Spanish Marine Infantry

First period , author of the novel Don Quixote, who was wounded in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Another famous writer, Pedro Calderón de la Barca, also served with the marines. The (Navy Infantry) was created by Charles V in 1537, when he permanently assigned the (Old Sea Companies of Naples) to the (Mediterranean Galley Squadrons). But it was Philip II who established today's concept of a landing force. This was a pure naval power projection ashore by forces deployed from ships that could maintain their ability to fight despite being based on board. This is the period of the famous Tercios (literally "One Third", due to its organisation: one third of musketeers, one third of swordsmen and the final third of pikemen): • . • . • . • . Of the Tercios above, the first is considered the core of the Spanish Marine Infantry, and it bears in its coat of arms two crossed anchors that became the Corps' coat of arms until 1931. In 1741 there were eight battalions and ten years later another was added. In 1740 a marine artillery corps was founded. At mid 18th century there were 12,000 marine infantry and 3,000 marine gunners. The infantry formed boarding parties while the gunners manned the ship cannons. As needed landing parties were formed. Both corps also garrisoned the navy's coastal fortresses. During the War of Spanish Independence both the marine infantry and the marine artillery were reorganized as an administrative division of seven regiments, mainly fighting on land as part of army divisions in an operational role. The marine artillery remained in the navy under the name of Cuerpo de Artillería de Marina . However, in 1848, the naval infantry was re-established by the formation of a new Corps, Cuerpo de Infantería de Marina, , then as an infantry regiment organized into three battalions and the regimental HQ, as well as support units and the band. The marine artillery was abolished in 1857. The five battalions of marine infantry were reorganized in 1869 to three regiments, one for each naval station. By this time, the mission of the marines changed from naval garrison troops, to a landing force serving mainly in the colonies. Republican Infantería de Marina Lieutenant Colonel Ambrosio Ristori de la Cuadra, killed in action during the Siege of Madrid, was posthumously awarded the Laureate Plate of Madrid. Fifth period After the civil war, during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, the strength of the Infantería Marina was increased. In 1957, the Grupo Especial Anfibio (Amphibious Special Group) was created, and the Spanish Marine Infantry returned to its primary duty as a Landing Force Mission. In 1958 it established a beachhead in Spanish Sahara and Ifni during the Ifni War. The capabilities and strength of the Spanish Marine Infantry were increased: new amphibious vehicles, anti-tank weapons, individual equipment and artillery. The Tercio de Armada (TEAR) became the main amphibious unit and has experienced several restructures that led to the E-01 Plan, which defines the requirements and structures from the year 2000 for the Spanish Marine Infantry. The Spanish Marines have been present in Europe, Central America and Asia in an anonymous role as an "emergency force" ready to evacuate civilians in conflict areas, or as a deterrence force in providing cover for the actions of allied forces. The current base for the Spanish Marines is in San Fernando. 21st century The Spanish Marine Infantry have been deployed to various NATO operations such as Afghanistan. ==Mission==

The Spanish Marine Infantry is an elite corps, highly specialised in amphibious warfare, that is, to project an amphibious force onto a hostile, or potentially hostile, coast. Its ability to embark on a short term notice with (land, air and naval) Navy assets, makes it a unit with a high strategic value. Adding to this a high degree of training, and the capability to deploy swiftly in international waters, results in a potent dissuasive force available at a short notice in distant regions. One of the main characteristics of a marine is the uniform that he wears. On the sleeves of the Spanish Marines are the three "Sardinetas", which marks it as a member of the Royal House Corps. This was given in recognition for a heroic last stand at the Morro Castle during the siege of Havana in 1762. The only other unit to wear the sardinetas and red trouser stripes is the Spanish Royal Guard. Spanish Marines have modern assets to comply with its mission, having personnel specialised in artillery, sapping, helicopters, special operations, communications, tanks, among others. Some vehicles form the Grupo Mecanizado Anfibio del Tercio de Armada (the Mechanized Amphibious Group of the Navy Tercio). The Marines of Spain are not only a fleet force, as the Spanish Royal Marine Guard Company are responsible for the defense and security forces of naval bases and facilities, naval schools and training units, and all facilities that support the Marines themselves. Special operations deployments In June 2009, the Special Naval Warfare Force (FGNE) was created through the fusion of the Special Operations Unit (UOE) of the Marine Infantry as well as the Special Combat Divers Unit (UEBC) and the Special Explosives Defusers Unit (UEDE) from the Navy Diving Center. The FGNE is organized inside the whole Navy. This unit has taken part in several operations including Atalanta in Somalia, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Hispaniola in Haiti and the hijack of the fishing vessel Alakrana in Somali waters. ==Organization==

Marine brigade The main fighting Force of the Spanish Marine Infantry is the Marine Infantry Brigade, which includes the following units: • Marine Infantry Brigade (BRIMAR) • Headquarters Battalion, with 1x Headquarters, 1x Signals, 1x Military Intelligence, Battlefield Surveillance & Electronic Warfare and 1x Reconnaissance & Target Acquisition Company • 1st Landing Battalion, with 1x HQ & Service, 3x Naval Fusiliers and 1x Weapons Company • 2nd Landing Battalion, with 1x HQ & Service, 3x Naval Fusiliers and 1x Weapons Company • 3rd Mechanized Landing Battalion, with 1x HQ & Service, 2x Mechanized (Piranha IIIC 8x8), 1x Tank (M60A3 TTS) and 1x Weapons Company • Amphibious Mobility Group, with 1x HQ & Service, 1x Engineer, 1x Amphibious Assault Vehicle, 1x Anti-Tank (TOW) and 1x Boat Company • Artillery Landing Group, with 1x HQ & Service, 2x Field Artillery (105mm Mod. 56), 1x Self-propelled Artillery (155mm M109AE), 1x Air-Defense Artillery Battery (Mistral) and 1x Fire Support Coordination and Control Company • Combat Service Support Group, with 1x HQ & Service, 1x Transport, 1x Medical, 1x Supply, 1x Maintenance Company and 1x Beach Organization & Movement Company Protection Forces The Protection Force (FUPRO) is in charge of ensuring the security of naval and other designated facilities and contains around 2000 troops. FUPRO is commanded by a brigadier general and is made up of the following battalion sized Tercios (En:Thirds): • Tercio del Norte (TERNOR) - Northern Regiment • Tercio de Levante (TERLEV) - Eastern Regiment • Tercio del Sur (TERSUR) - South Regiment • Unidad de Seguridad del Mando Naval de Canarias (USCAN) - Canary Islands Naval Command Security Unit • Agrupación de Infantería de Marina de Madrid (AGRUMAD) - Madrid Marine Infantry Group Special Forces See article: Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial The Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial (FGNE) is the special operations force of the Spanish Navy specializing in maritime, land and coastal environments. It is made up of the former Special Naval Warfare Command, which comprised the Special Operations Unit (UOE) of the Tercio de Armada and the Special Combat Divers Unit (UEBC). Naval Police The Naval Police Units are basically organized for the performance, both in peace and in war, of specific security and order missions. They fulfill the duties of surveillance of units and units of the Navy, custody, escort and regulation of transport and military convoys, protection of authorities, identification of personnel and vehicles, etc. In the exercise of their functions they will have the character of agents of the authority. Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (TAR) Company The Compañía de Reconocimiento y Adquisición de Blancos (Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance, TAR) was created in 2012, replacing the Reconnaissance Unit (URECON) assigned to the Headquarters Battalion. Its mission is the reconnaissance for the Marine Infantry Brigade (BRIMAR) operations. Its tasks are observation and reconnaissance, target acquisition, control of fire support (artillery and air strikes), close air support (helicopter precision marksmanship), direct action and mobility. For this, the most veteran marines train in insertion / extraction using skydiving and diving techniques. Sección Martín Álvarez While she remained active, the Spanish aircraft carrier Príncipe de Asturias (R11) had an assigned section of embarked Marines who were responsible for the security and control of the vessel, conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) using helicopters or RIBs. Once the ship began its decommissioning process, the Section was dismantled and its members assigned to other units. ==Personnel structure==

== Ranks of the Spanish Marine Infantry ==

Even though the ranks of the Marine Infantry are similar to Spanish Army ranks they wear also sleeve and cuff insignia to recognize them as part of the naval establishment, aside from shoulder rank insignia. Commissioned officer ranks The rank insignia of commissioned officers. Other ranks The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel. Cadets, candidates and recruits == The Spanish Marine's Decalogue ==

Original Spanish • 1º mandamiento : Mi primer deber como infante de marina es estar permanentemente dispuesto a defender España y entregar si fuera preciso mi propia vida • 2º mandamiento : Seré siempre respetuoso con mis mandos, leal con mis compañeros, generoso y sacrificado en mi trabajo • 3º mandamiento : Estaré preparado para afrontar con valor abnegación y espíritu de servicio cualquier misión asiganada a la Infantería de Marina • 4º mandamiento : Seré siempre respetuoso con las tradiciones del cuerpo, estaré orgulloso de su historia y nunca haré nada que pueda desprestigiar su nombre • 5º mandamiento : Ajustaré mi conducta al respeto de las personas, su dignidad y derechos serán valores que guardaré y exigiré • 6º mandamiento : Como Infante de marina la disciplina constituirá mi norma de actuación, la practicaré y exigiré en todos los cometidos que se me asignen • 7º mandamiento : Como Infante de marina mi misión será sagrada, en su cumplimiento venceré o moriré • 8º mandamiento : Aumentar la preparación física y mental será mi objetivo permanente • 9º mandamiento : Seré duro en la fatiga, bravo en el combate, nunca el desaliento en mi pecho anidará, nobleza y valentía serán mis emblemas • 10º mandamiento : ¡Mi lema! ... ¡Valiente por tierra y por mar! English • 1st commandment: As a Marine my first duty is to be constantly ready to defend Spain and give my life if necessary. • 2nd commandment: I shall be always loyal with my brothers, respectful with my superiors, generous and devoted to my task. • 3rd commandment: I shall be always ready to face with courage, dedication and spirit of service any mission assigned to the Marine Infantry. • 4th commandment: I shall be always respectful about the traditions of the Corps, be proud of its history and will never do anything that may adversely reflect on its name. • 5th commandment: I shall guide my conduct with respect for people, their dignity and rights I shall guard. • 6th commandment: As a Marine, discipline will be my standard of acting in all tasks assigned to me. • 7th commandment: As a Marine, my mission is sacred; in its fulfillment, I shall either win or die. • 8th commandment: Improving my body and training my mind shall be my permanent goals. • 9th commandment: I shall be strong on fatigue, brave in battle, discouragement shall never nest in my heart, for honor and courage are my banners. • 10th commandment: My motto!: Bravery in land and in the sea! == Equipment ==

Infantry weapons Vehicles Artillery ==Traditions==

Hymn The Marcha Heroica de la Infanteria de Marina (Heroic March of the Marine Infantry), also known as the Himno de la Infantería de Marina is the official march of the Spanish Marines. It was authored by J. Raimundo and composed by Colonel Don Agustín Díez Guerrero. The text is as follows: Motto Its official motto is "Valientes por Tierra y por Mar" ("Braves by Land and Sea"), which is similar to other mottos used by marine units such as the Royal Marines. Bands . The Music Band of the Marines is the military band of the Marine Infantry and the larger Spanish Navy. For this, it has the Music Band, created in 1950, it is made up of a select group of non-commissioned officers and professional musicians. Its first performance was in the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid on 1 April 1951. It marches in both military ceremonies and parades, as well as in civil events. Based in Madrid it serves as the successor to bands of both that service and the whole of the Navy. The Madrid Marine Corps Battalion (AGRUMAD) Music Band, also based in Madrid, also serves this branch. Since 1990, which was the year of its reestablishment, it has participated in concerts organized by the aforementioned association as well as military festivals in Spain. In 1970, it performed in the International Contest of Military Music Bands held in Valencia in 1970, in which its bandsmen obtained 1st prize. It also has taken part in foreign activities in neighboring countries such as Belgium. ==Uniforms==

File:Infantería de marina trabajo A.png|Barrack Dress A File:Infantería de marina trabajo B.png|Barrack Dress B File:Infantería de marina diario A.png|Service Dress A File:Infantería de marina diario B.png|Service Dress B File:Infantería de marina diario C.png|Service Dress C File:Infantería de marina gala A.png|Dress Uniform A File:Infantería de marina gala B.png|Dress Uniform B File:Infantería de marina etiqueta A.png|Mess Dress A File:Infantería de marina etiqueta B.png|Mess Dress B File:Infantería de marina gran etiqueta.png|Ceremonial Dress Source: == See also ==