Argentinian 602 commando
602 Commando Company – Argentine Special Forces in the Falklands War
Formation and Training
The 602 Commando Company (Compañía de Comandos 602) was formed in early 1982 as part of Argentina’s initiative to expand its special operations forces. By the time of deployment to the Falklands, the unit consisted of about 54 soldiers, including experienced officers and non-commissioned officers selected from various branches of the Argentine Army.
The training regimen was intensive and designed to prepare the unit for unconventional warfare. Members were trained in long-range reconnaissance, sabotage, direct-action missions, and survival in extreme weather conditions. Special emphasis was placed on physical fitness, independent operations, and adaptability in mountainous and rugged terrain—conditions they would face during the conflict.
Deployment to the Falklands
On May 27, 1982, the 602 Commando Company was flown to the Falkland Islands aboard a Lockheed C-130 Hercules. Their primary mission was to establish observation posts, gather intelligence, and carry out harassment operations against British forces. Unlike conventional Argentine units, the 602 operated in small, mobile teams and had a degree of autonomy typical of elite special forces.
Combat Operations
Mount Kent Skirmish
One of the company's first major encounters occurred on the night of May 29–30, 1982, when a section led by Captain Andrés Ferrero attempted to secure Mount Kent. They encountered a British Special Air Service (SAS) patrol. A brief but intense firefight ensued. The Argentine commandos were eventually forced to withdraw after suffering casualties. During the retreat, Sergeants Mario Cisnero and Luis Kovalski provided covering fire and fired at low-flying British aircraft. One of their missiles contributed to the downing of a British GR-3 Harrier jet, one of the few such incidents in the war.
Top Malo House Engagement
On May 31, a 13-man patrol under Captain José Vercesi established an observation post at a location known as Top Malo House. They were discovered and attacked by a British patrol from the Royal Marines’ Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre. After a short, violent engagement, the Argentine troops were overwhelmed. Two were killed, several were wounded, and the rest were taken prisoner. This skirmish is notable as a rare example of special forces-on-special forces combat during the war.
Bluff Cove Airstrike Coordination
From positions on Mount Harriet, members of the 602 Commando Company observed British ships unloading troops at Bluff Cove. They provided targeting information that guided Argentine A-4 Skyhawk aircraft to conduct one of the most damaging airstrikes of the war. The attack caused significant British casualties and delayed the British ground advance.
Final Operations and Surrender
As the British closed in on Port Stanley in June 1982, the 602 Commando Company was tasked with rear-guard and delaying actions. They established defensive positions near Moody Brook and endured heavy artillery bombardment. On June 14, with Argentine defeat imminent, they received orders to stand down. The unit withdrew to Stanley and was among the last to surrender. Major Aldo Rico, the unit’s commander, played a key role in maintaining unit discipline and order during the withdrawal.
