The companies of all powers, those of Germany, Japan, and Belgium excepted, are divided into four platoons; each two platoons may in addition be combined into a half-company. The German, Japanese, and Belgian companies are divided into three platoons. “The platoon is not an independent subdivision by reason of the mere fact that it consists of a certain number of men, but because the term platoon denotes a force led by a man of superior intelligence. The officer commanding the platoon makes it what it should be. The strength of the platoon is therefore solely dependent upon the number of officers available.” (VON SCHERFF). The obvious advantage of the three-platoon organization of the company is that fewer platoon commanders are required, which fact is well worthy of attention in the mobilization of units of both Line and Reserve, especially in view of the extraordinarily heavy casualties among the troop leaders in the course of a campaign.[66] [66] See also _Taktik_, V, pp. 81, 88. It is only necessary to recall the situation of the Guard Corps and of the IIIrd Army Corps after the battles around =Metz=, and the condition of the German troops during the advance to =Le Mans=. On January 7th, 1871, there were 36 officers with the 57th Infantry, of which 16 led platoons of the 36 platoons in the first line, and 8 lieutenants commanded companies. On mobilizing, 25 lieutenants were assigned as platoon commanders and six as company commanders in the 57th Infantry.[67] [67] HÖNIG, _Gefechtsbilder_, I, p. 25. For additional facts in regard to the dwindling of the number of officers consult _Die sieben Tage von Le Mans_, by V. D. GOLTZ; also _Supplement to Militär-Wochenblatt_, 1873, p. 368; also VON KORTZFLEISCH, _Feldzug an der Loire_, p. 43. The eight infantry regiments and the Jäger-Battalion of the Xth Army Corps had, at this time, instead of the required 506 officers, only 286, of which number 174 were for duty. The 22nd Infantry Division had only 108 officers left; companies and even half-battalions were led into action by very young officers of the Reserve, and, on many occasions, even by vice 1st sergeants.