Squad (land forces)

A squad is the basic unit for infantry military tactics, composed of 7-13 infantrymen or other combat specialists, and subdivided into two or more fire teams. Infantry squads are pure fighting units, with no dedicated supply or maintenance resources. Usually, they are led by a non-commissioned officer, typically a mid-level sergeant.

Squads combine into platoons, which are the first level normally commanded by an officer. Some armies have an intermediate level of section between platoon and squad.

The basic infantry squad is also called a rifle squad, as most of its members are armed with an assault rifle. The squad usually has one to three light machine guns, and may also have grenade launchers and lightweight anti-tank weapons. Soldiers usually carry hand-thrown grenades.

A squad tactical radio is for the squad leader's use; modern militaries may have a intra-squad radio for each soldier.

There are other kinds of squads, still principally front-line combat units, such as combat engineers.