Paracommando Brigade (Belgium)

Paracommando Regiment (1952-1991) Paracommando Brigade (1991-2003) Immediate Reaction Cell (2003-present)
Belgian Paracommando Brigade Logo
Active	1952-present
Country	Belgium
Branch	Land Component
Type	Airborne
Role	Airborne assault
Size	circa 2500 men
Part of	Brigade
Garrison/HQ	Evere
Colors
Engagements	Congo Crisis 1960 Operation Red Dragon/Black Dragon Battle of Kolwezi UNOSOM I UNITAF UNOSOM II UNAMIR KFOR ISAF
Insignia
Identification symbol

The Immediate Reaction Cell is an elite fighting force in the Belgian Land Component, consisting of one Parachute and one Commando battalion plus several support units (one artillery battery, one anti-aircraft artillery battery, one logistics company, one engineer company, one medical company and one reconnaissance unit). It was merged with the 7th Brigade to form the Light Brigade in 2010.

In 1942, during the Second World War, parachutist and commando units were founded in Great Britain, as well as the Belgian Special Air Service. In 1952 these parachutist and commando units were brought together in a Para-Commando Regiment. Later an antitank company, a field artillery battery and a reconnaissance squadron were added. In November 1991 the Para-Commando Regiment became a brigade by adding new support units.'

The Paracommando battalions work closely with the Belgian Air Force's 15th Transportation Wing, who operate the C-130 transport aircraft.

From 1953, the Commandos participated actively in the "African period" with numerous detachments destined for the base at Kamina (BAKA) in the Belgian Congo. After the riots of January 4, 1959, the 2nd Commando Battalion was dispatched urgently to Léopoldville where it was stationed for about a month. A cadre party and other elements later formed the 4th Commando Bataillon which was stationed at Kitona in Bas-Congo.