Infantry Brigade Combat Teams

The Army has 24 infantry brigade combat teams organized from the active divisions. These brigades are equipped and used differently according to what tasks they are asked to perform. For example, BCTs from the 4th Infantry Division have a large number of vehicles like Humvees and other trucks and have heavier weapons than lighter BCTs from the 82nd Airborne, which is expected to deploy on short notice by parachute.

Stryker Brigade Combat Teams

The Army has six Stryker brigade combat teams organized from the active divisions. They are a newer type of unit organized since the United States attacked Iraq in 2003. They are built around an agile and well-armed armored personnel carrier called the Stryker. These units emphasize mobility, but also have the ability to deliver considerable firepower.

Heavy Brigade Combat Teams

The Army has 19 heavy brigade combat teams organized from the active divisions. Heavy means armor, such as the M1A1 Abrams battle tank, tracked armored personnel carriers such as the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and self-propelled cannons. These units are the most heavily armed, but their logistical needs are also greatest because tanks consume large amounts of fuel.