Elite Special Forces Hungary

88 Rapid Reaction Battalion ( MH 88 SZOLNOK ) Coin

History:

An Air Assault Airborne Infantry Unit

In the early 90s during the formation of the Hungarian Defence Forces the Ministry of Defence was guided by the principle of creating a rapid reaction force, that can be deployed anywhere, anytime in any circumstances and is characterized by a high degree of independence in the performance of its tasks

The unit was founded on 1st September, 1993 as 88th Air-mobile Battalion. After three years, the 88th Air-mobile Battalion was reorganised and started its operation as a type of Special Forces in the Hungarian Defence Forces and on the 1st of March 1996 it renamed to 88th Rapid Reaction Battalion. On the 31st December 2015 the battalion terminated but it still take active part operating as 2nd Vitez Bertalan Arpad Special Operation Brigade that created from the 88th Rapid Reaction Battalion and the 34th Special Forces “Recce” Battalion put together.

The battalion had it’s own HQ, Medical Centre, communication centre, logistic, traffic control and other support platoons to make sure all tasks that need carried out are smooth and professional.

Missions:

The battalion was an armed tactical unit with armed and professional subunits in its organization. Its technical equipment was modified for air transportation and the soldiers are trained and prepared for implementing extraordinary tasks.

Missions in wartime:

crisis management;

special operations;

special infantry tasks;

airborne and air assault operation;

combat search and rescue.

Other military operations:

peace support operations;

humanitarian relief;

search and rescue;

non-combatant evacuation;

counter-terrorist operations.