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.

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)

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

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

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.

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 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

Spean Bridge, Scotland

Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.

Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.

Credit: LPhot Joe Cater

Pictured: A Royal Marine from Zulu Company. 45 Commando on section attack training in Ravlunda, Sweden as part of their Baltic Protector Deployment.

Royal Marines from Zulu Company, 45 Commando have been honing their skills in the phase 2 part of Baltic Protector in the area of Rinkeby which is in the south west of Sweden. This involved section, troop and company level training.

Baltic Protector marks the first deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Maritime Task Group. A total of 3000 military personnel and 9 nations including the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden will contribute to the first major maritime training deployment of the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.

Credit: LPhot Joe Cater

Pictured: A 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

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

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

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

Pictured: A Royal Marine pulls another to safety 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

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

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!

-----------------------------------

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

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

On 25th of December, 2884 the SDR ground forces started their massive offensive campaign on Torifujiograd, one of few and controlled towns held by mercenary's forces. This massive battle should remain among other things in recollection, because it should come to the first contact between the unmanned Nutcracker tank of the SDR forces and SAFS unit of the mercenarys' army.

This command enterprise was taken seriously by the army SDR and only the most modern material was used. While on the one hand the PKH 103 Nutcracker was used for the first time in the city centre to storm the strongly defended harbour areas, the new P.K.A Ausf M was used by commando troops like the PzKGr. 45. Additionally, light, mobile support vehicles like the HX-39 "Krampus" walking tanks, which were optimised for urban use, saw front line service. However, with strong losses only a partial success could be achieved after two days of violent street fights, before the PzKGr. 45 was de facto chafed - only achieving the destruction of Torifujiograd's telecommunication tower.

Remark:

The story is completely fictive, however, the events stick to the semi-official timeline of the Ma. K. universe and indicate the circumstances of the diorama's scenery.

Inspiration:

This diorama originated after long brooding for the "Dead Snow" competition in 2010/11, initiated by a local web forum similar to starshipmodelers.com. That it finally became a Ma.K. subject has several reasons. For once, my basic interest in the Ma. K. universe and Kow Yokoyamas designs. However, so far I had never had built something in this genre. But then the competition was a good occasion to connect this latent fascination with the basic subject of winter and violence. It was also helpful that I had recently acquired a box with Hobby Base Ma.K. collectible figures in 1:35 scale. These 'Melusine' combat suits in winter camouflage were basically the starting point around which I designed this diorama scene.

The draught:

All in all I had eight figures at disposal, partly even with open bonnets (but unfortunately, without inner life), and I wanted to use this pure mass for the diorama. Basic idea was an advance scene of Melusine suits in the snow. While rummaging in the literature I came across the SDR raid on Torifujiograd as a „historical event“. Consequently, the idea of a wintry street scene with house walls/ruins hardened.

The base plate should not be greater than 30x20cm – a personal standard measure for my glass cabinets at home. With first arrangement tests it became quickly clear fast that an exclusive display of Melusine suits would not "work". An additional focus object was needed, as a visual and thematic counterpart. The problem: in 1:35 there is hardly anything suitable "from the rack". Even though Hasegawa's brand new Nutcracker kit would have been an option, it was too large too expensive, too dominant, and its date of delivery to Germany would have been too uncertain... So only manual labour remained, and the idea of a self-built, small retro walking tank in the style of MiG Production's KV-2X took life.

A walking tank as an extra:

Concerning the HX-39, see also the more detailed separate pictures and comments on that kit. The model was vaguely inspired by the Ma.K. "Gladiator" from the mercenary's troops: a four-legged vehicle of compact size. Because time was scarce, however I decided not to build completely from scratch but rather use 'material from the shelve', combining primarily two models with each other. What sounds simple, however, took quite a lot of search time in order to find suitable donation kits which would match stylistically. The result has become quite consistent in my opinion and from the lines at least not unplausible for the Ma.K. universe: the HX-39 "Krampus".

The body of this small walking tank comes from a Hotchkiss H-39, a light French artillery tank from the early 2nd world war period. The polystyrene model in 1:35 comes from TRUMPETER. The legs and their complete suspension come from a resin kit, a recast of a small SF walking tank from the Japanese 'Junk tank rock '-model series, a TACO-34M 'Beetle'.

Some spare parts from this kit like the commander's cupola or the laser weapon found their way on the new small tank in services of the SDR army. Numerous other individual parts also found their way into the model, among other things generic parts of a 'Roof Details'-set in HO scale from Coernerstone Modulars. From these elements, e.g., the machine block was built.

Reference for the painting of the "Krampus" were the Melusine figures. They carry a winter camouflage which reminds of airplanes of the German air force during the second world war at the eastern front: White/light grey tempera colour on dark green, with yellow marking stripes. The Krampus should just become a minor element in the diorama, however, and, therefore not stick out with exotic extras or flashy colours. Though the model was a piece of work of its own, however, it is only to be seen as an accessory in the bigger diorama ensemble.

The Melusine figures are reworked:

The Hobby Base figures are unexpectedly well printed and hardly leave open wishes. Basically there are three bodies/poses, three weapons/arms and three painting variations available. The suits are even marked with individual numbers!

However, one major disadvantage is that the figures are made out of soft vinyl and show now and then downpour burrs which are hardly to be mended on account of the soft, tough material. Arms and legs are simply connected to the figures' body, so they can be modified and exchanged with little effort – what I have partly used to simulate running figures or to change an arm for a better pose in the scenery.

Only little was changed concerning the figures' paint finish. Merely some of the numbers have been painted by hand to avoid doubles, assigning individual numbers to every figure. Furthermore, the interior of the open suits has been refined – among other things, pilots figure busts were "implanted". For these, some rummaging was necessary, too, but I made a find, finally, with a modern Israeli tank crew from ACADEMY.

In order to make the troops not to look too uniformly, the camouflage of two suits was changed: One Melusine (number 7) received a grey pattern, another (number 8, with open bonnet) a mottled pattern in green grey.

Moreover, almost all figures received personal markings with decals from the scrap box, e.g., nose art like comic eyes, mascots, even a Coraya heart, "kill marks" even a "Kölle Alaaf" banner for the commander with the number 1. Everything only little things, but these details make the diorama look much more lively.

From the total pool of eight figures I chose seven for the diorama which were arranged in three thematic scenes, together with the walking tank:

Commander of the troop (number 1) with two subordinates in direct conversation, partly with open hatches.

Two Melusine with hand weapons marching past in front of the HX-39 at a trot, to the frontline of the battle which is not shown in the diorama but ideally to the left „beyond the picture“.

A Melusine stands with the back to the viewer and instructs the HX-39 driver to wait, until the foot troop has explored and secured the next corner. Another Melusine stands beside HX-39 – he has no active function in the scene, fills primarily the emptiness under the bay window.

Building the diorama:

The base is formed by a 10mm MDF board. On it a 10mm-layer of styrofoam was glued – the soft subsoil would later permit "blows" to the street, creating an uneven surface. Around this base skirt from 2mm balsa wood was glued and later painted black.

Themantically, a street scenery with fight tracks should be shown, after light snowfall in winter. A house ruin which should overlook a street corner came to the left, rear corner. This outer wall is a prepainted plaster kit which was adapted, however, to the circumstances and refined, e.g., with nailed up windows in the ground floor (with the low depth behind the windows I found the "installation" of rubble impractical) and the rubble in the 1st floor bay window. Additionally I applied a new/better painting and ageing with easy watercolors and brick-drilling dust. The smoke traces are real!

In front of and around the building came an approx. 5 cm wide sidewalk which was brought on higher level to the street with 3mm balsa wood. For the surface finish I simply used pre-printed cardboards from Busch - actually for HO scale, but these looked very realistic and "non-uniform" that I ventured the application here instead of a complete do-it-yourself construction with plaster and paint. Most of it would disappear layter under rubble and snow, anyway.

The bay window of the house defined the position for the planned street lights on the sidewalks, on the left and on the right in the streets. The lamps are scratch constructions from brass and polystyrene pipes, the luminous bodies at the top are protective bonnets for syringes...

In order to hold figures and lamps, vertical drillings were put through the MDF base plate into which soft iron wires were glued as holders. Especially the running Melusine figures needed this extra hold. The Krampus stands on own legs, the kit is simply removable.

The HX-39 stands on the street on the right side and forms a counterpole to the building to the left. It serves at the same time as optical divider between the three Melusine scenes.

Small stone and rubble heaps as well as snowy heaps on the street from broken plaster leftovers, sand, shell shards as well as a few resin bricks also support the visual structure of the diorama. Spanish riders (Italieri) and barbed wire barricades (specialised trade) on the street provide offer additional details and enhance spatial separation. Fine sand and drilling dust bring mess on the street (and cover the good-looking paving, unfortunately, almost completely...), some longer grass from paintbrush bristle on the house wall and dry moss which forms ivy tendrils "animates" the hopeless scenario and fills some empty places beside the figures. I tried to fill almost and spot with a minor detail in order to enhance the impression of density and hurry. Consequently, the figures have been consciously distributed rather evenly across the area, so that the viewer cannot grasp the whole scenery at once – it should "resonate" with the whole arrangement a sort of hectic rush in the front section.

The snow comes to the country:

After basic work was done, everything was to be sealed under a thin layer of snow. To enhance the winter impression, even self-made icicles from white glue were used for decoration.

For the "snowfall process" everything was made wet with relaxed water and was sprinkled carefully, in many thin layers, with white joint mortar, resulting in a fluffy, thin snowy cover. A clinical-kitschy snow cover was to be avoided, though. I rather wanted to create the impression as if something had already happened there – thus as if already the first fight troop had passed through, and now the special command moves up to the front line.

Mush was formed by partial mixes of joint mortar with toned water. The puddles in the depressions in the road pavement have been poured out, finally, with brown coloured white glue what has a good, sculptural effect and light shine (like frozen water).

After drying everything was fixed with a water/white glue mixture as well as hair spray. Afterwards, the base of the diorama and its balsa skirt was painted, and as a final step a layer of acrylic matte varnish sealed everything.

Pictured is Marine Travis (front) and Marine Stoddern (rear) of Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines patrolling in Belize jungle as part of Exercise Curry Trail. This exercise sees participants develop jungle warfare capabilities for Commando Forces up to and including live fire section drills. February 14, 2019.

Royal Marines 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

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.

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.

43 Commando go stalking through the glen

Pictured are Royal Marines from 43 Commando demonstrating their extensive military skills and capabilities while conducting low-level training in and around Glen Fruin, Argyll and Bute, Scotland.

Located at HM Naval Base Clyde, 43 Commando help safeguard the ships and submarines at the Naval Base and those transiting the Firth of Clyde.

Each year the unit conducts dozens of Fleet directed operations around the globe, deploying Fleet Standby Rifle Teams and Maritime Sniper Teams. The 500-strong unit also supports Royal Navy counter-narcotics and counter-piracy missions, boarding and searching suspect ships in hot-spots around the world.

Images by CPOA(Phot) Thomas McDonald

Mortar Troop from 42 Commando Royal Marines

Images captured show Mortar Troop from 42 Commando Royal Marines illuminating enemy positions in the mountains of the Mojave Desert during the week long final exercise of Black Alligator – 2nd December 2012

Photos: PO (Phot) Sean Clee - MOD Crown Copyright 2012

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

Scotland

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

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

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.

British Army Commandos with 148th Battery, 29th Commando Fire Support Team, Royal Artillery, conduct maneuver to contact drills while Marine range safety officers supervise during Exercise Burmese Chase 2013, aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 5. The training evolution is an annual, bilateral exercise that improves interoperability between American and British forces. Marines from 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company and the British Army Commandos are participating in the exercise. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Haas / Released)

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.

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

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 is Marine John Allen of Alpha Company, 40 Commando Royal Marines with an Army Commando and a Marine patrolling in the river at Belize 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.

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

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

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commando_Memorial

Pictured: A 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