The Vietnamese People’s Navy (PAVN) Naval Infantry is the only naval ground force in the world that has more personnel that its parent Navy. It once stood at eleven brigades each of several battalions. The PAVN Naval Infantry probably based itself on Soviet Naval Infantry, PAVN calls for the naval infantry to be used as shock troops spearheading an assault that would be followed up by ground forces. Tactical landings are conducted to strike at the rear area or flank of any enemy force along a coastline, or for seizing islands, naval bases, coastal airfields, ports, and other objectives on an enemy-held coastline.
The Vietnam People’s Navy maintains a naval infantry force. It once stood at eleven brigades each of several battalions. The first naval infantry unit was established in 1975 and was known as the 126th Brigade. Currently the Vietnam People’s Navy maintains two naval infantry brigades which are the 101st Brigade and 147th Brigade. The naval infantry brigade consists of three to five naval infantry battalions, a tank battalion, and several specialized support companies. It probably has a strength of about 2,000 men. Its organization is similar to a Soviet motorized rifle regiment except that the tank battalion has a mix of light tanks and PT-76 amphibious light tanks, and an organic artillery battalion. It also receives artillery support from the naval gunfire ships of the amphibious task force.
Video by sairagon1988
