@
Bismarck
1- It's not Turkish Marine Corps. It's "Amphibious Naval Infantry Brigade". Publicly known as "Amphibious Marines".
They're not a Marine Infantry. They are officially recognised as Marine Commando.
(same as Royal Navy's swimming tommys)
2- Current number is unknown. But it's estimated to be 4,500. It consists by 4 Infantry Battalions (it may be 3, too), 1 Artillery Battalion and 1 Armored Battalion.
3- But that number is the peacetime manpower. As we've seen at Operation Atilla (Cyprus), the DZKK had re-called the citizens/retired staff whom had served in the Marines before. Today, my guess is Navy can hold personnel up to at least 10,000 into the marines during wartime.
4- Infantry; They're pretty well equipped when compared to other service branches. To answer what makes them different than Army/AF Airborne is;
- G3A7 or T-50 (most of them use optic sights and grenade launchers)
- Body armor
- Polymer magazines
- Knee pads
- Anti-flash googles
- They carry more ammo, more equipment.
Sure they're pretty advanced than the army. Because they're a typical occupying force.
5- Artillery; They do carry various types of mortars, artillery weapons. During landings, they're usually delivered by either Sikorsky Seahawks or Eurocopter Cougars.
6- Armored battalion consists by T-155 Firtina howitzers and upgraded M-60 variants (but i've seen Leo 2A4s at EFES-2012) The Navy was to replace them with Leopard 2A4s but later cancelled it. They'll be replaced by Altay.
7- A part of the Amphibious Marines is currently deployed in Afghanistan. And they do have a FOB named Camp Barbarossa in Wardak Province. Most of the Patrol/Joint Patrol missions of Turkish Force in ISAF is done by amphibious marines.
8- They are attached under Turkish Army command in overseas deployments. (EX: Lebanon, Afghanistan, Kosovo)
@
Targon
SAT&SAS Group Command is a SOF. Officially recognised as a Maritime Commando Force. Our Marines are a little different. Read the above part of my post.
