Why would a platoon deploy on its own instead of whole unit?

In ODS 01-03/OIF I, my MP Platoon was OPCONed to 2BCT,3ID. We were assigned to HHC 2BCT for UCMJ and administrative paperwork. But that was when Divisions had Division MP Companies and Direct Support MP Platoons.

If that Platoon, team, section has a UIC, they can be individually deployed. This is common for units above the BCT level like CSSB subordinate units, HR Company Postal and Tsrength Mgmt Platoons, etc. I commanded a Company with individually deployable 6 and 9 man teams.

As SFC Kelly Fuerhoff said, your Platoon will be placed under the control of another larger formation. The tactical relationship could be ADCON, TACON, or OPCON.

What is your Platoon? It may clarify what will happen. How do you train? Are you attached to other units? That is how you would deploy.

As a filler for a unit. Haven't seen down to PLT, but have seen CO attached out. Depending on the Unit MOS, I know of USMC ENG being attached out down to SQD and Individual s,

It's not unheard of for Platoons to operate independently or be sent out to do their own thing.

Attachment, my first ADA Battery Unit sent us out on platoon to unit sized mission because that is what a bigger unit or division needed at the time. We deployed to Iraq as CRAM Operators(I believe one of the first) and was then divided into 2 Divisions between the south and north regions of Iraq and then from there split into squads for each FOB and COB needing CRAM capabilities. When we were stateside, 2nd Platoon went on a Border Patrol mission in Arizona, while 1st Platoon trained up for a mission up north.

Being in a Cook Company at the moment it is even more broken down. The Company sends teams of 2-5 cooks to either do rotations, with bigger units for field training, rotations to Germany or Korea or even to cook or assist with the national guard units helping with the riots or COVID, while the rest of us stay behind as rear detachment or assistance on base.