Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division gathered in a Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield hangar during a ceremony to case the Commando brigade’s colors before an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, October 17, 2018, at Fort Drum, New York. The casing of the colors is a traditional ceremony symbolizing a unit’s movement into a new theater of operation. The brigade is sending an element of troops on an additional mission to Kosovo for the duration of the deployment.

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Sulla A82, a pochi chilometri da Spean Bridge, si trova il "Commando Memorial", un monumento alla memoria di un corpo speciale, "The commandos" appunto, istituito nel 1940 da Winston Churchill.

Il monumento, alto 5,1 metri, è stato eretto in questa zona proprio perchè qua i "Commandos" hanno fatto le loro prime esercitazioni per la Seconda Guerra Mondiale.

Dalla collinetta dove si ergono le 3 statue dei soldati, si gode di un panorama pazzesco!

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On the A82, a few miles from Spean Bridge, there is the Commando Memorial, a monument to the memory of a special force, "The Commandos" in fact, established in 1940 by Winston Churchill.

The monument, 5.1 meters high, was erected in this area precisely because here the "Commandos" made their training for the Second World War.

From the hill where stand the statues of three soldiers, you can see a spectacular landscape!

Commando Memorial Monument

A British Army Commando with 148th Battery, 29th Commando Fire Support Team, Royal Artillery, demonstrates proper camouflage after a concealment class as part of a sniper training evolution during Exercise Burmese Chase 2013 aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 4, 2013. Burmese Chase is a bilateral training exercise designed to improve interoperability between U.S. and British military forces. Marines from 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and British Army Commandos participated in the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Haas/ Released)

British Royal Marines with 40 Commando Royal Marines participate in Exercise Raven, a unit readiness exercise, with Marine Forces Special Operations Command, May 20, 2023.

Ex. Raven is a training exercise held to evaluate all aspects of a Marine Special Operations Company prior to a special operations deployment.

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Henry Rodriguez

Commando Memorial

Dark days, dark when I go to work and dark when I get back. That's why I went back into my Lightroom catalog to select some more images to post.

The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge in Scotland is a very nice memorial in a wonderful location.

Commando level attack on to objective LEAD (Range 200)

Images captured show a Commando level attack on to objective LEAD (Range 200) in the 29 Palms training area of California. Over 500 Royal Marines from 42 Commando were involved in the dawn raid. The mission saw the Commandos clear enemy from buildings and surrounding terrain. The attack was the final phase of the six week long training exercise, Black Alligator – December 2012

Photographs by PO (phot) Sean Clee Crown Copyright 2012

When all the flimsy stacks of wood are in place - drop the trailer down.

Royal Marines tasked with safeguarding Britain's nuclear deterrent have been testing their skills on a variety of weapons 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.

To do this highly specialised role effectively, they need to use the most technologically advanced equipment. Marines at 43 Commando are therefore trained in a wider variety of weapons than their colleagues across other Royal Marines units. This includes the C8 assault rifle, Glock pistol, Sharpshooter rifle and General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG).

The Garuda is a large bird-like creature, or humanoid bird that appears in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Garuda is the mount (vahana) of the Lord Vishnu. Garuda is the Hindu name for the constellation Aquila. The brahminy kite and phoenix are considered to be the contemporary representations of Garuda. Indonesia adopts a more stylistic approach to the Garuda's depiction as its national symbol, where it depicts a Javanese eagle (being much larger than a kite).

ABOUT GARUDA

In Hinduism, Garuda is a Hindu divinity, usually the mount (vahana) of the Lord Vishnu. Garuda is depicted as having the golden body of a strong man with a white face, red wings, and an eagle's beak and with a crown on his head. This ancient deity was said to be massive, large enough to block out the sun.

Garuda is known as the eternal sworn enemy of the Nāga serpent race and known for feeding exclusively on snakes, such behavior may have referred to the actual short-toed eagle of India. The image of Garuda is often used as the charm or amulet to protect the bearer from snake attack and its poison, since the king of birds is an implacable enemy and "devourer of serpent". Garudi Vidya is the mantra against snake poison to remove all kinds of evil.

His stature in Hindu religion can be gauged by the fact that a dependent Upanishad, the Garudopanishad, and a Purana, the Garuda Purana, is devoted to him. Various names have been attributed to Garuda - Chirada, Gaganeshvara, Kamayusha, Kashyapi, Khageshvara, Nagantaka, Sitanana, Sudhahara, Suparna, Tarkshya, Vainateya, Vishnuratha and others. The Vedas provide the earliest reference of Garuda, though by the name of Śyena, where this mighty bird is said to have brought nectar to earth from heaven. The Puranas, which came into existence much later, mention Garuda as doing the same thing, which indicates that Śyena (Sanskrit for eagle) and Garuda are the same. One of the faces of Śrī Pañcamukha Hanuman is Mahavira Garuda. This face points towards the west. Worship of Garuda is believed to remove the effects of poisons from one's body. In Tamil Vaishnavism Garuda and Hanuman are known as "Periya Thiruvadi" and "Siriya Thiruvadi" respectively.

In the Bhagavad-Gita (Ch.10, Verse 30), in the middle of the battlefield "Kurukshetra", Krishna explaining his omnipresence, says - " as son of Vinata, I am in the form of Garuda, the king of the bird community (Garuda)" indicating the importance of Garuda.

Garuda wears the serpent Adisesha on his left small toenail and the serpent Gulika on his right cerebral cortex. The serpent Vasuki forms his sacred thread. The cobra Takshaka forms his belt on his hip. The snake Karkotaka is worn as his necklace. The snakes Padma and Mahapadma are his ear rings. The snake Shankachuda adorns his divine hair. He is flanked by his two wives ‘Rudra’ and ‘Sukeerthi’ or (Sukirthi). These are all invoked in Vedanta Desika's Garuda Panchashath and Garuda Dandaka compositions. Garuda flanked with his consorts 'Rudra' and 'Sukirthi' can be seen worshipped in an ancient Soumya Keshava temple in Bindiganavile (or Mayura puri in Sanskrit ) in Karnataka state of India.

Garuda Vyuha is worshiped in Tantra for Abhichara and to protect against Abhichara. However, the interesting thing is that Garuda is the Sankarshna form of the lord who during creation primarily possesses the knowledge aspect of the lord (among Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Aniruddha forms). The important point is that Garuda represents the five vayus within us : prana, apana, vyana, udana, samana through his five forms Satya, Suparna, Garuda, Tarkshya, Vihageshwara. These five vayus through yoga can be controlled through Pranayama which can lead to Kundalini awakening leading to higher levels of consciousness.

Garuda plays an important role in Krishna Avatar in which Krishna and Satyabhama ride on Garuda to kill Narakasura. On another occasion, Lord Hari rides on Garuda to save the devotee elephant Gajendra. It is also said that Garuda's wings when flying will chant the Vedas.

With the position of Garuda's hands and palms, he is also called 'Kai Yendhi Perumal', in Tamil.

IN THE MAHABHARATA

BIRTH AND DEEDS

The story of Garuda's birth and deeds is told in the first book of the great epic Mahabharata. According to the epic, when Garuda first burst forth from his egg, he appeared as a raging inferno equal to the cosmic conflagration that consumes the world at the end of every age. Frightened, the gods begged him for mercy. Garuda, hearing their plea, reduced himself in size and energy.

Garuda's father was the creator-rishi Kasyapa. He had two wives, Vinata and Kadru, who were daughters of Prajapathi Daksha. Kasyapa, on the pleadings of his wives, granted them their wishes; Vinata wished for two sons and Kadru wished for thousand snakes as her sons. Both laid eggs, while the thousand eggs of Kadru hatched early (after steaming the eggs to hatch) into snakes, the hatching of two eggs of Vinata did not take place for a long time. Impatient, Vinata broke open one egg, which was half formed with the upper half only as a human and was thus deformed. Her half formed son cursed her that she would be slave for her sister (she was her rival) for a long time by which time her second son would be born who would save her from his curse; her first son who flew away and came to prominence as Aruna, the red spectacle seen as the Sun rises in the morning, and as also charioteer of the Sun. The second egg hatched after a long time during which period Vinata was the servant of her sister as she had lost a bet with her. When the second egg hatched, a fully grown, shining and of mighty sized bird form emerged as Garuda, the king of birds. Garuda was thus born.

One day, Vinata entered into and lost a foolish bet, as a result of which she became enslaved to her sister. Resolving to release his mother from this state of bondage, Garuda approached the serpents and asked them what it would take to purchase her freedom. Their reply was that Garuda would have to bring them the elixir of immortality, also called amrita. It was a tall order. The amrita at that time found itself in the possession of the gods, who guarded it zealously, since it was the source of their immortality. They had ringed the elixir with a massive fire that covered the sky. They had blocked the way to the elixir with a fierce mechanical contraption of sharp rotating blades. And finally, they had stationed two gigantic poisonous snakes next to the elixir as deadly guardians.

Undaunted, Garuda hastened toward the abode of the gods intent on robbing them of their treasure. Knowing of his design, the gods met him in full battle-array. Garuda, however, defeated the entire host and scattered them in all directions. Taking the water of many rivers into his mouth, he extinguished the protective fire the gods had thrown up. Reducing his size, he crept past the rotating blades of their murderous machine. And finally, he mangled the two gigantic serpents they had posted as guards. Taking the elixir into his mouth without swallowing it, he launched again into the air and headed toward the eagerly waiting serpents. En route, he encountered Vishnu. Rather than fight, the two exchanged promises. Vishnu promised Garuda the gift of immortality even without drinking from the elixir, and Garuda promised to become Vishnu's mount. Flying onward, he met Indra the god of the sky. Another exchange of promises occurred. Garuda promised that once he had delivered the elixir, thus fulfilling the request of the serpents, he would make it possible for Indra to regain possession of the elixir and to take it back to the gods. Indra in turn promised Garuda the serpents as food. At long last, Garuda alighted in front of the waiting serpents. Placing the elixir on the grass, and thereby liberating his mother Vinata from her servitude, he urged the serpents to perform their religious ablutions before consuming it. As they hurried off to do so, Indra swooped in to make off with the elixir. The serpents came back from their ablutions and saw the elixir gone but with small droplets of it on the grass. They tried to lick the droplets and thereby split their tongues in two. From then onwards, serpents have split tongues and shed their skin as a kind of immortality. From that day onward, Garuda was the ally of the gods and the trusty mount of Vishnu, as well as the implacable enemy of snakes, upon whom he preyed at every opportunity.

DESCENDANTS

According to the Mahabharata, Garuda had six sons (Sumukha, Suvarna, Subala, Sunaama, Sunethra and Suvarchas) from whom were descended the race of birds. The members of this race were of great might and without compassion, subsisting as they did on their relatives the snakes. Vishnu was their protector.

AS A SYMBOL

Throughout the Mahabharata, Garuda is invoked as a symbol of impetuous violent force, of speed, and of martial prowess. Powerful warriors advancing rapidly on doomed foes are likened to Garuda swooping down on a serpent. Defeated warriors are like snakes beaten down by Garuda. The field marshal Drona uses a military formation named after Garuda. Krishna even carries the image of Garuda on his banner.

IN BUDDHISM

In Buddhist mythology, the Garuda (Pāli: garuḷā) are enormous predatory birds with intelligence and social organization. Another name for the Garuda is suparṇa (Pāli: supaṇṇa), meaning "well-winged, having good wings". Like the Naga, they combine the characteristics of animals and divine beings, and may be considered to be among the lowest devas.

The exact size of the Garuda is uncertain, but its wings are said to have a span of many miles. This may be a poetic exaggeration, but it is also said that when a Garuda's wings flap, they create hurricane-like winds that darken the sky and blow down houses. A human being is so small compared to a Garuda that a man can hide in the plumage of one without being noticed (Kākātī Jātaka, J.327). They are also capable of tearing up entire banyan trees from their roots and carrying them off.

Garudas are the great golden-winged Peng birds. They also have the ability to grow large or small, and to appear and disappear at will. Their wingspan is 330 yojanas (one yojana being 8 miles long). With one flap of its wings, a Peng bird dries up the waters of the sea so that it can gobble up all the exposed dragons. With another flap of its wings, it can level the mountains by moving them into the ocean.

There were also the four garuda-kings: Great-Power-Virtue Garuda-King, Great-Body Garuda-King, Great-Fulfillment Garuda-King, and Free-At-Will Garuda-King, each accompanied by hundreds of thousands of attendants.

The Garudas have kings and cities, and at least some of them have the magical power of changing into human form when they wish to have dealings with people. On some occasions Garuda kings have had romances with human women in this form. Their dwellings are in groves of the simbalī, or silk-cotton tree.

The Garuda are enemies to the nāga, a race of intelligent serpent- or dragon-like beings, whom they hunt. The Garudas at one time caught the nāgas by seizing them by their heads; but the nāgas learned that by swallowing large stones, they could make themselves too heavy to be carried by the Garudas, wearing them out and killing them from exhaustion. This secret was divulged to one of the Garudas by the ascetic Karambiya, who taught him how to seize a nāga by the tail and force him to vomit up his stone (Pandara Jātaka, J.518).

The Garudas were among the beings appointed by Śakra to guard Mount Sumeru and the Trāyastriṃśa heaven from the attacks of the asuras.

In the Maha-samaya Sutta (Digha Nikaya 20), the Buddha is shown making temporary peace between the Nagas and the Garudas.

The Thai rendering of Garuda (ครุฑ Krut) as Vishnu vehicle and Garuda's quest for elixir was based on Indian legend of Garuda. It was told that Garuda overcame many heavenly beings in order to gain the ambrosia (amrita) elixir. No one was able to get the better of him, not even Narai (Vishnu). At last, a truce was called and an agreement was made to settle the rancor and smooth all the ruffled feathers. It was agreed that when Narai is in his heavenly palace, Garuda will be positioned in a superior status, atop the pillar above Narai's residence. However, whenever Narai wants to travel anywhere, Garuda must serve as his transport.

The Sanskrit word Garuda has been borrowed and modified in the languages of several countries. In Burmese, Garudas are called galone (ဂဠုန်). In Burmese astrology, the vehicle of the Sunday planet is the galone. In the Kapampangan language of the Philippines, the native word for eagle is galura. In Japanese a Garuda is called karura (however, the form Garuda ガルーダ is used in recent Japanese fiction - see below).

For the Mongols, the Garuda is called Khan Garuda or Khangarid (Mongolian: Хангарьд). Before and after each round of Mongolian wrestling, wrestlers perform the Garuda ritual, a stylised imitation of the Khangarid and a hawk.

In the Qing Dynasty fiction The Story of Yue Fei (1684), Garuda sits at the head of the Buddha's throne. But when a celestial bat (an embodiment of the Aquarius constellation) flatulates during the Buddha’s expounding of the Lotus Sutra, Garuda kills her and is exiled from paradise. He is later reborn as Song Dynasty General Yue Fei. The bat is reborn as Lady Wang, wife of the traitor Prime Minister Qin Hui, and is instrumental in formulating the "Eastern Window" plot that leads to Yue's eventual political execution. It is interesting to note The Story of Yue Fei plays on the legendary animosity between Garuda and the Nagas when the celestial bird-born Yue Fei defeats a magic serpent who transforms into the unearthly spear he uses throughout his military career. Literary critic C. T. Hsia explains the reason why Qian Cai, the book's author, linked Yue with Garuda is because of the homology in their Chinese names. Yue Fei's courtesy name is Pengju (鵬舉). A Peng (鵬) is a giant mythological bird likened to the Middle Eastern Roc. Garuda's Chinese name is Great Peng, the Golden-Winged Illumination King (大鵬金翅明王).

AS A CULTURAL AND NATIONAL SYMBOL

In India, Indonesia and the rest of Southeast Asia the eagle symbolism is represented by Garuda, a large mythical bird with eagle-like features that appears in both Hindu and Buddhist mythology as the vahana (vehicle) of the god Vishnu. Garuda became the national emblem of Thailand and Indonesia; Thailand's Garuda is rendered in a more traditional anthropomorphic mythical style, while that of Indonesia is rendered in heraldic style with traits similar to the real Javan hawk-eagle.

INDIA

India primarily uses Garuda as a martial motif:

- Garud Commando Force is a Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force, specializing in operations deep behind enemy lines

- Brigade of the Guards of the Indian Army uses Garuda as their symbol

- Elite bodyguards of the medieval Hoysala kings were called Garudas

- Kerala and Andhra pradesh state road transport corporations use Garuda as the name for a/c moffusil buses

- Garuda rock, a rocky cliff in Tirumala in Andhra pradesh

- 13th century Aragalur chief, Magadesan's, insignia was Rishabha the sacred bull and the Garuda

INDONESIA

Indonesia uses the Garuda, called the Garuda Pancasila, as its national symbol, it is somewhat intertwined with the concept of the phoenix.

- Garuda Pancasila is coloured or gilt gold, symbolizes the greatness of the nation and is a representation of the elang Jawa or Javan hawk-eagle Nisaetus bartelsi. The black color represents nature. There are 17 feathers on each wing, 8 on the lower tail, 19 on the upper tail and 45 on the neck, which represent the date Indonesia proclaimed its independence: 17 August 1945. The shield it carries with the Indonesian Panca Sila heraldry symbolizes self-defense and protection in struggle.

- Indonesian national airline is Garuda Indonesia.

- Indonesian Armed Forces United Nations peacekeeping missions is known as Pasukan Garuda or Garuda Contingent

- Airlangga University, one of the oldest and leading university in Indonesia uses Garuda on its emblem. The emblem, containing a Garuda in a blue and yellow circle, is called "Garudamukha", and depicts Garuda as the bearer of knowledge, carrying a jug of Amrita, the water of eternity, symbolizing eternal knowledge.

- In Bali and Java Garuda has become a cultural symbol, the wooden statue and mask of Garuda is a popular artworks and souvenirs.

- In Bali, we can find the tallest Garuda statue of 18 metres tall made from tons of copper and brass. The statue is located in Garuda Wisnu Kencana complex.

- Garuda has identified as Indonesian national football team in international games, namely "The Garuda Team".

- The stylized brush stroke that resemble Garuda is appear in the logo of 2011 Southeast Asian Games, held in Palembang and Jakarta, Indonesia.

- The stylized curves that took form of Garuda Pancasila is appear in the logo of Wonderful Indonesia tourism campaign.

THAILAND

- Thailand uses the Garuda (Thai: ครุฑ, khrut) as its national symbol.

- One form of the Garuda used in Thailand as a sign of the royal family is called Khrut Pha, meaning "Garuda, the vehicle (of Vishnu)."

- The statue and images of Garuda adorned many Buddhist temples in Thailand, it also has become the cultural symbol of Thailand.

MONGOLIA

- The Garuda, known as Khangarid, is the symbol of the capital city of Mongolia, Ulan Bator. According to popular Mongolian belief, Khangarid is the mountain spirit of the Bogd Khan Uul range who became a follower of Buddhist faith. Today he is considered the guardian of that mountain range and a symbol of courage and honesty.

- The bird also gives its name to Hangard Aviation

- Khangarid (Хангарьд), a football (soccer) team in the Mongolia Premier League also named after Garuda.

- Garuda Ord (Гаруда Орд), a private construction and trading company based in Ulaanbaatar, also named after Garuda.

- State Garuda (Улсын Гарьд) is a title given to the debut runner up in wrestling tournament during Mongolian National Festival Naadam.

SURINAME

In Suriname, there is a TV channel called Garuda. Suriname has a lot of people from Indonesia and Java, as it is a multicultural country.

WIKIPEDIA

A U.K. Royal Marine with 45 Commando moves his position during Integrated Training Exercise (ITX) 2-19 at Range 220, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Feb. 9, 2019. ITX creates a challenging, realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated Marine Air Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Conner Downey)

British Army Commandos, 59 Commando Squadron, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, practice methods of

entry and room clearing 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)

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

Assembled this little lady at Brickfair. I spotted the torso in a "build your own minifigure" table for eclipseGRAFX and asked my wife, "Can I make a bikini commando?"

My birthday present from my best friend.

Star Wars Cloth for Lego. Re-edited CAC decals. For print the biggest round should have 0,5cm.Material, I will use will be poilaster(one side will be print black, on second side i will print those decals).

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

British Army Commandos, 59 Commando Squadron, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, practice methods of

entry and room clearing 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)

Entry For BBC #61

It's supposed he is wearing Black boots and a typical army colored pants

Gallery

www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=462958

Also He don't need a shirt because real MAN don't need shirts (and probably would rip apart due the muscles) XD

Marines Parachute Into Exercise For First Time In A Decade

In a spectacular display, the 10 personnel of the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) jumped from 600ft into Galloway, Scotland as part of Exercise Joint Warrior.

An element of the Lead Commando Group, SRS are a Pre Landing Force that seek a covert entry into enemy territory ahead of the main force to send back intelligence from the ground.

The first ever parachute insert as part of Exercise Joint Warrior – the team are practising their core capability as the Marines regenerate their amphibious skills as oppose to the land effort used in Afghanistan.

One of the SRS Troop Commanders Captain Matt Hills said:

“As the lead element of the landing force we need to insert, covertly, by a number of different methods including boat, vehicle and parachute.

“It is vital we maintain our parachute capability in order to be as flexible as possible across a broad range of potential reconnaissance tasks.”

SRS come under the command of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group whose role is to collect and understand information on an area prior to the arrival of the main 3 Commando Brigade force elements.

This ranges from finding enemy force dispositions to understanding the topography, key infrastructure and the population.

Commanding Officer of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Middleton MBE said:

“Collecting and analysing key information to enable Lead Commando Group operations is a challenging task that is normally conducted under significant time pressure.

“Exercise Joint Warrior enables us to test our reconnaissance capabilities and our analysis skills in a demanding, contemporary scenario. Using our ability to parachute reconnaissance teams ahead of the main force is key in maximising the time available to collect the information we need.”

The Lead Commando Group are currently on Exercise Joint Warrior and are based on a number of British warships including HMS Bulwark and HMS Illustrious.

The twice-yearly exercise is the largest one yet and involves Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF personnel working alongside forces from the Netherlands, Canada, France, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Germany.

There are more than 30 warships, 40 fixed wing aircraft and 30 helicopters involved in the war games that will see them all being put to the test as part of a Response Force Task Group which can deploy across the globe in the event of rapidly unfolding crises such as Libya in 2011.

More than a dozen Royal Navy ships and submarines are involved in the exercise which will take place off the East and West Coasts of Scotland for the next fortnight.

MOD/Crown Copyright Photographs by PO (Phot)Sean Clee

Marines Parachute Into Exercise For First Time In A Decade

In a spectacular display, the 10 personnel of the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) jumped from 600ft into Galloway, Scotland as part of Exercise Joint Warrior.

An element of the Lead Commando Group, SRS are a Pre Landing Force that seek a covert entry into enemy territory ahead of the main force to send back intelligence from the ground.

The first ever parachute insert as part of Exercise Joint Warrior – the team are practising their core capability as the Marines regenerate their amphibious skills as oppose to the land effort used in Afghanistan.

One of the SRS Troop Commanders Captain Matt Hills said:

“As the lead element of the landing force we need to insert, covertly, by a number of different methods including boat, vehicle and parachute.

“It is vital we maintain our parachute capability in order to be as flexible as possible across a broad range of potential reconnaissance tasks.”

SRS come under the command of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group whose role is to collect and understand information on an area prior to the arrival of the main 3 Commando Brigade force elements.

This ranges from finding enemy force dispositions to understanding the topography, key infrastructure and the population.

Commanding Officer of 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Middleton MBE said:

“Collecting and analysing key information to enable Lead Commando Group operations is a challenging task that is normally conducted under significant time pressure.

“Exercise Joint Warrior enables us to test our reconnaissance capabilities and our analysis skills in a demanding, contemporary scenario. Using our ability to parachute reconnaissance teams ahead of the main force is key in maximising the time available to collect the information we need.”

The Lead Commando Group are currently on Exercise Joint Warrior and are based on a number of British warships including HMS Bulwark and HMS Illustrious.

The twice-yearly exercise is the largest one yet and involves Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and RAF personnel working alongside forces from the Netherlands, Canada, France, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Germany.

There are more than 30 warships, 40 fixed wing aircraft and 30 helicopters involved in the war games that will see them all being put to the test as part of a Response Force Task Group which can deploy across the globe in the event of rapidly unfolding crises such as Libya in 2011.

More than a dozen Royal Navy ships and submarines are involved in the exercise which will take place off the East and West Coasts of Scotland for the next fortnight.

MOD/Crown Copyright Photographs by PO (Phot)Sean Clee

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

Done and done.

Marines end cold weather training with three hour battle

Images captured show ranks from 45 Commando Royal Marines, Commando Logistics Regiment (CLR) and Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) conducting simultaneous attacks against three enemy positions during the final exercise of the Cold Weather Warfare Course (CWWC). After achieving their objectives the Commandos were extracted by a Royal Navy Sea King helicopter from 845 Squadron and three Norwegian Huey helicopters .The exercise took place in the training area on the Trondenes Peninsular, Norway, and is part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines winter training package known as Cetus

Royal Marines have completed six weeks of Arctic training with an all-out assault on one of the relics of Hitler’s vaunted Fortress Europe. The green berets of Arbroath-based 45 Commando, plus the Commando Logistic Regiment from North Devon and their supporting air power, the Commando Helicopter Force at Yeovilton, staged a three-hour attack on a wartime fortress near Harstad in northern Norway – as the climax of Exercise Cetus 13. The marines decamped from their bases in the UK to join the Norwegians at the small port, some 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle for Exercise Cetus 13. There is no harsher environment in which to live, work and fight – deep snow, ice, temperatures fall regularly below -30˚C (and take it down another 20˚C with wind chill). Such conditions test men and machines to the limit. Around 135 green berets from 45 Commando – currently the UK’s lead commando group, who are ready to deploy around the world at short notice should they be required – crossed the North Sea for Cetus 13, using the Norwegian Army camp at Åsegarden, just outside Harstad, as their base. Having mastered the arts of survival in the Arctic – living in snow holes (a man-made ‘cave’ carved out of the snow), skiing, marching on snow shoes for five kilometres (three miles) with 30kg (66lb) of kit on their backs, personal care (such as not touching exposed metal) – it was time to move on to the fighting element of the training.

Photographs by PO (Phot) Sean Clee – MOD/Crown copyright 2013

Someone at AMC let their stylists ruin the classic Jeep look.

Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division gathered in a Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield hangar during a ceremony to case the Commando brigade’s colors before an upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, October 17, 2018, at Fort Drum, New York. The casing of the colors is a traditional ceremony symbolizing a unit’s movement into a new theater of operation. The brigade is sending an element of troops on an additional mission to Kosovo for the duration of the deployment.

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.

concert à l'embuscade, Lyon France

Royal Marine Young Officers (RMYOs) on Exercise FINAL NAIL

Royal Marine Young Officers (RMYOs) put their extensive training and skills to the test during final phase training, on Exercise FINAL NAIL conducted in the Argyll forest exercise areas Argyll & Bute Scotland.

Exercise FINAL NAIL represented the culmination of Royal Marines Young Officer (RMYO) training and was the last serial of an arduous 15 month course based at Commando Training Centre Royal

Marines. It was designed to confirm the YOs as fit to command a close combat troop, before their passing out in December 2012. Emphasis was placed on learning to operate within the company context, with trained ranks; Marines from 43 Cdo FPGRM augmenting the YOs to company strength and HQ elements. Use of attached assets added realism and complexity to the exercise; with LCs from 10 Trg Sqn RM manning Inflatable Raiding Craft (IRC) and Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC), and MLs playing the role of BPT for vertical assault elements.

The exercise was spread over four different training areas, each demanding different tactical considerations. The exercise began with a troop amphibious beach assault in Braunton Burrows. The YOs then deployed to the West Coast of Scotland to conduct a company attack onto an airfield and riverine operations in Galloway Forest, before staging amphibious raids on the lochs of Ardgartan Forest. The final attack was a simultaneous company-led attack onto hill-top enemy positions, set against the spectacular backdrop of the Garelochs.

Photographs by CPO(Phot) Tam McDonald - MOD Crown Copyright 2012

Equipped with a Speckled Silver Assault Carbine.

BrickArms

Royal Marines from 42 Commando Boarding RFA Mounts Bay

Members of 42 Commando Fleet Contingency conducting high vertical assaults on RFA Mounts Bay as part of the Autonomous Advance Force 4.0 trials. 42 Commando Royal Marine’s Fleet Contingency Troop have been conducting high vertical assault drills onto RFA Mounts Bay in Portland Harbour, supported by Offshore Raiding Craft and Coxswains from 47 Commando RM.

The training forms part of the Autonomous Advance Force 4.0 trials, utilising modern communication systems and autonomous capabilities, including mobile ad hoc networking radios MPU5, Ghost drone, which provides a live feed to ground commanders and the MADFOX unmanned surface vessel, used to provide deception and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).

Photos: LPhot Joe Cater

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.

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.

My latest eBay purchase is this smart little Dodge Commando based on a Matchbox toy with scratchbuilt bodywork apparently made about 25 years ago. OEN 587X was acquired second-hand by North Riding Fire & Rescue from Bury Fire Brigade and being rather smaller than my other pumping appliances has been classified as a compact water tender for use in confined spaces.

A Special Forces soldier, from the Special Operations Task Group, fills his magazine with ammunition prior to participating in a range shoot at in the Middle East.

Elements of 2nd Commando Regiment, other Special Operations Command units and additional Navy, Army and Air Force personnel, which form the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) are in the Middle East preparing to deploy to Iraq. Extensive preparations including planning, weapons training and logistical support has ensured SOTG are ready to deploy to Iraq.

SOTG will train and advise Iraqi and other security forces that are taking the fight to the ISIL terrorists. Approximately 200 personnel form the special forces commitment to Operation OKRA. This includes trainers and advisors, command, support, and logistics personnel.

Operation OKRA is the Australian Defence Force's (ADF) contribution to the international effort to combat the ISIL terrorist threat in Iraq. Australia's contribution is being closely coordinated with the Iraqi government, Gulf nations and a broad coalition of international partners.

Yeovilton Airday 2015

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

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.

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

Royal Marines from 42 Commando, have been perfecting specialist boarding skills and practicing saving downed aircrew as they operate at the heart of the UK Carrier Strike Group

Photos: Royal Navy

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.

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