1st Mechanized Battalion (Croatia)

The 1st Mechanized Battalion "Sokolovi" (Lit: Falcons) (Croatian: 1. mehanizirana bojna "Sokolovi") is one of two mechanized infantry battalions within the Guards Armoured Mechanized Brigade (GOMBR) of the Croatian Army.

History
Established in its current form, following the reorganisation of the Croatian Armed Forces in 2007, the 1st Mechanized Battalion was created with the merging of the 3rd Guards Brigade "Kune" and 5th Guards Brigade "Sokolovi".

Organisation
Garrisoned at 132nd Brigade barracks in Našice in eastern Croatia, the battalion comprises three mechanized infantry companies, a command company, a logistics company and a fire support company.

Operations
In the past, members of the 1st Mechanized Battalion have deployed members in support of the NATO ISAF mission in Afghanistan, as part of the Croatian Contingent (HRVCON), and to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) mission in the Golan Heights.

Equipment
The 1st Mechanized Battalion is equipped with armoured vehicles and various infantry weapons of Yugoslav origin.


 * BVP M-80A Infantry Fighting Vehicle
 * BOV Armoured Personnel Carrier
 * POLO M-83 anti-tank vehicle armed with 6 x AT-3 missiles
 * Mercedes Benz G-Wagen
 * 120mm M75 Light Mortar