TROOPS, BODY OF is a term used to refer to a group of people organized for a common purpose. A UNIT is a small group of people within a larger organization, usually consisting of four or fewer members. A PHALANX is a formation of troops standing shoulder to shoulder in close ranks and files. A SQUAD is a small military UNIT typically composed of four to twelve soldiers. All of these terms refer to a body of troops, or a group of people organized for a common purpose.