Prussian Zug (Frederick the Great)

The basic tactical building block of the Prussian Army under Frederick the Great was the Zug (platoon).  The Prussian Zug consisted of 75 soldiers in three ranks (6 ft. 8 in.) extending in width for 25 files (50 ft.).

Each platoon was surrounded by a screen of its officers and NCO's.  The mission of the platoon officers and non-coms was to instruct the unit regarding its alignment and direction, enforce fire discipline, and to keep the unit together at all costs.  The NCO's being equipped with Kurzgewehre (half pikes) to be utilized to dispatch any soldier who ran from the enemy.