Portuguese Rapid Reaction Brigade
Encyclopedia
The Brigada de Reacção Rápida (Rapid Reaction Brigade), is a unit of the Portuguese Army
which was known as BAI - Brigada Aerotransportada Independente (Independent Airborne Brigade) until 2006. Its different units are highly trained Airborne
Light Infantry
and Special Forces
capable of responding to threats in any part of continental Portugal
or any other Portuguese overseas territory with quick deployment by air, sea or land (with the support of the Air Force
and/or the Navy
when required). This brigade is the most requested by the Portuguese Government
to fulfill international assignments due to its experience and multi-role capability.
By 2012 the Portuguese Army expects to receive 10 NH-90 transport helicopters which will incorporate the Unidade de Aviação Ligeira do Exército
(Army Light Aviation Unit) removing partially the dependency from the Air Force for aerial transportation purposes. The UALE will be part of the Rapid Reaction Brigade.
was disbanded and the Portuguese airborne forces were transferred to the Army
. A new brigade was then created, the Independent Airborne Brigade (BAI) which included all airborne-capable forces in it. The Army also transferred to this brigade some heavier weapons like howitzers, thus giving the unit increased firepower, as well as creating an operational command named Comando de Tropas Aerotransportadas (Airborne Troops Command).
The Comandos Regiment
was disbanded and the Comandos that had the Parachute Course were transferred to the new brigade. For more than 10 years the BAI kept serving the country in international missions, sending Paratroopers
to several locations in Europe
and East-Timor. In 2002 the Comandos were reactivated as an independent unit and were separated from the Paratroopers.
In 2006, a reorganization in the Portuguese Army occurred, renaming the brigade as Brigada de Reacção Rápida (Rapid Reaction Brigade) and adding special forces
to it. These units were the Comandos
and the Rangers, increasing the brigade size with two Comando companies and the Special Operations Forces but losing the 3rd Paratrooper Infantry Battalion (disbanded). Also this reformation had its costs since the 105mm howitzers were transferred to the Portuguese Intervention Brigade
(thus losing its airborne capability) and the Airborne Troops Command was disbanded, putting the unit under the orders of the Comando Operacional de Forças Terrestres (Land Forces Operational Command) losing its autonomy from the rest of the Army.
acting as airborne light infantry, used for conventional conflicts, with emphasis on airborne assaults. Paratrooper battalions contain units with heavy weapons and even light vehicles for quick assaults and raids. Although generally oriented for conventional warfare, a third (reserve) battalion contains many special units that are used as support on the battlefield
.
Paratroopers are instructed at the Parachute Troops School
, in Tancos
, central Portugal
.
Special Operators are instructed at the Special Operations Troops Centre,in Lamego
, northern Portugal
.
missions, although they are mainly a rapid reaction force
. They can be deployed by air, sea or land.
Commandos are instructed at the Commando Troops Center, in Serra da Carregueira, near the capital Lisbon
.
, East-Timor and Kosovo
.
company was sent to the area (western provinces), suffering the first KIA
of the Portuguese Armed Forces
since the end of the Portuguese Colonial War
, during a daytime patrol. The KIA Comando was 1st Sergeant Roma Pereira, mortally hit when an IED
detonated his Humvee.
The Comandos were replaced by a company of Paratroopers who suffered no casualties while performing the mission. This company was yet again replaced by a second company of Comandos.
present in the region withdrew.
Portuguese Army
The Portuguese Army is the ground branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces which, in co-operation with other branches of the Portuguese military, is charged with the defence of Portugal...
which was known as BAI - Brigada Aerotransportada Independente (Independent Airborne Brigade) until 2006. Its different units are highly trained Airborne
Airborne forces
Airborne forces are military units, usually light infantry, set up to be moved by aircraft and 'dropped' into battle. Thus they can be placed behind enemy lines, and have an ability to deploy almost anywhere with little warning...
Light Infantry
Light infantry
Traditionally light infantry were soldiers whose job was to provide a skirmishing screen ahead of the main body of infantry, harassing and delaying the enemy advance. Light infantry was distinct from medium, heavy or line infantry. Heavy infantry were dedicated primarily to fighting in tight...
and Special Forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
capable of responding to threats in any part of continental Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
or any other Portuguese overseas territory with quick deployment by air, sea or land (with the support of the Air Force
Portuguese Air Force
The Portuguese Air Force is the air force of Portugal. Formed on July 1, 1952, with the Aeronáutica Militar and Aviação Naval united in a single independent Air Force, it is one of the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces and its origins dates back to 1912, when the military aviation...
and/or the Navy
Portuguese Navy
The Portuguese Navy is the naval branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces which, in cooperation and integrated with the other branches of the Portuguese military, is charged with the military defence of Portugal....
when required). This brigade is the most requested by the Portuguese Government
Government of Portugal
The Government is one of the four sovereignty organs of the Portuguese Republic. It is also the organ that conducts politics in general in the country and is also the superior body in public administration...
to fulfill international assignments due to its experience and multi-role capability.
By 2012 the Portuguese Army expects to receive 10 NH-90 transport helicopters which will incorporate the Unidade de Aviação Ligeira do Exército
UALE
The Army Light Aviation Unit , initially known as Army Light Aviation Group , is the Portuguese Army's unit dedicated to missions of light aviation, being integrated in the Army Forces System, under the operational command of the Ground Forces Operational Command .- Mission :* Organize, train and...
(Army Light Aviation Unit) removing partially the dependency from the Air Force for aerial transportation purposes. The UALE will be part of the Rapid Reaction Brigade.
History
In 1993, the Corpo de Tropas Aerotransportadas (Airborne Troops Corps), which was part of the Portuguese Air ForcePortuguese Air Force
The Portuguese Air Force is the air force of Portugal. Formed on July 1, 1952, with the Aeronáutica Militar and Aviação Naval united in a single independent Air Force, it is one of the three branches of the Portuguese Armed Forces and its origins dates back to 1912, when the military aviation...
was disbanded and the Portuguese airborne forces were transferred to the Army
Portuguese Army
The Portuguese Army is the ground branch of the Portuguese Armed Forces which, in co-operation with other branches of the Portuguese military, is charged with the defence of Portugal...
. A new brigade was then created, the Independent Airborne Brigade (BAI) which included all airborne-capable forces in it. The Army also transferred to this brigade some heavier weapons like howitzers, thus giving the unit increased firepower, as well as creating an operational command named Comando de Tropas Aerotransportadas (Airborne Troops Command).
The Comandos Regiment
Comandos
For the denomination of "commando" see commando; for the Argentine special operations unit see Amphibious Commandos Group; for other special forces with "Commando" in their names see list of special forces units....
was disbanded and the Comandos that had the Parachute Course were transferred to the new brigade. For more than 10 years the BAI kept serving the country in international missions, sending Paratroopers
Parachute Troops School
The ETP - Escola de Tropas Páraquedistas , based in Tancos, Portugal, is a unit of the Portuguese Army and serves as the instruction center for recruitment and training of the Portuguese paratroopers...
to several locations in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
and East-Timor. In 2002 the Comandos were reactivated as an independent unit and were separated from the Paratroopers.
In 2006, a reorganization in the Portuguese Army occurred, renaming the brigade as Brigada de Reacção Rápida (Rapid Reaction Brigade) and adding special forces
Special forces
Special forces, or special operations forces are terms used to describe elite military tactical teams trained to perform high-risk dangerous missions that conventional units cannot perform...
to it. These units were the Comandos
Comandos
For the denomination of "commando" see commando; for the Argentine special operations unit see Amphibious Commandos Group; for other special forces with "Commando" in their names see list of special forces units....
and the Rangers, increasing the brigade size with two Comando companies and the Special Operations Forces but losing the 3rd Paratrooper Infantry Battalion (disbanded). Also this reformation had its costs since the 105mm howitzers were transferred to the Portuguese Intervention Brigade
Portuguese Intervention Brigade
The Intervention Brigade is a mechanized infantry brigade in service with the Portuguese Army. It was created in 2006 from the Brigada de Intervenção Ligeira , which was itself the heir of the former Special Forces Brigade .- Organization :It is organized and equipped much like a Stryker brigade...
(thus losing its airborne capability) and the Airborne Troops Command was disbanded, putting the unit under the orders of the Comando Operacional de Forças Terrestres (Land Forces Operational Command) losing its autonomy from the rest of the Army.
Paratroopers
The Paratroopers are the heaviest troops on the brigadeBrigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
acting as airborne light infantry, used for conventional conflicts, with emphasis on airborne assaults. Paratrooper battalions contain units with heavy weapons and even light vehicles for quick assaults and raids. Although generally oriented for conventional warfare, a third (reserve) battalion contains many special units that are used as support on the battlefield
Battle
Generally, a battle is a conceptual component in the hierarchy of combat in warfare between two or more armed forces, or combatants. In a battle, each combatant will seek to defeat the others, with defeat determined by the conditions of a military campaign...
.
Paratroopers are instructed at the Parachute Troops School
Parachute Troops School
The ETP - Escola de Tropas Páraquedistas , based in Tancos, Portugal, is a unit of the Portuguese Army and serves as the instruction center for recruitment and training of the Portuguese paratroopers...
, in Tancos
Tancos
Tancos is a Portuguese parish, located in the municipality of Vila Nova da Barquinha. It has a population of 295 inhabitants and a total area of 1.56 km².Tancos is the location of a major air base and a military academy....
, central Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
.
- Aeroterrestrial Support BattalionAeroterrestrial Support BattalionThe Batalhão de Apoio Aeroterrestre , based at the ETP - Escola de Tropas Páraquedistas , in Tancos. It is a special and operational unit of the Rapid Reaction Brigade of the Portuguese Army...
, part of the Parachute Troops SchoolParachute Troops SchoolThe ETP - Escola de Tropas Páraquedistas , based in Tancos, Portugal, is a unit of the Portuguese Army and serves as the instruction center for recruitment and training of the Portuguese paratroopers...
(Escola de Tropas Páraquedistas)
- 1st Paratrooper Infantry Battalion, part of the 15th Infantry Regiment (Regimento de Infantaria Nº15)
- 2nd Paratrooper Infantry Battalion, part of the 10th Infantry Regiment (Regimento de Infantaria Nº10)
Special Operations Forces
The Special Operations Forces are generally the first to arrive and the last to leave the operational area. They are the most autonomous unit of the brigade, able to infiltrate deep behind enemy lines. Not as heavily armed as the Commandos nor the Paratroopers, its units rely on stealth to complete their objectives. Since it is airborne-qualified it can be deployed by air, sea or land.Special Operators are instructed at the Special Operations Troops Centre,in Lamego
Lamego
Lamego is a municipality in northern Portugal, with a population of 27,054 inhabitants Lamego is a municipality in northern Portugal, with a population of 27,054 inhabitants Lamego is a municipality in northern Portugal, with a population of 27,054 inhabitants (the catchment of the city of...
, northern Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
.
- Special Operations / CTOE - Special Operations Troops Center (Centro Tropas Operações Especiais)
Comandos
The Comandos are an elite light infantry unit capable of conducting several special operationsSpecial operations
Special operations are military operations that are considered "special" .Special operations are typically performed independently or in conjunction with conventional military operations. The primary goal is to achieve a political or military objective where a conventional force requirement does...
missions, although they are mainly a rapid reaction force
Rapid reaction force
A rapid reaction force is a military or police unit designed to respond in very short time frames to emergencies. When used in reference to police forces such as SWAT teams, the time frame is minutes, while in military applications, such as with the use of paratroops or other commandos, the time...
. They can be deployed by air, sea or land.
Commandos are instructed at the Commando Troops Center, in Serra da Carregueira, near the capital Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
.
- ComandosComandosFor the denomination of "commando" see commando; for the Argentine special operations unit see Amphibious Commandos Group; for other special forces with "Commando" in their names see list of special forces units....
/ CTC - Commando Troops Center (Centro de Tropas Comando)
Independent Airborne Brigade missions
As the ancestor of the Rapid Reaction Brigade, the Independent Airborne Brigade made several missions to several different countries mainly in peacekeeping operations. Paratrooper Battalions were sent to BosniaBosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina , sometimes called Bosnia-Herzegovina or simply Bosnia, is a country in Southern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bordered by Croatia to the north, west and south, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, Bosnia and Herzegovina is almost landlocked, except for the...
, East-Timor and Kosovo
Kosovo
Kosovo is a region in southeastern Europe. Part of the Ottoman Empire for more than five centuries, later the Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija within Serbia...
.
Afghanistan
After the creation of the brigade, the unit was sent to Afghanistan. An entire CommandoComandos
For the denomination of "commando" see commando; for the Argentine special operations unit see Amphibious Commandos Group; for other special forces with "Commando" in their names see list of special forces units....
company was sent to the area (western provinces), suffering the first KIA
Killed in action
Killed in action is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their own forces at the hands of hostile forces. The United States Department of Defense, for example, says that those declared KIA need not have fired their weapons but have been killed due to...
of the Portuguese Armed Forces
Portuguese Armed Forces
The armed forces of Portugal, commonly known as the Portuguese Armed Forces encompasses a Navy , an Army and an Air Force...
since the end of the Portuguese Colonial War
Portuguese Colonial War
The Portuguese Colonial War , also known in Portugal as the Overseas War or in the former colonies as the War of liberation , was fought between Portugal's military and the emerging nationalist movements in Portugal's African colonies between 1961 and 1974, when the Portuguese regime was...
, during a daytime patrol. The KIA Comando was 1st Sergeant Roma Pereira, mortally hit when an IED
Improvised explosive device
An improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
detonated his Humvee.
The Comandos were replaced by a company of Paratroopers who suffered no casualties while performing the mission. This company was yet again replaced by a second company of Comandos.
Bosnia
In the beginning of 2007, the Portuguese Defense Minister decided to end the mission in Bosnia due to the lack of need of a military presence in the area. All units from the Rapid Reaction Brigade and from the Portuguese Mechanized BrigadePortuguese Mechanized Brigade
The Mechanized Brigade is a unit in service with the Portuguese Army.- History :The Mechanized Brigade was created in 2006 from the Independent Mechanized Brigade , which was created from the 1st Independent Composite Brigade , which was itself the heir of the 3rd...
present in the region withdrew.