Marine Commandos
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Marine Commandos

The Marine Commandos (Arabic: مغاوير البحر, romanizedMaghāwīr al Baħr) are a special forces unit of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). They are part of the Lebanese Special Operations Command (LSOCOM). Established with assistance from the United States Navy SEALs (U.S. Navy SEALs) and the British Royal Marines Commandos, they are tasked with conducting a variety of missions, particularly in a maritime environment, which include: amphibious reconnaissance, anti-piracy, black operation, irregular warfare, ISTAR, maritime counter-sabotage, maritime counterterrorism and hostage rescue, naval boarding, naval special warfare, special operations behind enemy lines, and support maritime security. The Marine Commandos were established in 1997, then got their administrative independence in July 2001.

Until 1997, the only special forces in Lebanon was the Commando Regiment. However, in 1997, as part of the reconstruction and the modernization of the Lebanese Armed Forces, the army command decided to establish a designated regiment for maritime special warfare operations.

Contacts to establish and train this new, multi-purpose special combat unit started by approaching the United States Department of Defense (DOD) and by contacting the British Ministry of Defence (MOD). Eventually a number of officer candidates were sent to train with the Royal Marines Commandos in the UK. Lower ranks were put through their paces in Lebanon by British Royal Marines Commandos. U.S. Navy SEALs also contributed to the training in both the U.S. and Lebanon.

The tasks of the Lebanese Marine Commandos in general are to amphibious reconnaissance, anti-piracy, clandestine operation, counter enemy watercraft, deploy and dispose of naval mines, direct action, executive protection, irregular warfare, ISTAR, long-range penetration, maritime sabotage, naval special warfare, special operations behind enemy lines, underwater demolition, and VBSS operations, conducting joint operations with the Lebanese navy, land, and air forces, and maritime counterterrorism and hostage rescue. In addition, the regiment is tasked with sustaining internal security and performing maritime search and rescue missions.

The regiment's uniform consists of black or U.S.-style Woodland Camouflage fatigues, desert combat boots and a bordeaux beret with the regiment's insignia. In 2008, the unit also adopted the U.S. Digital Desert Camouflage to become a part of their uniforms.

The regiment's trident insignia, which is nearly identical to the U.S. Navy SEAL trident with the addition of a Cedar tree, is usually worn high on the left shoulder. The black uniform has an additional insignia on the right shoulder consisting of a red sword and the word "commando" in red above the sword - this is nearly identical to the former insignia worn on the shoulders of the British Army Commandos and Royal Marines Commandos.

The units weapons mainly consist of U.S. weapons. Various weapons are used such as the Glock pistol. M4 Carbine with M203 grenade launcher, Heckler & Koch MP5N submachine gun, Close Quarters Battle ReceiverMK18 and M16 assault rifles, FN Minimi, M60E4, M240 and M249 light machine guns, MK-46, FN MAG, Barrett M107 .50 Cal. sniper rifle, M110, M24 sniper rifle, Franchi LAW-12 shotgun, M72 LAW, At-4, Mk 19 grenade launcher, and various mortars.[citation needed]

Their vehicles are the only ones among the other Lebanese Army units to be in a desert camouflage, which comes in different patterns, including a digital pattern. Nevertheless, some vehicles are in green camouflage. The list of their vehicles includes M113, M113 kasman, M113 opfor, AIFV, VAB HMMWV, M1151, Land Rover, Polaris MRZR D2/D4, Yamaha motorcycle, and FMTV.

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