Ok, first of all, this question is about clasic Doctor Who Cybermen. As in Cybermen from Mondas (or Telos, nomads, neomorths) not earth.
This research is for my and my mates Doctor Who wargame
(See: http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,6028.msg61845.html#msg61845)
Also, this is more of a statement, however I want to know if I've got it right?
Cyber-Controler
Only one?
The Cyber-Controler is at the top and leader of a cyber army. He has only been on TV twise (Tomb of the cybermen and Attack of the cybermen) however it is one in the same. According to David Banks book (that I belive is fact see: http://www.pendrakenforum.co.uk/index.php/topic,6309.msg61700.html#msg61700 ) a group of cyber Nomads (the type from Revenge of the Cybermen) had found and reactivated the cybermen from Telos. Mixing Tecnology they became cyber Neomorths (we first see in Earth shock). It is also belived that a Cyber planer (see Invashion of the cybermen) is a Cybercontroler who hasnot received a body yet (see the book Iceberg by David Banks.) So, if cyber planers become Controlers and we have seen two Planers and a Controler we can presume that there could be multiple Controlers?
Cyber leader
Squad leader?
First time we "see" what refers to a cyberleader is in Revenge of the Cybermen. Technically he is leading what reminds of the cyber army that were almost all destroyed by the Vogan/Human alliance. Now, although leading this "army" I presume it was once lead by a Controler who was killed in this war. As there are only four cybermen left what I imagin as a squad leader is next in rank to lead what remains (all three!) of the cyber force.
But is this the first Cyberleader we see? I have a theory that in episodes like Invashion and Tomb we do see cyberleaders however they are not picked out with the black headset/stalks. This can't be imposible as the cyber-Lieutenant (lower rank than leader, see Earthshock/5Doctors/Attack/SilverNemisis) have no making to distinguish them from the standard Cyberman. On reflection, during a war is it good the let enemy snipers know that your a higher rank?
So, are they only incharge of squads? We know that Cyberleaders are below the rank of Controllers (see Attack) and in Five Doctors we see three cyberleaders each leading a unit (one unit destroyed by the Raston Warrior Robot, one killed by The Master and one left bemused when the TARDIS disappears) each leading 6 Cybermen. Sorted then! Cyber leaders lead squads! Or is it?
Earthshock put a spanner in the works for my theory. Why is a Leader in charge of 15,000 cybermen? Well my theory is that either A Contoler is still dormant (it being to risky yet) and has not been reanimated yet or is on the Cyber craft that are following the Fraighter in. The other part of the question still remains, a leader incharge of 1500 cybermen (compaired with seven as seen on the 5Doctors) well my answer is more or less the same.... Between 150 and 215 of the sleeping cybermen were leaders however one was left in charge of getting to earth and waking them. Seams like a full proof plan to me!
In Short:
Cybercontroler/Planner: incharge of multiple cyber units
Cyber Leader: incharge of cyber squads of around seven cybermen, but can take over from Controller if nessessery.
Cyber-Lieutenant: Basicly as slightly more intelegent Cyberman who accompanies a Cyber leader and helps with tactical decisions.
Cybermen: Around five Cybermrn, pluses a Lieutenant and a leader make up a unit.
This link might help
http://www.thedoctorwhosite.co.uk/cybermen/cybermen-episode-guide/
What about Cybermats...I remember them in the early Cybermen episodes
Thanks Fenton. Cybermats are the lowest rank. But really there ain't no answer as its all up to the producer of that episode. But in trying to make sence of it. Or just enough to justifie how I have the ranks in the game.