San
Marco Marines
(Forza
da Sbarco Marina Militare Italiana)
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History:
The
amphibious forces of the Italian Nave have a long tradition, The first units
of such type were created at the beginning of the 18th. century, at a time
when Italy didn't even exist as a unified state. These troops took part in
virtual every conflict that involved Italy, including World War One, when the
unit was given the name "San Marco" in order to remember the
defence of the city of Venice which those naval troops provided.
The
"San Marco Division" also took part in World War Two, and performed
bravely in every front the unit was sent to, from the Balkans to the famous
"Afrika Korps". When the armistice was segnide in 1943, the "marines"
of Regia Marina found themselves divided into one part in the South (which
fought alongside the Allies), and one part of the troops in the North, which
went on fighting with the X MAS and to the San Marco Division being this part
of the RSI - Republica Sociale Italiana -, alongside the German Troops against
Allies. In the post-war era, the Italian Navy re-created a naval amphibious
force The " Battaglione San Marco" in the early 60's, and that
particular unit has since then been deployed to almost every theater for
peace-keeping and peace-enforcing or non-combatants evacuation operation (
from Lebanon in the early 80's to the Persian Gulf in 87-91, from Somalia in
91, 92 and 95 to Albania, from Kosovo to East Timor and Irak 2003).
Today,
the " Forza da Sbarco" (or Italian Landing Force) costitutes a 2,400
marines strong and well trained and all volunteer force, which is one of the
most valuable units being part of the so-called Rapid Reaction Forces, and
that can be rapidely deployed overseas for amphibious or more conventional
operations. The unit is based at Brindisi.
Mission:
·
Amphibious assault operations (by sea and by air) from a safe distance
from the shore, using helicoters, fast assault boats, hydrojet-powered LCVP's
and LCM's, and amphibious landing vehicles.
·
More traditional "light-infantry" troops operations if needed
·
Traditional peace-keeping / peace-enforcing operations (often with no
"amphibious" characteristic).
·
Non-combatants Evacuations operations.
·
Protection of Embassies or naval assets in particular risky situations,
support of other military or non-military polices forces
·
Ship's inspections ( during naval embargoes)
In
the recent years, the operational doctrine of the unit has changed. The
Italian Marines are now able to conduct amphibious assault operations from a
much bigger distance from the shore than in the past, deploying more rapidely
a larger number of troops, thanks to a new landing procedure that has been put
in place, which for example considers the use of much faster landing crafts
than in the past, or which makes a greater use of helicopters for air assault.
Of
course, the Italian Navy is currently not able to perform "USMC"
style ' over-the horizon' amphibious operations, which are part of the
American 'OTH' concept, as the necessary tools for that kind of procedures (MV-22's,
LCAC's Air-Cushioned Landing Craft) are not available.
The
new types of operations, which would typically be launched from a distance of
20-30 miles from the shore, have been made possible thanks to the following
assets:
-
Three (3x) major 8000 t. Amphibious Ships (LPD-type) of the San Giorgio class,
with continuos flight-deck for 4/5x helicopters ( EH-101, SH-3D, AB-212,
NH-90) a garage deck for APC's, IFV's, amphibious assault vehicles (LVTP's,
AAAV7) or wheeled troop transport vehicles, a docking-well for "LCM-type
landing crafts, as well as additional "LCVP's, assault boat and LVTP's
-
Fast 'MDM'-type LCVP's and 'MEN'-type LCM's, both hydrojet powered
-
Fast fiberglass assault boats
-
An amphibious support helicopters squadron (NLA - Nucleo Lotta Anfibia):
(6x
SH-3D for tactical troop transport and 6x armed AB-212 ‘Pantera’ for
fire-support/escort duties), both to provide an air-assault capability and to
support the troops once on the ground. The acquisitions of four (4x) new
EH-101 tactical troops transport (TTH) helicopters, with an options for eight
(8x) additional aircrafts.
-
The growth in size and capabilities of the operative component of the unit (that
is the assault companies and their direct command, recon and support units)
-
The modernization of the different vehicles being used.
Today,
the objective of the “San Marco Landing Force” is to be able to land
rapidely a force of 600-800 marines (4x companies) by air and by sea, the
followed by additional combat and support troops, in the following way:
-
Reconnaissance and clearing of the landing area by special op. forces (either
from San Marco’s recon company or from COMSUBIN’s naval SOF/raiders).
-
Landing of an assault company using the fast fiberglass assault boats, and of
another assault company by helicopters (4x EH-101 can transport 120
fully-equipped marines).
-
Landing of a more heavily armed motorized or mechanized company by
hydrojet-powered LCPV’s and LCM’s.
-
Landing of a weapons/fire-support company
-
Landing of the additional combat, support and logistic asset.
Another
type of amphibious assault in the near future may look like this:
-
Two assault companies being airlifted, landed and supported by helicopters
-
Two other companies landing using fiberglass fast assault boats and
‘AAV7-A1’s amphib. vehicles
THE
FUTURE:
There
are three categories of equipment that will be modernized in the next future,
increasing the fire-power of the force:
The
acquisition of a new 27,000 t. “STOVL” aircraft carrier (NUM project),
which will also be able to operate as an amphibious assault vessel, with
troop-transport capacity of about 400 marines, a docking-well for LCM’s or
even a LCAC, and a large hangar/garage for vehicles and aircrafts (both
fixed-wing and helicopters) to provide sufficient air-support and airlift
capabilities.
The
acquisition of new-generation transport helicopters: four (4x) EH-101
have been already ordered and there is an option for eight (8x)
additional EH-101; the there will also be some (probably 10x) NX-90
“TTH” helicopters wich will enter service just after the EH-101
The
modernization of the vehicles available (LVTP-7) brought to AAV7-A1 standard,
new wheeled transport vehicles, modernization of APC/IFV’s)
ORGANIZATION:
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As
it has been said, the “Raggruppamento Anfibio San Marco” called “Forza
da Sbarco della Marina Militare” (MARIFORSBARC- Navy’s Landing Force)
since october 1999, is today a 2,400 men strong force, which has been recently
brought to a light”brigade” level commanded by a Rear Admiral (COMFORSBARC)
himself under the command of CINGNAV.
This
is the structure now in place:
SAN MARCO Regiment:
The
“operative” component of the force ist the 1st.“San Marco
Regiment, which regroups the different combat assault companies and the units
directly in support of the operations carried out by these assault units. This
is a 1,200 men strong force, under the command of a Captain, which includes
the following elements:
-
Command Unit: this unit includes the staff command and control assets, the
communications unit and the “Fire Support Coordination Centre”, with teams
of “FAC” (Forward Air Controllers) and “NOTCC” (Observation Nucleus
– for anti-shore naval gun fire support)
“Grado” Assault Battalion:
Three
assault companies, which can be motorized or mechanized (VM-90’ wheeled
transport vehicles or VCC-1 APC’s, both fitted with Browing “M2” 12.7 mm
MG and “TOW” anti – Tank missiles).
Each
assault company includes one command platoon, three 37-men assault platoons
armed with:
Beretta
“92SF” 9mm - Beretta “SC
70/90” 5.56mm rifles with 40mm. M203 -
“Minimi” 5.56mm light MG. – H&K “MP5” – MG ’42/59
7.62x51mm – and different anti-tank weapons: Instalaza C90 and
Panzerfaust 3 system.
One
21-men fire-support platoon armed with Browing 12.7mm, MG 42/59, Panzerfaust 3
and MILAN anti-tank system.
One
Fire support company, equipped with 81mm and 120 mm. mortars,
Stinger-POST short-range SAM systems, as well as MILAN and TOW.
Naval Operation Company:
This
is one company including several 8-10 men inspection team (variable in size),
specialized in the inspection of merchantmen during naval blockage/embargo
operations.
Special Operation Company:
This
is a “RECON-DOA” unit, ensuring that the landing area is safe, it’s a
tactical special operation force, approaching the landing area by sea (after
being launched from helicopters and swimming with special respiratory
equipment, or by rigid inflatable crafts), used for reconnaissance,
beash-clearing, suppression of high valuable targets, sniper duties (using
high precision sniper weapons), raids, sabotage and other missions.
Golametto Combat Support Battalion:
This
unit includes different combat support assets, , such as the transport
company, the ‘logistical’ support company and the medical platoon.
CARLOTTO REGIMENT:
The
(2ND) “Carlotto” Regiment is a 1,000 plus men strong force that includes
the elements which are less directly involved in actual combat roles, making
in the logistical/administrative and school/training component of the San
Marco Force. It includes:
“Caorle” Battalion:
This
is the School/Training Group, a 700-men strong force whose role is the initial
and advanced training of the forces which will then be included in the assault
companies, and to provide a series of specialized training course for some
elements.
“Cortellazzo” Battalion:
This
is the logistical Group, a 400-men strong force intended to provide a
classical logistical support (food, ammunition, vehicles, equipment repair
duties).
Administrative Unit:
This
service provides the capability of the Regiment to perform HQ duties for the
Landing Force, and frees up the other combat and support units from tasks they
would bewasted on, making them able to concentrate themselves in the
operational tasks.
Landing Crafts Unit:
This
unit regroup all the crew from the landing crafts of the San Marco Landing
Force, including the MENs (LCMs), the MDNs (LCVPs) and the fiberglass assault
boats. The unit also include the so-called “Beach Masters”
Amphibious Helicopter Squadron:
This
Helicopter Squadron, called NLA (Nucleo Lotta Anfibia), that regroups a total
of 12/24x helicopters, is intended to perform tactical troop transport and
fire-support/scout duties in favour of the San Marco marines. The NLA Squadron
is at the Grottaglie Naval Base, between Taranto and Brindisi. At the
beginning, the unit was part of the 4th. Helicopters Squadron. Then,
it became an indipendent unit, under the command of “COMFORAER” and the
“COMFORSBARC”, directly in support of the San Marco force. The Squadron
currently operates two types of helicopters:
SH-3D “Sea King”(6x aircrafts), used for tactical troop transport of 18
fully equipped marines. These helicopters, mainly among the older ‘A’and
‘B’ version, have had their ASW equipment removed to operate with the
marines. Kevlar structures have been added, two 7,62mm MG fitted and improved
day/night navigation system (GPS, NVG) fitted, as well as a RWR and chaffs/flares
launchers.
AB-212 “Pantera” (6x aircrafts) armed fire-support/scout helicopters.
This version can also be employed for the transport of up to 7x combat troops.
Finally,
the NLA will operate, by end 2003, four EH-101 utility/tactical troop
transport helicopters, in order to greatly increase the airlift capability of
the force, 4 helicopters being able to transport 120 fully equipped troops (almost
a company). Additional eight (8x) aircrafts should be ordered in the near
future. This version can carry up to 30 equipped marines, and is fitted with a
back ramp for troops or light vehicles, armed with two 7.62 mm. MG and one
12.7mm. MG.
From
2004, deliveries to the Navy of 10x NH-90 in a tactical trrop transport and
Combat/SAR version should also start and be available for both the marines and
Special Operation Forces.
Landing
Crafts:
The
“San Marco” marines basically use 4 types of landing crafts for amphibious
operations from the three San Giorgio class amphibious ships (LPD):
MEN Type (LCM’s) hydrojet powered landing
crafts:
Dimension
18.5 x
5.1 x 0.9 m.
Displacement
65 t.
Cargo
capacity
30 t. (two VCC- type APC’s)
Engine
2 x FIAT-AIFO diesel 560 bhp, waterjet
Speed
20 Knots
Range
200 miles at full speed
Three
of these landing crafts can be carried in the docking-well of each LPD’s
MDN Type (LCVP’s):
Dimension
14.0 x
3.8 x 0.7 m.
Displacement
14 t.
Cargo
capacity
4.5 t. (f. ex. A wheeled transport vehicle or 45 fully equipped troops)
Engine
2 x FIAT-AIFO diesel 270 bhp; 2 Castoldi hydrojets
Speed
(with max load)
26 Knots
Range
180 miles at 24 knots
Three
of these landing crafts can be carried in the docking-well of each LPD’s
Fiberglass fast assault boat:
Length
5.5 m
Cargo
capacity
8 fully-equipped troop
Engine
outboard gasoline motor 90 hp
Speed
( with max. load)
25+ knots
Range
at least 80 miles
Other
rigid inflatable crafts.
Combat/
Transport Vehicles
There
are three main type of vehicle which are used by “San Marco” assault
motorized or mechanized companies:
VCC-1:
This
is an italian upgraded version based on the “M-113A3” troop transport
vehicle, with increased protection.
Dimension
5.04 x 2.68 x 2.08 m
Weight
9,100 Kg. (11600 Kg. full load)
Propulsion
6-cyl. 5L diesel ; 210 CV
Speed
65 Km/h
Crew
2 + 8 fully equipped troops
Fuel
360 L.
Range
450 Km
Armament
1 x 12.7 mm MG + 1 x 7.62
mm MG
LVTP-7:
The
vehicles of this type currently in service are being brought to “AAV7-A1”
standard ( with a new engine, a better protection and a more powerful armament).
Dimension
7.92 x 3.27 x 3.20 m
Weight
18,250 Kg. (23,650 Kg. full load)
Propulsion
7 L diesel; 400 CV
Speed
14 Km/h at sea and 65 Km/h on land
Crew
3 + 25 fully equipped troops
Range
7 hrs at sea – 480 Km on land
Armament 1 x M85 MG
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