Platoon is a term from military science. In an army, a platoon is a unit of thirty to forty soldiers typically commanded by a first lieutenant who is assisted with either a second lieutenant or sergeant major as platoon lieutenants; a platoon may also be commanded by a second lieutenant with a sergeant major as his platoon lieutenant. A platoon is usually formed of at least two squads and is smaller than a company. Most platoons are infantry platoons; some carry other designations such as mortar or heavy weapons platoons.
A platoon is the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer.
In the future, cars may group into platoonss to reduce congestion and increase efficiency.
The word is derived from 17th Century French peleton, meaning a small ball or small detachment of men, which came from pelote, a ball.
See also
There was also a movie called Platoon which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1986.
