Squadron Leaders (師団長, Shidan-chō)[1] are high-ranking Chimera Ants originally under the command of the royal guards. After the birth of the Chimera Ant King, the squadron leaders are under command by the queen herself. Each Squadron Leader is in command of 4 to 5 officers, while each officer is in command of 10 to 15 peon soldiers.[2]
At the Chimera Ants' peak there were 31 Squadron Leaders.[2] One was killed by Kite and 16 more by Netero, Knov, and Morel.[3] By the time of the King's birth, only 14 Squadron Leaders remained.[4] By the time the Extermination Team managed to complete their mission, only 9 Squadron Leaders remained.[5]