The 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade as a higher joint-tactical unit represents a major combat force of the Macedonian army that provides prepared forces for protection and support of national interests and provides support during natural disasters, epidemics and other dangers. Outside the territory of the Republic of Macedonia, the declared units are participating in peacekeeping operations and they fulfill the international military responsibilities.
History
The 14th MMNABr set off on 18 September, immediately after its formation, via village Budinarci to stop the advance of the fascists troops towards Vinica.
The next task of the brigade was to liberate Kochani. After that it preceded its movement towards Kochani – Shtip – Sveti Nikole. Later during the war it was engaged in the operation of liberating Skopje as well as fighting the enemy forces in the direction of Tetotvo. On 12 January 1945 it participated fighting on the Sremski Front in the area between Shid and the river Danube when it suffered the biggest losses. On 26 May it operated near Celje – Slovenia and on its way back it took part in the battles on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On 15 June 1945 it entered Skopje with a parade march and ended its famous combat career. 423 members of the brigade gave their lives fighting against the fascists’ forces.
The 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade is the successor of this famous unit and it carries out its tradition. The 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade is directly connected with the formation of the Army of the independent Republic of Macedonia. The first servicemen in ARM were from this unit. During the past years the brigade went through a process of transformation and now it is defined as a small, modern, mobile and professional unit prepared to cope with all the challenges of the modern time.
The personnel and the units of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade have participated at many courses, seminars, military exercises and international peace keeping missions in country and abroad. The gained knowledge was implemented in the preparation of the personnel to take part in the peace keeping missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnian and Lebanon.
The first biggest contingent from this brigade (sized an infantry company) was deployed to the ISAF mission in Afghanistan. The same unit has successfully participated in military exercises "Macedonian Flash" 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and has conducted NATO self-evaluation level 1 and level 2 according to NATO concept for operational abilities.
On 18 August 2007 the Brigade was awarded a "Decoration for merit" given by the President of the Republic of Macedonia.
Tasks
Preparation for combat operations of the forces for conducting offensive and defensive operations; Performing tactical marches; Planning and implementation of continuous training for combat terrorist groups; Planning and implementation of continuous training of commands and units of the 1st MIB according to NATO standards and procedures, and ensuring full implementation of the system for management training and leadership development and training for instructors; Giving support to the forces of the Ministry of Interior in dealing with the threats, risks and threats to the security of Republic of Macedonia; Providing support to the state government, local governments, citizens and non-governmental organizations and institutions in dealing with natural disasters and epidemics, tactical and technological and other disasters; Rapid deployment of forces in multinational joint operations led by NATO or in peace keeping operations led by NATO, the UN and the EU; Readiness of the Middle Infantry Battalion Group (MIBG) for NATO-led operations; Training and readiness of the company declared in the forces of EUBG; Participation and assistance in humanitarian operations in the region and beyond; Developing the ability to defend the forces from improvised explosive devices; Implementation of effective command, control and safety communication skills; Survival and protection of forces in conditions of close combat, threats from chemical, biological, radioactive and nuclear weapons.
Missions
Within the peace keeping mission ISAF in Afghanistan our unit has participated with two rotations (January and July). During an ongoing mission a preparations for the next mission are conducted. We have participated in ISAF with a Mechanized Infantry Company for securing the base and the staff personnel. The whole personnel of these units are under JOC operative command.