noun
detachment; detached force
A unit or group separated from a main body for a specific task, used in military, police, or organizational contexts. Often contrasted with 本隊 (main body).
See also: 本隊
支隊が先に目的地へ向かった。
The detachment headed to the destination first.
警察の支隊が現場に急行した。
A police detachment rushed to the scene.
本隊 refers to the main body or main force, while 支隊 is a detached unit operating separately.
Compound of 支 (branch, support) and 隊 (corps, unit). The spelling 枝隊 uses 枝 (branch) with a similar meaning but is less common.