Mechanized Brigade (Portugal)


The Mechanized Brigade or BrigMec is a mechanized infantry brigade in service with the Portuguese Army.

History

The 3rd Infantry Division was created and assigned to NATO in 1953.
The Nun Alvares Division adopted an almost totally U.S. organization, including around 20,000 men, with three infantry regiments, a divisional tank battalion, three field artillery battalions and anti-aircraft, engineering, signal and logistical units. To serve as a training base for the division, the large Santa Margarida Military Camp was built. As the Nun'Álvares Division started to be mainly maintained by the 3rd Military Region, from 1955, it began to be officially designated as the 3rd Division.
In 1960 the "Nun Alvares" Division's organization was changed from three tactical groupings, based on infantry regiments, to three LANDCENT-type infantry brigades. In 1961 the 3rd Division organized its last large maneuvers. From 1961, the Portuguese Army's effort focused primarily on the Overseas War, with the division entering a decline.
In 1968–1976, studies were carried out to update Portugal's ground contribution to NATO for a force of different characteristics from the 3rd Division. This took form with the 1st Independent Composite Brigade, established in 1976. After the end of the Cold War, the brigade was redesignated the Independent Mechanized Brigade, which then became the Mechanized Brigade in 2006.

International missions

List of units

The Mechanized Brigade differs from the army's other two brigades as its units aren't provided by regiments. All units of the Mechanized Brigade are part of the Mechanized Brigade at all times and are all based at the Santa Margarida Camp. The following units are part of the Mechanized Brigade:Mechanized Brigade, in Santa Margarida