The modern British Infantry Battalion is a highly effective and extremely flexible fighting system. It is capable of operating alone for extended periods of time, and contains all of the specialist support required to do this. It is also capable of rapidly switching from a high intensity war-fighting role to a low intensity humanitarian support role very quickly, as required by the changing security situations we find ourselves operating in.

The 1st Battalion The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire is a light role infantry battalion. The title, 1st Battalion, refers to past methods of placing three battalions into one Regiment, and we are the first of those three. The other two battalions no longer exist, although our Territorial Army units in Yorkshire maintain the traditions of the 3rd Battalion. We still have a Regimental Headquarters, which supervises the Regimental Association for retired members.

The 1st Battalion (abbreviated to 1st Bn), consist of approximately 550 soldiers. It is commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) also called Commanding Officer (CO). The Battalion headquarters has several main departments, all supporting the CO:

The Battalion is divided into various sub-units. Each sub-unit is called a company (abbreviated to Coy), of approximately 100 men:

The bulk of the Battalion are the rifle companies. Each Company is commanded by a Company Commander, who holds the rank of Major, who is assisted by a Company Sergeant Major (CSM) and Company Second in Command (also known as Company Operations Officer). Each rifle company has two platoons of approximately 30 men each, and the remainder are support staff. Each platoon is commanded by a young officer, aged 20 - 26, of the rank Second Lieutenant (2Lt) or Lieutenant (Lt) and he is assisted by a Platoon Sergeant (Pl Sgt).

The Manoeuvre Support Company provides the Battalion with firepower, and this includes mortars, anti-tank missiles, signals, assault pioneers and specialist reconnaissance troops.

Headquarters Company provides all the support staff required. This includes a Quarter Master (QM) responsible for supplies and stores, clerks, medics, chefs, drivers and mechanics.