<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> 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>
a division of the army commanded by a colonel
a division of the army commanded by a colonel
brigade
brigade