Royal Marines

File:Major General John Tupper.JPG

  File:Royal Marines Cap Badge.svg

Cap badge of the Royal Marines

Active	28 October 1664 – present
Disbanded
Country	United Kingdom
Allegiance
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Amphibious warfare
Role	Expeditionary warfare
Size	7,760 personnel
Part of
Garrison/HQ	Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth

The Royal Marines are the United Kingdom's amphibious light infantry force, forming part of the Naval Service along with the Royal Navy. They are a highly specialized and adaptable force, capable of deploying at short notice in support of the UK's military and diplomatic objectives overseas.

History

The Royal Marines were formed on 28 October 1664 as the "Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot". They have served in a variety of roles, including shipboard security, amphibious assaults, and expeditionary warfare. Over the centuries, the Royal Marines have participated in numerous conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, both World Wars, and more recent conflicts such as the Falklands War and operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Role and Capabilities

The primary role of the Royal Marines is to provide a rapid response capability for the UK, specializing in amphibious warfare, expeditionary warfare, and special operations. They are trained to operate in all environments, including arctic, jungle, desert, and mountain warfare. The Royal Marines are also responsible for the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, which provides security for the UK's nuclear deterrent and other naval assets.

Organization

The Royal Marines are organized into several key units:

• 3 Commando Brigade: The main fighting formation of the Royal Marines, consisting of three battalion-sized units known as Commandos.
• 40 Commando, 42 Commando, and 45 Commando: The three main Commando units, each capable of independent operations.
• Commando Logistics Regiment: Provides logistical support to the Brigade.
• 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group: Provides intelligence and communications support.
• 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group: Responsible for the security of the UK's nuclear deterrent.

Training

Royal Marines undergo one of the longest and most demanding infantry training programs in the world, lasting 32 weeks. Training takes place at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon. Recruits are trained in a variety of skills, including weapons handling, amphibious operations, survival, and close-quarters combat. Successful recruits earn the coveted green beret, a symbol of their commando status.

Equipment

The Royal Marines are equipped with a range of modern weapons and equipment, including the SA80 rifle, L115A3 sniper rifle, and various support weapons. They also operate a variety of vehicles, such as the Viking BvS 10 all-terrain vehicle and the Landing Craft Utility for amphibious operations.

Also see

• Royal Navy
• British Army
• Special Air Service
• Commando
• Amphibious warfare