The Immediate Reaction Infantry Battalion "General Ramón Belloso" (BIRI Belloso) was established on December 31, 1981, by the Ministry of Defense under General Order No. 19. Named after General Ramón Belloso, a distinguished figure in the national war against William Walker's filibusters, the battalion was founded to bolster the military strategy of El Salvador. Its formation was recommended by a Special Force Mobile Training Team dispatched to the country in September 1981. The theory was to create units similar to "Mike Force" during the Vietnam war as rapid reaction forces.
Following the recommendation, the Battalion underwent a rigorous 16-week advanced basic training starting in January 1982 at the "John F. Kennedy" Special Warfare School in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Costing $15 million, the training involved specialized instruction for a core group of officers and sergeants before nearly 1,000 troops joined for comprehensive combat training. Although lacking specialized counter-insurgency training, the Battalion received extensive instruction in basic combat skills, including weapon usage, navigation, and medical support. Returning to El Salvador in May 1982, they engaged in 107 military operations across the country during the course of the El Salvador Civil War.However mischaracterized and slandered in the post-war years, BIRI "Ramon Belloso" served with incredible efficiency and courage during the Cold War. We have faithfully reproduced this design based off the more maroon backed colors of an original US manufactured patch, issued to a member of the unit at Fort Bragg. Produced in the standard 3" x 2.5" with hook velcro backing.All prices are in United States Dollars (USD). We ship internationally!
