Division (military)

Division (military), in the U.S. Army, a unit consisting of from 13,000 to 16,000 troops commanded by a major general. It includes the division base, the support command that provides supplies, and nine maneuver or combat battalions supported by six artillery battalions. Attached to the division base are reconnaissance forces; combat engineer, signal, and aviation battalions; and a company of military police. A division can be organized into two or more brigades to meet the demands of a special maneuver or situation. Airborne, armored, infantry, air mobile, and mechanized divisions are organized for special missions. A corps, commanded by a lieutenant general, usually comprises three divisions; three or more corps form an army under the command of a general. In the U.S. Marine Corps, divisions comprise as many as 20,000 troops and are divided into landing teams, each with the power of independent action.