples show how a section fits into bigger units in many armies:
- 1 section is usually about 8 to 12 soldiers.
- About 3 sections make 1 platoon, often 25 to 40 soldiers in total.
- About 3 or 4 platoons make 1 company, often 100 to 150 soldiers.
Example structures in a typical infantry unit:
- 1 infantry section, 8 soldiers, led by a corporal, includes a light machine gun team and riflemen.
- 3 infantry sections, about 24 soldiers, plus a small command group, form 1 infantry platoon.
- 3 infantry platoons, plus a small headquarters and support, form 1 infantry company.
These numbers are only examples. Real numbers can change by country, unit type, and mission.
Related Units
Units that are closely related to or often compared with a section include:
- Fire team: A smaller group, often 3 or 4 soldiers, that may join with another fire team to form a section or squad.
- Squad: In some armies this is the same level as a section, a small group of about 8 to 12 soldiers.
- Platoon: A larger unit made from several sections or squads, often led by a lieutenant.
- Company: A still larger unit that includes several platoons.
- Detachment: A small group taken from a larger unit for a special task, sometimes similar in size to a section.
FAQs
How many soldiers are in a section?
In many armies a section has about 8 to 12 soldiers. Some use 8 as the standard, others use 9 or 10. The exact size depends on the country and unit type.
Who commands a section?
A section is usually led by a junior non commissioned officer, often a corporal or sergeant. This leader is responsible for training, discipline, and leading the section in battle.
Is a section the same as a squad?
In some countries yes, in others no. In British and some Commonwealth forces, “section” is the normal word. In the United States and some other countries, “squad” is used for a similar sized unit. The job is much the same, even if the name and exact size are different.
What does a section do in combat?
A section moves, shoots, and communicates as a team. It may attack, defend a position, patrol an area, or support other units. The section leader uses the skills and weapons of the group to complete the mission while trying to keep everyone safe.
Why are sections important in the army?
Sections are small enough to move fast and hide well, but large enough to bring useful firepower. They are the basic building blocks of bigger units, and most fighting on the ground is done by sections working together.
Do all branches use sections?
Sections are most common in ground forces like the army or marines. Other branches, such as air force or navy, may also use the word “section” for small work groups, but the size and role can be different from an infantry section.