Home » Archives » "Stryker Brigade 101"

Stryker Brigade 101

Oct- 2-2004 » Filed Under: 1/25 SBCT , 172nd SBCT , 2/25 SBCT , 3/2 SBCT , General Military

The following information was provided by one of our contributors, Ranger Joe, as a brief explanation of the various units within the Stryker Brigade, and the structure of the Army in general. If you have comments, corrections or additions, please feel free to let us know.

Clarification 08/15/05: This explanation has not been updated to reflect the structure of the 172nd SBCT. The basic structure remains the same for all Stryker Brigades, however.

*****

Say your Stryker soldier’s address looks like “C Co, 1/23 SBCT”, or “B- 2/3 Inf, 3-2 SBCT”. What does that all mean?

The Army has many types of units to which a soldier may belong. Although these may have different names depending on the Branch (e.g., Infantry vs. Aviation), the concept is the same. Small units belong to larger ones… all the way up the chain. Also, unit designations are often abbreviated – which makes understanding them all the more challenging.

Think of this analogy: You live in a duplex with 4 others in your half, and another family in the other half of the building, on a street with 10 other homes, in a neighborhood with 200 homes, in a town with 2,000 homes, in county with 10,000 homes, in a state with…. Well, you get the picture.

Depending on the level of detail you wanted/needed to convey, you could say you lived in:
•Georgia, or
•Jones County, or
•Jonesville, or
•Lake Side Plantation, or
•Pond Street, or
•123B Pond Street, Lake Side Plantation, Jonesville, Jones County, Georgia, USA, North America.

Each example is correct to describe where you live…just the starting point (thus level of detail) varied.

In military terminology, a soldier’s unit is always described from the smallest to the largest…just that the starting point (squad, platoon, company, etc.) is optional. For example, the mailing address starts with Company, then Battalion / Regiment, Brigade, and Division. (ex B Co. 2/3 Inf 3-2 SBCT)

In the Infantry, the smallest unit is typically a Fire-Team, one half of a squad. Fire-teams are usually labeled Alpha and Bravo team. Typically, a Sergeant (SGT) or Corporal (CPL) is the fire-team leader.

The next unit up is a Squad (Sqd), 2 fire-teams. In the Strykers, one whole Infantry squad travels in a single vehicle, along with the crew (driver and vehicle commander). A squad is usually 8~10 men and typically lead by a Staff Sergeant (SSG) who is the Squad Leader. Squads are numbered (1, 2, 3, etc.)

The next larger unit is a Platoon (Plt). Typically 3 or 4 squads make up a platoon. The platoon is lead by a 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) or 1st Lieutenant (1LT) as Platoon Leader and a Platoon Sergeant, typically a Sergeant First Class (SFC). Platoons are numbered 1 thru x.

The next unit up is a Company (Co), typically having 3 or 4 platoons. Usually a Captain (CPT) or senior 1LT is the Company Commander, with a 1LT or 2LT as the Executive Officer (XO) (#2 in command) and a First Sergeant (1SG) as the senior NCO. Companies are usually given letter labels (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, etc.) – but not always.

The next parent unit is a Battalion (Bn), typically having 3~5 companies. Battalions are usually commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) with a Major (MAJ) as the XO. A Sergeant Major (SGM) is usually the senior NCO. Battalions are numbered, 1 thru x.

The next larger unit is often a Regiment (Reg), made up of 2 or more battalions. Sometimes, a regiment is a “place holder” designation… not a functional deployable unit. Regiments have number labels (e.g., 75th Inf Reg, 3rd Inf Reg, etc.)

The next parent unit is a Brigade (Bde), typically with 3 to 6 battalions. A brigade is deployable unit, often with 4,000+ soldiers, commanded by a Colonel (COL) with a Command Sergeant Major (CSM) as the senior NCO. Brigades have number labels (e.g., 3rd Bde)

The next larger unit is a Division (Div or D), typically having 3 brigades, and commanded by a Major General (2-stars). Divisions have number labels (e.g., 2nd Infantry Division or simply 2ID)

Above this, are Corps (e.g., I Corp, V Corps), and Army (although this designation has not been used in over 50 years).

Here is a fairly high-level overview of the 3-2 SBCT organization.

Infantry Battalions / Regiments:

1st Bn / 23rd Inf Reg (1/23 Inf)
2nd Bn /3rd Inf Reg (2/3 Inf)
5th Bn /20th Inf Reg (5/20 Inf)

1/23, 2/3 and 5/20 each have 4 Companies: A, B, C and Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC). Each 1/23 and 2/3 Company has 3 platoons. 5/20 Companies have 3 line platoons, plus HQ, fire support and mobile gun system (MGS) platoons, for a total of 6.

Cavalry Squadron: (about the size of a battalion)

1/14 Cav (has 4 Troops – about the size of a company)

Other Units:

Artillery Battalion, 1/37 FA (has 3 Firing Batteries and a HQ Battery - a Battery is similar to a company)
Engineering Company, 18 Eng
MI Company, 209 MI
Signal Company, 334 Sig
Anti-tank Company, C/52
Support Battalion, 296 BSB

Here is a fairly high-level overview of the 1-25 SBCT organization.

Infantry Battalions / Regiments:

1st Bn / 24th Inf Reg (1/24 Inf)
1st Bn / 5th Inf Reg (1/5 Inf)
3rd Bn / 21st Inf Reg (3/21 Inf)

1/24, 1/5 and 3/21 each have 4 Companies: A, B, C and Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC). Each Company has 3 platoons. Like the 5/20, one of the Battalions' Companies has 3 line platoons, plus HQ, fire support and mobile gun system (MGS) platoons, for a total of 6. I don't know which one - if someone does please let me know.

Cavalry Squadron: (about the size of a battalion)

2/14 Cav (has 4 Troops – about the size of a company)

Other Units:

Artillery Battalion, 2/8 FA (has 3 Firing Batteries and a HQ Battery - a Battery is similar to a company)
Engineering Company, 73rd Eng
Support Battalion, 25th BSB
MI Company, (?)
Signal Company, 176th Signal Company

Please note – any exclusion of a specific unit or team was/is not meant in any way as a slight to their valuable contribution. This is all the data I have…


Comments For "Stryker Brigade 101":

BLESS YOUR HEART !,
THAT'S REALLY GREAT!
I KNEW MY SON WAS IN
A LARGE FAMILY!!!!!
LESS CONFUSED:)

Posted by: dorothy | October 2, 2004 4:33 PM

I'm an old navy guy, and this looks like the way Amway structures its upline.

Posted by: Tom Miller | October 2, 2004 8:02 PM

Thank you so much. I'm going to print this as a reference for me. Made it sound very understandable. I appreciate it. I had found all those abbreviations so confusing.

Sue O

Posted by: sue o | October 2, 2004 9:09 PM

Thanks fo the great explanation. Finally, someone has explained this is in terms I understand. Many blessing to you all. M

Posted by: A Stryker Mom | October 3, 2004 6:12 AM

Thanks...this stuff has all been greek to me. My brother's name is Joe, he too is a Ranger. :)

Posted by: Strykersister | October 4, 2004 9:13 AM

Thanks for this great info!! I'm a Retired navy Submarine wife so I'm now trying tom learn the Army lingo!! My son & husband have tried!!! Now something to refer to! Could someone update this with numbers from the 1/25? It would make it more relevant as we proceed through this yr & we see items on this wonderful website! Keep up the great work! Peace to all!
A proud 176th signal Mom
Nanc

Posted by: Nanc | October 4, 2004 10:00 AM

Yes, eventually we will update it with unit info for the 1-25. In the meantime you can go to our links page. Scroll down to Military Links and we have a section that lists all of the 1-25 units with links to their homepages.

Posted by: Todd | October 4, 2004 10:32 AM

Thanks for the description & breakdown. You are thw 1st person to make sense to me! I agree, Bless your heart!

Posted by: Anonymous | October 4, 2004 10:33 AM

Thank you, sign me, a nervous Mom of the new 1/25 group.

Posted by: Michelle' | October 13, 2004 1:23 AM

Now when I talk to people @ work about my son, I'll acually know what I'm talking about. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you have put into this. God bless,
2/14strykermom

Posted by: Anne Ashby | October 19, 2004 10:00 AM

Thank you for this info I too am a Navy retired
wife. My grandson has tried to set me straight but when you get this old it goes into one ear and out the other. Again my thanks to Ranger Joe and my grandson for setting me straight. God bless you all and stay safe. We love each and everyone of you.

Posted by: Florence | October 21, 2004 10:08 AM

I have 'adopted' a Soldier and was trying to figure out his unit address with the guidelines listed above, but I ran into a problem;

part of the address is HHC, 1-5 IN; well I found the HHC but I could not find 1-5 or IN.

I am wondering if the format of the address was given incorrectly to me? I have not sent off my package yet, because after reading this I want to make SURE I am addressing it correctly.

I have contacted the group, but it took several weeks for a response last time, as they have been overwhelmed with requests to 'adopt', so I thought asking here might be quicker.

Posted by: Kierstin | October 31, 2004 1:07 AM

Finally!! I think I get it! Thank you! I wish I had understood that prior to his leaving.

Posted by: strykermom | November 11, 2004 10:07 PM

Yes...

I have a son in Iraq and he is in the 1/24.. (1st brigade 24th regiment, I think) What does Fob Lion stand for?? And the APO and AE mean??
Also, I have people where I work that want to "adopt" my son and/or his unit, so they can send them stuff that they may need. We have heard that things like playing cards, baby wipes, dvd's, magazines (sports), flea collars, hygiene products and snacks are good. Can you recommend other items that may be of value.

Posted by: Ron Tavernit | November 12, 2004 2:42 PM

Thank you for the easy explanation of the "lingo" Can you please give me info on 1/25 SBCT FOB Patriot?
My son is in that unit and he is also a Ranger

Posted by: Silvia | November 12, 2004 3:49 PM

Sorry, don't know anything about the FOB's. They changed all the names when the 1-25 took over for the 3-2.

Posted by: Todd | November 12, 2004 3:52 PM

Thanks for the prompt answer. In one of your comments you said to go to the Links Page and click on Military Links. I looked but I do not see it. Can you tell me where it is?
Thanks again

Posted by: Silvia Spiess | November 12, 2004 4:04 PM

http://www.strykernews.com/links.html#military

Links to 1-25 SBCT homepages are there.

Posted by: Todd | November 12, 2004 4:25 PM

Thanks so much for maintaining this site. My son does not tell us everything either, as another parent noted in a previous post. My son told friends of ours that his mother is fragile and telling us things would "break me". He did tell us about one of his "buddies" named Tommy was killed by a sniper. I do think it is Spc. Thomas Doerflinger you wrote about here on the site. We were not home when Marcus left us the message, but I could tell by the sound of his voice that he was shaken by this event. Marc has only been in Iraq one month (with B 1/24 of SBCT) I offer my condolences to Tommy's parents and family and pray that they will ask God to lead them to comfort and peace.
from a Texas Army Mom of Fort Lewis soldier

Posted by: Barbara | November 15, 2004 12:04 PM

Hello fellow supporters i have a wonderful brother who is out of fort lewis, what unit he is with, i'm guessing he's with 1/23 i'm a former active duty Corporal of the United States Marine Corps, OORAH. I"m trying to figure out his address, i do not know any other info i have a care package waiting and waiting to get sent out. i know how it is in Iraq and Afghanistan and it's great to recieve a package, so if anyone can help me seek Chris Maxson i'll love you forever. Jason Maxson

Posted by: jason maxson | November 17, 2004 7:30 PM

My husband is in Mosul right now with the Stryker brigade from Fort Lewis. I just want to say I am so proud of him.

Posted by: Karianne | November 24, 2004 8:35 PM

HELLO EVERYONE OUT IN TALL AFAR. MY HUSBAND ERNIE VITAL, IN 2-14CAV 3RD PLT. JUST WANTED TO SAY HI AND I LOVE YOU. GOD BLESS YOU ALL WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN HOME.

Posted by: lydia vital | December 1, 2004 10:53 PM

Thanks for the breakdown, easy for me and especially my mom to understand.

Posted by: Lili | December 21, 2004 11:26 AM

Thank you for contacting me. Now I better understand the addresses. After the bombing in Mosul: My heart when out to all those families and friends that had a loved one die. I would like to send a condolence to them if possible. My son was fortunate this time. I pray for all of them. Can I use this group for this purpose?

Posted by: Anya Jones | December 27, 2004 9:56 AM

JUST WANTED TO SAY HI TO MY SON AARON HE IS STATIONED IN MOSUL WITH 1ST/5TH INF/ WITH STRYKER BRIGADE FROM FT LEWIS.
I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU AND CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN BACK.
GOD BLESS YOU AND HI TO ALL YOUR FELLOW SOLDIER'S.
A STRYKER MOM

Posted by: SUZANNE | December 28, 2004 11:11 PM

Thank you, what a great help. When my honey comes home I'll let him know what the differance is between this and that he'll be thinking I really did my homework. Thanks again

Posted by: samantha | December 31, 2004 5:53 PM

Just wanted to say 'Hi' to our son(-in-law), Richard C who's an expert Sniper with the Stryker Brigade, 3rd Battalion/21st Infantry in Mosul. We're very proud of you. Give all of your buddies a 'high-5'!
God Bless and Keep You,
Love & Prayers,
Dad & Mom

Posted by: David & Karin Young | February 8, 2005 3:44 PM

I have an awesome brother who is out of Ft. Lewis with the 1/5 INF BN 1st BDE 25th ID (SBCT) and is in Iraq right now. I just wated to thank you for breaking all that information down. I have asked my brother to explain it a thousand times and in a thousand ways he has confused me further. Take care lil brother. I miss you. God bless all of you.

Posted by: Amanda Cherry | February 10, 2005 9:03 AM

It is good to go to a site and see comments of people who are going through the same things I am. I am a proud mother of one of the soldiers with the I-25 Stryker unit near Mosul. Bless them and protect them.

Posted by: Ann | February 21, 2005 6:38 PM

Thanks I have tried to learn all the lingo but ie is difficult .My son is part of the strykerbrigade out of fort wainwright going over in August.. I am scared anyone out there wanted to email me please do

Posted by: Cayla McGHee | May 23, 2005 10:43 AM

I have a Nephew in a Stryker Unit in Mosul I am very proud of him and want to tell all that if there is anything needed let me know at my ew-mail address . Will try to help in any way I can as I know what it's like Been there done that

Posted by: Don | June 11, 2005 6:42 PM

Congrats on the capture of Abu Talha guys! You are doing an awesome job out there.

We are proud of you beyond words, and grateful for your sacrifice and faithfulness. I live in Tacoma, near Ft. Lewis, and I know that my children will grow up in a safer world because you have rid the world of people who are truly evil.

Go get some more, Strykers!!

Posted by: Rick Dupea | June 18, 2005 10:13 PM

This has been most informative. I am a mom of a soldier who just graduated from Basic in late November, and now, January 9, 2006, he's 4 days away from flying into Iraq to join the 4th Squadron of the 14th Cavalry attached to the 172nd Stryker. I had NO idea what all this meant. My family has not really been a military family and all this is confusing and ovewhelming.If anyone can clue me in on anything, I'd be most grateful.

Posted by: Amy Ernest [TypeKey Profile Page] | January 9, 2006 6:26 PM

I am the wife of an Air Force retiree (20+ yrs of service)and the mom of a US Soldier about to graduate bootcamp and start AIT, who let us know he will be stationed at Ft. Lewis and will be part of a new "stryker brigade", I found this site to be helpful and informative to me (since all I know is AF related stuff).

Thanks

Posted by: Karensa [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 14, 2007 9:06 AM

My son is in the 4th Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division SBCT, scheduled to go to Iraq in April. Will you also update info for that unit and all other surging units to come?

Posted by: dedhed52 [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 21, 2007 6:24 AM

I HAVE A SON BASED IN GERMANY WITH THE STRYKER BRAGADE HE WILL BE DEPLOYED TO IRAQ IN AUGUAST I AM VERY PROUD OF HIM AND HIS CHOICE TO JOIN THE AMY BUT AS HIS MOTHER I AM VERY SCARED AND HOPE THAT ON THIS SITE I CAN FIND SOME COMFORT AND SOME FRIENDS TO TALK WITH WHO ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME THING I PRAY FOR ALL OUR SOILDERS WHO ARE THERE FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM THANKS ANNA

Posted by: hneebnches [TypeKey Profile Page] | July 11, 2007 6:09 PM

My son is in a Stryker Brigade from Germany that got to Iraq in August. He graduated Basic training in May and left for Germany in June. I am so scared and worried for him. Most important, I am proud of his choice to serve. I am trying hard to be brave and strong but some days are so hard. I don't have any information from his Unit and don't know where to check up on things except for this website. Any help out there ?? Thanks.

Posted by: marianneburke [TypeKey Profile Page] | September 28, 2007 3:39 PM

My husband is in 3/2 SCR in Germany. I am about to mail to him my and our son's passports for Command Sponsorship (SOFA Stamp)...but I can't quite figure out the right address to put. The courier requires a City, but the 09112 APO zip code doesn't match Vilseck (which is where his unit is) in their system and has a different zip code, it says 09112 is in Chemnitz...

I am in the Philippines... HELP anybody?

Thank you..

Posted by: mkrcg [TypeKey Profile Page] | October 23, 2007 12:54 AM

My brother was just deployed to Iraq. They are out of Hawaii. This is his second tour.I'm glad we all got together the weekend before he left. You bring your guys and yourself back home safe.

Strykers
2/25 SBCT 556 Signal Company

P.S.
Thanks for the explaination on this page I will send it to my mom.

Posted by: proudbrother2-25SBCT [TypeKey Profile Page] | December 12, 2007 6:56 AM

My son is in A Troop, 2/1 CAV, 4/2 ID FOB Warhorse AE 09336 Prayers are said daily for all our warriors. May God bless you and keep you. Whatever the circumstance you find yourself in, He is there, seek His wisdom.

Posted by: Fred [TypeKey Profile Page] | December 29, 2007 7:21 PM

Anyone with family/friends in 4/2 SCR, please feel free to get in touch with me, my son is in 4/2 SCR, thanks, Rick Jackson
snugharborhomes@gmail.com

Posted by: Rick Jackson [TypeKey Profile Page] | February 21, 2008 6:04 PM

Post a comment

(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by a site administrator before your comment will appear. We appreciate your patience.)

Advertisements