mikmykWS
Posts: 11524
Joined: 3/22/2005 Status: offline
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Modern Italy (2007) They've got 2 Regiments of Marines (1 combat battalion (3 companies each) and support battalions). San Marco Marines (Navy) and other is Lagunari (army). Only three LPD's so one Regiment at a time with somemerchants along for support elements most likely. The San Marco marines operates with three LPD (Landing Platform Dock) ships, San Giorgio, San Marco, San Giusto, helicopters SH3D and AB212, amphibian tanks LVTP-7 and light tanks VCC-1. On San Giorgio class LPD's. he San Giorgio class ships can lift a battalion of troops, with up to 30 medium tanks, or 36 tracked armoured vehicles. The stern floodable dock can accommodate three LCM (or MTM) landing craft, each capable of transporting 30t of material. Three davits on the main deck are provided for the deployment of three LCVP (or MTP) landing craft and a patrol boat. 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. Italian Army also has one regiment of Marines called "Luganari" Lagunari (Marine Infantry) Regiment "Serenissima " in Venice (Veneto) with 25 AAV7-A1 and Puma 6x6
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