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Troop




A troop is a Military Unit , originally a small force of Cavalry , subordinate to a Squadron and headed by the troop leader. Cavalry soldiers of Private Rank are called Troopers (abbreviated ''Tpr.'', not ''troupers''). Today, ''troop'' has different specific meanings in different armed forces.

Generally, soldiers may be referred to as troops.


BRITISH ARMY AND ROYAL MARINES


In the British Army the definition of a troop varies by Corps .

  • s commanded by a Subaltern , or the equivalent of a Platoon in headquarters elements. The troop commander commands one vehicle himself, the troop Sergeant a second, and the others are commanded by Corporal s.

  • s, and commanded by a Captain (who also commands one of the patrols himself, the troop sergeant commanding another).

  • in other artillery units.

  • .


Other corps do not use the term.

In the Royal Marines , a troop is the equivalent to an army platoon.


U.S. CAVALRY

In the United States Army , in the Cavalry branch, a troop is the equivalent unit to the Infantry company, commanded by a captain and consisting of 3 or 4 platoons, and subordinate to a Squadron ( Battalion ).


GENERAL MILITARY USAGE


The mass nouns troop or '''troops''' can also be used more generally:

  • To refer to all active duty military (e.g. ''Support our troops'', ''Bring the troops home'').

  • To refer to ground forces generally (e.g. ''combat troops'').


When referring to a specific service different words are used (singular or plural):

Note that within the British Armed Forces , these specific terms are often used only to refer to Non-commissioned personnel (an army officer may speak of "my soldiers", for instance).


SCOUTING


In the British Boy Scouts , the Boy Scouts Of America , and most other English-speaking Scouting organizations, a troop is an organized local group that meets regularly.