Who Are The Brazilian Special Forces?

Brazil has several special forces units that all have a distinct job to do, including offshoots of the army as well as domestic military special forces unit that are used to enforce the peacekeeping of the nation.

The GRUMEC is the Brazilian answer to the Navy Seals and stands for Grupamento de Megulhadores de Combate, a Portuguese name for Brazilian commando frogmen, very similar to the United States Navy Seals.

History of the GRUMEC

The Brazilian Special Naval Forces is similar to the United States Navy Seals and is a division of the Brazilian Navy. The GRUMEC began in 1964, although it consisted only of two officers and two divers at that time. Since that time, it has grown into a full special forces operation that is based in Rio de Janeiro and was activated formally in March, 1998.

How To Become A Member Of The GRUMEC

Those who are members of the Brazilian Navy, both enlisted men as well as officers can undergo the training it takes to be part of the Brazilian Special Forces operation.

GRUMEC Training

The candidates require 10 weeks of rigorous training that includes underwater combat and helicopter and parachuting training. They are subordinate to the Submarine Force Command in Brazil.

Like the GRUMEC, the training for the COMANF is rigorous and only about 10 percent of the candidates who enter the training program end up making the special forces team. Both of these teams are trained to work together when it comes to a threat to national security of Brazil.

What Are They Best At?

The GRUMEC is comprised of several different factions of special operations, all of which work in conjunction with one another for the security of the country. This includes the COMANF. There are several special operation forces in Brazil. While some are based on land and do not engage on global combat, the GRUMEC and the COMANF are considered to be the elite of the special forces units in this country and, unlike other countries, will work with one another in times of crisis, especially when it comes to rescue missions and hostage situations, to insure the peace and safety for those who are living in Brazil as well as other countries to where they may be called in for active duty assistance.

Weapons of the GRUMEC And Brazilian Special Forces

The COMANF also works in conjunction with the GRUMEC and are another special operations unit that is based off of the Brazilian Navy. They handle the Glock 19, Heckler & Kotch USP, the Heckler & Koch MP5, the Colt M4, the Franchi SPAS 15, the Benelli shotgun and more. They also employ the use of inflatable boats, helicopters and parachutes to eliminate targets and perform acts of sabatoge on enemy combatants. Many of their operations take place in the water and they are adept at using underwater explosives as well as hand to hand combat in the water.

Known Missions

Missions are domestic and classified.

Units

COMANF as well as GRUMEC are the units that are based from the Brazilian Navy and work in conjunction with one another.

Are They Professional Soldiers

Those who are part of the special forces in Brazil are professional soldiers, Navy trained.

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This Article is written by James Kara Murat from USNavySealStore.com, the contributor of US Navy Seal Store. More information on the subject is at Who Are The Brazilian Special Forces?, and related resources can be found at US Navy Seal Information

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