View allAll Photos Tagged Commandos
A British Army Commando, 59 Commando Squadron, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, provides security during Integrated Training Exercise 1-20 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 20, 2019. The Commandos took advantage of training areas at MCAGCC while preparing to participate in the Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise as an adversary force in early November. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cedar M. Barnes)
Double Dutch for Clyde-Based Commandos and Police
Royal Marines tasked with safeguarding Britain's nuclear deterrent have been testing their skills, alongside their Ministry of Defence Police counterparts, in The Netherlands during Exercise Gelderland Strike. The Scotland-based Marines – from O and P Squadrons at 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group RM – are trusted with the important duty of keeping Britain’s strategic nuclear deterrent safe, whether on a Vanguard-class submarine in and around the Clyde, or elsewhere in the UK.
The mission relies on the Royal Marines, MOD Police and other agencies working together, so a joint training exercise was the ideal opportunity to build the partnership and share tactics.
Pictured are 40 Commando Royal Marines attacking Cilieni village at Sennybridge training area during Exercise Joint Warrior as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force exercise. May 3, 2018.
Royal Marines of 43 Commando train in various environment to test their skills in protecting the UK's nuclear deterrent.
Royal Marines have completed two weeks of rigorous training in the skills needed to protect the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
The marines of 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group are held at very high-readiness year round, guarding the nuclear deterrent carried onboard the Vanguard-class submarines based at Faslane Naval Base in Scotland.
These expert warriors must be highly-skilled in fighting in a range of close-quarter combat environments and two weeks of exercises at training areas around the UK ensured they are razor sharp for duties.
The commandos battled in a range of complex environments and challenging scenarios that ensure they are ready to safeguard the nuclear deterrent whatever the situation.
Major Steve Lewis RM, Officer Commanding R-Squadron, said: “Exercise Driven Defender provided R-Squadron, 43 Commando, an opportunity to conduct challenging role training in a variety of complex and novel training environments across the UK following the cancellation of the original US based version of this exercise.
“Through a mixture of agile planning and innovative training design R-Squadron delivered realistic, high-end training whilst remaining aligned with the fluid national COVID control situation. The training activity comprising dismounted, vehicle mounted, and Helicopter Assault operations extensively tested the participating highly skilled, specialist commando forces.”
Under the cover of darkness, troops fought through a multi-storey building in pitch blackness taking down any threats hindering their mission.
Using every trick in their book, together with rapid, relentless and overwhelming force, the marines successfully overcame all hurdles the ‘enemy’ had for them.
Following this, the commandos moved to a former bunker in the South West where they carried out training missions hundreds of metres underground in a network of intersecting passages and railway tunnels.
The commandos were told that a ‘high-value asset’ had been taken deep into the bunker and employing a range of their combat skills, were tasked with defeating their adversary and liberating the asset, combining technology and agile thought to produce success.
The Faslane-based marines followed this up with close-quarter battle training at Wakefield Armed Police College, moving to the target area as a Helicopter Assault Force via CH47 Chinook before clearing through buildings testing their method of entry abilities to provide operational assurance in built-up environments.
Not resting on their laurels, the commandos moved onto their next scenario which saw an enemy preparing to fly out high-value assets.
Observation posts were positioned and a recce was carried out on RAF Woodvale, on Merseyside, determining enemy movements and positions, calculating the best way of taking down the threat without risking the safety of the assets.
The following day at first light and again deploying as a Helicopter Assault Force via Puma helicopters, the commandos struck, taking the runway and securing the base before their adversary could leave with the stolen assets.
Quick Reaction Forces were tasked with clearing aircraft hangars and taking down well-protected enemy positions throughout the training area.
The exercise reached its conclusion with troops conducting close-quarters battle training, using simulated and live ammunition in Fort Blockhouse in Gosport.
This realistic and confined activity concluded an excellent and varied mission specific training package, ultimately assuring the security of the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
“This exercise has revalidated the high levels of knowledge, skills and ability required of each marine within R-Squadron allowing them to take their place with confidence delivering in support of the unit nuclear security mission,” added Maj Lewis.
23 October 2020
Photos: Royal Navy MOD/Copyright 2020
This was a very long cold wait for the sunset at the Commando Memorial in Lochaber, Scotland, it's dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II and is also a superb viewpoint looking across to Nevis Range.
Het 2 Bataljon Commando traint in Tsjechië
Het 2 Bataljon Commando (2 Cdo) is op zondag 1 maart vertrokken naar het militaire oefenterrein van Boletice, in het zuiden van Tsjechië. Daar trainen ze gedurende twee weken om zich voor te bereiden op hun deelname aan de snelle NAVO-reactiemacht (NRF), die in januari 2016 van start gaat.
De snelle reactiemacht van de NAVO bestaat uit land-, lucht- en maritieme componenten en uit Special Forces, die de alliantie over heel de wereld snel kan inzetten.
“We bereiden ons al sinds januari 2015 voor op onze deelname aan de NRF” zegt luitenant-kolonel Vincent Pierard, korpscommandant van het 2 Bataljon Commando “Onze eerste oefening vond plaats in het Nederlandse Amersfoort, waar we een stafoefening hielden.”
Na de training voor de staf van het bataljon is het nu de beurt aan de militairen op het terrein. De eerste week van de trainingsperiode oefenen de paracommando’s van het 2 Cdo op de uitvoering van sectie- en pelotonsaanvallen. Van vrijdag 6 tot zondag 8 maart bleven de militairen non-stop op het terrein tijdens een veldtrainingsoefening. Hierbij kregen ze verschillende scenario’s voorgeschoteld, zoals een explosievenopslagplaats die ze moesten ontruimen of gijzelaars die ze moesten bevrijden. De tweede week werden de compagniecommandanten op de proef gesteld. Van 9 tot 11 maart ontplooiden ze hun compagnieën op de schietstanden met lucht-, genie- en artilleriesteun.
“De komende maanden houden we nog verschillende oefeningen, zodat we klaar zijn voor de grote evaluatieoefening die de NAVO eind september organiseert”, vertelt luitenant-kolonel Pierard. “In november ten slotte nemen we deel aan een laatste oefening voordat onze standby-periode begint. Die zal plaatsvinden in Spanje en alle landen die deelnemen aan de NRF 2016 zullen er aanwezig zijn.”
Photo's: Daniel Orban
Madelman Commando found in London in 1989 at a flea market. This picture does not show his walkie talkie as I forgot to place it......
Royal Marines from O Squadron, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh have recently conducted an exercise to sharpen their ‘Commando skills’ during a period away from delivering their core nuclear security role in Faslane and RNAD Coulport.
Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is a two-week exercise that aims to strengthen the fundamental conventional skills of the Royal Marines and has also included an amphibious landing and live firing phase. The exercise has taken place in the local area around Faslane and also at the military training area in Kirkcudbright.
“Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is an important part of the O Squadron yearly training programme and aims to revise and strengthen core skills that are utilised by Royal Marines in all types of deployment including by the Troops deployed on Nuclear Security duties in Faslane and Coulport. It also ensures that the Marines from O Squadron remain proficient in the skills they will require as they move to other units within 3 Commando Brigade in the future,” said Capt Josh Roughton RM, Second in Command of O Squadron, 43 Commando who organised the exercise.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland
Its primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, maritime boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed worldwide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.
Royal Marine teams from 43 Commando are currently deployed on counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, and maritime interdiction operations in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. There is also a detachment of cold weather warfare trained Royal Marines from the Unit deployed on the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship.
Photos: L(Phot) Stephen Burke RN
GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 18, 2019) - Royal Marine commandos and Royal Navy sailors attached to the Duke-class frigate HMS Montrose (F 236) conduct a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drill aboard the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). During the drill, commandos and sailors coordinated with Guadalupe crew members to simulate maritime interdiction operations to execute proper VBSS procedures. Guadalupe is conducting operations which provides logistical support to U.S. Navy and allied forces operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)
The Commando Memorial is a Category A listed monument in Lochaber, Scotland, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II. Situated around a mile from Spean Bridge, it overlooks the training areas of the Commando Training Depot established in 1942 at Achnacarry Castle. Unveiled in 1952 by the Queen Mother, it is one of Scotland’s best-known monuments, both as a war memorial and as a tourist attraction offering views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr.
12th May 2021
Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company. 45 Commando on section attack training in Ravlunda, Sweden as part of their Baltic Protector Deployment.
Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
Pictured: Royal Marines from X-Ray Company, 45 Commando assault the final objective in Rinkenby, Sweden on Baltic Protector as an umpire instructs in the rear.
Royal Marines of 45 Commando have completed the final exercise in Rinkenby, Sweden as part of the Baltic Protector deployment.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company. 45 Commando on section attack training in Ravlunda, Sweden as part of their Baltic Protector Deployment.
Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company. 45 Commando on section attack training in Ravlunda, Sweden as part of their Baltic Protector Deployment.
Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
For some unknown reason I never had the Action Man commando set as a kid. Fixed that with ebay this year and this unshaven, greying (another great job from the good folk at Flocktastic) 40th anniversay Action Man gets to wear a vintage outfit (and extra bits) as he joins up with 1/6th Commando.
The Commando Monument just north of Spean Bridge is a large three-figure bronze statue commemorating the service and sacrifice given by thousands of Allied troops during the Second World War.
It is a place where history was made and today the Monument is a place of reverence and respect, located in a stunning location overlooking Ben Nevis and the Mamore Mountains.
Each year on Armistice Sunday a memorial service is held around the monument attended by veterans and their families, together with respectful locals and visitors.
Lockheed Martin MC-130J Commando II 09-5713 of the 67th Special Operations Squadron "Night Owls" from Mildenhall at RIAT 2023.
Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company. 45 Commando on section attack training in Ravlunda, Sweden as part of their Baltic Protector Deployment.
Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company. 45 Commando Changing magazine while in cover during the section attack training in Ravlunda, Sweden as part of their Baltic Protector Deployment.
Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
Pictured: A Royal Marine From Zulu Company aims his weapon during a blank firing section attack in Ravlunda, Sweden.
Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company. 45 Commando on section attack training in Ravlunda, Sweden as part of their Baltic Protector Deployment.
Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
French Air Force Commandos from CPA10 (Commando parachutiste de l'air 10) during winter warfare training – January 2013
Pictured: Royal Marines from X-Ray Company, 45 Commando assault the final objective in Rinkenby, Sweden on Baltic Protector.
Royal Marines of 45 Commando have completed the final exercise in Rinkenby, Sweden as part of the Baltic Protector deployment.
Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.
Credit: LPhot Joe Cater
Small teams of Royal Marines are conducting discreet Reconnaissance exercises in freezing conditions deep inside the Arctic Circle.
A small team from the Surveillance Reconnaissance Squadron of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group landed in small inflatable boats to conduct a technical reconnaissance mission on the shores of an Arctic fjord.
The Squadron’s Shore Reconnaissance Team carried out a survey of the area, studying the surroundings to establish a beachhead for amphibious forces to crash ashore and attack enemy positions.
This essential training ensures the specialist team are razor sharp for operations, no matter how extreme the environment.
Their role is to ensure that amphibious forces are able to access coastlines, establishing the best points of access and feeding back vital information on the terrain.
Photos: Royal Navy
GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 18, 2019) - Royal Marine commandos and Royal Navy sailors attached to the Duke-class frigate HMS Montrose (F 236), conduct a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drill aboard the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet underway replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). During the drill, commandos and sailors coordinated with Guadalupe crew members to simulate a human tr190218-N-NI298-250 GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 18, 2019) - Royal Marine commandos and Royal Navy sailors attached to the Duke-class frigate HMS Montrose (F 236) conduct a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drill aboard the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-A 200). During the drill, commandos and sailors coordinated with Guadalupe crew members to maritime interdiction operations and execute proper VBSS procedures. Guadalupe is conducting operations which provides logistical support to U.S. Navy and allied forces operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)afficking scenario and execute proper VBSS procedures. Guadalupe is conducting routine operations, providing logistical support to U.S. Navy and allied forces operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)
The Commando Memorial is a Category A listed monument in Scotland, dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II. Situated around a mile from Spean Bridge village, it overlooks the training areas of the Commando Training Depot established in 1942 at Achnacarry Castle. It has become one of Scotland's best-known monuments, both as a war memorial and as a tourist attraction offering views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr.
GULF OF THAILAND (Feb. 18, 2019) - Royal Marine commandos and Royal Navy sailors attached to the Duke-class frigate HMS Montrose (F 236) conduct a visit, board, search and seizure drill aboard the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200). During the drill, commandos and sailors coordinated with Guadalupe crew members to simulate maritime interdiction operations and execute proper VBSS procedures. Guadalupe is conducting operations which provides logistical support to U.S. Navy and allied forces operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)
try to come up with a picture for homemade birthday invitation.
it will be some kind of skirmish
this is one of the pics.
used my wife eyeliner to draw my son's face.. hopefully she doesn't realise that we used it :)
my boy holding his Nerf toy gun .. that's why I have to make it B&W - otherwise it will be too obvious.
edited using Corel Paint Shop Pro, with textures and clean some textures around the eyes.
Royal Marines from Bravo Company , 40 Commando preparing for Project HERMOD 2 on Bovington Training Area, Dorset.
PROJECT HERMOD 2 was a capability demonstration to mark the Defence Integrated Review (IR).
The Marines of 40 Commando have been utilising new equipment, technology, and concepts as part of the transition to Commando Forces and will display a capability demonstration to Members of Parliament and senior officers.
Trained for rapid worldwide deployment, the troops of 40 Commando are highly skilled, adaptable, and capable of combating a wide range of threats.
The unit are at the forefront of innovation as commandos go back to their roots as raiders from the sea and embrace new technologies to help their specialised operations around the world.
Since its formation in 1942, 40 Commando has served in every major British conflict, playing a pivotal role in several notable campaigns and operations.
Photos: PO Phot Si Ethell
Credit: UK Ministry of Defence 2021
Alpha Company 40 Commando Royal Marines on operations in Nahr-e Saraj, Central Helmand.
Photographs by L(Phot) Rhys Oleary – MOD/Crown Copyright 2013
Royal Marine Commandos Practice Fighting Skills in Desert Heat
In the Mojave desert sands of California it isn’t the just the scorpions, spiders and snakes that can deliver a lethal bite.
For it is here that for the last six weeks the Royal Marines of 45 Commando have been honing their skills alongside their Dutch and US counterparts.
Based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Centre (MCAGCC) in 29 Palms, the Commandos have been living out of accommodation similar to air raid shelters while taking part in the annual exercise – Black Alligator.
Sergeant Paul McShannon said: “Black Alligator is an annual exercise that the Royal Marines use to hone their basic section level tactics all the way up to a live firing exercise and then the final exercise where everything they have worked on is put to the test.”
For the Combined Arms Live Firing Exercise (CALFEX) it was Yankee Company that, under cover of darkness, began a 12km 'yomp' over treacherous ground to form up by 5am and plan their assault.
Then two hours later, 7 Battery of 29 Commando who are usually based in Arbroath, started engaging enemy positions with 105mm rounds. This was followed by 81mm mortar fire from the mortar line using both high explosive rounds and smoke rounds, while snipers were deployed to take up position and take out high value targets as required.
The men of Y Company, who had stood poised and ready for the assault, made the 'break in' at 7.45am by placing an explosive charge. Using the ground to their advantage Y Company were able to put suppressing fire down onto the enemy position as a section of marines swept through, destroying all the enemy. And so, with typical Royal Marine determination, Y Company secured the first objective, leaving it to the Dutch Marines to secure the second.
Finally with supporting firepower from M1A1 Abrams Tanks, the Vikings and marines from W Company took the final position as F16s dropped inert 500lb and a 2000lb bombs – their objective completed.
Pictured is Marine Travis (front) and Marine Stoddern (rear) of Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines patrolling in Belize jungle as part of Exercise Curry Trail. This exercise sees participants develop jungle warfare capabilities for Commando Forces up to and including live fire section drills. February 14, 2019.
Royal Marines from 42 Commando take part in counter-piracy, anti-smuggling ops, and training local forces in the Gulf Guinea.
HMS Trents remit is to protect UK interests at sea, work and support our allies, assist British citizens, provide aid in the aftermath of natural disasters.
She has a flight deck and is armed with an array of weaponry, meaning she can support a range of operations, from counter-piracy to anti-smuggling.
@royalnavy
EXERCISE GREEN DAGGER 19.1
Pictured: Royal Marines during a CALFEX, a live fire exercise involving ground troops and Fire Support from 29 Commando and Jackals.
As part of their Force Generation process and wider preparation for Lead Commando Group, 45 Commando Royal Marines deployed to America during Exercise Green Dagger. The exercise involved Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT) and a Force of Force (FEX) exercise with two United States Marine Corps (USMC) Battle Groups (BG), conducted on an impressively large village complex. During the exercise 45 Cdo were stationed at Camp Wilson, located on the Marine Air Ground Combat Centre, a huge training complex of approx 100 square kilometres in the Mojave Desert. It was a great opportunity for the Commandos to meet and train with their American counterparts.
Australian Army special forces soldiers from 2nd Commando Regiment conduct clearance of a Sydney ferry, as part of a Special Operations Command maritime counter-terrorism training activity on Sydney Harbour, on Wednesday, 24 June 2020.
Exercise Mars Toothfish is essential Australian Army training that ensures the Australian Defence Force is ready to defend Australia and its national interests. The training activity was conducted using strict COVID-19 protocols.
The Mars series of counter-terrorism training activities are designed to build and maintain the skills of 2nd Commando Regiment's Tactical Assault Group - East (TAG-East), a short-notice counter-terrorist force, able to respond to a terrorist incident of national importance or in support of state and territory-based police.
2nd Commando Regiment is part of Special Forces Group, a brigade-level formation within the Australian Army's Special Operations Command.
Photos: Cpl Sagi Biderman
Australian Army special forces soldiers from 2nd Commando Regiment conduct clearance of a Sydney ferry, as part of a Special Operations Command maritime counter-terrorism training activity on Sydney Harbour, on Wednesday, 24 June 2020.
Exercise Mars Toothfish is essential Australian Army training that ensures the Australian Defence Force is ready to defend Australia and its national interests. The training activity was conducted using strict COVID-19 protocols.
The Mars series of counter-terrorism training activities are designed to build and maintain the skills of 2nd Commando Regiment's Tactical Assault Group - East (TAG-East), a short-notice counter-terrorist force, able to respond to a terrorist incident of national importance or in support of state and territory-based police.
2nd Commando Regiment is part of Special Forces Group, a brigade-level formation within the Australian Army's Special Operations Command.
Photos: Cpl Sagi Biderman
Royal Marine Commandos Practice Fighting Skills in Desert Heat
In the Mojave desert sands of California it isn’t the just the scorpions, spiders and snakes that can deliver a lethal bite.
For it is here that for the last six weeks the Royal Marines of 45 Commando have been honing their skills alongside their Dutch and US counterparts.
Based at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Centre (MCAGCC) in 29 Palms, the Commandos have been living out of accommodation similar to air raid shelters while taking part in the annual exercise – Black Alligator.
Sergeant Paul McShannon said: “Black Alligator is an annual exercise that the Royal Marines use to hone their basic section level tactics all the way up to a live firing exercise and then the final exercise where everything they have worked on is put to the test.”
For the Combined Arms Live Firing Exercise (CALFEX) it was Yankee Company that, under cover of darkness, began a 12km 'yomp' over treacherous ground to form up by 5am and plan their assault.
Then two hours later, 7 Battery of 29 Commando who are usually based in Arbroath, started engaging enemy positions with 105mm rounds. This was followed by 81mm mortar fire from the mortar line using both high explosive rounds and smoke rounds, while snipers were deployed to take up position and take out high value targets as required.
The men of Y Company, who had stood poised and ready for the assault, made the 'break in' at 7.45am by placing an explosive charge. Using the ground to their advantage Y Company were able to put suppressing fire down onto the enemy position as a section of marines swept through, destroying all the enemy. And so, with typical Royal Marine determination, Y Company secured the first objective, leaving it to the Dutch Marines to secure the second.
Finally with supporting firepower from M1A1 Abrams Tanks, the Vikings and marines from W Company took the final position as F16s dropped inert 500lb and a 2000lb bombs – their objective completed.