South Africa Marine Corps

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South Africa Marine Corps
Active	1979–1989
Country	South Africa
Branch	South African Navy
Role	Marine infantry

The South Africa Marine Corps was set up as a sub-branch of the South African Navy in 1979, with the primary purpose of protecting harbours. Marines were also deployed at Katima Mulilo in South West Africa during the South African Border War, where they were responsible for patrolling the Zambezi River. The Marines also deployed Marine Companies who acted as regular infantry at the Border until 1988 as well as performing counter-insurgency operations inside South Africa. The Marines trained and fielded a small reconnaissance detachment between 1983 and 1988, based from 111 Harbour Protection Unit (HPU) on Red Hill above Simonstown, they received airborne, diver and urban counter meassures training from other army units within the SADF. During township duties in the mid 1980's the detachment used facilities at SAS Rand in Johannesburg and on Signal Hill outside of Heidelberg. Lastly, the Marines had an amphibious landing capability by operating from SAS Tafelberg.

The Marines were disbanded in 1989, following a major restructuring of the Navy at the end of the South African Border War.

[edit] SAN Rapid Reaction Squadron

It is planned that this squadron will eventually be a battalion sized unit. Currently it consists of roughly two companies.

Members are sailors 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 and Army infantry battalion. Their role is very similar to the now disbanded Marines.

[edit] References

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