<P> Brigades formed into divisions are usually infantry or armored (sometimes referred to as combined arms brigades). In addition to combat units, they may include combat support units or sub-units, such as artillery and engineers, and logistic units or sub-units . Historically, such brigades have sometimes been called brigade - groups . On operations, a brigade may comprise both organic elements and attached elements, including some temporarily attached for a specific task . </P> <P> Brigades may also be specialized and comprise battalions of a single branch, for example cavalry, mechanized, armored, artillery, air defence, aviation, engineers, signals or logistic . Some brigades are classified as independent or separate and operate independently from the traditional division structure . The typical NATO standard brigade consists of approximately 3,200 to 5,500 troops . However, in Switzerland and Austria, the numbers could go as high as 11,000 troops . The Soviet Union, its forerunners and successors, mostly use "regiment" instead of brigade, and this was common in much of Europe until after World War II . </P> <P> A brigade's commander is commonly a major general, brigadier general, brigadier or colonel . In some armies, the commander is rated as a General Officer . The brigade commander has a self - contained headquarters and staff . The principal staff officer, usually a lieutenant colonel or colonel, may be designated chief of staff, although until the late 20th century British and similar armies called the position' brigade - major' . Some brigades may also have a deputy commander . The headquarters has a nucleus of staff officers and support (clerks, assistants and drivers) that can vary in size depending on the type of brigade . On operations, additional specialist elements may be attached . The headquarters will usually have its own communications unit . </P> <P> In some gendarmerie forces, brigades are the basic - level organizational unit . </P>

A division of the army commanded by a colonel