A battalion, in many armies, is a unit consisting of between 500
and 1500 men. A battalion is typically organised into companies,
and is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel. In some countries, the
term battalion is used only for infantry units, while others
also use it for tank and cavalry units. Several battalions may
be organised into a regiment or a brigade. In the British Army,
the various infantry regiments are presently organised into 36
battalions. The Royal Logistics Corps, Royal Army Medical Corps
and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) are also
organised into battalions. A battalion is always commanded by a
Lieutenant Colonel, with a Major as second-in-command (2IC). It
is normally subdivided into five companies; HQ (Headquarters)
company, a manouevre support company (which provides fire
support using mortars, machine guns, snipers, etc.), and three
rifle companies. Each company is commanded by a Major.