A squad usually has about _______ soldiers?

• A. 4-7
• B. 8-16
• C. 17-20
• D. 21-25

Answer: (B)

Squad is the basic infantry maneuver unit, built to move and fight as a cohesive team. A squad typically includes a squad leader and two to three fire teams, with the total number of soldiers varying by doctrine and nation. Because teams can be organized differently, the overall size tends to fall within a practical range around eight to sixteen soldiers. This keeps the unit small enough to control and quick, but large enough to deliver adequate firepower and sustainment on the move. Choices far smaller would describe a single fire team or two teams, while much larger numbers would push into platoon territory. Therefore, eight to sixteen soldiers best captures the common squad size.