3rd Special Forces Division (Greece)

The 3rd Special Forces Division ( el, ΙΙΙ Μεραρχία Ειδικών Δυνάμεων) was a

division Division or divider may refer to: Mathematics *Division (mathematics), the inverse of multiplication *Division algorithm, a method for computing the result of mathematical division Military * Division (military), a formation typically consisting ...

encompassing the

special forces Special forces and special operations forces (SOF) are military units trained to conduct special operations. NATO has defined special operations as "military activities conducted by specially designated, organized, selected, trained and equip ...

units of the

Hellenic Army The Hellenic Army ( el, Ελληνικός Στρατός, Ellinikós Stratós, sometimes abbreviated as ΕΣ), formed in 1828, is the land force of Greece. The term ''Hellenic'' is the endogenous synonym for ''Greek''. The Hellenic Army is th ...

. The first similar unit was formed as the 3rd Raiding Division () during the final stages of the

Greek Civil War The Greek Civil War ( el, ο Eμφύλιος �όλεμος ''o Emfýlios'' 'Pólemos'' "the Civil War") took place from 1946 to 1949. It was mainly fought against the established Kingdom of Greece, which was supported by the United Kingdom ...

(1946–49). Commanded by the "father of Greek Special Forces", Andreas Kallinskis, the division grouped the

Mountain Raiding Companies A mountain is an elevated portion of the Earth's crust, generally with steep sides that show significant exposed bedrock. Although definitions vary, a mountain may differ from a plateau in having a limited summit area, and is usually higher th ...

(LOK) into five squadrons (I–V) in two brigades (I and II), and took part in the final operations of the

Battle of Grammos Operation Pyrsos ( el, Επιχείρηση «Πυρσός», "Torch") was the final campaign launched by the National Army of the internationally recognized Greek government against the Democratic Army of Greece, communist forces during the Gree ...

in August 1949, that ended the civil war in a victory for government forces. The 3rd Special Forces Division was formed again in 1978, when, in the aftermath of the

Turkish invasion of Cyprus The Turkish invasion of Cyprus began on 20 July 1974 and progressed in two phases over the following month. Taking place upon a background of intercommunal violence between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, and in response to a Greek junta-spo ...

, it became clear that a unified command for the various special forces units of the Army was necessary, if they were to function as a

rapid reaction force A rapid reaction force is a military or police unit designed to respond in very short time frames to emergencies. When used in reference to police forces such as SWAT teams, the time frame is minutes, while in military applications, such as with ...

. The division grouped together the 32nd Marines Brigade, the 1st Raider Regiment and the 2nd Paratroopers Regiment. The division was disbanded in 1988, but a similar role is now fulfilled by the

1st Infantry Division 1st Division may refer to: Military Airborne divisions *1st Parachute Division (Germany) *1st Airborne Division (United Kingdom) *1st Airmobile Division (Ukraine) *1st Guards Airborne Division Armoured divisions *1st Armoured Division (Australi ...

. 1978 establishments in Greece 1988 disestablishments in Greece Divisions of Greece Military units and formations established in 1978 Military units and formations disestablished in 1988 Special forces of Greece Special forces units and formations {{Greece-mil-stub