| 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade (Air Assault) '7 December' | |
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Luchtmobiel Speciaal Voertuig |
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| Active | 1992 - Present (combination of) 11 Infantry Battalion Garderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers (1995 - present) (combined guards regiments Grenadiers and Jagers formed on 7 July 1829) 12 Infantry Battalion Regiment Van Heutz (1 July 1950 - present) 13 Infantry Battalion Regiment Stoottroepen Z.K.H. Prins Bernhard (21 September 1944 - present) |
| Country | Netherlands |
| Branch | Army |
| Type | Air Assault Light Infantry Airborne |
| Role | Versatile Rapid Reaction Force Initial Entry Force |
| Size | 5 battalions (3 infantry/1 combat support/1 logistic) + 1 staff company |
| Garrison/HQ | Schaarsbergen Assen |
| Motto | Elke Man, Elk Moment (Every Man, Any Time) Nec Temere, Nec Timide (Neither rashly nor timidly) |
| Mascot | Peregrine falcon |
| Anniversaries | Garderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers - 7 July Regiment van Heutz - 1 July Regiment Stoottroepen Prins Bernhard - 21 September |
| Insignia | |
| Dutch jump wings | |
| Abbreviation | 11 LMB |
The 11 Luchtmobiele Brigade (Air Assault) '7 December' (11 Luchtmobiele Brigade, or 11 LMB) is the elite rapid-reaction air assault unit of the Royal Netherlands Army. Its operators are trained to be deployed via helicopters (using fast-rope and rappelling) and fixed-wing aircraft (parachute), and can be deployed anywhere in the world within 7 to maximally 20 days. Combined with the helicopters of the Royal Netherlands Air Force, they form the 11 Air Manoeuvre Brigade (11 AMB).
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The 11 LMB is a highly disciplined, light infantry, rapid reaction force. It is trained to operate in any climatological and geological condition. The unit can be deployed in 7 days to 20 days (depending on deployment size), anywhere in the world.
Signalling the capabilities of its soldiers, the brigade is airborne qualified, the men of 11 LMB operators wear the maroon beret. 11 LMB soldiers can be deployed by helicopter (fast-rope and rappelling) and fixed-wing aircraft (parachute). The emphasis is on air assault operations (by helicopters and Air Landing Operations), but each battalion has a dedicated parachute trained company. The brigade recce unit and the battalions' recce platoons are all paratrooper.
The primary task of 11 LMB is to ensure the defense of the Netherlands and its NATO allies. Its second primary task is to be deployed worldwide as an expeditionary, peacekeeping and peace-enforcing formation. It has seen action in Bosnia, Macedonia, Cyprus, Kosovo, Iraq, Democratic Republic of the Congo and is now deployed in Afghanistan.
Other than peace(-keeping) missions, the 11 LMB can also be deployed for humanitarian aid missions, evacuation, disaster relief and (combat) search and rescue (CSAR).
A unique aspect in air assault infantry is the concept of an Air Manoeuvre Brigade. In this formation the roles of air assault troops and helicopters are interwoven. Royal Netherlands Air Force CH-47D Chinook and Eurocopter Cougar MK2 transport helicopters provide Tactical airlift for Air Assault brigade, while battlefield support and armed reconnaissance is conducted by RNLAF AH-64D Apache helicopters. The Apaches are the eyes in the sky for the air assault troops on the ground, and can engage as part of direct close air support.
The combined formation goes by the name of 11 Air Manoeuvre Brigade. The GOC of the Air Manoeuvre Brigade (AMB) is always the GOC 11 AASLT Bde, his 2 i/c is always the GOC THG (Tactical Helicopter Group) of the RNLAF. The THG comprises the Chinook, Cougar and Apache squadrons of the RNLAF and their dedicated support and logistics units.
The primary combat units attached to the brigade are three airborne infantry battalions, each of which maintains the traditions of a Dutch infantry regiment:
Personnel earmarked for 11 air manoeuvre brigade require a training that is more extensive and more demanding than regular basic training. Upon successful completion the new troops will be awarded the maroon beret which is the distinguishing mark of the brigade. A special air assault school battalion is tasked with training new troops. Located in Schaarsbergen where all air assault personnel originate. After the basic air assault course personnel will receive further specialist training to perform their different roles within the brigade, the extent of this training differs with the specific functions.
Every unit within the brigade has its own emblems and symbols, however a recurring element in these is that of the peregrine falcon. The falcon was chosen for its speed and agility as a bird of prey, symbolizing the rapid deployment and force exhibited by the brigade.