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Landing Means Unit / Unidade de Meios de Desembarque (UMD)

On June 28, 1979, by Ordinance No. 303/79, making it necessary to create conditions that would allow a more rational allocation of resources to support marine Battalions, was created to support unit of aquatic environments (UAMA) putting an end to the existing support structure until then, with the designation of "boat Squadron". The implementing Decree No. 29/94 of 01 September 1994, in the context of the reorganization of the Corps, the UAMA went on to have the designation current unit of methods of landing (UMD), as a unit of Marines (UF), organized on a permanent basis. Generally, is a single set of integrated personnel and material resources organized in order to perform actions within the competence of the CCF, namely military actions on the ground acting from the sea.

The unit of methods of landing (UMD), in particular:

• Promote the development of methods of landing that provides for integration into the Light Battalion of landing (BLD)
• Support the activities of education and training of units of Marines (UF)
• Support other activities within the framework of the missions of the Navy, when superiorly determined

The UMD cover:

• The Group of Amphibious Boats (LARC)
• The Group of Boats landing (LD)
• The Group of Boats

In the early 1990s Portugal reportedly operated some LDM-100 and LDM-400 class LCMs (landing craft, mechanized), but these seem to have passed from the scene some time ago. Portugal received LARC-5 vehicles in the 1970s, distributed to the Navy, and operated by the Marines. They are incorporated in a transport and logistical support unit. This type of equipment can only operate by being placed in the water by means of a crane. It can be placed aboard Navy ships that are able to put on and remove from water, proceeding to transportation between the ship and land, but Portugal does not appear to have a miiltary ship dedicated to this function. Like all old equipment, the LARCs require too much maintenance. There are plans to acquire a replacement for this type of vehicle, using landing boats launched by a logistic support vessel.

With an Atlantic seaboard of about 800 km (431 n miles) plus the Azores and Madeira, (coupled with a commitment to NATO) an offshore amphibious capability is certainly desirable, but Portugal had only one Bombarda class LCT/LDG, commissioned in 1985, and no known light fast craft for an infantry assault. The procuring of a multipurpose ship (LPD-type) has a high priority. All the signs suggest that the Portuguese amphibious forces are not trained to be supported in their amphibious assault by heavy weapons. These can be landed administratively after an area has been made secure.