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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: A Royal Marines 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
The exact purpose of these small buildings is unknown, but after contacting the Senior Warden at Holkham National Nature Reserve he told me......
''Those structures were Bunkers used as part of a World War Two Training Ground for Commandos. I actually knew an 'old boy' who lived in Burnham Market up until he died as an old man in the early 2000's. He did a lot of his Commando Training there in the war''.
(Thank you Andy Bloomfield, Senior Warden Holkham NNR)
Around fifty Military Structures were built in the area of TF-8497 4564 to TF-8595 4563, these Structures vary in size from approximately 16ft to 49ft in length. These Buildings would appear to be some kind of World War Two Complex, probably for Practice or Training purposes. They were located at the northern edge of the saltmarsh close to 'Gun Hill' they also included Nissen Huts, Flat Roofed Concrete Structures and possibly a Pillbox, The Structures were removed post-war, I believe these small remaining Structures were probably part of that Complex.
The beginnings of a ''Raiding Force''......
In 1940 Prime Minister Winston Churchill, called for the creation of a small 'Raiding Force' in order to disrupt the Wehrmacht and boost British Morale. Lieutenant Colonel Dudley Clarke proposed a Force loosely based on the tactics of the Boer Commandos. Initially these new 'Commandos Units' were made up of soldiers from British Army Regiments, however in 1942 many Royal Marines Battalions were reorganised into Commandos, they were also supplemented by members of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
In 1940 Achnacarry Castle, the ancestral seat of Sir Donald Walter Cameron of Lochiel, was brought into use as part of the new Training and Holding Wing for the Special Training Centre Lochailort. Due to the imminent closing of STC Lochailort and the realisation that a Centralised Training Establishment was needed to train the potential Commandos, Brigadier Charles Haydon established the Commando Depot in December of 1941. Prior to this each individual Commando Unit was responsible for the training of Commando Personnel. In early 1942 this was redesigned as the Commando Basic Training Centre, and, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Vaughan, the first prospective Commandos arrived to complete the centralised course. It then came under the authority of the Special Service Brigade. By this time a Drill Square had been laid down and pasture within the vicinity of the house had been replaced by asphalt. Nissen Huts now stood within the grounds around the Drill Square. These Huts contained accommodation for Men, housing between 25 and 40, dining halls, and washing rooms. Due to the secret nature of this training, the British Government prevented people from visiting much of Lochaber by preventing the crossing of non-residents over the Caledonian Canal.
The Commando Basic Training Centre trained both British Commandos and Foreign Nationals from occupied countries such as France, Greece, Norway and Poland as well as some Germans, part of No.10 (Inter-Allied) Commando, who were designated 'free Germans'. Contingents from the newly formed United States Army Rangers were also trained there. In 1946 after the War had come to the end it was decided a significant Commando capability was not needed in peacetime and the Commando Basic Training Centre at Achnacarry was disbanded. Between 1942 and 1946 over 25,000 Personnel were trained at Achnacarry and it is widely believed that it was the birthplace of modern 'Special Forces'. The 'Commando Memorial' a memorial to all Commandos of World War Two, now stands overlooking the Training Grounds at Achnacarry on a point that all potential Commandos would have passed on the way to Commando Basic Training Centre from the Spean Bridge railway station.
The prospective Commando arrived at the Spean Bridge railway station and marched 7 miles to Achnacarry where they began their Training, Officers, and their Men training side by side. Training for a prospective Commando consisted of an intensive regime of physical fitness and instruction in Survival, Orienteering and Vehicle Operation. This was alongside instruction on different Weapons Systems, Demolition Skills, Close-Quarter Combat as well as Amphibious and Cliff Assault. Any prospective Commando who failed to meet the standard was returned to their parent unit. The training was conducted with 'Live Rounds' in order to simulate battle as effectively as possible. This realistic training led to the deaths of a number of trainees. In 1943 the focus of the Commando Training shifted to more conventional methods of Warfare.
Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company. 45 Commando gives protection to his section 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
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.
A Royal Marines commando on the ranges at the US Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, in California
[Picture: Leading Airman (Photographer) Jason Ballard, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012]
Image was taken on the 03/11/12 at the Modern Urban Combat Range, Camp Wilson, 29 Palms.
Model Release Forms held at the 42 Unit Photography Section.
LIMA COMPANY, 42 COMMANDO RM COMMENCE CALIFORNIAN TRAINING
Within hours of arriving, elements of the unit have commenced working on the ranges in this vast training facility with its 932 square miles of desert terrain in which to operate. Lima Company were the first group from the Unit to get onto the ranges and spent several days building up to a live-firing serial which included throwing grenades into compounds known as ‘killing’ houses.
Major Oli Coryton RM, Officer Commanding Lima Company, is pleased with how the training has gone so far. “This is the culmination of three days of bespoke modern urban combat training and close quarter battle drills. We’ve spent two days doing ‘dry’ firing manoeuvres (without ammunition) and then today has been spent live firing in bespoke built ‘killing’ houses.”
“It’s been a really good progression; the guys have heard a lot about these ranges and what they have to offer. Actually getting in amongst it with the live firing simulates so much of what is real.”
“It’s really nice to see the Company drawing together as a cohesive; we’ve got a lot of new joiners including some reservists, royal engineers, signallers and medics so bringing that group together over the last few days has been great.”
ENDS
For further information, contact the Unit Press Officer (Lt Jim Norcott RN) via the Chief Clerk (3cdox-42cdorm-chief clerk-FMS12@mod.uk)
42 Commando Royal Marines (42 Cdo RM) is a commando light infantry unit within 3 Commando Brigade based at Bickleigh Barracks near Plymouth, Devon. 42 Commando – pronounced Four-Two – currently numbers 600 marines in total.
Crown Copyright 2012
Miniature warriors from Families across 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, assembled to face Soldiers of the 41st Engineer Battalion during the Commando brigade's second "Nerf Wars" match held inside a makeshift battlefield configured throughout the Magrath Sports Complex basketball court, April 10, 2019, at Fort Drum, New York. Foam darts littered the gym floor during the "just for fun" event as opposing forces fueled by popcorn and cotton candy engaged in a play firefight.
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Paige Behringer)
Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company, 45 Commando prepares to send a casualty report during the section attack training in Ravlunda, Sweden as part of Baltic Protector.
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
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
Portuguese Army Commandos serving the Central African Republic as part of the UN Peacekeeping forces deployed n that Country.
Commandos return to base in bangui...
Congratulations to all the military who, with bravery and mastery, add another successful mission to the service of the United Nations!
After a month of a complex operation in bocaranga, about 500 km from bangui, the army and air force military of the 5th National Force deployed in the Central African Republic, mostly composed of commands, are back Based in the capital.
The Portuguese rapid reaction force was called upon to intervene to protect the locations of letele, boukaya and bohong from the oppression of elements of armed groups following the massacre of more than 50 people last may.
Once again, the presence of the Portuguese military in the region, in the name of the maintenance of peace, brought security to the local populations and boosted the negotiation between a delegation of the African Union, the government of the Central African Republic, representatives of the The leadership of the armed group, seeking a solution under the khartoum peace agreement, signed earlier this year.
Photos: Forças Armadas Portuguesas
The monument consists of a cast bronze sculpture of three Commandos in characteristic dress complete with cap comforter, webbing and rifle, standing atop a stone plinth. The other two soldiers remain unknown. The three Commandos are depicted looking south towards Ben Nevis. The entire monument is 17 feet (5.2 m) tall.
Miniature warriors from Families across 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, assembled to face Soldiers of the 41st Engineer Battalion during the Commando brigade's second "Nerf Wars" match held inside a makeshift battlefield configured throughout the Magrath Sports Complex basketball court, April 10, 2019, at Fort Drum, New York. Foam darts littered the gym floor during the "just for fun" event as opposing forces fueled by popcorn and cotton candy engaged in a play firefight.
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Paige Behringer)
Pictured: A Royal Marine moves positon as he gets protected by others on the section attack training in Ravlunda. Sweden as part of Baltic Protector.
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
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.
Candidates on the Commando Selection and Training Course practice advanced tactics including live-fire platoon assaults by day and night, during the arduous five week course.
Deep Caption:
Soldiers who successfully complete the Commando Selection and Training Course will be fighting in Afghanistan in less than twelve months.
Due to this fact, the CSTC is designed to replicate operational conditions, and candidates are taught and rigourously assessed by Special Forces instructors with combat experience in the Middle East.
Renamed to reflect the selection component of the course, the five-week CSTC is run twice a year at the Special Forces Training Centre in Singleton.
It is designed to train perspective commando reinforcements in war roles tactics, techniques and procedures, and select suitable personnel to continue the reinforcement cycle.
The CSTC is the first course in the six-month Commando Reinforcement Training Cycle, and is continually adapting to lessons learnt from the operational environment.
In addition to assessing candidates on their application of skills taught, instructors on the course also look for such attributes as toughness, self discipline, adaptability, resolve, teamwork and trainability.
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.
Got to this location early to avoid the coaches and large numbers of visitors. Amazing location with Ben Nevis over looking it, but was chosen as this was where many soldiers did their training.
Very moving experience walking around here.
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
PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 14: Soldiers from the Air Infantry and commando (Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air) march down the Champs-Elysees during the annual Bastille day parade on July 14, 2011 in Paris, France. The French National Day celebrates its revolution in the storming of the Bastille in 1789 through various parades and official ceremonies throughout France.
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
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
le 2 Bataillon de Commandos a participé au camp de Grafenwöhr en Allemagne. Celui-ci était organisé par le QG Lt Bde.
Photos: Ritchie Sedeyn BELGIAN DEFENCE
Miniature warriors from Families across 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, assembled to face Soldiers of the 41st Engineer Battalion during the Commando brigade's second "Nerf Wars" match held inside a makeshift battlefield configured throughout the Magrath Sports Complex basketball court, April 10, 2019, at Fort Drum, New York. Foam darts littered the gym floor during the "just for fun" event as opposing forces fueled by popcorn and cotton candy engaged in a play firefight.
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Paige Behringer)
TAUNTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 16: Royal Marines from 40 Commando march out of the parade ground watched by their families after being presented with their campaign medals following a six-month deployment in Sangin, Afghanistan at Norton Camp Barracks in the presence of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on November 16, 2010 in Taunton, England. During their deployment to Afghanistan, 14 marines were killed and 11 were seriously injured. About 600 marines from the base at Norton Fitzwarren in Somerset had been serving since April 2010 in the Sangin area of Helmand Province before it was taken over by US forces in September.
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
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
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
Commando Droid Centaurs for the e11even group. (Not eligible for contest as it's a rebuild of a previous model.)
Lima Company 42 Commando Royal Marines - Exercise Black Alligator
Images captured show a dawn raid by Lima Company 42 Commando Royal Marines on to objective Ruby. The mission saw the commando’s clear enemy from buildings and the surrounding terrain. The attack was part of 42 Commando's week long final exercise of Black Alligator. 26th to 30th November 2012
Photos: PO (Phot) Sean Clee MOD Crown copyright 2012
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.
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
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.
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.
Royal Marines from 40 Commando practice urban warfare techniques on July 14, 2010, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. HMS Ark Royal, the nation's strike carrier, is leading an international task group during exercise Auriga 2010 a joint US-British amphibious exercise in Onslow Bay, off the coast of North Carolina. Exercise AURIGA is part of a series of training exercises that will build on the UK's ability to conduct small scale focused intervention operations anywhere in the world, delivering amphibious forces supported by air power from the Joint Harrier force.
Greek Amphibious Commandos during a training exercise demonstrating some of their weapons and equipment
Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, begin setting up tents which function as the brigade's command post in tactical environments during a command post training exercise, November 18, at Fort Drum, New York. This CPX is the second in a series of training events allowing the brigade staff to rehearse, execute and evaluate the collective training tasks essential to the brigade’s mission. Soldiers across the Commando brigade have spent months progressing from individual to collective mission essential tasks as they work toward brigade level certification at the Joint Readiness Training Center. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Paige Behringer)
By the end of the war 25,000 men had passed through the Commando course at Achnacarry. This total includes not only the British volunteers, but volunteers from Greece, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, and the United States Army Rangers, which were modelled on the Commandos.
This one Reenactor from Norway 2014.
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.
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.