Post by masterchief on Sept 26, 2009 2:21:03 GMT 8
Japanese Special Naval Landing Forces or marine infantry units were officially known as Rikusentai.
The Imperal Japanese Navy's SNLF enjoyed a reputation out of proportion to their small size. Often wrongly termed "Imperal Marines," they were infact sailors led by Navy officers, and traced their origines directly to landing parties from warships. Their first ever combat was at Shanghai in 1932. Following Pearl Harbor the SNLF were dispersed as island garrisons during the Pacific campaign.
Rank Insignia
The SNLF use Navy ranks instead of the Army rank insignia. Their uniforms and personal equipment were similar that to the IJA, but had some significant differences. Originally green rank insignia was used for SNLF officers. These were worn on either shoulder boards or collar tabs. Enlisted men wore red on green round ratings on the upper sleeves. Later the standard black Japanese Naval collar rank was adopted and worn by officers. The enlisted men went to red on blue round ratings.
Santo Hei
Seaman Recruit
Nito Hei
Seaman
Itto Hei
Able Seaman
Santo Heiso
Leading Seaman
Nito Heiso
Petty Officer
Itto Heiso
Chief Petty Officer
Officer Collar tabs to follow...
The Imperal Japanese Navy's SNLF enjoyed a reputation out of proportion to their small size. Often wrongly termed "Imperal Marines," they were infact sailors led by Navy officers, and traced their origines directly to landing parties from warships. Their first ever combat was at Shanghai in 1932. Following Pearl Harbor the SNLF were dispersed as island garrisons during the Pacific campaign.
Rank Insignia
The SNLF use Navy ranks instead of the Army rank insignia. Their uniforms and personal equipment were similar that to the IJA, but had some significant differences. Originally green rank insignia was used for SNLF officers. These were worn on either shoulder boards or collar tabs. Enlisted men wore red on green round ratings on the upper sleeves. Later the standard black Japanese Naval collar rank was adopted and worn by officers. The enlisted men went to red on blue round ratings.
Santo Hei
Seaman Recruit
Nito Hei
Seaman
Itto Hei
Able Seaman
Santo Heiso
Leading Seaman
Nito Heiso
Petty Officer
Itto Heiso
Chief Petty Officer
Officer Collar tabs to follow...
