Spanish Marine Infantry

{{Short description|Amphibious infantry component of Spain's navy}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}

{{Infobox military unit

| unit_name = Marine Infantry

| native_name = {{lang|es|Infantería de Marina}}

| image = Emblema de la Infantería de Marina.svg

| image_size = 150px

| caption = Emblem of the Marine Infantry

| start_date = 27 February 1537
({{Age in years and months|1537|02|27}})

| country = Spain

| allegiance = King of Spain

| branch =

| type = Naval infantry

| role = Amphibious warfare

| size = 5,700 marines{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensa.com/espana/buen-momento-infanteria-marina-espanola|title=El buen momento de la Infantería de Marina española|work=defensa.com|access-date=2022-11-19|language=Spanish}}

| command_structure = Spanish Navy

| current_commander = Divisional General {{ill|Rafael Roldán Tudela|es}}

| garrison = San Fernando, Cádiz

| ceremonial_chief =

| colonel_of_the_regiment =

| nickname =

| patron =

| motto = "Per Terra et Mare"
("By Land and Sea!")
"Brave by land and sea"
("¡Valientes por tierra y por mar!")

| colors =

| march = Marcha heroica de la Infantería de Marina

| mascot =

| battles = {{Tree list}}

{{Tree list/end}}

| notable_commanders =

| anniversaries = 27 February

}}

The Marine Infantry ({{langx|es|Infantería de Marina}}) are the marines of the Spanish Navy. Responsible for conducting amphibious warfare. Fully integrated into the Spanish Navy's structure, the branch's history dates back to 1537 when Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor formed the {{lang|es|Compañías Viejas del Mar de Nápoles}}, making it the oldest marine unit in existence.

History

= First period =

File:Cervantes en Lepanto.jpg, author of the novel Don Quixote, who was wounded in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Another famous writer, Pedro Calderón de la Barca, also served with the marines.]]

The {{lang|es|Infantería de Armada}} (Navy Infantry) was created by Charles V in 1537, when he permanently assigned the {{lang|es|Compañías Viejas del Mar de Nápoles}} (Old Sea Companies of Naples) to the {{lang|es|Escuadras de Galeras del Mediterráneo}} (Mediterranean Galley Squadrons). But it was Philip II who established today's concept of a landing force. This was a pure naval power projection ashore by forces deployed from ships that could maintain their ability to fight despite being based on board. This is the period of the famous Tercios (literally "One Third", due to its organisation: one third of musketeers, one third of swordsmen and the final third of pikemen):La Infantería de Marina Espanola. Sintesis histórica y Evolución Orgánica. Ministerio de Defensa, 2011.Enrique Martínez Ruiz & al. Spain and Sweden: encounters throughout history. Madrid 2001, p. 86.

  • {{lang|es|Tercio Nuevo de la Mar de Nápoles}}.
  • {{lang|es|Tercio de la Armada del Mar Océano}}.
  • {{lang|es|Tercio de Galeras de Sicilia}}.
  • {{lang|es|Tercio Viejo del Mar Océano y de Infantería Napolitana}}.

Of the Tercios above, the first is considered the core of the Spanish Marine Infantry, and it bears in its coat of arms two crossed anchors that became the Corps' coat of arms until 1931.

In 1704, the Tercios became regiments: Regimiento de Bajeles (Vessel's Regiments), Regimiento de la Armada (Navy Regiment), R. del Mar de Nápoles (Naples' Sea Regiment), and R. de Marina de Sicilia (Sicily's Navy Regiment), detaching some small units to the Army, and the main body remained in the Navy becoming the Cuerpo de Batallones de Marina (Navy Battalions Corps).

The battles that the marines served in during this period included:

= Second period =

In 1717, the Cuerpo de Batallones de Marina was definitively settled and organized into a 12-battalion corps with a corresponding regimental HQ overseeing the supervision of these units. The first ones were named: Armada, Bajeles, Marina, Oceano, Mediterráneo and Barlovento. Their mission was to form the "Main body of landing columns and ship's soldiers tasks" in a time that boarding was still a critical part of battle at sea. They were also gun crews. In 1728 the battalion Mediterráneo and in 1731 the battalion Barlovento were disbanded.

[https://losejercitosdelrey.es/1717-1740-batallones-de-marina/ "1717 – 1740. Batallones de Marina." Los Ejércitos del Rey.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204023543/http://losejercitosdelrey.es/1717-1740-batallones-de-marina/ |date=4 February 2018 }} 2018-06-28. In 1741 there were eight battalions and ten years later another was added. In 1740 a marine artillery corps was founded. At mid 18th century there were 12,000 marine infantry and 3,000 marine gunners. The infantry formed boarding parties while the gunners manned the ship cannons. As needed landing parties were formed. Both corps also garrisoned the navy's coastal fortresses. During the War of Spanish Independence both the marine infantry and the marine artillery was reorganized as an administrative division of seven regiments, mainly fighting on land as part of army divisions in an operational role. In a 1793, a woman, Ana Maria de Soto, disguised as a man, and answering to the name of Antonio Maria de Soto, enlisted in the 6th company of 11° Battalion of the Navy, being licensed with pension and honors in 1798, when she was discovered to be a woman.

The major actions they took part in during this period were:

= Third period =

File:BANDERA III REGIMIENTO INFANTERÍA DE MARINA.svg

The increasing efficiency of the naval artillery made boarding obsolete after the Napoleonic Wars, the marine infantry and marine artillery was merged in 1827 into a brigade, Brigada Real de Marina with focus on artillery. The brigade that consisted of two battalions was renamed the Real Cuerpo de Artillería de Marina in 1833. In the First Carlist War 1834-39, three battalions of marine infantry were organized, serving as field infantry, with an additional battalion raised to reinforce the Royal Guards in Madrid. In 1839 the corps was renamed Cuerpo de Artillería y Infanteriá de Marina. In 1841 the infantry was transferred to the army.Colección de las leyes, Decretos y de Decaciones de La Cortes, y los Reales Decretos de 1841. Madrid 1842, p. 884. The marine artillery remained in the navy under the name of Cuerpo de Artillería de Marina . However, in 1848, the naval infantry was re-established by the formation of a new Corps, Cuerpo de Infantería de Marina, , then as an infantry regiment organized into three battalions and the regimental HQ, as well as support units and the band. The marine artillery was abolished in 1857. The five battalions of marine infantry were reorganized in 1869 to three regiments, one for each naval station. By this time, the mission of the marines changed from naval garrison troops, to a landing force serving mainly in the colonies.

During the Third Carlist War 1872–1876 the marines fought as field infantry. In 1879, the marine infantry academy, the Academia General Central de Infantería de Marina was founded. The colonial wars in the Philippines and on Cuba, with constant landing operations, lead to a reorganization of the marines into three brigades of two regiments each. In 1886 the marines contained four brigades, each with four tercios, while the reorganization of 1893 created three regiments of two battalions each. During the Philippine Revolution and the Spanish–American War the marines fought as part of army divisions.

Though Spain's empire was dismembered in the nineteenth century the marines continued to be active abroad. Its most important actions in this period were:

File:Escudo Infantería de Marina Republica Española.png (1931–1939)]] File:Escudo Infantería Marina España Franquismo.svg (1939–1975)]] These actions were carried out by the Batallones Expedicionarios (Expeditionary Battalions), some of them campaigning abroad for up to ten years.

= Fourth period =

{{See also|Spanish Republican Navy}}

At the end of the World War I, the Battle of Gallipoli made almost all countries abandon the idea of amphibious assault. The world's marine corps fell into a deep crisis, with the Spanish Marine Infantry being no exception, though it enjoyed success during the Third Rif War in its innovative Alhucemas amphibious assault in 1925, when it employed coordinated air and naval gunfire to support the assault.

Owing to its high-profile action in the unpopular Rif Wars, the Spanish Navy Marine corps was branded as a leftover of the Spanish colonial era. After the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic in 1931, the reforms of the armed forces introduced by newly nominated Republican Minister of War Manuel Azaña within the first months of the new government sought to disband the corps.

Before it was officially disbanded, however, the Spanish Civil War intervened and the corps split and served both sides with the garrisons of Ferrol and Cádiz on the Nationalist side and the garrison of Cartagena, as well as a detachment in Madrid, on the Republican side. During the bitterly fought war the Marines performed garrison duties, led landing parties, and provided expert artillery and machine gun crews. The Republican 151 Brigada Mixta fought mostly inland battles far away from the sea. Photographer Robert Capa took pictures of the Spanish Marine Infantry in the Battle of the Segre.{{Cite web |url=http://mediastore.magnumphotos.com/CoreXDoc/MAG/Media/TR3/f/8/1/6/PAR115600.jpg |title=Robert Capa picture of the 151 Brigada Mixta at the Battle of the Segre |access-date=29 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121209002718/mediastore.magnumphotos.com/CoreXDoc/MAG/Media/TR3/f/8/1/6/PAR115600.jpg |archive-date=9 December 2012 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} Republican Infantería de Marina Lieutenant Colonel Ambrosio Ristori de la Cuadra, killed in action during the Siege of Madrid, was posthumously awarded the Laureate Plate of Madrid.{{Cite web |url=http://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE/1938/047/B00868-00869.pdf |title=Diario Oficial de la República, nº 47 (16 February 1938) |access-date=1 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101234155/http://www.boe.es/datos/pdfs/BOE/1938/047/B00868-00869.pdf |archive-date=1 November 2013 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}

= Fifth period =

After the civil war, during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, the strength of the Infantería Marina was increased. In 1957, the Grupo Especial Anfibio (Amphibious Special Group) was created, and the Spanish Marine Infantry returned to its primary duty as a Landing Force Mission. In 1958 it established a beachhead in Spanish Sahara and Ifni during the Ifni War. The capabilities and strength of the Spanish Marine Infantry were increased: new amphibious vehicles, anti-tank weapons, individual equipment and artillery.

The Tercio de Armada (TEAR) became the main amphibious unit and has experienced several restructures that led to the E-01 Plan, which defines the requirements and structures from the year 2000 for the Spanish Marine Infantry. The Spanish Marines have been present in Europe, Central America and Asia in an anonymous role as an "emergency force" ready to evacuate civilians in conflict areas, or as a deterrence force in providing cover for the actions of allied forces. The current base for the Spanish Marines is in San Fernando.

=21st century=

The Spanish Marine Infantry have been deployed to various NATO operations such as Afghanistan.{{Cite web |url=http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/conocenosnoticias/prefLang-en/00noticias--2013--03--NT-052-OP-AFGANISTAN-INLGES-en;jsessionid=xqsYh13MD0pZCfz0ZSFlmLx07n9fTJrddc62v3Q1knNvhBn71pCR!1717873538?_selectedNodeID=1162004&_pageAction=selectItem |title=The Spanish Marine Corps concludes advising tasks for the National Afghan Army |access-date=17 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180917143221/http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/conocenosnoticias/prefLang-en/00noticias--2013--03--NT-052-OP-AFGANISTAN-INLGES-en;jsessionid=xqsYh13MD0pZCfz0ZSFlmLx07n9fTJrddc62v3Q1knNvhBn71pCR!1717873538?_selectedNodeID=1162004&_pageAction=selectItem |archive-date=17 September 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}

{{Expand section|date=September 2018}}

Mission

File:Unifor10.jpg

The Spanish Marine Infantry is an elite corps, highly specialised in amphibious warfare, that is, to project an amphibious force onto a hostile, or potentially hostile, coast. Its ability to embark on a short term notice with (land, air and naval) Navy assets, makes it a unit with a high strategic value. Adding to this a high degree of training, and the capability to deploy swiftly in international waters, results in a potent dissuasive force available at a short notice in distant regions.

One of the main characteristics of a marine is the uniform that he wears. On the sleeves of the Spanish Marines are the three "Sardinetas", which marks it as a member of the Royal House Corps. This was given in recognition for a heroic last stand at the Morro Castle during the siege of Havana in 1762. The only other unit to wear the sardinetas and red trouser stripes is the Spanish Royal Guard. Spanish Marines have modern assets to comply with its mission, having personnel specialised in artillery, sapping, helicopters, special operations, communications, tanks, among others. Some vehicles form the Grupo Mecanizado Anfibio del Tercio de Armada (the Mechanized Amphibious Group of the Navy Tercio). The Marines of Spain are not only a fleet force, as the Spanish Royal Marine Guard Company are responsible for the defense and security forces of naval bases and facilities, naval schools and training units, and all facilities that support the Marines themselves.

= Special operations deployments =

{{See also|Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial}}

In June 2009, the Special Naval Warfare Force (FGNE) was created through the fusion of the Special Operations Unit (UOE) of the Marine Infantry as well as the Special Combat Divers Unit (UEBC) and the Special Explosives Defusers Unit (UEDE) from the Navy Diving Center.{{Cite web|url=http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/Armadaespannola/buques_infanteria/prefLang_es/03_fuerza-guerra-naval-especial-fgne|title=Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial (FGNE)|website=armada.mde.es|publisher=Spanish Navy|language=Spanish}} The FGNE is organized inside the whole Navy. This unit has taken part in several operations including Atalanta in Somalia, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, Hispaniola in Haiti and the hijack of the fishing vessel Alakrana in Somali waters.{{Cite web|url=http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/buquesinfanteria/prefLang-es/03fuerza-guerra-naval-especial-fgne|title=¿CUÁLES SON LAS PRINCIPALES OPERACIONES Y EJERCICIOS EN LOS QUE HEMOS PARTICIPADO? - Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial (FGNE)|website=armada.mde.es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828214641/http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/buquesinfanteria/prefLang-es/03fuerza-guerra-naval-especial-fgne|archive-date=28 August 2018|url-status=live|access-date=10 October 2018|df=dmy-all}}

Organization

=Marine brigade=

The main fighting Force of the Spanish Marine Infantry is the Marine Infantry Brigade, which includes the following units:

  • Marine Infantry Brigade (BRIMAR)
  • Headquarters Battalion, with 1x Headquarters, 1x Signals, 1x Military Intelligence, Battlefield Surveillance & Electronic Warfare and 1x Reconnaissance & Target Acquisition Company
  • 1st Landing Battalion, with 1x HQ & Service, 3x Naval Fusiliers and 1x Weapons Company
  • 2nd Landing Battalion, with 1x HQ & Service, 3x Naval Fusiliers and 1x Weapons Company
  • 3rd Mechanized Landing Battalion, with 1x HQ & Service, 2x Mechanized (Piranha IIIC 8x8), 1x Tank (M60A3 TTS) and 1x Weapons Company
  • Amphibious Mobility Group, with 1x HQ & Service, 1x Engineer, 1x Amphibious Assault Vehicle, 1x Anti-Tank (TOW) and 1x Boat Company
  • Artillery Landing Group, with 1x HQ & Service, 2x Field Artillery (105mm Mod. 56), 1x Self-propelled Artillery (155mm M109AE), 1x Air-Defense Artillery Battery (Mistral) and 1x Fire Support Coordination and Control Company
  • Combat Service Support Group, with 1x HQ & Service, 1x Transport, 1x Medical, 1x Supply, 1x Maintenance Company and 1x Beach Organization & Movement Company

File:Spain Marine Infantry Brigade 2017.png

=Protection Forces=

File:Emblem of the Spanish Naval Protection Forces.svg

The Protection Force (FUPRO) is in charge of ensuring the security of naval and other designated facilities and contains around 2000 troops. FUPRO is commanded by a brigadier general and is made up of the following battalion sized Tercios (En:Thirds):

  • Tercio del Norte (TERNOR) - Northern Regiment
  • Tercio de Levante (TERLEV) - Eastern Regiment
  • Tercio del Sur (TERSUR) - South Regiment
  • Unidad de Seguridad del Mando Naval de Canarias (USCAN) - Canary Islands Naval Command Security Unit
  • Agrupación de Infantería de Marina de Madrid (AGRUMAD) - Madrid Marine Infantry Group

=Special Forces=

See article: Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial

File:Emblem of the Spanish Naval Special Warfare Force.svg

File:Spanish Special Forces.jpg

The Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial (FGNE) is the special operations force of the Spanish Navy specializing in maritime, land and coastal environments. It is made up of the former Special Naval Warfare Command, which comprised the Special Operations Unit (UOE) of the Tercio de Armada and the Special Combat Divers Unit (UEBC).

These units are grouped into elements with the following main tasks:

  • Command and control: Command Group and Staff and CIS Platoon of the Staff and Support Unit
  • Combat: Estoles
  • Combat Support (CSU): Boat and parachute unit of the Staff and Support Unit.
  • Combat Services Support (CSSU): Health, Provisioning, Transportation, folding, Weapons and Material and Cargo of the Staff and Support Unit

=Marine Company of the Royal Guard=

File:Flag emblem for the Marine company of the Spanish Royal Guard.jpg

The Compañía Mar Océano de la Guardia Real was created on 1 December 1981 as part of the Royal Guard. Its organization is that of a Rifle Company.{{cite web |url=http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/buques_infanteria/03_mar_oceano |title = Armada Española - Ministerio de Defensa - Gobierno de España}}

=Naval Police=

File:Emblem of the Spanish Navy Military Police.svg

The Naval Police Units are basically organized for the performance, both in peace and in war, of specific security and order missions. They fulfill the duties of surveillance of units and units of the Navy, custody, escort and regulation of transport and military convoys, protection of authorities, identification of personnel and vehicles, etc. In the exercise of their functions they will have the character of agents of the authority.

=Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (TAR) Company=

The Compañía de Reconocimiento y Adquisición de Blancos (Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance, TAR) was created in 2012, replacing the Reconnaissance Unit (URECON) assigned to the Headquarters Battalion. Its mission is the reconnaissance for the Marine Infantry Brigade (BRIMAR) operations. Its tasks are observation and reconnaissance, target acquisition, control of fire support (artillery and air strikes), close air support (helicopter precision marksmanship), direct action and mobility. For this, the most veteran marines train in insertion / extraction using skydiving and diving techniques.

=Sección Martín Álvarez=

While she remained active, the Spanish aircraft carrier Príncipe de Asturias (R11) had an assigned section of embarked Marines who were responsible for the security and control of the vessel, conducting Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) using helicopters or RIBs.

Once the ship began its decommissioning process, the Section was dismantled and its members assigned to other units.

Personnel structure

class="wikitable"

| colspan="7" align="center" |Spanish Marines Infantry Direct Entry 2018

align="left" width="100" | Rank Level

! align="left" width="300" | Education

! align="left" width="350" | Training

! align="left" width="100" | Rank Span

rowspan=3 |OfficersBachillerato and University Entrance Exam
18–21 years old
Escuela Naval Militar (ENM)
5 years
rowspan=3| First Lieutenant - Lieutenant General
Bachelor's degree, not older than 26 yearsrowspan=2|ENM 1 year
Master's degree, not older than 27 years
rowspan=3| Non-commissioned officersBachillerato
18–21 years old
rowspan=3| Escuela de Infantería de Marina General Albacete Fuster
* Curso de Acceso a la Escala de Suboficiales
3 years
rowspan=3|OR6 - OR9
Técnico Medio (secondary vocational degree), not older than 21 years
Entrance exam to Vocational College,
not older than 21 years
MenEducación Secundaria Obligatoria
18–29 years of age
Escuela de Infantería de Marina General Albacete Fuster:
* Curso de Acceso a Militar Profesional de Tropa y Marinería
OR1 - OR5
Sources:colspan=3|[http://www.reclutamiento.defensa.gob.es/upload/la-profesion-militar-2017.pdf "La Profecíon Militar." Fuerzas Armadas Españolas.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127225114/http://www.reclutamiento.defensa.gob.es/upload/la-profesion-militar-2017.pdf |date=27 January 2018 }} 2018-07-29.[http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/personalempleo/prefLang-es/ "Presentación Empleo y Formación." Armada Española.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730234941/http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/personalempleo/prefLang-es/ |date=30 July 2018 }} 2018-07-29.

Ranks of the Spanish Marine Infantry

Even though the ranks of the Marine Infantry are similar to Spanish Army ranks they wear also sleeve and cuff insignia to recognize them as part of the naval establishment, aside from shoulder rank insignia.

=Commissioned officer ranks=

The rank insignia of commissioned officers.

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Battledress

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{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Navies/OF/Spain (IM)}}

{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}

=Other ranks=

The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.

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{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Blank}}

= Officer Cadets, NCO Candidates and Recruits =

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{{lang|es|Alférez
(Alumno 5º)}}

| {{lang|es|Guardiamarina de 2º
(Alumno 4º)}}

| {{lang|es|Guardiamarina de 1º
(Alumno 3º)}}

| {{lang|es|Aspirante de 2º
(Alumno 2º)}}

| {{lang|es|Aspirante de 1º
(Alumno 1º)}}

| {{lang|es|Sargento Alumno 3º año}}

| {{lang|es|Alumno 2º año}}

| {{lang|es|Alumno 1º año}}

| {{lang|es|Aspirante MPTM}}

The Spanish Marine's Decalogue

= Original Spanish =

  • 1º mandamiento : Mi primer deber como infante de marina es estar permanentemente dispuesto a defender España y entregar si fuera preciso mi propia vida
  • 2º mandamiento : Seré siempre respetuoso con mis mandos, leal con mis compañeros, generoso y sacrificado en mi trabajo
  • 3º mandamiento : Estaré preparado para afrontar con valor abnegación y espíritu de servicio cualquier misión asiganada a la Infantería de Marina
  • 4º mandamiento : Seré siempre respetuoso con las tradiciones del cuerpo, estaré orgulloso de su historia y nunca haré nada que pueda desprestigiar su nombre
  • 5º mandamiento : Ajustaré mi conducta al respeto de las personas, su dignidad y derechos serán valores que guardaré y exigiré
  • 6º mandamiento : Como Infante de marina la disciplina constituirá mi norma de actuación, la practicaré y exigiré en todos los cometidos que se me asignen
  • 7º mandamiento : Como Infante de marina mi misión será sagrada, en su cumplimiento venceré o moriré
  • 8º mandamiento : Aumentar la preparación física y mental será mi objetivo permanente
  • 9º mandamiento : Seré duro en la fatiga, bravo en el combate, nunca el desaliento en mi pecho anidará, nobleza y valentía serán mis emblemas
  • 10º mandamiento : ¡Mi lema! ... ¡Valiente por tierra y por mar!

= English =

  • 1st commandment: As a Marine my first duty is to be constantly ready to defend Spain and give my life if necessary.
  • 2nd commandment: I shall be always loyal with my brothers, respectful with my superiors, generous and devoted to my task.
  • 3rd commandment: I shall be always ready to face with courage, dedication and spirit of service any mission assigned to the Spanish Marine Corps.
  • 4th commandment: I shall be always respectful about the traditions of the Corps, be proud of its history and will never do anything that may adversely reflect on its name.
  • 5th commandment: I shall guide my conduct with respect for people, their dignity and rights I shall guard.
  • 6th commandment: As a Marine, discipline will be my standard of acting in all tasks assigned to me.
  • 7th commandment: As a Marine, my mission is sacred; in its fulfillment, I shall either win or die.
  • 8th commandment: Improving my body and training my mind shall be my permanent goals.
  • 9th commandment: I shall be strong on fatigue, brave in battle, discouragement shall never nest in my heart, for honor and courage are my banners.
  • 10th commandment: My motto!: Bravery in land and in the sea!

Equipment

= Infantry weapons =

class="wikitable"

! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Weapon

! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Image

! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Origin

! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Notes

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Pistols
FN Herstal P9-17

|160x160px

|{{flag|Belgium}}

|

Glock 17 Gen.5

|160x160px

|{{AUT}}

|Standard issue pistol used by the Special Naval Warfare Force

Heckler & Koch USP-Compact

|160x160px

|{{GER}}

|

Glock 26

|

|{{AUT}}

|used by security detail

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Assault rifles
Heckler & Koch G36

|160x160px

|{{GER}}

|E, K (short barrel) and C (carbine) versions in active service

Heckler & Koch HK-416A5

|160x160px

|{{GER}}

|New standard issue rifle {{Cite news|url=https://www.defensa.com/espana/fuerza-guerra-naval-especial-armada-dota-fusiles-asalto-hk416|title=La Fuerza de Guerra Naval Especial de la Armada se dota con fusiles de asalto HK416|last=Maíz Sanz|first=Julio|date=17 October 2018|work=Defensa.com|access-date=10 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109153134/https://www.defensa.com/espana/fuerza-guerra-naval-especial-armada-dota-fusiles-asalto-hk416|archive-date=9 November 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}

CETME

|160x160px

|{{ESP}}

|Some CETME LV (with SUSAT visor) and LC (with retractable stock) in 5.56mm NATO and CETME C in 7.62mm NATO remain in limited service

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Grenade launchers
AG36

|160x160px

|{{GER}}

|The AG36 is a 40 mm single-shot grenade launcher for the G36 assault rifle and variants (G36K, G36V etc.) from Heckler & Koch

LAG-40M1

|160x160px

|{{ESP}}

|The SB-40 LAG is a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher developed and produced in Spain by the Empresa Nacional Santa Bárbara

Mk.19 Mod.3

|160x160px

|{{USA}}

|Quantity 46

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Grenade launchers
Heckler & Koch HK417 SNIPER

|File:Combater.jpg

|{{GER}}

|

Accuracy International Arctic Warfare

|File:Accuracy International Arctic Warfare - Psg 90.jpg

|{{GRB}}

|including AXM and AXMC .338

Barrett M82A1

|File:Barrett M95SP.jpg

|{{USA}}

|

Barrett M95

|File:Barrett-M95-Grass.png

|{{USA}}

|

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Submachine guns
Heckler & Koch MP5

|File:MP5A3.jpg

|{{GER}}

|A3, A4 and A5 versions remain in service

FN P90

|File:P90 Official No Bg.png

|{{BEL}}

|

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Machine guns
FN Minimi Para 5.56×45mm NATO

|File:M249 FN MINIMI DA-SC-85-11586 c1.jpg

|{{BEL}}

|

FN Minimi MK3 7.62×51mm NATO

|File:FN MINIMI Standard Right.jpg

|{{BEL}}

|Replaced the CETME Ameli[https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/spain-to-receive-new-batch-of-belgian-fn-minimi-mk3-machine-guns] Spain to Receive New Batch of Belgian FN Minimi MK3 Machine Guns (Oct/2024)

Rheinmetall MG-3

|File:MG-3 Infantería de Marina.JPG

|{{GER}}

|Replaced by FN Minimi Used only in vehicles or as stationary weapon

Browning M-2 HB QCB

|File:PEO Browning M2E2 QCB (c1).jpg

|{{USA}}

|

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Anti-tank weapons
Instalaza C-100 Alcotán

|File:Alcotán 100.JPG

|{{ESP}}

|100mm

Instalaza C-90C

|File:C-90 Infantería Marina.JPG

|{{ESP}}

|90mm

Spike missile

|File:SPIKE ATGM.jpg

|{{ISR}}

|24 launchers and 240 rockets

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Anti-aircraft
Mistral

|File:MBDA Mistral - IDET 2017.JPG

|{{FRA}}

|

= Vehicles =

class="wikitable"

! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Weapon

! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Image

! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Origin

! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Notes

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Armoured vehicles
Piranha IIIC 8x8

|File:Mowag Piranha de la Infantería de Marina Española.JPG

File:MOWAG Piranha IIIC mando.JPG

|{{SWI}}

|Quantity 39 (26 ACV, 2 command vehicles, 1 ambulance, 1 recovery vehicle, 1 for Electronic Warfare, 4 sapper vehicles and 4 recon vehicles armed with a 30mm main gun)

AAV-7A1

|File:AAV-7 en Santander2.JPG

|{{USA}}

|Quantity 19 (17 AAVP, 1 AAVC, 1 AAVR) Replaces by 34 Amphibious Combat Vehicle(ACV)[https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2025/spain-will-produce-italian-based-acvs-to-replace-outdated-us-amphibious-vehicles Spain will produce ACVs on Italian bases to replace outdated amphibious vehicles from the USA] (Mar\2025)

Humvee

|File:Humvee Browning M-2 español.JPG

|{{USA}}

|Quantity 123 Humvee (are being replaced by URO VAMTAC ST5, between 190 and 280 in various versions)

M88 Armored Recovery Vehicle|M-88 E

|File:M88 Armored Recovery Vehicle in pm.jpg

|{{USA}}

|The Marine Corps has a single example of this tank.

colspan="4" style="align: center; background: lavender;" |Unarmoured vehicles
Volkswagen Amarok

|File:Volkswagen Amarok IM.jpg

|{{GER}}

|

Land Rover Defender

|File:Land Rover Defender front 20070518.jpg

|{{GRB}}

|

Ssangyong Rexton

|File:SsangYong Rexton Y450 front.jpg

|{{flag|South Korea}}

|Quantity 14{{Cite web |last=InfoDefensa |first=Revista Defensa |title=La Armada adquiere más todoterrenos Rexton de la surcoreana Ssangyong para la Infantería de Marina |url=https://www.infodefensa.com/texto-diario/mostrar/5162715/armada-adquiere-vehiculos-4x4-rexton-surcoreana-ssangyong-infanteria-marina |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Infodefensa - Noticias de defensa, industria, seguridad, armamento, ejércitos y tecnología de la defensa |language=es}}

= Artillery =

class="wikitable"

! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Weapon

! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Image

! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Origin

! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Notes

ECIA

|

|{{ESP}}

|81 mm mortar

M-109A5E

|File:Spanish M109A5 howitzer Bright Star 2001.jpg

|{{USA}}

|Six vehicles loaned from the Spanish Army{{cite web |url=https://www.infodefensa.com/es/2020/07/23/noticia-ejercito-tierra-armada-obuses.html#:~:text=El%20Ej%C3%A9rcito%20de%20Tierra%20ha,la%20versi%C3%B3n%20A2%2C%20obsoletos%20ya.|publisher=infodefensa.com |access-date=2 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110111042358/http://www.armada.mde.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/buques_infanteria/05_material_IM--02_armamento--10_obus_m109_es |archive-date=11 January 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all |title=El Ejército de Tierra cede a la Armada seis obuses ATP M-109 A5 }}

OTO Melara M-56

|File:Spanish-marines-man-105mm-howitzer-19811001.jpg

|{{ITA}}

|Quantity 12

Traditions

=Hymn=

The Marcha Heroica de la Infanteria de Marina (Heroic March of the Marine Infantry), also known as the Himno de la Infantería de Marina is the official march of the Spanish Marines. It was authored by J. Raimundo and composed by Colonel Don Agustín Díez Guerrero. The text is as follows:{{cite web | url=https://armada.defensa.gob.es/ArmadaPortal/page/Portal/ArmadaEspannola/multimediahimnos/prefLang-es/04himnos-infanteria-de-marina | title=Himno de la Infantería de Marina - Himnos de la Infantería de Marina - Himnos y canciones - Armada - Ministerio de Defensa - Gobierno de España }}

|Marines

let's go fight

The Homeland enlarge

and its glory increase

nobility and bravery

our emblems are:

not abandon the ensign

to the noise of the cannon

why die for it

It is our obligation.


Don't cry to me, my mother

if in the fight I have to stay

what is the duty of the Spanish

for my country!

your blood spill


To fight, to fight

brave Marines

to win or die

for defending the noble Spain

For his honor, for his honor

let's all fight incessantly

until we achieve our soil

the admiration of the whole world


Marines

let's go fight

The Homeland enlarge

and its glory increase

nobility and bravery

our emblems are:

not abandon the ensign

to the noise of the cannon

why die for it

It is our obligation


Don't cry to me, my mother

if in the fight I have to stay

what is the duty of the Spanish

for my country!

your blood spill


Glory to the brave

that by sea and land

heroically they died

defending his flag


Let's follow their example

of unparalleled bravery

that the Marines

gloriously they know how to succeed

=Motto=

Its official motto is "Valientes por Tierra y por Mar" ("Braves by Land and Sea"), which is similar to other mottos used by marine units such as the Royal Marines.

=Bands=

File:12 de octubre de 2014 en Madrid, banda de música de la Armada Española.JPG.]]

The Music Band of the Marines is the military band of the Marine Infantry and the larger Spanish Navy. For this, it has the Music Band, created in 1950, it is made up of a select group of non-commissioned officers and professional musicians. Its first performance was in the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid on 1 April 1951.{{cite web | url=http://www.outono.net/elentir/historia-de-la-marcha-mas-emblematica-de-la-armada-espanola-ganando-barlovento/ | title=Historia de la marcha más emblemática de la Armada Española: 'Ganando barlovento' }} It marches in both military ceremonies and parades, as well as in civil events. Based in Madrid it serves as the successor to bands of both that service and the whole of the Navy. The Madrid Marine Corps Battalion (AGRUMAD) Music Band, also based in Madrid, also serves this branch. Since 1990, which was the year of its reestablishment, it has participated in concerts organized by the aforementioned association as well as military festivals in Spain. In 1970, it performed in the International Contest of Military Music Bands held in Valencia in 1970, in which its bandsmen obtained 1st prize. It also has taken part in foreign activities in neighboring countries such as Belgium.{{cite web | url=https://www.defensa.gob.es/portaldecultura/cultural/musica/madrid/musica_172.html | title=Cultura de Defensa - Banda de Música de la Agrupación de Infantería de Marina de Madrid }}

Uniforms

File:Infantería de marina trabajo A.png|Barrack Dress A

File:Infantería de marina trabajo B.png|Barrack Dress B

File:Infantería de marina diario A.png|Service Dress A

File:Infantería de marina diario B.png|Service Dress B

File:Infantería de marina diario C.png|Service Dress C

File:Infantería de marina gala A.png|Dress Uniform A

File:Infantería de marina gala B.png|Dress Uniform B

File:Infantería de marina etiqueta A.png|Mess Dress A

File:Infantería de marina etiqueta B.png|Mess Dress B

File:Infantería de marina gran etiqueta.png|Ceremonial Dress

Source:[https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2016-10303 "Orden DEF/1756/2016, de 28 de octubre, por la que se aprueban las normas de uniformidad de las Fuerzas Armadas." Agencia Estatal Boletín del Estado.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730152219/https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2016-10303 |date=30 July 2018 }} 2018-07-30

See also

References

Notes

{{Reflist}}