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- - - - thucydides 11
        
        Thus equipped, he divided them into six regiments (morai) of cavalry and infantry.
        
        Each infantry regiment of hoplites had a polemarch, four unit leaders (lochagoi), leaders of 50 men (pentekonteres), and sixteen group-commanders (enomotarchai).
        
        All these companies at the word of command form up into sections, [two], three, or six abreast. [5] Most people think that the Lakonian fighting formations are very complicated; in this they are totally mistaken. In fact the opposite is true. In the Lakonian order of battle, the officers occupy the front rank, and each file is a self-sufficient fighting unit. [6] All this is so easy to understand that anyone who can distinguish one man from another cannot make mistakes: some are required to lead; others commanded to follow. The manoeuvre of changing from column of march into line of battle is given verbally by each section leader at the top of his voice, like a herald, and the consequent battle line, or phalanx formation wan be thinner or deeper as tactics require. The whole system is very easily understood. [7] But in the confusion of an actual battle it quickly becomes much more difficult for a soldier to hold the line with whichever of his comrades he happens to be fighting alongside, unless he has been trained under the Lykourgan system.
    - - Hoplites: Spartiates were primarily hoplites, heavily armed infantry soldiers who formed the core of the Spartan phalanx. They were equipped with a bronze Corinthian helmet, a large circular shield called an "aspis," a spear, and a short sword. The phalanx formation was a critical part of Spartan warfare, and Spartiates were trained from a young age to fight in it effectively.
      - Line Infantry: Spartiates were organized into units called "syssitia" or "dine," and they fought in the front ranks of the phalanx. Their disciplined and well-coordinated tactics made the Spartan phalanx one of the most formidable forces in ancient Greece.
      - Leadership: Spartiates also served as officers and commanders in the Spartan army. They could rise through the ranks based on their performance and experience. The highest-ranking Spartiate officer was the dual kings, who led the Spartan forces in times of war
  - - - Auxiliary Troops: Perioikoi served as auxiliary troops in the Spartan military. They often fought alongside the Spartiates as hoplites in the phalanx formation. While they did not enjoy the same privileges and social status as Spartiates, their service in the army allowed them to participate in the defense and expansion of the Spartan state.
      - Skilled Craftsmen and Artisans: Many perioikoi were skilled craftsmen and artisans who produced weapons, armor, and other military equipment for the Spartan army. Their contributions to the military were vital in ensuring that the Spartan soldiers were well-armed and well-equipped.
      - Regional Defense: The perioikoi were primarily responsible for the defense of the outlying regions of the Spartan state. While the Spartiates focused on the core territories and the front lines of battle, the perioikoi defended the periphery and provided a buffer against external threats.
      - Naval Service: The perioikoi also played a significant role in the Spartan navy. Naval warfare was a critical aspect of Greek warfare during this time, and the perioikoi were often involved in maintaining and operating the Spartan fleet.
  - - - Corvée Military Labor: They might be used to build fortifications, maintain camp, or perform other non-frontline task