Chorągiew (The Banner) was the basic organized tactical formation of the Polish army since the 14th century. From the 15th until the 17th century the alternative name of Rota.

Between the 14th and 17th century the Chorągiew was composed of smaller units the so-called Kopia's.

Types of Chorągiew were:

• Chorągiew ziemska (District banner), formed by knights of a district.
• Chorągiew rodowa (Clan banner), formed by clans.
• Chorągiew nadworna (Court banner), formed by troops of the King.

In the cavalry, since the second half of the 15th century until the first half of the 18th century, a Chorągiew was formed according to the "companion system" (system zaciągu towarzyskiego). See: Towarzysz (companion).

A Chorągiew was composed of smaller units the so-called Poczet's.

Types of Chorągiew were:

• Chorągiew husarska (Hussar banner), formed by Hussars.
• Chorągiew lekka ("Light" banner), formed by light-cavalry.
• Chorągiew pancerna ("Armoured" banner), formed by Pancerni.
• Chorągiew tatarska (Tatar banner), formed by Tatars.
• Chorągiew wołoska (Vlach banner), formed by Vlachs.