32nd Marines Brigade "Moravas" 32η Ταξιαρχία Πεζοναυτών "Μοράβας" |
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Emblem of the 32nd Marines Brigade
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Active | 1919–Present |
Country | Greece |
Branch | Hellenic Army |
Type | Marines / Special Operations Forces |
Size | 5 Battalions |
Part of | I Infantry Division |
Garrison/HQ | Volos, Thessaly |
Motto(s) |
Θαρσείν Χρη Tharsein Hri Courage is Necessary |
Anniversaries | Foundation in 1919 |
Engagements |
Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922) Greco-Italian War (1940-1941) Greek Civil War (1946-1949) |
The 32nd Marines Brigade (Greek: 32 ΤAΞ ΠΝ - 32η Ταξιαρχία Πεζοναυτών Mοράβας), 32 TAX PN - 32 Taxiarhia Pezonavton "Moravas", is the Marines unit of Greece. The brigade is based at the port town of Volos in Thessaly, and its primary role is infantry and amphibious operations on the numerous islands off the Greek coast. Unlike other countries, the Greek Marines form part of the Army, while the landing craft and naval equipment are provided by the Hellenic Navy.
The unit traces its ancestry to the 32nd Infantry Regiment, formed in Preveza in 1919, then belonging to the 8th Infantry Division. It took part in the Greco-Turkish War as part of the Kydoniai Division and the 5th Infantry Division, and later in the Greco-Italian War during the Second World War. After the occupation of Greece by the Germans, it was disbanded. In 1959 the Regiment was raised anew as the 132nd Light Infantry Regiment and moved to Attica as a reserve unit, but in 1967 was reorganized as a Marines unit under the name 32nd Marines Regiment.
In January 1988, after the disbandment of the unified 3rd Special Forces Division, the unit was enlarged to brigade size. It is currently placed under the II Army Corps as part of the Greek Rapid Reaction Force.
The 32nd Marines Brigade was established in 1988 after the reorganization of the Special Forces Command.
All Marines wear the standard-issue Greek Lizard camouflage BDUs of the Hellenic Army. Members of the 32nd Marines Brigade originally wore the blue beret, but this was changed to the green beret in 2001 because of its Special Forces role. The blue beret was, subsequently, issued to infantry units.