15th Infantry Regiment (Portugal)
The 15th Infantry Regiment is a unit of the Base Structure of the Army, stationed in Tomar, currently with the operating charge of organizing, training and maintaining the 1st Parachute Battalion Rapid Reaction Brigade.
The RI15 is one of the oldest military units from Portugal and is the most decorated of the Portuguese Army.
History
The RI15 was created in 1762 under the name 2nd Infantry Regiment of Olivença, from the split into two units, from the Regiment of Olivença, created in 1641 as Terço of Olivença. In 1806, the 2nd Infantry Regiment of Olivença was renamed to 15th Infantry Regiment. Since its inception, the regiment participated in all the campaigns of the Portuguese Army. After being installed in several locations, in 1901 the unit moved its headquarters to Tomar.Equipment
Infantry equipment
PistolSubmachine gun
Assault/Battle rifle
Machine gun
Mortar
- FBP Morteirete 60mm mortar
- L16A2 81mm mortar
Anti-tank weapon
Air-defence system
Tactical vehicles
- URO VAMTAC ST5
- Mitsubishi L200 4x4
- Land Rover Defender'90 TDI 4x4
Transport vehicles
Transport aircraft
Awards and decorations
- Commandery of the Military Order of the Tower and Sword of Valor, Loyalty and Merit, - 1919
- Medal of Military Valour Gold, - 1919
- Croce di Guerra al Merit, - 1921
- Croix de Guerre avec Palme 1914–1918, - 1958
- Fourragère de la Médaille militaire, - 1958
- Order of Military Merit, - 1966
- Medal for Distinguished Service Gold, - 1985
- Gold Medal for Distinguished Service to Palma, - 1987
- Honorary Member of the Military Order of Aviz, - 2002
- Gold Medal of the City of Tomar, - 2002
- Honorary Member of the Military Order of Christ, - 2006