A battalion is a military unit typically consisting of 300 to 1,000 soldiers. It is usually made up of several companies, which are smaller groups of soldiers. Battalions are often part of larger formations, such as brigades or regiments, and can be specialized for various roles, including infantry, artillery, or armored units. In the structure of an army, a battalion is commanded by a lieutenant colonel. Each battalion may have its own support units, such as medical or logistics teams, to assist in operations. The organization and size of a battalion can vary depending on the country and military branch, such as the U.S. Army or NATO.