While modern
standing armies were first developed in the 15th century, the defining terminology for contemporary military units and formations, such as
company,
battalion
A battalion is a military unit, typically consisting of 300 to 1,200 soldiers commanded by a lieutenant colonel, and subdivided into a number of companies (usually each commanded by a major or a captain). In some countries, battalions a ...
,
regiment
A regiment is a military unit. Its role and size varies markedly, depending on the country, service and/or a specialisation.
In Medieval Europe, the term "regiment" denoted any large body of front-line soldiers, recruited or conscript ...
etc. mostly arose in the
early modern period, during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Only units that are still extant are included, while contemporary refoundings of older units are excluded.
Oldest active military units still in operation
See also
*
List of armies {{short description, None
Lists of armies include:
* List of armies by country
* List of numbered armies
* List of formations of the United States Army
* List of British armies in World War I
* List of French armies in World War I
* List of Rus ...
*
List of oldest institutions in continuous operation
*
(US Army only)
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Oldest Military Units In Continuous Operation