What is the meaning of echelon?

(DoD, NATO) A subdivision of a headquarters, i.e., forward echelon, rear echelon.
(DoD, NATO) A fraction of a command in the direction of depth to which a principal combat mission is assigned; i.e., attack echelon, support echelon, reserve echelon.
(DoD, NATO) Separate level of command. As compared to a regiment, a division is a higher echelon, a battalion is a lower echelon.
(DoD, NATO) A formation in which its subdivisions are placed one behind another, with a lateral and even spacing to the same side.
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APAMilitary Dictionary (DoD). (2011). echelon. Retrieved September 23, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/echelon/definitions/1961492
ChicagoMilitary Dictionary (DoD). 2011. "echelon" http://smartdefine.org/echelon/definitions/1961492 (accessed September 23, 2026).
HarvardMilitary Dictionary (DoD) 2011, echelon, Smart Define, viewed 23 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/echelon/definitions/1961492>.
MLAMilitary Dictionary (DoD). "echelon" 4 April 2011. Web. 23 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/echelon/definitions/1961492>
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