different between squadron vs platoon

English

Etymology

From Italian squadrone. See squad.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?skw?d.??n/

Noun

squadron (plural squadrons) (abbreviated to: sqn)

1. (obsolete) Primarily, a square; hence, a square body of troops; a body of troops drawn up in a square.
2. (military, historical, army) A body of cavalry comprising two companies or troops, averaging from one hundred and twenty to two hundred soldiers.
3. (military) A body of infantrymen made up of several platoons, averaging from eighty to one hundred and fifty men, and led by a captain or a major.
4. (military, navy) A detachment of vessels employed on any particular service or station, under the command of the senior officer

5. (military, air force) A tactical air force unit; consists of at least two flights; multiple squadrons make up a group or wing (depending on particular air force).
6. (US, military, U.S. Space Force) A spaceforce unit; multiple squadrons make up an operations delta or a support garrison.

Derived terms

• flying squadron
• squaddie / squaddy
• Squadron Leader, squadron leader

Related terms

• squad

Translations

English

Etymology

From obsolete French plauton, variant of peloton, from Middle French pelote + -on. Doublet of peloton .Compare pellet.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /pl??tu?n/

Noun

platoon (plural platoons)

1. (military) A unit of thirty to forty soldiers typically commanded by a lieutenant and forming part of a company.
2. A group of self-driving vehicles travelling in a close convoy and communicating electronically with each other.

Translations

Verb

platoon (third-person singular simple present platoons, present participle platooning, simple past and past participle platooned)

1. (baseball) To alternate starts with a teammate of opposite handedness, depending on the handedness of the opposing pitcher

   Taylor has been hitting poorly against left-handers, and Morgan has been hitting poorly against right-handers, so they will platoon.

2. Of self-driving vehicles: to travel in a close convoy, each vehicle communicating electronically with the others.

See also

• platoon system