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Royal Marines held at high-readiness for maritime security operations have pyshed themselves in a vast underground comokex beneath a town in the South West ahead of being deployed to the Mediterranean.
Marines from Juliet Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando work in small teams on Royal Navy warships around the world, ready to react to emergencies and specialist missions, like counter-piracy and boarding operations.
J Company is also the home of the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) – experts in a range of security missions and the UK’s only force trained in opposed boarding operations (known as Level 3 (Opposed)) outside of Special Forces.
The complex of tunnels became a facility for the potential relocation of the government in times of crisis during the 1950s with the threat of nuclear war looming large.
These days, parts of it are a useful training area; a place where the commandos can push themselves in the art of close-quarters combat, testing their well-rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures to quickly assess and deal with threats in even the trickiest of environments.
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Photos: Royal Navy
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
Royal Marines Winter Deployment 2022
Pictured are Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) conducting live firing break contact using Oversnow Reconnaissance Vehicle (OSRV) in Norway during Winter Deployment 22.
SRS utilise the OSRV’s to assist their mobility to cover greater distances within the training area as they approach Ex Cold Response 22 on completion of the special to arms training.
Royal Marines have deployed to Northern Norway to carry out their traditional winter deployment in the Arctic Circle. Commandos will refresh skills in surviving, moving and fighting across the ice.
This year, Royal Navy ships will join Royal Marines for the large-scale Norwegian-led exercise Cold Response 22. This takes place in March and April with 28 nations and a total of 35,000 troops already committed to attending the exercise.
Photos: PO Phot Si Ethell
Hi! I’m the COMMANDOS® Patch,
I replace your panties and thongs when you choose to ‘go commando’, or without underwear. I am the cotton crotch without the panties!
Royal Marine Commandos assigned to M Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines board a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned the Air Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit while participating in a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise during Northern Viking 2022 on Keflavik Airbase, Iceland, April 8, 2022.
Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Yvonna Guyette
Images captured show ranks from Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) conducting live firing break contact drills on the Setermoenexercise areas, Norway. The training is part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines winter cold weather training package known as Exercise Cetus 14.
Royal Marines from O Squadron, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh have recently conducted an exercise to sharpen their ‘Commando skills’ during a period away from delivering their core nuclear security role in Faslane and RNAD Coulport.
Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is a two-week exercise that aims to strengthen the fundamental conventional skills of the Royal Marines and has also included an amphibious landing and live firing phase. The exercise has taken place in the local area around Faslane and also at the military training area in Kirkcudbright.
“Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is an important part of the O Squadron yearly training programme and aims to revise and strengthen core skills that are utilised by Royal Marines in all types of deployment including by the Troops deployed on Nuclear Security duties in Faslane and Coulport. It also ensures that the Marines from O Squadron remain proficient in the skills they will require as they move to other units within 3 Commando Brigade in the future,” said Capt Josh Roughton RM, Second in Command of O Squadron, 43 Commando who organised the exercise.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland
Its primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, maritime boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed worldwide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.
Royal Marine teams from 43 Commando are currently deployed on counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, and maritime interdiction operations in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. There is also a detachment of cold weather warfare trained Royal Marines from the Unit deployed on the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship.
Photos: L(Phot) Stephen Burke RN
Royal Marine Commandos assigned to M Company, 42 Commando Royal Marines board a U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned the Air Combat Element, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit while participating in a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel exercise during Northern Viking 2022 on Keflavik Airbase, Iceland, April 8, 2022.
Northern Viking 22 strengthens interoperability and force readiness between the U.S., Iceland and Allied nations, enabling multi-domain command and control of joint and coalition forces in the defense of Iceland and Sea Lines of Communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Yvonna Guyette
Royal Marines held at high-readiness for maritime security operations have pyshed themselves in a vast underground comokex beneath a town in the South West ahead of being deployed to the Mediterranean.
Marines from Juliet Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando work in small teams on Royal Navy warships around the world, ready to react to emergencies and specialist missions, like counter-piracy and boarding operations.
J Company is also the home of the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) – experts in a range of security missions and the UK’s only force trained in opposed boarding operations (known as Level 3 (Opposed)) outside of Special Forces.
The complex of tunnels became a facility for the potential relocation of the government in times of crisis during the 1950s with the threat of nuclear war looming large.
These days, parts of it are a useful training area; a place where the commandos can push themselves in the art of close-quarters combat, testing their well-rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures to quickly assess and deal with threats in even the trickiest of environments.
:
:
Photos: Royal Navy
Royal Marines held at high-readiness for maritime security operations have pyshed themselves in a vast underground comokex beneath a town in the South West ahead of being deployed to the Mediterranean.
Marines from Juliet Company of Plymouth-based 42 Commando work in small teams on Royal Navy warships around the world, ready to react to emergencies and specialist missions, like counter-piracy and boarding operations.
J Company is also the home of the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) – experts in a range of security missions and the UK’s only force trained in opposed boarding operations (known as Level 3 (Opposed)) outside of Special Forces.
The complex of tunnels became a facility for the potential relocation of the government in times of crisis during the 1950s with the threat of nuclear war looming large.
These days, parts of it are a useful training area; a place where the commandos can push themselves in the art of close-quarters combat, testing their well-rehearsed tactics, techniques and procedures to quickly assess and deal with threats in even the trickiest of environments.
:
:
Photos: Royal Navy
Royal Marines from 42 Commando take part in counter-piracy, anti-smuggling ops, and training local forces in the Gulf Guinea.
HMS Trents remit is to protect UK interests at sea, work and support our allies, assist British citizens, provide aid in the aftermath of natural disasters.
She has a flight deck and is armed with an array of weaponry, meaning she can support a range of operations, from counter-piracy to anti-smuggling.
@royalnavy
Royal Marines from O Squadron, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh have recently conducted an exercise to sharpen their ‘Commando skills’ during a period away from delivering their core nuclear security role in Faslane and RNAD Coulport.
Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is a two-week exercise that aims to strengthen the fundamental conventional skills of the Royal Marines and has also included an amphibious landing and live firing phase. The exercise has taken place in the local area around Faslane and also at the military training area in Kirkcudbright.
“Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is an important part of the O Squadron yearly training programme and aims to revise and strengthen core skills that are utilised by Royal Marines in all types of deployment including by the Troops deployed on Nuclear Security duties in Faslane and Coulport. It also ensures that the Marines from O Squadron remain proficient in the skills they will require as they move to other units within 3 Commando Brigade in the future,” said Capt Josh Roughton RM, Second in Command of O Squadron, 43 Commando who organised the exercise.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland
Its primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, maritime boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed worldwide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.
Royal Marine teams from 43 Commando are currently deployed on counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, and maritime interdiction operations in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. There is also a detachment of cold weather warfare trained Royal Marines from the Unit deployed on the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship.
Photos: L(Phot) Stephen Burke RN
Royal Marines from 45 Commando have deployed to Norway for WINTER DEPLOYMENT 20 (WD 20).
The Arbroath-based Royal Marine Commando Unit are being put through their paces in the harsh Arctic conditions. As 3 Cdo Bde’s mountain and cold weather warfare specialists, WD20 will ensure that the Unit is ready in all respects to operate in one of the world’s most arduous environments.
LPhot Stevie Burke
British Royal Marine Commandos with Alpha Company, 40 Commando Battle Group scan for targets during
Integrated Training Exercise 1-20 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct.
21, 2019. The Royal Marines 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
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).
Royal Marines from 45 Commando have deployed to Norway for WINTER DEPLOYMENT 20 (WD 20).
The Arbroath-based Royal Marine Commando Unit are being put through their paces in the harsh Arctic conditions. As 3 Cdo Bde’s mountain and cold weather warfare specialists, WD20 will ensure that the Unit is ready in all respects to operate in one of the world’s most arduous environments.
LPhot Stevie Burke
Before he became a legend as G.I.Joe Medic, Code name: Doc, Carl Greer had another military specialty.
Before he spent his energy saving lives, he was very proficient at taking them...
He was known by his peers as "Commando Carl."
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 Navy Westland HC4 Commando ZF124/L performs at the RNAS Yeovilton Air Day held on 15/07/2000
35mm transparency scanned with a Plustek 7600i Ai film and neg scanner, photo-shop and then Neat Image
Royal Marines from O Squadron, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh have recently conducted an exercise to sharpen their ‘Commando skills’ during a period away from delivering their core nuclear security role in Faslane and RNAD Coulport.
Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is a two-week exercise that aims to strengthen the fundamental conventional skills of the Royal Marines and has also included an amphibious landing and live firing phase. The exercise has taken place in the local area around Faslane and also at the military training area in Kirkcudbright.
“Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is an important part of the O Squadron yearly training programme and aims to revise and strengthen core skills that are utilised by Royal Marines in all types of deployment including by the Troops deployed on Nuclear Security duties in Faslane and Coulport. It also ensures that the Marines from O Squadron remain proficient in the skills they will require as they move to other units within 3 Commando Brigade in the future,” said Capt Josh Roughton RM, Second in Command of O Squadron, 43 Commando who organised the exercise.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland
Its primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, maritime boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed worldwide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.
Royal Marine teams from 43 Commando are currently deployed on counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, and maritime interdiction operations in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. There is also a detachment of cold weather warfare trained Royal Marines from the Unit deployed on the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship.
Photos: L(Phot) Stephen Burke RN
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).
Images captured show ranks from Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) conducting live firing break contact drills on the Setermoenexercise areas, Norway. The training is part of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines winter cold weather training package known as Exercise Cetus 14.
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 O Squadron, 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Helensburgh have recently conducted an exercise to sharpen their ‘Commando skills’ during a period away from delivering their core nuclear security role in Faslane and RNAD Coulport.
Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is a two-week exercise that aims to strengthen the fundamental conventional skills of the Royal Marines and has also included an amphibious landing and live firing phase. The exercise has taken place in the local area around Faslane and also at the military training area in Kirkcudbright.
“Exercise REVENANT SHADOW is an important part of the O Squadron yearly training programme and aims to revise and strengthen core skills that are utilised by Royal Marines in all types of deployment including by the Troops deployed on Nuclear Security duties in Faslane and Coulport. It also ensures that the Marines from O Squadron remain proficient in the skills they will require as they move to other units within 3 Commando Brigade in the future,” said Capt Josh Roughton RM, Second in Command of O Squadron, 43 Commando who organised the exercise.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is a 550-strong Unit based at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland
Its primary mission is to prevent unauthorised access to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent through the provision of specialist military capability. Additionally, maritime boarding and sniper teams and the very high readiness Fleet Contingent Troop are deployed worldwide to conduct specialist maritime security tasks in support of the Royal Navy.
Royal Marine teams from 43 Commando are currently deployed on counter-piracy, counter-narcotics, and maritime interdiction operations in the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean. There is also a detachment of cold weather warfare trained Royal Marines from the Unit deployed on the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship.
Photos: L(Phot) Stephen Burke RN
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 British Army Commando, 59 Commando Squadron, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, provides security
during Integrated Training Exercise 1-20 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC), Twentynine Palms, Calif. Oct. 20, 2019. The Commandos took advantage of training areas at MCAGCC while preparing to participate in the Marine Air Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercise as an adversary force in early November. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cedar M. Barnes)
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