CHAPTER 2: Organization

VI. BATTALION

There are two basic types of mechanized infantry battalion: those equipped with tracked infantry vehicles (IFVs) and those equipped with wheeled armored personnel carriers (APCs). Tank battalions of divisional tank brigades have a standard 31-tank structure. In a divisional mechanized infantry brigade, the tank battalion may have the 31-tankstructure or a variant with 40 tanks. Tank battalions in separate mechanized infantry and tank brigades typically have a 51-tank structure, but 31- and 41-tank variants are possible. There is also a 44-tank variant that may occur in either divisional or separate mechanized infantry and tank brigades or as separate tank battalion in a motorized infantry division.

Mechanized Infantry Battalion (APC)

Some APC-equipped mechanized infantry battalions do not have a reconnaissance platoon.

Mechanized Infantry Battalion (IFV)

Many IFV-equipped mechanized infantry battalions do not have an ATGM platoon. Therefore, the battalion's equipment totals shown here do not include that platoon. The ATGM platoon is more likely to appear when the battalion is part of a separate brigade.

Tank Battalion (31-Tank Standard), MIBR and TBR

A motorized infantry battalion does not have organic transport assets to move its infantry companies and weapons company. Rather, it relies on the brigade-level motor transport battalion to provide trucks for movement over longer distances. Movement of all 3 infantry companies requires a total of 18 medium trucks. A weapons company requires 3 utility trucks and 12 light trucks. Some motorized infantry battalions may have a mortar battery with nine 82-mm mortars instead of a mortar platoon in the weapons company. In that case, there would probably be no 60-mm mortars in the infantry companies.

Infantry Battalion, Inf Bde (Sep, Div, and Militia) or MD

Some infantry battalions may have a mortar battery with nine 82-mm mortars instead of a mortar platoon in the weapons company. In that case, there would probably be no 60-mm mortars in the infantry companies.