Special Mobile Force

The Special Mobile Force is a paramilitary unit with its main function to ensure the internal and external security of Mauritius.[2] As Mauritius has no dedicated military, the SMF forms part of the Mauritius Police Force, with its personnel on long term rotation from the police force. It also consist of a Branch of Special forces namely The G.I.P.M (Groupe intervention de la Police Mauricien) which adds up to no more than 300 highly trained Men.

Special Mobile Force
The Special Mobile Force celebrating its 50th anniversary
Active1960–
Country Mauritius
BranchMauritius Police Force
TypeParamilitary
RoleNational Security & Natural Disaster Relief
SizeOne battlegroup
Garrison/HQVacoas
Motto(s)"We'll Do It, What Is It."
"The difficult we do immediately. The impossible takes a little longer." (Previous motto)
ColorsGreen
MarchThin Red Line
The Great Little Army[1]
Commanders
Ceremonial chiefPresident of Mauritius

History

The SMF was formed following the withdrawal of the British garrison on Mauritius in 1960. The primary task of the SMF when it was formed was to ensure the internal security of the country. As formed, the SMF was made up of members of the local police force and Mauritian veterans of the Second World War.

Organisation

The SMF is formed as a battlegroup consisting of approximately 1,500 men led by a Commanding Officer. The majority of these men form five motorised infantry companies. In addition, there are two squadrons equipped with armoured vehicles and an engineering squadron. Although the SMF is not a military unit, it is organised along military lines, with training based on basic military doctrine. Some members of the SMF undergo commando training or "specialist" training, dependent on their skills. Although the primary role of the SMF is the internal and external security of Mauritius, it is also used in several other roles such as ceremonial guards of honour, search and rescue operations, bomb disposal, debris clearance and opening of roads after cyclones and other emergencies.

Badge and motto

The badge of the SMF is made up of a wreath of oak leaves surmounted by the national coat of arms. Within the wreath are the letters S and F, with a lightning flash between them, to symbolise the letters "SMF". Beneath the wreath is a scroll with the name "Special Mobile Force Mauritius".

The first motto of the SMF was The Difficult We Do Immediately. The Impossible Takes A Little Longer. This was then changed to the current motto We'll Do It. What Is It.

Alliances

References
  1. https://www.lightinfantry.org.uk/regiments/li/li_music.htm
  2. http://police.govmu.org/English/Organisation/Branches/Pages/Special-Mobile-Force.aspx
  • "Special Mobile Force". Republic of Mauritius. Archived from the original on 25 March 2010.


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