The Hungary Special Forces are called the Hungary Home Defense Force and are a combination of the Hungarian Air Force and the Hungarian Ground Force. They currently consist of about 30,000 personnel.
Their History
The Hungarian Home Defense Force was established in 1848, but has been around since medieval times. There are several branches of the defense force, all of which work in conjunction with one another for the defense of Hungary.
How To Become A Member Of The Hungarian Home Defense Force
The Hungarian Home Defense Force, also called the HDF, is comprised of administration support, combat support and service. Since the end of the Soviet Union, the HDF has begun to rebuild. Prior to the fall of the Soviet occupation of Hungary, military representation in the HDF was poor and most men avoided the draft using medical excuses. The HDF has been currently restructured since 2007.
HDF Training
The training required for the HDF depends on which branch of the defense force is exercised. All of the leadership of the HDF is commanded by the Hungarian Ministry Of Defense that has control over the HDF corps. Little is known about the actual military training of the troops.
What Are They Best At?
Although their primary objective is self defense of their nation, they have been involved in global missions as well. They are strong when it comes to ground forces and hand to hand combat.
Weapons Of The HDF
The weapons used by the HDF include the P9RC pistol, the KGP9 submachine gun, the Heckler & Koch MP5 submachine gun, the Remington 870 shotgun, the Szep sniper rifle, the Gepard sniper rifle, the AK-63 assault rifle, the M4A1 carbine, the PKM light machine gun and the RPG 7 rocket propelled grenade.
Known Missions
Known missions include NATO missions such as campaigns in Serbia and Kosovo. They have also been active in Afghanistan since 2005, although are no longer active in Iraq. They have also had missions in Cyprus.
Units
Units are broken down by brigade. The HDF 5th, 25th, 34th, 59th and 12th are the first combat units. There are also combat support battalions as well.
Are They Professional Soldiers?
The members of the Hungarian military are professional soldiers.
Resources:
This Article is written by James Kara Murat, contributor of US Navy SEAL Information Portal.
