How many soldiers in a platoon?

• A. 30-50 (2-3 squads)
• B. 10-20
• C. 60-90
• D. 20-30

Answer: (A)

A platoon is built from multiple squads, with a small command element overseeing them. In typical infantry organization, a platoon contains 2 to 3 squads plus the platoon headquarters (leader, sergeant, and support personnel). Since a rifle squad is usually about 9–12 soldiers, two to three squads plus the command staff puts the total roughly in the 30–50 range. That’s why the match fits best: it reflects the standard structure of having several squads under a platoon with the extra personnel that run the unit.

The other numbers don’t fit as well. 10–20 would be just a single squad or a small team, not a full platoon. 60–90 would be more like a company, which contains multiple platoons and additional support. 20–30 is closer to one to two squads rather than the full platoon, and doesn’t capture the typical command and support elements that accompany the squads.