Maroon Berets
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(Bordo Bereliler)-(MB)An elite armed force that was created by officers from the Turkish Army. The unit was created to eliminate any inside or outside attacks to the country. An MB officer can survive in any type of terrain and climate, as they are highly trained, educated and special soldiers. Today the force is under the order of Special Forces (old Special Warfare Unit). They also work along with Attack Search & Rescue Teams (ASR) and Underwater Attack Teams (UWA) (Marine Search Teams).
Turkish Maroon Berets (MB) won the first place in Germany 2004 Special Forces Competition[citation needed] but before that became the centre of the spotlight when they captured the PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in Kenya[1][2]. The identities of MBs remain classified by MIT (Turkish Secret Service).
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[edit] Education & Training
In three categories of education & training is given to a MB. These are
a. Domestic
b. International
c. Specialty
In these 3 categories they have 47 different subjects of education and exams. Domestic training takes 72 weeks of basic training; International training takes 10 to 52 weeks of specialty training in different countries. It takes 3.5 years to become a MB.
These are some of the training and education they have to accomplish before they become a MB.
Domestic: War techniques, physical education & fitness, martial arts, Identifying-locating, long distance explore & patrol, infiltration, survival, interrogation/anti-interrogation, escape, special operations, psychological operations, hostage/civilian rescue & assistance, parachuting, commando, personal protection, winter warfare, frogman, and paragliding.
Specialty: Explosives, explosion techniques, mine & booby traps, first aid, paramedic, survival-escape, Light and Heavy weaponry, communication, arsenal termination courses.
International: Mastering on Special Forces, Air unit, civilian relations, patrolling, survival, psychological operations courses. These units are also well equipped diplomats.
[edit] Specifications and Current Role
MB's currently involved with security of South East Turkey, Domestic and North Iraq Operations, due to this; they are in constant training & education against terrorism and guerilla warfare. They are also known to wear no body armour. MB Master Stg. Mehmet A. K. states: "They are not necessary. We are able to eliminate our targets before they can engage us anyway, so there is no point in limiting our mobility with the excess weight of kevlar and metal plates."
Maroon Berets acquired the 1st place in the competition of Eagle Forces for 4 years which was a competitive race between special forces around the world, held in U.S.A. The competitions was never held again because of their victory (3 years straight). Though it did not reflect to the Western press, the U.S. Government used the Iraqi war and the depletion of the Special Forces personnel as an alibi. The competitions were attended by such famous Special Ops. groups as; Green Berets, GSG-9, GIGN, Spetsnaz. etc.[citation needed]
[edit] Maroon Beret's Standard Weaponry includes
- M16 family of weapons
- M203 40mm Grenade Launcher
- H&K G33
- H&K G3A3
- Barrett M82A1
- H&K MP5 A3
- M249 Para
- H&K G3 SG1
The Maroon Beret's are also o allegeable to purchase any firearm of their choice.(The Armed Forces pay for the weapon)
[edit] Camouflage
The Maroon Beret's are usually known to be issued with Turkish Armed Forces standard Camouflage. (Aegean; North American Woodland Camo with pattern shrunken by %20.) They are sometime seen in full black Camouflage.
[edit] Maroon Beret's In Turkish Culture
The Turk's through out the history have been known as a warrior race. Therefore capable warriors hold a high place in the society unlike most cultures. Not much is known about Maroon Beret's due to the secretive nature therefore most of the circulating rumors about their training, engagement, etc. are not believed by all. However, it is common knowledge that they are the pride of the Turkish Army, therefore they are very much respected and feared. In Turkish culture Maroon Beret's are a form of Deus Ex Machina. The warrior that is always in the right place in the right time. Who emerges unexceptedly and ends all conflict in an instant.
One of the most widespread rumors are about how they strike their enemies hearts with fear. It is said that if there is a battle between the terrorist faction PKK and the Mountain Commandos for over 10 days, the Maroon Berets are called in. As soon as the PKK operatives spot the reddish silluettes of their berets, they drop their weapons and retreat.
[edit] References
[edit] See Also
- Maroon beret - For origins of the maroon beret and other countries that have adopted it.
