Marines

United States MarinesaboardUSSWaspengagingRoyal MarinesonHMSReindeerin 1814

Marines(ornaval infantry) are military personnel who primarily operate inlittoral zones,both on land and at sea. Historically, the main tasks undertaken by marines have includedraidingashore in support of naval objectives,and theboardingof vessels during combat or capture ofprizeships. Marines also help maintain discipline and order aboard the ship (reflecting thepressednature of the ship's company and the risk ofmutiny). In most countries, marines are an integral part of that state'snavy;in some countries their marine forces can also instead be part of theland army,such as theFrench Troupes de Marine,or an autonomous branch such as theUnited States Marine Corps.

The exact term "marine" is not found in many languages other than English. In French-speaking countries, two terms which could be translated as "marine", but do not translate exactly:troupes de marine(marine troops) andfusiliers-marins(marine riflemen) andfuzileiros navaisin Portuguese (lit. 'Naval fusiliers'). The wordmarinemeans "navy" in many European languages such as Dutch, French, German, Italian and Norwegian. “Naval infantry” may also refer tosailorsforming both temporary and permanent infantry units, such as the British WWI-era63rd (Royal Naval) Division(an infantry division made-up ofRoyal Navysailors on a semi-permanent basis) or the Imperial JapaneseNaval Landing Forces(ad-hoc formations ofImperial Japanese Navysailors temporarily pressed into service as infantry).

History

Assyrianbiremewith visible marines

Ancient Greektrireme

The Romancorvus

In the early days ofnaval warfare,there was little distinction betweensailorsandsoldierson awarship.TheoarsmenofAncient GreekandAncient Romanships had to be capable of fighting the rowers of opposing ships hand-to-hand;thoughhoplitesbegan appearing on Greek ships specifically for the boarding of enemy ships.

TheRoman Republicwas the first to understand the importance of professional soldiers dedicated to melee combat onboard of ships. During theFirst Punic War,Roman crews remained inferior in naval experience to theCarthaginiansand could not hope to match them in naval tactics, which required great fleet maneuverability and tactical experience. The Romans therefore employed a novel weapon which changed sea warfare to their advantage — they equipped their ships with thecorvus,a long pivoting plank with a beak-like spike on the underside for hooking onto enemy ships, possibly developed earlier by theSyracusansagainst theAtheniansduring theSicilian Expeditionof thePeloponnesian War.Using it as a boarding bridge, Roman infantrymen were able to invade an enemy ship, transforming sea combat into a version of land combat, where the Romanlegionarieshad the upper hand.During the earlyPrincipate,a ship's crew, regardless of its size, was organized as acenturia.Crewmen could sign on as naval infantry (calledMarinus), rowers/seamen, craftsmen and various other jobs, though all personnel serving in the imperial fleet were classed asmilites( "soldiers" ), regardless of their function; only when differentiation with the army was required, were the adjectivesclassiariusorclassicusadded. TheRoman Navy's two fleetlegions,IAdiutrixandIIAdiutrix,were among the first distinct naval infantry units.

The first organized marine corps was created in Venice by the DogeEnrico Dandolowhen he created the first regiment of ten companies spread on several ships. That corps participated in the conquest ofByzantium(1203–1204), later officially called "Fanti da Mar" (sea infantry) in 1550., Venice also had dedicated naval expeditionary corps of naval infantry recruited primarily fromDalmatiafrom the local population called theOltremarini(overseas troops)

Later,SpanishKingCarlos Iassigned the naval infantry of theCompañías Viejas del Mar de Nápoles(NaplesSea Old Companies) to the Escuadras de Galeras del Mediterráneo (MediterraneanGalleySquadrons) in 1537, progenitors of the currentSpanish Navy Marines(Infantería de Marina) corps, making them the oldest marine corps still in active service in the world.

Etymology and translations

Italian marineson the Libyan coast in 1911 during theItalo-Turkish War

The English nounmarineis from the adjectivemarine,meaning "of the sea", viaFrenchmarin( "of the sea" ) fromLatinmarinus( "of the sea" ) itself from mare ( "sea" ), from Proto-Indo-European*móri( "body of water, lake" ) (cognate with Old Englishmere( "sea, lake" ), Dutchmeer,GermanMeer,all from Proto-Germanic*mari).

The wordmarinewas originally used for the marine-type forces ofEngland;however, the wordmarineormarinameans "navy" in many European languages, including Dutch, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Danish, and Norwegian. Because of this, exact one-word translations for the English term "marines" do not exist in many other languages (with the notable exception of the Dutch wordmarinier). This can lead to misunderstandings when translating. Marine forces in non-English speaking countries typically have names that translate in English tonaval infantryorcoastal infantry.InFrench-speaking countries,two phrases exist which could be translated as marine, "troupes de marine"and"fusiliers-marins";similar phrases exist elsewhere, e.g., inPortugueseFuzileiros Navais.

Roles

Marines in an amphibious beach assault exercise duringRIMPAC

The principal role of marine troops is military operations in thelittoral zone;operating from ships they are trained to land on and secure key points to around 85 km (or 50 miles) inland, or as far as ship borne logistics can provide.

Marine units primarily deploy from warships usingboats,landing craft,hovercraft,amphibious vehiclesorhelicopters.Specialist units are also trained incombat diving/combat swimmingand parachuting.

As well as amphibious operations, marine troops are used in a variety of other, naval roles. Stationed at naval bases or forming marine detachments on board naval ships, they also conduct small scale raiding,maritime boarding operations,security of naval vessels and bases,riverineand coastal missions, mess duty, and field day operations.

In addition to their primary roles, they perform other tasks, including special operations andland warfare,separate from naval operations; ceremonial duties and other miscellaneous tasks as directed by their governments.

By country

Main article:List of marines and similar forces

Algeria

TheMarine Fusilier Regimentsare the marine infantry regiments of theAlgerian Navyand they are specialised inamphibious warfare.

The RFM have about 7000 soldiers in their ranks. Established in 1985.

Argentina

TheArgentine Marine Corps(Infantería de Marina de la Armada de la República Argentinaor IMARA) is a part of theArgentine Navy.Argentine marines have the same rank insignia and titles as the rest of the navy, although enlisted personnel have their own parade uniform. The Argentine Marine Corps dates from 1827 when a single infantry battalion was raised. This was expanded in 1880, but seven years later, the corps was merged with the existing coast artillery, to form a Naval Artillery Regiment. A series of reorganizations followed until responsibility for coastal defense was passed to the Argentine Army in 1898. Between 1935 and 1938 the marines reappeared in the form of five battalions of Marine Infantry, serving both on board ship and in coastal defense fortifications. In 1968, the Infantería de Marina was reorganized as a separate corps within the Navy.

Australia

The marine and naval infantry designations are not applied toAustralian Defence Forceunits, although someAustralian Armyunits specialise in amphibious warfare, including2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regimentwhich has provided an amphibious light infantry role from 2012.

Bahamas

TheRoyal Bahamas Defence Force(RBDF) is the navy of The Bahamas. Since the Bahamas does not have an army or an air force, its navy composes the entirety of its armed forces. The RBDF Commando Squadron is a sizable force of 500 Special Marine Commandos.

Bangladesh

The Special warfare Driving and Salvage (SWADS) is special operations force of theBangladesh Navy.SWADS is trained for the role of naval infantry and it consists of elite soldiers specially chosen form the national armed forces branches. They receive special training in the United States.

Scuba-equipped Bolivian marines aboard an inflatable boat

Bolivia

Even though Bolivia is landlocked, Bolivian politics have always aspired to regain its coastline fromChile,after losing access to the Pacific coast in the1879-1880 war with Chile.Because of that, Bolivia still maintains a naval force. TheBolivian Naval Forceincludes about 2,000 naval infantry personnel and marines. These are organized into seven small battalions.

Brazilian marines

Brazil

TheCorps of Naval Fusiliers(Corpo de Fuzileiros Navais) is subordinate to theBrazilian Navy.The marine corps is composed of an operational brigade and some guard and ceremonial duty battalions. The main unit is the brigade-sizedDivisão Anfíbia(Amphibious Division). Officers´ ranks and titles are the same as for the rest of the Navy, although officers wear a star above the stripes, instead of the loop worn by surface officers.

Cambodia

During the 1970-75Cambodian Civil WartheCambodian Marine Corpswere active but were effectively disbanded by the end of theCambodian–Vietnamese War.TheRoyal Cambodian Navycreated a force of 2,000marinesin 2007 known as the 31st Naval Infantry Brigade

Canada

Canada had a history of participating in amphibious operations such as theNormandy landingsand theAllied invasion of Sicily.Even though Canada does not have a marine corps, it has units that can carry out Marines-type operations, such as an amphibious-operations trained company of the 3rd Battalion of theRoyal 22nd Regiment,JTF2that specializes incombat divingandamphibious reconnaissance,theNaval Tactical Operations Groupthat specializes inmaritime interdiction,and theNaval Security Teamthat can provideforce protectionfor amphibious forces.

Several authors have written a number of articles in various Canadian professional military journals since 2019 proposing/discussing the creation of a Canadian Arctic amphibious capability, including the adaption of one to three Canadian Army infantry battalions to provide the required landing forces.

Chilean Navyspecial forces

Chile

TheChilean Marine Corpsis a branch of theChilean Navy.Specialized in amphibious assaults, the corps is built around four detachments based along Chile's long coasts at Viña del Mar, Talcahuano, Punta Arenas, and Iquique. There are also a number of independent companies and platoons, for security protection at naval bases, other shore installations and the Ministry of Defense. The Viña del Mar and Talcahuano detachments contribute to the Amphibious Expeditionary Brigade (Brigada Anfibia Expedicionaria). There is as a group of Marine Infantry commandos (Grupo de Comandos IM), which together with the group of naval tactical divers (Agrupación de Buzos Tácticos) are part of the Navy's Special Operations Command (Comando de Operaciones Especiales).

China

PLAN marines duringRIMPAC2016

ThePeople's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps(PLANMC) is a service branch of thePRC navyand is therefore under the command of the PLAN Headquarters. The PLANMC are divided into six brigades. The majority of the PLANMC's personnel is based in theSouth China Sea.

Colombia

TheColombian Marine Corpsis a part of theColombian Navy.The modern marine corps dates from the establishment of two rifle companies in 1936. While remaining a small force, the corps saw service during the civil war between Conservatives and Liberals of 1946–58 and provided volunteers for service in theKorean War.By the 1960s it had been expanded to a battalion of marine infantry plus five independent companies.

Croatia

Croatian Navyformed naval infantry companies during theCroatian War of Independence(1991–5), esp. on islands (Hvar:Zvir Company,Korčula:Mixed Detachment etc.) and one inPula(Vanga Company, saw action in relievingSiege of Dubrovnikand inOperation Maslenica). As they were all dissolved during 2000s, a new naval infantry company, ~160-strong (Satnija mornaričko-desantnog pješaštva) was formed again in 2018 as a part of the Navy Flotilla and is located inPloče.

Cuba

TheCuban Revolutionary Navy(Marina de Guerra Revolucionariaor MGR) maintains a small marine battalion called theDesembarco de Granma.

Denmark

TheGuard Hussar Regiment(Gardehusarregimentetor GHR) maintains a marine squadron (only by name) which is theMarine Squadronor4th Training Squadronbased inAlmegårds Kaserneon the Baltic islandBornholm.The squadron is a part of the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion and trainsconscripts.

Ecuador

TheEcuadorian Navymaintains aNaval Infantry Corps(Cuerpo de Infantería de Marina) headquartered inGuayaquil.Formed on 12 November 1962, it is organised into two security battalions, one in the Amazon River area and the other on the Pacific coast. There is also a commando battalion based on theGalápagos Islands.

Egypt

The 111th Independent Mechanized Brigade (formerly the 130th Marine Amphibious Brigade) of theEgyptian Armycan conduct amphibious assault operations. There is also the 153rd Commando Group with three Marine Commandos Battalions (515th, 616th, 818th) controlling 12 Marine Commandos Companies.

El Salvador

TheEl Salvador Navyincluded two 600-man Marine Infantry Battalions (Batallon de Infanteria de Marinaor BIM), and a 300-man Naval Commando Force. The BIMs were located atLa UniónandUsulután.The Salvadoran Marine Corps uses green pixelated and green woodland uniforms.

Finland

Finnish Coastal Jaegersconducting an amphibious landing

The FinnishNyland Brigade(Nylands Brigad) inEkenäsis the home of theFinnish Coastal Jaegers— theKustjägarna(in Swedish) /Rannikkojääkärit(in Finnish). The Brigade is part of theFinnish Navy,and the only Swedish-speaking unit within theFinnish Defence Forces.

France

Fusiliers marins during parade

TheFusiliers Marins(Naval Fusiliers) andCommandos Marine(Naval Commandos) are naval personnel. Thefusiliers marinsprotect vessels and installations, provide the navy with military training, augment boarding-landing parties and support operations of the Commandos Marine. TheCommandos Marine(Naval Commandos) are a seven company Commando formation whose roots can be traced to the Second World War. The Commandos Marine have evolved to be broadly comparable to the British Special Boat Service, with whom they exchange officers.

Troupes de Marine( "Marine Troops" ), are a branch of theFrench Army,renamed from theTroupes Colonialeswho served in France's overseas territories to maintain or expand French interests. The modern Troupes de Marine have units permanently based in Africa, in addition they man bases in the French Overseas Territories. They now provide the ground combat elements of French amphibious task forces and are specifically trained for that purpose.The9th Marine Brigade (9^eBrigade Légère Blindée de Marine (9 BLBMa))is twinned with the3 Commando Brigadeof theRoyal Marines,organising the exchange of officers and sharing training and exercises.

Germany

AGerman Navyboarding team

TheSea Battalion(Seebataillon) is a land formation of theGerman Navy.It was formed in Eckernförde on 1 April 2014, succeeding the Naval Protection Force.

Greece

The Greek32nd Marine Brigade "Moravas"and the Amphibious Raider Squadrons (known as MAK) of the13th Special Operations Commandare amphibious infantry and maritime operations units maintained by theHellenic Armyand supported by theHellenic Navy.The brigade traces its origin to 1919 as the32nd Infantry Regimentbut was only in 1967 when it was reorganised and designated as a naval infantry unit under the banner of the32nd Marines Regiment.

Honduras

TheHonduran Navyestablished at least one 600-man marine infantry battalion (Batallón de Infantería de Marinaor BIM) in 1982.

India

Indian MARCOS performing a simulated exercise at RIMPAC 2022

TheIndian Armyhas amphibious units under the Jodhpur-based corps. TheMarine Commando Force(MARCOS) is the special operation forces ofIndian Navy.

Indonesia

Indonesian marines during RIMPAC 2014

InIndonesia,the mainamphibious warfareforce andnaval infantryof theIndonesian National Armed Forcesis theIndonesian Marine Corpsof theIndonesian Navy.The Marine commandant reports to theChief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy.

Iran

IRGCNmarine forces conducting anamphibious assaultexercise during theGreat Prophet IXwar games.

Since theIranian Revolutionin 1979, the number of marines in theIslamic Republic of Iran Navy(IRIN) has expanded to 2,600 personnel, in two marine brigades, each composed of three battalions. Their mission is to provide security throughout theArabian Seaand free waters, as well as securing routes for Iranian ships in theGulf of Aden.

TheNavyof theIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGCN) maintains several units that may perform marine-type functions. It also has a Takavar naval commando battalion, calledSepah Navy Special Force(SNSF). They are tasked with providing security in thePersian GulfandStrait of Hormuz,as well as conducting anti-piracy missions to assist Iranian ships.

Iraq

TheIraqi Navyis a small force with 1,500 sailors and 800 marines designed to protect the shoreline and inland waterways from insurgent infiltration. The navy will have coastal patrol squadrons, assault boat squadrons and a marine battalion.The force will consist of 2,000 to 2,500 sailors by 2010.

Israel

Upon its revival in the 1980s theGivati Brigadewas intended to serve as the amphibious infantry brigade of theIsrael Defense Forces,but this was not put into effect. Currently the 35thParatroopers Brigadeis the only brigade that has amphibious abilities as part of its Depth Warfare arsenal together with parachuting and air assault.

Italy

Italian marines in training

TheSan Marco Marine Brigadeis the marine infantry unit of the Italian Navy (Marina Militare). It traces its roots back to 1550 with the formation ofFanti da Marin theRepublic of Venice.

TheSerenissima Regimentis the amphibious infantry unit of theItalian Army(Esercito Italiano). Its soldiers are calledLagunariand they are the Italian Army Marines.

Japan

Japanese marines from theAmphibious Rapid Deployment Brigadepreparing to deploy fromUSSAshland

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade– Japanese marines tasked with offensive amphibious assault to retake islands. The unit was first formed in 2018 and was the first unit of its kind created since thedemilitarisation of JapanafterWorld War II.

North Korea

TheKorean People's Army'sLight Infantry Training Guidance Bureauhas two or more amphibious light infantry/sniper brigades. These brigades are believed deployed toWonsanon the east coast andNamp'oandTasa-rion the west coast. In organization and manpower, they are reduced versions of the regular light infantry brigades with a total strength of approximately 5,000 men organized into ten battalions. Each battalion has about 400 men organized into five companies each. Some amphibious brigade personnel are trained asfrogmen.

South Korea

TheRepublic of Korea Marine Corpsis the marine corps ofSouth Korea.It was founded as a reconnaissance force just prior to the start of theKorean War.The ROKMC has seen action in several major conflicts. Though theoretically it is under the direction of theChief of Naval Operationsfor all practical purposes it operates as an independent branch of the military.

Lebanon

Lebanon maintains an elite but very small in number "Navy Commando"regiment. Trained internationally and armed with mostly American and French made equipment and weaponry.

Maldives

Maldivian marines

TheMaldives National Defence Forcemaintains a frontline ground combat force known as theMNDF Marine Corps.It is divided into Marine Deployment Units (MDUs) which acts as the force projection element MNDF. The MNDF Marine Corps, as a naval unit, works closely with the coast guard of the country.

Mexico

Mexican naval infantry

TheMexican Naval Infantry(Spanish:Infantería de Marina) of theMexican Navyis responsible for port security, protection of the ten-kilometer coastal fringe, and patrolling major waterways. Tracing their origins in 1821, the marines have light arms, heavy weapons and armored amphibious vehicles. The Navy ceded most of its riverine responsibilities to theArmy,reducing the size of the marine force, and deploying them back aboard ships where they play a vital role in drug interdiction and boarding of suspect vessels in territorial waters.

Morocco

The Royal Moroccan Marines are a naval infantry force subordinated to theRoyal Moroccan Navytrained in landing missions and sabotage. The force is between 1,500 and 2,000 troops strong, organized in three battalion-strength units. Among its roles are guarding the southern coast against infiltration byPolisario Frontguerrillas.

Myanmar

TheMyanmar Navyraised a naval infantry battalion of 800 men in 1964, followed by a second battalion in 1967. Two more battalions may have also been raised. They were deployed mainly to the Arakan and Tenasserim areas, and to the Irrawaddy delta, to assist in counter-insurgency operations, but also performed other security duties.

Namibia

Namibian Marine Corpsis a battalion-sized infantry unit of theNamibian Navyunder the command of a naval captain. Its officers and men are part of the navy and use naval ranks, though insignia is adopted from theBrazilian Marine Corps.The corps is primarily made up of a Rapid Reaction Unit, an Operation Dive team, an operational boat team, and aSpecial OperationsCommandoUnit.

Netherlands

TheNetherlands Marine Corps(Korps Mariniers) is naval infantry unit of theRoyal Netherlands Navy,founded in 1665 as an infantry branch of theDutch States Navy.They saw their first amphibious action in 1667 during theraid on the Medway.The unit's motto is Qua Patet Orbis ( "As Far as the World Extends" ). Today, it is a brigade approximately 2300 marines strong, consisting of two marine infantry battalions (plus one infantry company which is stationed inAruba), one amphibious combat support battalion and one logistical battalion. Dutch Marines train in all possible geographical and climate conditions for their role. Enlisted marine recruit training lasts 33 weeks, and marine officers train up to 18 months (including naval academy time). It has its own Special Forces branch known asNetherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces(NLMARSOF).

Norway

The Coastal Ranger Command (Kystjegerkommandoenor KJK) of theNorwegian Navyis an amphibious infantry unit trained to operate in littoral combat theatres, as naval infantry and coastal artillery. There is also an SBS type naval commando unit, theMarinejegerkommandoenor MJK. However, with the KJK being a much younger unit than the MJK, the MJK is not under the KJK but rather than the Norwegian Special Operations Command (NORSOCOM) &Royal Norwegian Navy.

Pakistan

Pakistani marines

ThePakistan Marinesdivision of thePakistan Navywas re-established on April 14, 1990, with about 3,600 men. The marines are based atPNS Qasimnaval base.

Paraguay

TheParaguayan Marine Corps(Cuerpo de Fusileros Navales) is a battalion-sized organization consisting of four company-sized brigades. In limited cadre form, the marine corps dates from the late 19th century, although it only achieved significant existence when the three-battalion sizedRegimiento de Infanteria de Marina Riachuelowas created in the final stages of theChaco Warof 1932–1935.

Peru

ThePeruvian Naval Infantry(Infantería de Marina del Perú) consists of around 3,000 naval infantrymen and includes an amphibious brigade of three battalions and local security units with two transport ships, four tank landing ships, and about fortyChaimitearmored personnel carriers. They have seen action in Peru'scivil warwith theShining Path.

Since 1982, IMAP detachments have been deployed, under army command, in counter-insurgency operations.

Philippines

Philippine marines during an assault training exercise

ThePhilippine Marine Corps(PMC) (Hukbong Kawal Pandagat ng Pilipinas) is the marine corps of thePhilippines.It is a naval infantry force under the command of thePhilippine Navy.PMC primarily conducts amphibious and expeditionary warfare, as well as special operation missions. It has a strength of about 9,500 men organized into three maneuver brigades, a Combat Service and Support Brigade (CSSB), and independent units such as theMarine Special Operations Group(MARSOG) and the Marine Security and Escort Group (MSEG). Formed on November 7, 1950, thePhilippine Marine Corpsis considered the first and foremost unit to be involved in any amphibious or seaborne clashes.

Poland

ThePolish Navymaintains several naval infantry units responsible for port and coastal security. ThePolish Armymaintains the7th Coastal Defense Brigade,which bears traditions of the disbanded7th Coastal Defence Division(the Blue Berets), therefore it is sometimes referred to as the Marines of Poland. As of 2010there are no plans by the Polish Army to create an active marine unit. Therefore, the 7th Brigade carries out only limited-scale exercises of amphibious assaults.

Portugal

The PortugueseCorpo de Fuzileiros

The third-oldest marine corps in the world was founded as theTerço of the Navy of the Crown of Portugalin 1618. ThePortuguese Navystill maintains this Elite Naval Infantry, which is currently known as theCorpo de Fuzileiros.The Corpo de Fuzileiros, meaning literally "Corps of Fusiliers”, is the Elite Infantry and Special Forces unit of the Portuguese Navy.

Romania

The 307th Marine Infantry Regiment (Regimentul 307 Infanterie Marină) is thelight infantry/reconnaissanceunit of theRomanian Naval Forces,subordinated to theRomanian Danube Flotillasince 2015. It is located inBabadag,Tulcea County,and was formed on 29 November 1971 as the 307th Marine Infantry Battalion for the defence of theDanube Deltaand RomanianBlack Seashore.

Russia

An armed Russian marine aboard a warship in the Mediterranean Sea

TheRussian Naval Infantry(Морская пехота) are the amphibious forces of theRussian Armed Forces.TheRussian Navyalso has theRussian commando frogmen,an elite unit for underwater reconnaissance and special operations.

Saudi Arabia

TheRoyal Saudi Navymaintains two, 1,500-man marine brigades consisting of three battalions each. The brigades are assigned to the Western Fleet headquartered in Jeddah and the Eastern Fleet headquartered in Jubail.

South Africa

South African marines boarding an Indian warship as part of an exercise

South Africahas not had a dedicated marine branch of its military since theapartheidera. A close analogue would be theSouth African Navy'sMaritime Reaction Squadron,a marine-type unit of four companies. Members are marines and use naval ranks. They are trained in infantry combat up to company sized operations. They are also used for crowd control and conduct peacekeeping operations. During peacekeeping operations they are meant to augment an army infantry battalion. Their role is very similar to the now disbandedSouth African Marine Corpsfrom the apartheid era. The4 Special Forces Regimentof theSouth African Special Forcesprovides South Africa its seaward Special Forces capability.

Spain

Spanish Navy marines

TheSpanish Navy Marines(Infantería de Marina) are the oldest existing marine force in the world,as they were established on February 27, 1537, byCharles Iwhen he permanently assigned theCompañías Viejas del Mar de Nápoles(Naples Sea Old Companies) to theEscuadras de Galeras del Mediterráneo(Mediterranean Galley Squadrons). Their red trouser stripes mark theInfanteria de Marinaas part of the Royal Household Corps and were given byCharles IIIto the marines in reward for their fierce defence of theCastillo del MorroofHavana,Cuba,in 1762.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan marines with theirIdeal Motors CATVvehicles

TheSri Lanka Navyestablished itsSri Lanka Marine Corpsin November 2016, and the first group of members were assisted in training by the11th Marine Expeditionary Unitof the United States Marine Corps. The unit became functional after the first group of members consisting of 6 officers and 158 sailors graduated from training on 27 February 2017.

Sweden

TheSwedish Amphibious Corps(Svenska amfibiekåren) is an arm of theSwedish Navy.The corps consists of two regiments each comprising one amphibious battalion, tasked with reconnaissance, amphibious assaults, and combat on, over, and under the surface of the sea.

Syria

TheFouj Al-Mughawayr Al-Bahir(فوج المغاوير البحرmeaning "Marines Regiment" ) is a unit based inLatakia Governorate.It has participated in operations in theSyrian Civil War.

Taiwan

President of TaiwanTsai Ing-wenreviewing a marine battalion

Officially theRepublic of Chinabut referred to colloquially asTaiwan,the state's military has a naval infantry force known by the English name theRepublic of China Marine Corpswhich was established in 1914 inmainland Chinafollowing the1911 Revolutionand is the amphibious branch of theRepublic of China Navy.It fled with the otherROC forcesto Formosa following theKuomintang's defeat in theChinese Civil War.They are responsible for amphibious combat, counter-landing, reinforcement ofTaiwanand surrounding islands (such asKinmen,Wuchiu,Matsu Islands,Pratas Island,etc.), and defense of Naval facilities. It also functions as a rapid reaction force (special service company) and a strategic reserve.

Thailand

Royal Thai Marines during an amphibious assault as part of CARAT 2011

Royal Thai Marine Corps(RTMC) is thenaval infantrysubbranch of theRoyal Thai Navy.The Royal Thai Marine Corps was founded in 1932, when the first battalion was formed with the assistance of the United States Marine Corps. It was expanded to a regiment in 1940 and was in action against communist guerrillas throughout the 1950s and 1960s. During the 1960s, the United States Marine Corps assisted in its expansion into a brigade. The Royal Thai Marine Corps saw action on the Malaysian border in the 1970s and has now been increased to four brigades.

Tonga

The Royal Tongan Marines is a sub-unit of theTongan Maritime Force,which itself is a branch of theTonga Defence Services.It is a single battalion-sized group composed of a Headquarters Company and three Light Infantry Companies.

Turkey

Turkish marine boarding teams

TheAmphibious Marine Infantry Brigade Commandis the marine force of the Turkish Naval Forces and consists of 4,500 men based in Foça near İzmir.

Ukraine

Ukrainian naval infantry

TheUkrainian Marine Corpswas founded in 1993 from a unit of the former Soviet Naval Infantry. It served as a coastal defense force of theUkrainian Navyuntil 23 May 2023 when it was elevated into a service branch of theArmed Forces of Ukraine.The branch is based inMykolaiv.

United Kingdom

Boarding procedures demonstrated by the British Royal Marines

TheRoyal Marines(RM) were formed in 1664 and are part ofHM Naval Service.They include an amphibious brigade (which includes commando-trained units and individual personnel from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force), a naval security unit responsible for guarding the UK's naval nuclear weapons and other security duties, a landing craft and boat-training group which is also a parent unit for three landing craft units deployed on amphibious warfare ships; and a naval musical branch. The RM has close international ties with allied marine forces, particularly the United States Marine Corps and the Netherlands Marine Corps/Korps Mariniers. "Marine" is also used as a rank in the Royal Marines, being equivalent to an armyprivate.TheRoyal Marines Reserve(RMR) is the volunteer reserve force used to augment the regular Royal Marines in times of war or national crisis.

United States

U.S. Marines Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team conducting an exercise aboard a fishing vessel

TheUnited States Marine Corps(USMC) is currently the only marinecombined-armsforce in the world. Created in 1775, it was originally intended only to guard naval vessels during theAmerican Revolutionary War.The USMC is a component part of theUS Department of the Navyin the military command structure, with its own representative on theJoint Chiefs of Staff.The corps’ major functions include the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases and land operations essential to a naval campaign, providing detachments and organizations for service on armed vessels of the Navy and security detachments for the protection of naval property at naval stations and bases, and such other duties since the president may direct and develop those phases of amphibious operations that pertain to the tactics, technique, and equipment used by landing forces.It also has other missions, including providing personnel as security guards at US diplomatic missions, and providing helicopter transportation for the President of the United States aboardMarine One.TheUnited States Marine Corps Reserve(USMCR) is the reserve force of the United States Marine Corps.

Uruguay

TheUruguayan Marine Corps(Cuerpo de Fusileros Navalesor FUSNA) is a battalion-sized organization. However, given its small size, it is not a separate corps within the Navy, but regular naval officers are posted to the Marines as to any other Navy unit.

Venezuela

TheVenezuelan Marine Corps(Infantería de Marina) is a subdivision of theVenezuelan Navy.Headquartered in Meseta de Mamo, Vargas, the estimated numerical strength of this unit is approximately 8,000 men and women. Its mission is to "enlist and direct its units in order to form the disembarking force and/or support of amphibious or special operations; executing naval safeguarding and environmental policing, as well as actively participating in the national development".

Vietnam

TheVietnam People's Navymaintains anaval infantryforce (Vietnamese:Hải quân Đánh bộ;Hải quân đả bộ ). It traces its roots during theVietnam Warfollowing the model of theĐặc công sappersbut withamphibious capabilities.It first saw action as an official naval infantry force during theCambodian–Vietnamese Warwhen it ousted theKhmer Rougefrom power. It once stood at eleven brigades each of several battalions. Currently the Vietnam People's Navy maintains two naval infantry brigades.

Historical marine forces

Ancient Greece

The ancient Greek states did not possess specialized marine infantry; instead, they usedhoplitesand archers as an onboard contingent (epibatai).

Ancient Rome

TheRoman Navyused regular infantry as marines. Naval personnel were trained for raiding and also provided the troops for at least twolegions(IAdiutrixandIIAdiutrix) for service on land. The various provincial fleets were usually provided with marines from the adjacent legions.

Australia

Several of theColonial navies of Australiaraised volunteer naval infantry and naval militia brigades in the second half of the 19th century. Following theFederation of Australiathey were combined into the Commonwealth Naval Militia. With the formation of theRoyal Australian Navyin 1911 they were renamed the Royal Australian Naval Brigade. At its peak in 1915 it numbered 2,817 officers and men. The Naval Brigade was disbanded in 1920 and volunteers were absorbed into theRoyal Australian Naval Reserve.

Austrian/Austro-Hungarian Empire

Though overshadowed by its Prussian counterpart, theMarinier-Korps,as well as naval powers like the British, the French, the Spanish, and the Italians, Austria-Hungary maintained a small regiment of naval infantrymen dating back to Venetian times alongside the then Austrian Imperial Navy's “Corps of Sailors” (Matrosencorps). However, in 1868, as part of his naval reforms, then CommanderWilhelm von Tegetthoffabolished the Naval Infantry Regiment and the Naval Artillery Corps in favor of an enlarged and all-encompassingMatrosencorpsas by that point, no marines had served aboard a ship for 10 years, and so from that point on, sailors not serving on active warships received infantry drills and took up naval infantry duties.

Byzantine Empire

For several centuries, theByzantine navyused the descendants of theMardaites,who were settled in southernAnatoliaandGreece,as marines and rowers for its ships. EmperorBasil Ialso established a separate marine regiment, 4,000 strong, for the central Imperial Fleet based atConstantinople.These were professional troops, and were counted among the elitetagmata. In the 1260s, when emperorMichael VIII Palaiologosrebuilt the navy, he recruited theTzakones(settlers fromLaconia) and theGasmouloi(men of mixed Greek-Latindescent) as special marine troops. Despite the progressive decline and virtual disappearance of the navy, they remained active until the latePalaiologan period.

Sangkum era Kingdom of Cambodia/Khmer Republic

TheCambodian Marine Corps,or Corps de Fusiliers-Marins Khmères (CFMK), was founded in 1960 was initially the naval infantry unit of the1st Kingdom of Cambodiaof 1953–1970 under theRoyal Khmer Navyof theRoyal Khmer Armed Forces(FARK). AfterLon Nol’scoup of 1970,FARK was reorganised to beKhmer National Armed Forces(FANK) and the naval infantry came under the jurisdiction of theKhmer National Navy(MNK).

The naval infantry took part in theCambodian Civil Waragainst theKhmer Rougebut was dissolved along with the rest of theKhmer National Armed Forceswhen theKhmer Republicwere defeated and capitulated to theKhmer Rouge.

Qing China

TheQing dynasty‘sBeiyang Fleetof theImperial Chinese Navymaintained a small naval infantry force which at its height reached the size of 300 marines. The marines distinguished themselves visually by their red uniforms as opposed to the regularBeiyang Fleet’s Navy personnels who wear their white dress uniforms for the summer & autumn, and blue dress uniform for the winter & spring.

On top of their role as Naval Infantrymen, theBeiyang Fleetmarines also took on the fleet'sfirefighting&military policingduties.

The marines saw action at the end of the year following the official end of theFirst Sino-Japanese Warwhen they attempted to retake Nanbang Fort ( nam bang pháo đài ) from Japanese forces after it was attacked on Christmas Day of 1895 by an attacking force of 30,000 Japanese with 6,000 Chinese defending the fort; which subsequently fell to Japanese forces on December 29, 1895. Being greatly outnumbered and lacking heavy weapons, the marines failed to dislodge the Japanese from the fort.

Manchukuo

Following the1911 Revolutionand the collapse of theQing dynasty's rule over China followed by its puppeting by theEmpire of Japanresulting fromJapan's 1931-1932 invasion of Manchuriaas part of Japan's imperial expansion into China, the Japanese carved out the state ofManchukuofrom the former territories ofManchuriafor former Emperor of Qing China;Puyi,to rule over as a puppet Emperor ofManchukuoto Japan.

As a result of the surrender of naval assets in the region (then under the jurisdiction of theKuomintang) under the command of Captain Yin Zuqian ( doãn tộ càn ) atHarbinas a result ofthe invasion,the ships Captain Yin surrendered (which at the time consisted of five rivergunboats) eventually became the foundation of theManchukuo Imperial Navy.

TheManchukuo Imperial Navymaintained a naval infantry force of 300 marines.TheManchukuo Marines( mãn châu quốc hải quân lục chiến đội ) were modeled after the naval infantry force of the formerBeiyang Fleet's Marines.

Denmark-Norway

Marineregimentet(The Marine Regiment) was the naval infantry of theRoyal Dano-Norwegian Navy.Leading up to theDenmark–Norwayunion in 1814, the unit moved to Rendsburg and changed its name to Bornholm Infantry Regiment in 1741 and fell under the jurisdiction of theRoyal Danish Armybecoming a regular infantry unit. The Bornholm Infantry Regiment continued to exist until its disbandment in 2000.

Dutch Republic

The corps was founded on 10 December 1665 during theSecond Anglo-Dutch Warby the unofficial leader of the republic,Johan de Witt,and AdmiralMichiel de Ruyteras the Regiment de Marine. Its leader wasWillem Joseph Baron van Ghent.The Dutch had successfully used ordinary soldiers in ships at sea in theFirst Anglo-Dutch War.It was the fifth European marine unit formed, being preceded by the Spanish Marines (1537), the Portuguese Marines (1610), the French Marines (1622) and the English Royal Marines (1664). Like Britain, the Netherlands has had several periods when its Marines were disbanded. The Netherlands itself was under French occupation or control from 1810 until 1813. A new marine unit was raised on 20 March 1801 during the time of theBatavian Republicand on 14 August 1806 theKorps Koninklijke Grenadiers van de Marinewas raised under King Louis Bonaparte. The modernKorps Mariniersdates from 1814, receiving its current name in 1817.

The battle honors on theKorps Mariniers' colors are:Raid on the Medway(1667), Kijkduin (1673), Sennefe (1674), Spain, Dogger Bank (1781), West Indies, Algiers (1816), Atjeh, Bali, Rotterdam (1940), Java Sea (1942), Java and Madoera (1947–1948), New Guinea (1962) and Cambodia (1992–1993).

Estonia

TheMeredessantpataljon,was a short-lived infantrybattalionof theEstonian Navy.The battalion was created in 1919 from the crews of the Estonian surface warships and was based inTallinn.The unit was mainly used on theSouthern Frontduring theEstonian War of Independence.The unit was operational from March to June in 1919.

France

Troupes de marine

TheTroupes de marinewere founded in 1622 (ascompagnies ordinaires de la mer) as land forces under the control of theSecretary of State of the Navy,notably for operations inFrench Canada.TheCompagnies de la Merwere transformed inline infantryregimentsbyNapoleon,but became once more marine forces in 1822 (for the artillery) and 1831 (for the infantry). TheseTroupes de marineswere in the 19th century the main overseas and colonial forces of the French military. In 1900 they were put under the orders of theWar Ministryand took the name ofTroupes Coloniales(Colonial Forces). In 1958 the designation ofTroupes Colonialeswas changed toTroupes d'Outre-Mer(Overseas Forces) but in 1961 it reverted to the originalTroupes de marine.Throughout these changes in title, these troops continued to be part of theFrench Army.

Gran Colombia

The Federation ofGran ColombiaMarines were formed in 1822 and were disbanded in 1829, Personnel were mostly from Venezuela.

Germany

GermanSeebatailloneformation at Qingdao

• German Empire:During the German Imperial era, three ‘sea battalions’ orSeebataillonebased atKiel,WilhelmshavenandTsingtaowere maintained. These units served intermittently as colonial intervention forces. TheIII Seebataillonat the imperial navy's east Asian station at Tsingtao was the only all-German unit with permanent status in a protectorate/colony. The battalion fought at theSiege of Tsingtao.
• Nazi Germany:TheMarinestosstruppkompanie,was a naval infantry ofKriegsmarinein theSecond World War.
• East Germany:TheEast German army's Nr29. Regiment ( "Ernst Moritz Arndt" ) was a Motorized Rifle Regiment intended for amphibious operations in the Baltic Sea;while theVolksmarineKampfschwimmer:Combat swimmer units were intended for support of amphibious operations and for raiding.

Iran

• At the time of theIranian Revolutionin 1979, theImperial Iranian Navyhad three battalions of marines.

Iraq

• The oldBa'athist-eraIraqi Navymaintained several marine companies.
• TheIraqi Republican Guardmaintained a Marine Brigade as part of its8th As SaiqaSpecial Forces Division. The brigade was equipped with Brazilian-madeEngesaEE-11 Urutuwheeledarmored personnel carriers.

Fascist Italy

TheBlackshirtmilitiamaintained an independentMarine Groupwith four MVSN battalions (24th, 25th, 50th and 60th).

TheDecima Flottiglia MASwas an Italian flotilla, with commando frogman unit, of theRegia Marina(Italian Royal Navy).

The3rd Marine Infantry Division "San Marco"was an Italian division raised by Mussolini'sItalian Social Republic.

Imperial Japan

The landing of the Japanese marines from theUnyoatGanghwa Island,Korea, during the 1875Ganghwa Island incident

Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces

During the feudal period, the Japanese used Ashigaru soldiers or regular Yumi archers as soldiers to protect ships from pirates. In 1873, a short-lived marine corps was added to the newly createdImperial Japanese Navy(IJN), using Britain's Royal Marines as a model. Considered unsuitable in its original form, the force was disbanded in 1878.TheIJN’s land forcesmaintained several combat units:

• Special Naval Landing Forceswere theEmpire of Japan's professional marine corps.
• Naval Landing Forceswere ad-hoc formations of IJN naval personnel formed intonaval infantryunits for duties ashore.
• The IJN also maintained the Guard Forces (keibitai) and Defense Units (bobitai), both of whom also receivedamphibious assaultand beach defence training. However, their performance was poor or average when they were used as assault troops.
• TheImperial Japanese Army's 3,500 man Sea-Landing Brigades (1st to 4th) were used to conduct amphibious assaults on an island, but afterwards they stayed to garrison that island.

Ottoman Empire

Ottoman naval infantrymen during the reign of Abdul Hamid II

The role ofOttomannaval infantry originated inOrhan's conquest of the KarasiBeylikand the capture of its fleet. From then on,JanissariesandAzapswere sometimes deployed as marines during the 14th Century. The Deniz azaps were used during the 16th Century; while troops calledLevend(Bahriyeli) were raised on and off over the centuries – over 50,000 of them by the late 18th century. The last raised units were theTa'ifat al Ru'sa(corsaircaptains militia) recruited from among the NorthAfrican Arabsand indigenousBerbers.Ottoman marines were part of theOttoman navy.

Portuguese Empire

Portugal raised numerous companies of Special Marines (Fuzileiros Especiais) and African Special Marines (Fuzileiros Especiais Africanos), both at home and in the African colonies ofPortuguese Guinea,Portuguese AngolaandPortuguese Mozambique,for service in Africa during thePortuguese Colonial Wars.The African Special Marines were all-black units.

Russian Empire

Following the establishment of the Imperial Russian Navy in 1696 underPeter the Great,as part of his naval force expansion, Naval Infantry of the Russian Empire (морской пехоты Российской Империи) was formed on November 16, 1705, by using several regiments of marine equipage troops that fought as much on land as they served in ship detachments. One battalion was formed within the Guard, and served on the Imperial family's ships. The Imperial Russia's Naval Infantry have seen action in theGreat Northern Warduring theBattle of Gangut,took part in the capture ofIzmail fortressin theRusso-Turkish Wars,distinguished itself by defeating theNapoleonic Armyin theBattle of Borodino,Battle of Kulm,and theSiege of Danzigas well as taking part in theamphibious operations in Naplesduring theNapoleonic War.The Naval Infantry also saw action in theSiege of Sevastopolduring theCrimean War,and took part in thedefense of Port ArthurduringRusso-Japanese War.Its final campaign inWorld War Isaw them deployed to the Baltic Sea to defend against the German attacks as well as the Caspian Sea for operations against the Ottoman Empire.During theRussian Civil Warthe Imperial Russian Naval Infantry was fractured as the men were divided and ended up joining both sides of the conflict. Naval Infantrymen who joined either theBolsheviks(such as the Baltic Fleet Naval Infantry) or joined theWhitesdistinguished themselves in battle for their respective sides. Following victory of theBolsheviks,surrendering White Naval Infantrymen were either shot on the spot, or were tortured before being executed. Those who sided with theBolshevikswere absorbed under the banner of theSoviet Navyand formed the backbone of the new Soviet Naval Infantry. Some of these Soviet Naval Infantrymen, particularly members of the Baltic Fleet Naval Infantry who aligned with the Bolsheviks during the civil war would later take part in the1921 mutiny against the Soviet government on the Kronstadt island fortressshortly following its winding down.

Soviet Union

Soviet naval infantrymanduring a U.S. naval visit to a Soviet port in 1989

The Soviet Navy had a number of small battalion-sized naval infantry and coastal defence units that mostly served in the ports and bases before the Second World War. During the war, and building on the visuals of the mutinied sailors of Petrograd in 1917, theStavkaordered formation of naval infantry brigades from surplus ship crew or shore duty sailors. Prior toWorld War II,members of the Soviet Naval Infantry took part in the1921 mutiny against the Soviet governmentby theBaltic Fleet garrisononthe Kronstadt island forton the back end of theRussian Civil War.The mutiny was quickly put down by Soviet forces with retaliation against the rebels by the Soviet government resulting in their eventual execution.

South Africa

TheSouth Africa Marine Corpswas set up as a subbranch of theSouth African Navyin 1979, with the primary purpose of protecting harbours. The Marines were disbanded in 1989, following a major restructuring of the Navy at the end of theSouth African Border War.

Spain

The oldest naval infantry. Created 27 February 1537 as Tercio de Armada by Carlos I (Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor 1519–1556). Miguel de Cervantes, famous writer, was a member of naval infantry at Lepanto Battle.

United Arab Emirates

In 2011, the UAE Marine Battalion was merged in theUnited Arab Emirates Presidential Guard.

United Kingdom

• TheRoyal Marinesdate from the establishment of a Maritime Regiment of Foot in 1664. TheMarine Regiments for Seawere formed in 1702 but by 1713 they had been disbanded or taken into the army as regiments of foot. In 1755, a permanent corps of marine companies was established for direct service under the Admiralty, and this force has an unbroken descent to the Royal Marines of today.
• TheRoyal Navyhas since its beginning formed naval landing parties of seamen for action ashore, this being later formalised into theNaval Brigades.These brigades would often dismount guns from their parent vessels for use ashore, these guns often being the only artillery available. The most famous example of this form of land service was provided by the guns accompanying the forcesrelieving Ladysmith.
• TheCorps of Colonial Marineswas raised from former American slaves as auxiliary units of the Royal Marines for service in the Americas: Two of these units were raised and subsequently disbanded. The first was a small unit which existed from 1808 to 12 October 1810, the second was more substantial and existed from May 1814 to 20 August 1816.
• TheRoyal Naval Divisionwas part of theRoyal Navyin theFirst World War.In 1914, the shortage of ground forces for theWestern Frontled to the creation of the Division, composed of two brigades of sailors and a brigade formed by the Royal Marines. The Division was part of theRoyal Navybut for command purposes was integrated into the army's command structure. The sailors were initially disappointing as infantry, but eventually developed into one of the better divisions. The Division participated in the defence of the Belgian city ofAntwerpin late 1914, and then served with heavy casualties at theBattle of Gallipoli.At different times the Division included various army units. The division ceased to exist after the end of the First World War.
• Gooch's Marines,the 61st Foot, raised in the American colonies for theWar of Jenkins' Earin 1739. This was a 3,000 man American regiment of theBritish Armythat served alongsideBritish Marines.Among its officers wasLawrence Washington,half-brother ofGeorge Washington.It was disbanded as a regiment in 1742 and the remaining independent companies were merged with another regiment in 1746.

United States

• American Colonial Marineswere State Marines raised for the various state navies that came into existence shortly before theRevolutionary War.
• TheContinental Marineswere the marine force of theAmerican ColoniesduringAmerican Revolutionary War.The corps was formed by theContinental Congresson November 10, 1775, and was disbanded in 1783. The Continental Marines' first and onlyCommandantwasCaptainSamuel Nicholas.
• Hillet Marine River Regiment of theUnion Armyduring theAmerican Civil War,this regiment consisted of 10 rifle companies, a Cavalry Battalion of 5 companies, and an artillery battalion of three batteries, all of whom operated fromMississippi Rivergunboats as part of theMississippi River Squadron.
• TheRepublic of Texas Marine Corps– Although a marine corps was suggested in the "Act and Decree Establishing a Navy," passed on November 25, 1835, it was not until acting governor James W. Robinson strongly urged the swift formation of such an organization in his message to the General Council on January 14, 1836, that steps were actually taken to commission officers of marines and recruit enlisted personnel. Before the end of the Republic of Texas and annexation to the United States, more than 350 men served with the Texas Marine Corps, and at least eighteen officers were commissioned to command them. The Texas Marine Corps served under the direction of the Navy Department of the Republic, and the duties of the corps were specifically ordained in fifteen articles passed by the Texas Congress on December 13, 1836. Marines served under their own officers aboard ship and ashore but were subject to the orders of the senior naval officer present. The uniform of the Texas Marine came from discontinued USMC stocks, changing only the buttons and cap devices to those of Texas configuration.
• TheConfederate Marineswere a branch of theConfederate States Navyand was established by theConfederate Congresson 16 March 1861; they were mainly (80%) defectors from the US Marines.

Nguyễn clan of southern Đại Việt

TheNguyễn lords(ancestors of theNguyễn dynasty) of southernĐại Việtmaintained a small naval infantry or marine force. Each marine was referred to as a thủy binh ( thủy binh ) orwater soldier.

South Vietnam

South Vietnamese marines during training

Vietnamese dynasties had a long tradition of utilizing marines. This tradition went back no later than theAnnam Protectorate of Tang dynastywhen the governors built boats and trained marines to fight off pirates and invaders. The successive Vietnamese dynasties made full use of their marines' superiority at river and sea to launch successful campaigns against their northward and southward neighbors alike.

The forerunner of theRepublic of Vietnam Marine Corps(VNMC) was established byNgo Dinh Diem,then prime minister of what was then theState of Vietnamon October 13, 1954. It draws its roots as the naval infantry unit of theRepublic of Vietnam Navyunder theVietnamese National Army,which after French decolonisation, would become theRepublic of Vietnam Military Forces.The VNMC became defunct on 1 May 1975 after thefall of Saigon.

Yugoslavia (SFRY)

The12th Naval Infantry Brigade(12. brigada mornaričko desantne pješadije) of theYugoslavian Navyof theSocialist Federal Republic of Yugoslaviaconsisted of 900 to 2,000 men in three battalions. A multi-ethnic unit, the brigade was broken up during thedissolution of the Yugoslav federationand saw little action.

See also

• List of marines and naval infantry forces
• Combat diver
• Air force infantry
• Navy

External links

• Media related toMarinesat Wikimedia Commons