What term describes a single person or a section of a larger formation?

The term that accurately describes a single person or a section of a larger formation is "Element." In military terminology, an element refers to the smallest identifiable part of a larger formation that can function independently. This could include individual personnel, small groups, or specific parts of a unit designed to undertake particular tasks or missions.

The concept of an element emphasizes its role as a building block within a larger organizational structure, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in operations. It is also distinct from terms like "unit," which typically refers to a larger organizational entity, or "detachment," which usually implies a subset of a unit that has been sent away from the main body for a specific mission or task. Moreover, "squad" refers to a specific size of military organization, typically composed of a few individuals, which can be considered an example of an element but is more defined in terms of size and operational purpose. Thus, the use of "element" accurately captures the essence of both individuals and smaller portions of formations.