Unit

A unit is the basic organizational building block of the Army. A unit is generally identified with a single regimental or branch identity (though individual tradesmen of other branches are almost always present). A unit generally consists of 500 to 1000 soldiers commanded by a field grade officer (called a Commanding Officer or "CO"). Subunits are generally led by an Officer Commanding (or "OC").

Armour

A unit of armour is a Regiment, and is composed of subunits called Squadrons. Each armoured regiment identifies with the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps.

Armoured regiments are identified by historic titles, dating back to Canada's cavalry regiments before the Second World wAr. Independent subunits do not exist currently.

Artillery

A unit of artillery is called a Regiment, and is composed of subunits called Batteries. Each artillery regiment identifies with the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery.

Units are generally identified by a number, though some also have historic titles in parentheses.

Independent subunits also exist (batteries not belonging to a specific regiment).

Engineers

A unit of Engineers is called a Regiment, and is composed of subunits called Squadrons. Each Engineer regiment identifies with the Canadian Military Engineers.

Units are generally identified by a number; independent subunits also exist (squadrons not assigned to a specific regiment).

Medical

A medical unit is called a Field Ambulance. Each medical unit identifies with the Canadian Forces Health Services.

Medical units are identified by a number. Independent subunits are referred to as Detachments.

Infantry

A unit of infantry is a Battalion, and is composed of subunits called Companies. Each infantry battalion identifies first with its regiment, and secondly with the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps.

Infantry regiments are a unique case in that each battalion of the regiment is a seperate unit. They are distinguished by a number prefix, and then by their historic title, for example - 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry for example, or 1 PPCLI in short form.

Independent subunits do not exist in the current Army structure.

Service

Service units are called Service Battalions, and are not directly identified with a single branch or corps, employing subunits identified with both the Logistics Branch and the EME Branch.

Service Battalions are designated by number, coupled with a geographic location, for example 14 (Calgary) Service Battalion.

Bands

Some military bands identify with the Band Branch, while others identify with a specific regiment of artillery, armour, engineers or infantry. The CF treats these bands as separate units.

Unit Identification

Aside from a distinct name, every unit in the CF has its own numbered code which is used in official correspondence. As well, each unit has an official short title (abbreviation), most often seen on combat clothing but also used in correspondence.

For example, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) is abbreviated as LdSH (RC).