Royal Marines

The Corps of Royal Marines, usually just known as the Royal Marines (RM), are the United Kingdom's amphibious forces and a core component of the country's Rapid Deployment Force. They are lightly equipped, able to operate independently in all terrains, and highly trained as a commando force.

Units of the Royal Marines

• 3 Commando Brigade: The main formation of the Royal Marines, 3 Commando Brigade contains the following units belonging to the Corps itself.
• Command Support Group
• 40 Commando
• 42 Commando
• 45 Commando
• 539 Assault Squadron
• Commando Logistic Regiment
• 1 Assault Group: This provides training in the use of landing craft, and also serves as a parent unit for the three assault squadrons based on the Royal Navy's assault ships.
• 4 Assault Squadron - HMS Bulwark
• 6 Assault Squadron - HMS Albion
• 9 Assault Squadron - HMS Ocean
• Fleet Protection Group: This is the home defence unit of the Royal Marines, performing various tasks outside the remit of 3 Commando Brigade, including protection of nuclear weapons and provision for the Northern Ireland patrol squadron. The FPG maintains the traditions of 43 Commando.
• Commando Training Centre: This is the training unit for the entire corps, and consists of three separate sections:
• Commando Training Wing: This is the initial basic commando training section for new recruits to the Royal Marines, and also provides the commando training for members of other units attached to 3 Commando Brigade.
• Specialist Wing. This provides specialist training following completition of the initial commando course.
• Command Wing: This provides command training for both officers and NCOs of the Royal Marines.
• Royal Marines Band Service: The only branch of the Royal Marines which admits women and whose members are not necessarily commando-trained (and therefore may wear blue berets instead of green), the Band Service provides all the regular bands for the Royal Navy and also trains the RN Volunteer Bands.