The 43 Mechanized Brigade – 43 Mechbrig – is a Dutch independent combat unit within the national army.
43 Mechbrig is called ‘mechanised’ because it specializes in the use of armored vehicles. Within the brigade there is knowledge about the use and maintenance of heavy war artillery.
“We are one of the three operational combat brigades in the Netherlands,” says Van de Wiel. “We prepare and carry out operations in the Netherlands and abroad. This may mean that we are deployed in war situations, but we also help in crisis situations or disaster relief such as floods.”
What is striking about the brigade is that it is commanded by the 1st German Armored Division. Soldiers from both countries work in the brigade’s tank battalion. This collaboration is unique within Europe.