COMANF

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COMANF: Brazil’s Amphibious Commandos

COMANF, short for the Marine Corps Special Operations Battalion (Batalhão de Operações Especiais de Fuzileiros Navais), is a unit of the Brazilian Navy under the Brazilian Marine Corps. Also known as Tonelero Battalion or Amphibious Commandos, it specializes in high-level operations and supports Marine Corps missions.

Founded on 9 September 1971, COMANF was created to focus on anti-guerrilla warfare. It began with a Command and Service Company and a Special Operations Company. In 1972, the first officers completed the Counter-Guerrilla Course. In 1998, it was renamed Special Course of Amphibious Commandos (CEsComAnf). By 1996, it had added an Amphibious Reconnaissance Company and a Land Recon Company, becoming the Marine Corps’ main special-operations unit.

What it does:
- Special reconnaissance, direct action, counter-terrorism, and hostage rescue.
- Reconnaissance before, during, and after operations; scuba diving; parachute infiltration; sensor deployment; guiding air operations.
- Direct actions to destroy targets, retake facilities, capture or rescue people, gather intelligence, and influence the enemy.
- The Special Rescue and Recapture Group (GERR-OpEsp) handles hostage rescue, counterterrorism, and recovery missions.

Organization and support:
- The battalion includes a Command and Services Company, with parachute and diving support, vessel support, and equipment maintenance.
- A Special Operations Support Detachment helps with resupply, equipment upkeep, and other specialized tasks.
- COMANF trains personnel, helps develop Marine Corps special-operations doctrine, and conducts research on new techniques and equipment.

Missions:
- Engaged in Brazil’s Araguaia guerrilla conflict and international missions such as Angola Verification Mission III and the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti.
- Responsible for security operations in Rio de Janeiro.

Identity:
- The emblem shows a skull pierced by lightning, an anchor, wings, and a blue headstone, symbolizing speed, naval loyalty, air capability, and challenging operating environments. Within the Brazilian Marine Corps, COMANF personnel wear a distinctive black cap.