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Staff Elements (S) that begin with "S" are found at brigade and battalion level, or equivalent. "G" staff elements are found at the division and corps level; the "G" denotes "general staff," for obvious reasons (that's where the generals are).

Staff techniques and procedures are essential to the effective performance of mission by the entire unit.

The battalion is the smallest unit which has a staff although even in the company level there are officers and noncommissioned officers who have duties which parallel those of staff officers.

There are five functional areas of staff: (S1) Personnel; (S2) Military Intelligence & Security; (S3) Operations & Training; (S4) Logistics; (S5) Military-civil affairs.

Battalion Staff Elements

The staff of a battalion includes the Executive Officer, S1, S2, S3, S4, *S5 and Special Staff Officers.

S-1 Administration & Personnel

The Battalion Executive Officer (XO) serves as the second-in-command and as the principal assistant to the commanding officer.

The executive officer usually directs, coordinates, and supervises the activities of the staff sections.

Each “S” section was responsible for activities in support of the Battalion mission(s).

S-2 Intelligence & Security

S-3 Operations

S-4 Supply & Logistics

S-5 Military & Civil Affairs

* Battalion records have shown only a temporary S5 Element who assisted the S5 of the 89th MP Group, who appear to have been the primary Civic Action coordinator.