The San Marco Marine Brigade: amphibious strength and innovation
Italian amphibious excellence finds its most complete expression in the Brigata Marina San Marco (BMSM), a unit that represents the cutting edge of the Navy's sea projection capability. From the Marine Fusiliers of the 1st Regiment, specialists in landing operations, to the naval security teams of the 2nd Regiment, each member of the BMSM embodies unparalleled values of adaptability, resilience and dedication. Let's take a closer look at their role and evolution.
The San Marco Marine Brigade stems from a very ancient tradition of naval infantry, which dates back to 1878 with the first landing units and was consolidated in 1919 with the Reggimento di Fanteria di Marina. The modern Brigade, officially activated in 2013, today represents the Navy's main amphibious structure, ready to intervene rapidly in crisis situations or multinational operations.
The mission of the BMSM is maritime protection, force projection from sea to land, and support for national and international security. Technological innovation and continuous training are the beating heart of the Brigade, which constantly competes with the world's best amphibious units, such as the US Marines and the British Royal Marines. The integration of command and control (C2) systems, the rapidity of intervention and the ability to adapt to modern operational scenarios make the Brigade an indispensable tool for national defence.
The 1st and 2nd San Marco Regiments: different missions, same spirit
Within the Brigade, the 1st and 2nd San Marco Regiments embody two complementary souls of amphibious operations.
The 1st San Marco Regiment is the landing manoeuvre element of the Landing Force. Its naval riflemen are trained for Rapid Onset Military Operations (ROMO) in complex maritime and land environments. Specialised in the establishment of beachheads, support to land forces and initial control of critical areas, these military personnel must deal with the unpredictable, both during assault landings and in evacuation and rescue contexts. Being part of the 1st Regiment means mastering sea, coast and land with equal ease.
The 2nd San Marco Regiment, on the other hand, is the specialised naval security force. Its operators are responsible for Force Protection on board Italian naval vessels, with tasks ranging from controlling transits in risky areas to boarding suspicious vessels (VBSS). With rigorous training in Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), they are involved in boarding, inspection and threat neutralisation operations. Their work is crucial in ensuring the security of convoys and naval units in missions such as 'Aspides', 'Atalanta' and 'Mediterranean Safe'.
Both Regiments, although with different tasks, share common values: sacrifice, adaptability, resilience and an inexhaustible dedication to duty.
Being a Navy Fusilier today: a total commitment
Becoming a naval rifleman means embracing a lifestyle based on discipline, technical ability and operational readiness. The riflemen of the San Marco Brigade are trained to act quickly, whether in the chaos of an operational landing or in the quiet discretion of a naval protection mission.
The training course is tough: it requires passing high-level physical, technical and psychological tests, as well as acquiring specialised skills in areas such as close combat, CBRN defence, the use of advanced weapon systems and operational communications.
Fusiliers do not just operate in Italy: they take part in international missions, often in hostile and dynamic environments, where they must put their acquired skills of adaptation and leadership into practice. 'Where the soldier stops, the rifleman continues' is not just a motto, but a daily reality for those who choose to serve in the ranks of the San Marco Marine Brigade, carrying the pride of the Trident everywhere.
Published by Condoralex
Born Alessandro Generotti, C.le Maj. Parachutist on leave. Military Parachutist Patent no. 192806. 186th RGT Par. Folgore/5th BTG. Par. El Alamein/XIII Cp. Par. Condor.
Founder and administrator of the website BRIGATAFOLGORE.NET. Blogger and computer scientist by profession.
