ACG’s Basic Guide to Military Unit Symbols

We often get asked questions about what the symbols you see on military maps and in wargames actually represent.  This is a small sampling of some general unit symbols, which should cover most modern time periods.  Also included is a unit size chart, so you know the difference between x and xxxx.  It is not meant to be an exhaustive study, but rather a primer to get you up to speed with the basics.  Most symbols are derivatives of these foundational icons, although a few specialized icons are included here as samples of the larger palette.

Also keep in mind these symbols are intended to cover a broad period of time, and thus some below might be outdated or no longer used on a modern battlefield.  Most will be recognizable to any student of World War II.