A squad is composed of 12 men, four squads compose a platoon, four platoons form a Battery, and four Batteries form a Battalion. At this time we are all recruits (E1). That is one rank lower then a private. Upon successful completion of basic training (16 weeks at that time) you are promoted to private (E2). My serial number was RA19340783 (RA means Regular Army, you had enlisted). Upon fear of discipline you must never forget your number and that was 52 years ago. Many of the recruits had US serial numbers, and that means you were drafted. Some had NG serial numbers, and that means you were from the National Guard. Most were 17 to 19 years old. I remember one fellow was almost 30 and quite out of shape. We all thought he was quite old. He had a hard time with basic training. You soon learn to work well together.     Hi-Res Pic (103K)