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| Argentine Naval Infantry | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Argentine Naval Infantry |
| Native name | Infantería de Marina |
| Country | Argentina |
| Branch | Argentine Navy |
| Type | Marine Corps |
| Role | Amphibious warfare, maritime security |
| Size | Approx. 6,000 personnel |
| Garrison | Puerto Belgrano Naval Base |
| Nickname | "Infantería de Marina" |
| Anniversaries | 2 November (Foundation) |
Argentine Naval Infantry is the naval infantry force of the Argentine Navy responsible for amphibious warfare, littoral operations, and base protection. It traces institutional lineage to 19th‑century naval contingents and has served in riverine, coastal, and expeditionary operations across Argentina, the South Atlantic, and international peacekeeping missions. The corps integrates infantry, armored, artillery, and reconnaissance elements to operate with surface ships, naval aviation, and joint forces.
The origins date to detachments aboard 19th‑century warships engaged in conflicts such as the Battle of Pavón era actions and the War of the Triple Alliance, evolving through the late 1800s with influences from Imperial Brazilian Navy engagements and European naval doctrines. During the early 20th century the force professionalized alongside the Argentine Navy's modernization programs and took part in internal security events linked to the Infamous Decade and later military governments. The corps saw its most internationally prominent combat role during the Falklands War (Guerra de las Malvinas) in 1982, fighting in actions around Port Stanley, Goose Green, and Mount Longdon, which reshaped doctrine and procurement. Post‑1982 periods include deployments to support counterinsurgency efforts, humanitarian responses after events like the 1970 Ancash earthquake (via naval humanitarian assets) and contributions to United Nations peacekeeping under mandates in Cyprus and elsewhere. Reforms in the 21st century responded to lessons from the Falklands War and regional security dynamics in the South Atlantic and Southern Cone.
The corps is organized into amphibious, riverine, base security, and special operations elements reporting to the Chief of Navy within the Argentine Navy staff. Principal units include the Amphibious Command (Comando de Adiestramiento y Alistamiento de la Armada) brigades, the 2nd Marine Brigade (Brigada de Infantería de Marina Nº 2), and riverine flotillas operating on the Paraná River and Río de la Plata. Support elements encompass naval aviation detachments aboard ARA Hércules-class auxiliaries and logistic units at Puerto Belgrano Naval Base and Mar del Plata. The chain of command integrates with joint commands such as the Southern Military Region for combined operations. Specialized formations include naval special operations forces trained in counterterrorism, close quarters battle, and combat diving—cooperating with the Prefectura Naval Argentina for maritime law enforcement.
Primary missions are amphibious assault, littoral defense, naval base security, sea denial, riverine patrol, and maritime interdiction. Secondary roles include humanitarian assistance, non‑combatant evacuation, and participation in multinational exercises like UNITAS and Exercise RIMPAC‑style interoperability activities (regional variants). The corps provides maritime security for Argentine EEZ assets, supports Antarctic logistics when embarked on naval transports, and undertakes counter‑smuggling operations with the Gendarmería Nacional Argentina and Prefectura Naval Argentina. In crisis scenarios, marine units have been used for rapid reaction tasks during natural disasters affecting coastal provinces such as Buenos Aires Province and Tierra del Fuego Province.
Infantry equipment combines infantry small arms, amphibious vehicles, artillery, and naval fire support. Standard small arms historically include variants of the FAL rifle and modernized assault rifles procured in the 21st century. Mobility assets feature amphibious assault vehicles, landing craft deployed from LPD‑type vessels and tank landing ships formerly operated by the Argentine Navy, as well as tracked armored personnel carriers. Fire support includes towed and self‑propelled artillery, mortars, anti‑tank guided missiles, and man‑portable air‑defence systems compatible with naval air cover from platforms like the ARA Almirante Brown (D-10) and support from naval gunfire. Riverine units utilize patrol boats, rigid‑hulled inflatable boats, and shallow‑draft craft for operations in the Paraná Delta. Logistics and sustainment rely on auxiliary ships such as replenishment oilers and amphibious transports.
Doctrine integrates amphibious assault tactics derived from combined arms theory, littoral zone control, and riverine warfare influenced by experiences in the Falklands War and regional doctrines from Brazilian Marine Corps exchanges. Training centers include amphibious warfare schools at Infantería de Marina training facilities near major naval bases, diving and parachute schools, and live‑fire ranges. Exercises emphasize ship‑to‑shore movement, beachhead seizure, urban littoral combat, and interoperability with naval aviation and joint commands. International training exchanges have involved the United States Marine Corps, Spanish Marine Infantry, and neighboring navies to refine doctrine for expeditionary and peacekeeping missions.
Insignia combine maritime symbols such as anchors with infantry motifs including crossed rifles and unit numerals; distinctive camouflage patterns and beret colors distinguish battalions and specializations. Unit traditions reflect patronage and commemorations tied to historical engagements like the Falklands War anniversaries and the corps' foundation day. Ceremonial practices draw on naval and marine heritage, including parade protocols aboard flagships, unit marches, and use of naval ranks aligned with Argentine Navy conventions. Honors and citations have been awarded in operations and peacekeeping contexts by national authorities and multinational organizations.
The most notable combat deployment was the Falklands War, with battles at Mount Tumbledown, Mount Harriet, Wireless Ridge, and Goose Green involving marine battalions. Riverine and internal security operations occurred during the mid‑20th century in the Paraná River basin and during political crises in the 1970s and 1980s. Post‑1990 deployments include contributions to UNIFIL‑style peacekeeping and multinational exercises such as UNITAS amphibious phases and regional security cooperation events in the South Atlantic. Humanitarian responses include disaster relief after storms and floods affecting provinces like Santa Fe and Corrientes.
Category:Argentine Navy Category:Marine forces by country