SOVIET NAVAL INFANTRY

Soviet Naval Infantry is a relatively small force of marines.   Although its origin dates back to the 18th century, Russian naval regiments did not come to the forefront until the first world war and the Russian revolution and civil war where they were used as a straight forward substitute for infantry.

Several naval regiments were created during the second world war and were used in over a hundred amphibious operations.   Following world war II the main regiments were disbanded only to be re-formed in the sixties because of a need for amphibious shock troops.

The modern role of the naval infantry is to seize key points either during or prior to amphibious attacks.   To do this they are equipped with relatively heavy armour including amphibious T72 tanks.   Each naval infantry brigade includes two tank battalions.   Each naval infantry regiment has its own SPETZNATZ unit attached to it.