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In drill, what is the smallest formation that has a staff?

The squadron.

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  1. The squadron ✔
  2. The element
  3. The flight

Why: A squadron has a staff, but it rarely posts in formation. Group staff officers more often post with the commander, about 1.5 paces behind.

Huh, didn't know that: Staff usually line up from right to left by rank, with the senior on the right.

The dad joke
Why did the staff officer bring a cane? Everyone kept asking for the staff.
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References

Answer: The squadron. A squadron has a staff, but it rarely posts in formation. Group staff officers more often post with the commander, about 1.5 paces behind.

  1. CAPP 60-33, Civil Air Patrol Drill and Ceremonies (Nov 2025), 6.2.1 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/P_6033_2217FEEE8C89F.pdf
    The squadron is the smallest formation with a staff
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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