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Portugal National Republican Guard
The GNR was formed in 1913 as a heavily armed
paramilitary
constabulary organized up to battalion strength. It was
intended
as a check against the military and was first employed to
confront monarchist-inspired revolts within the ranks of
the
armed forces. Although its essential mission was one of
maintaining order in the countryside, the GNR's activities
were
subsequently extended to those of helping the urban police
to
control demonstrations and quell labor unrest.
In 1990 the GNR numbered approximately 19,000 officers
and
men. It was equipped with Commando armored cars and twelve
Alouette II helicopters transferred from the German army.
The
guard was organized into battalions stationed in the major
cities
and companies and sections in district capitals and
smaller
communities. Highway patrols were conducted by a separate
Traffic
Brigade and by rural units of the GNR.
Reserve and career officers from all branches of the
armed
forces could be seconded to tours of duty in the GNR on a
voluntary basis. Reservists who were university graduates
could
apply to continue as GNR officers upon completion of their
military obligations.
Data as of January 1993
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