Belgium - The Army - Order of Battle
Composante Terre / Landcomponent
The primary units are the Mechanized Brigade [formerly the Medium Brigade] and the Special Operations Regiment [formerly the Light Brigade]. The Light Brigade was a developmental capacity composed of two battalions soldiers of a battalion of light infantry and Special Forces. In addition to the two brigades, it has two battalions of engineering, a battalion of artillery and a unit in charge of recognition and the collection of information. The land component can also rely on its logistical and communication units to support the defence on each mission.
The Special Operations Regiment, the headquarters of which are located in Marche-en-Famenne, had an airborne capacity and consisted of two para-commando battalions (stationed in Flawinne and Tielen), one light infantry battalion (located in Spa) and a Special Forces Group (stationed in Heverlee). These elements can be rapidly deployed and were being trained to operate in complex terrain and in inhabited areas.
The Mechanized Brigade, the headquarters of which are located in Leopoldsburg, consisted of four medium battalions, two French-speaking (both in Marche-en-Famenne) and two Dutch-speaking (both in Leopoldsburg). It can face a more robust threat thanks to its significant firepower and its heavier armoured vehicles but needs more time to arrive on the spot.
In addition to these two brigades, the Land Component also had two engineer battalions (located in Amay and Burcht), one artillery battalion (stationed both in Nieuwpoort and in Brasschaat) and one ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) battalion (located in Heverlee). To support Belgian Defence in each of its missions, the Land Component can also rely on the know-how of its logistic & communication units, and smaller units like the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service and the Military Police Group.
Special Operations Regiment
The Headquarters Special Operations Regiment in Marche-en-Famenne has 140 military personnel. In addition to this headquarters, the Special Operations Regiment consists of:
- 2 Battalion Commandos (Flawinne)
- 3 Battalion Paratroopers (Tielen)
- Special Forces Group (Heverlee)
- Training Center for Commands (Marche-les-Dames)
- Training Center for Paratroopers (Schaffen)
The headquarters forms the link between the units of the brigade and the operational command in Evere. The tasks of the Headquarters Special Operations Regiment are: to maintain the readiness of the units; to evaluate the activities and training of the units; and to create an operational headquarters in the short term to lead a rapid intervention force.
The Light Brigade is gone. On 03 July 2018, the 3 Parachute Battalion, the 2 Commando Battalion, their training centers and the Special Forces Group, formerly the Light Brigade, were renamed the Special Operations Regiment (SOR). The ceremony was held in the Hemptinne district of Heverlee.
At the same time, the 6 Communication and Information Systems Group (6 Gp CIS) was integrated into the new regiment to ensure its communications. According to Colonel Vincent Descheemaeker, regimental commander: "This does not prevent further changes. Our internal structures are being modified. The Special Forces Group is gaining strength and each unit has a specific reorientation to perform special operations."
For Defense Minister Steven Vandeput, the transformation of the Light Brigade into a Special Operations Regiment is part of the Defense Strategic Vision and is one of the priorities of the Earth Component Reform. This is necessary, for example, to respond to NATO's requests to make more troops capable of conducting special operations available.
Special operations are military tasks carried out by specifically organized and equipped units. They use special tactics, techniques and methods of engagement to carry out sensitive actions, such as collecting intelligence, conducting precision bombing or releasing hostages abroad. "For example, our army's mission against IS at the request of the international coalition in Iraq falls within this framework," said Minister Vandeput. "Iraqi troops are trained and supported by us so that they can guarantee security in their country. "
"It is almost certain that the regiment will be permanently engaged," said Colonel Descheemaeker. "Indeed, it is expected that it is as operational as possible, hence the usefulness of acquiring new equipment. Part of it was presented at the ceremony: the FOX Rapid Reaction , a lightweight tactical vehicle that will be operational in January 2019.
Motorized Brigade
In 1943, several brigades were formed in Great Britain with Belgian war volunteers. This resulted in the 1 Brigade later. Over the years the brigade underwent numerous name changes. The name Medium Brigade was created in 2011, after the transformation of the Land Component.
The Headquarters Motorized Brigade is divided into the Headquarters Motorized Brigade - Leopoldsburg and the Headquarters Motorized Brigade - Marche-en-Famenne. In addition to this headquarters, the Motorized Brigade consists of:
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5 combat units:
- Battalion 12 Linie Prince Leopold - 13 Linie (Spa)
- Battalion Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn - Grenadiers (Leopoldsburg)
- Battalion Liberation - 5 Linie (Leopoldsburg)
- Battalion of the Ardennes Hunters (Marche-en-Famenne)
- 1/3 Battalion of Lancers (Marche-en-Famenne)
4 combat support units: - Battalion Hunters in Paard (Heverlee)
- Batallion Artillery (Brasschaat)
- 4 Batalion Genie (Amay)
- 11 Battalion Genie (Castle)
4 support units: - 4 Group Communication and Information Systems (Marche-en-Famenne)
- 10 Communications and Information Systems Group (Leopoldsburg)
- 4 Battalion Logistics (Marche-en-Famenne)
- 18 Battalion Logistics (Leopoldsburg)
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