Regiment

A regiment is a military unit, larger than a company and smaller than a division. Depending on mission, country of origin, and makeup, a modern regiment is similar to a brigade in size in that both range from a few hundred soldiers up to 2,000-3,000, depending on branch of service and method of organization. The modern unit varies in size, scope, administrative role from nation to nation, and within the armed forces of some nations.

Related Topics:
Military unit - Company - Division - Brigade

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The term came into use in Europe around the end of the 16th century, when armies evolved from a collection of retinues following knights to a more formally organized structure.

Related Topics:
Europe - 16th century - Retinue - Knight

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The number of soldiers in a regiment fluctuates, generally depending on casualties and the manpower of the associated army. At its creation, for example, the typical Civil War-era American infantry regiment numbered around 1000 men, organized in 10 Companies of 100 men each. Infantry Companies were identified by letters "A" through "K", excluding "J". Cavalry and heavy artillery regiments were authorized 12 Companies for as many as 1,200 troops per Regiment. Few units ever fielded that many men in combat, however, due to all manner of attrition. Veteran Federal regiments commonly experienced a steady decline in strength as the federal (unlike the Confederate) practice was to organize new regiments rather than rebuild old units. At Gettysburg (July 1863) the average Federal Regiment had 375 men, Confederates somewhat fewer. By the end of the war (April 1865), Confederate regiments sometimes had less than 100 troops (barely company-sized).(Boatner, 1987, pg. 612; also quoted online)

Related Topics:
Soldier - Army - Civil War - American - Confederate - Company

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

During the post-Civil War years, American regiments rarely served as intact units. The practice was to scatter companies throughout western posts and forts. Company strength for a 10 company infantry regiment or a 12 company (troop after 1882) cavalry regiment hovered around 50 men, well below authorized levels.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~