BATTALION (Fr. bataillon for derivation, see BATTLE ) . INFANTRY. A separate body of men with a distinct organization, and generally the unit of command in the organization or manmu vring of an army. Originally the battalion was supposed to comprise the largest number of men, who, when drawn up in battle order, could hear the word of command or trumpet-eall. The modern battle formation, and consequent army organization, is a direct result of the improved firearms with which modern infantry is equipped, the principle now underlying the strength of the battalion as a unit of command being generally the largest number of men capable of effective control as a unit in action. Modern expert mili tary opinion, based on the experience of recent wars, would seem to indicate the necessity of still further reducing the strength of the unit of command in 'attack' formation, a single com pany, when extended for 'attack,' covering over half a mile of ground. This, together with the fact that the present complement of officers is not enough to insure complete control, is a difficulty which increases with the battalion, and correspondingly with the strength of the battalion. It also is reflected in the difficulty of obtaining a rapid ammunition supply along the firing-line, and renders more arduous the task of the hospital corps and stretcher-bearers. The
reader is referred to the infantry drill regula tions of the various armies, and also to such reports as have been made public of the foreign military attaches serving with the belligerents in Cuba (1S9S) and South Africa (18991902).
In the United States Regular Army there are three battalions to a regiment, each, when pos sible, commanded by a major. The following in stances show the battalion strength in the armies of the greater European Powers: England.—Battalion consists of S or 10 com panies, corresponding in strength to the United States regiment.
F•anee.—Battalion consists of 4 companies; 3 battalions to a regiment.
Germany.—Battalion consists of 544 men, raised in war to 1002, and divided into 4 com panies. There are 3 battalions in a regiment.
Russia.—The battalion consists of 4 compa nies: the regiment of 4 battalions, or 17 compa nies in all.
/ta/y.—Four companies to a battalion; 3 battalions to a regiment.
The name battalion is also given to engineers and various departmental corps, consisting of two or more companies. See Army ORGANIZA TION, and TACTICS, MILITARY; also INFANTRY.