| 82 Mechanised Brigade | |
|---|---|
 82 Mechanised Brigade emblem | |
| Active | 1974–1992 |
| Country |  South Africa |
| Allegiance | South Africa |
| Branch |  South African Army |
| Type | Mechanised Brigade |
| Part of | South African CompositeBrigade |
| Garrison | Potchefstroom |
| Nickname | 82 Mech |
| Equipment |
|
| Engagements | South African Border War |
| Insignia | |
| 82 Mech Brigade Beret Badge |  |
| 82 Mech Command Bar |  |
82 Mechanised Brigade was a Formation of8th South African Armoured Division, a combined arms force consisting of infantry, armour and artillery.
82 Mech[1] was established on 1 August 1974 as part of8th South African Armoured Division, an armoured formation.By 1977, the Brigade comprised:
In 1985, 82 Mechanised Brigade was transferred to 7 Division.
As part of7 Division, 82 Mech was primarily involved in:
During Operation Packer[2] which succeededOperation Hooper in March 1988, 82 Mechanised Brigade protected the eastern bank of theCuito River. During this operation the FAPLA forces suffered losses and the situation on the eastern bank stabilised to such an extent thatOperation Displace could start. During this phase the South African forces withdrew from Angola.[2]
8th South African Armoured Division’s Brigades were disbanded in 1992 and the battalions and regiments came to answer directly to the divisional headquarters - the thinking was that these would be grouped into task forces as required.
| From | Officer Commanding | To |
| 1983 | Col Tobias Johannes Van Schalkwyk | c. nd |
| 1992 | Col Paul Fouche | c. nd |
| From | Regimental Sergeant Major | To |
82 Mech Brigade can be considered the Citizens Force version of61 Mech, encompassing similarbattlegroup or Task Force principles.
