The Royal Marines are an elite corps of the UK Armed Forces, renowned for their expertise in amphibious warfare and rapid-response capabilities. Wherever global crises arise, the Royal Marines are ready to act, from combat operations to humanitarian relief. Their skillset, honed through some of the most rigorous training in the world, ensures they remain at the forefront of global military operations.
Overview
The Royal Marines (RM) are specialists in expeditionary and amphibious warfare, capable of operating in the most extreme environments, from Arctic tundras to tropical jungles. Over the decades, they have been instrumental in various conflicts, including the Falklands War, Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
The Royal Marines currently comprise around 6,500 personnel, including approximately 760 officers, and are supported by the Royal Marines Reserve (750 personnel). Their primary focus remains rapid deployment for operations worldwide, with tasks ranging from combat missions to disaster relief and counter-terrorism.
Every Royal Marine, except those in the Royal Marines Band Service, is first and foremost a commando soldier, undergoing one of the world’s longest and most demanding military training courses at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon.
The titular head of the Royal Marines is the Commandant General Royal Marines (CGRM), a Major General who plays a crucial role in overseeing the corps’ strategic direction. Recent structural changes within the Royal Navy have elevated the profile and responsibilities of this leadership position.
3 Commando Brigade Organisation
The majority of the Royal Marines are grouped under 3 Commando Brigade (3 Cdo Bde), which consists of four main Commando units and additional support elements. These units are highly specialized and capable of global deployment.
Key Units and Roles:
- 30 Commando – Information Exploitation Group: Provides command, communication, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities to the brigade.
- 1st Battalion The Rifles (1 Rifles): Attached to the brigade since 2008, serving as a light role battalion under the command of the Royal Marines. The unit provides a fourth maneuver element for operations.
- 539 Assault Squadron: Equipped with hovercraft, landing craft, and Viking vehicles, this squadron enables amphibious landings of personnel and equipment.
- 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery: Includes a battery stationed with 45 Commando in Arbroath, providing artillery support.
- Royal Netherlands Marine Corps: Often integrated for NATO-assigned tasks, demonstrating strong allied cooperation.
- Tactical Air Control Parties: Includes three regular and one reserve unit, enhancing air-ground integration.
Unit Composition:
- 4 Manoeuvre Companies:
- 2 x Close Combat Companies with three fighting troops (5 officers, 98 ranks per troop).
- 2 x Stand-Off Combat Companies with one tracked and one wheeled unit. These include:
- 1 x Heavy Machine Gun Troop (6 x 0.5 HMG).
- 1 x Anti-Tank Troop (6 x Milan systems).
- 1 x Close Combat Fighting Troop (5 officers, 78 ranks).
- Total personnel: 690 all ranks.
Locations of Royal Marine Units
The Royal Marines operate from several key locations in the UK, reflecting their wide-ranging roles and expertise:
- Headquarters Royal Marines is based in Portsmouth.
- HQ 3 Commando Brigade is based in Stonehouse, Plymouth.
- 3 Commando Brigade Air Squadronis based in RNAS Yeovilton.
- 30 Commando is based in Stonehouse, Plymouth.
- 40 Commando is based in Norton Manor Camp, Taunton.
- 42 Commando is based in Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth.
- 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group is based in HMNB Clyde.
- 45 Commando is based in RM Condor, Arbroath.
- Commando Logistic Regiment is based in Barnstaple.
- 539 Assault Squadron is based in Barnstaple.
- Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) is based in Lympstone.
- 1 Assault Group Royal Marines is based in Poole.
Special Boat Service (SBS)
The Special Boat Service (SBS) is the Royal Marines’ elite maritime special forces unit, often compared to the Army’s Special Air Service (SAS). SBS operatives are selected from the Royal Marines and must undergo one of the most challenging selection processes in the UK Armed Forces, with only about 30% of candidates completing the course.
The SBS specializes in clandestine operations, including:
- Maritime interdiction.
- Covert reconnaissance of hostile areas.
- Targeted strikes against sea, river, and coastal threats.
1 Assault Group Royal Marines (1 AGRM)
1 AGRM serves as the Royal Navy’s center of expertise in amphibious warfare, overseeing the development and delivery of specialized training. Sub-units include:
- 10 Landing Craft Training Squadron: Based in Poole.
- 11 Amphibious Trials and Training Squadron: Based in Instow.
- School of Board and Search: Located in Torpoint.
1 AGRM also advises allied nations on amphibious warfare tactics and training.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (FPGRM)
Formed in 1980 as the Comacchio Group, this unit has evolved into a specialized Fleet Protection Group responsible for:
- Guarding the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
- Securing offshore installations, including oil rigs.
- Conducting counter-terrorism operations worldwide.
Now known as 43 Commando, the unit operates out of HMNB Clyde and includes 533 personnel organized into three Rifle Squadrons and a Headquarters Squadron.
Royal Marines Reserve (RMR)
The Royal Marines Reserve comprises around 750 personnel spread across five main regions:
- RMR London: HQ in London, with detachments in Cambridge, Chatham, and Portsmouth.
- RMR Merseyside: HQ in Liverpool, with detachments in Birmingham and Manchester.
- RMR Scotland: HQ in Glasgow, with detachments in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Belfast.
- RMR Tyne: HQ in Newcastle, with detachments in Leeds and Hartlepool.
- RMR Bristol: HQ in Bristol, with detachments in Plymouth, Cardiff, and Lympstone.
Future and Innovation
The Royal Marines are undergoing significant transformation through the Future Commando Force (FCF) initiative, focusing on:
- Lighter, more agile units for rapid deployment.
- Integration of cutting-edge technology, including drones and cyber capabilities.
- Enhanced collaboration with NATO and allied forces.
The Royal Marines continue to adapt to modern warfare, ensuring they remain one of the most capable and respected military forces in the world.
