45 Commando, An in-depth analysis,

Report on 45 Commando Royal Marines

Introduction: 45 Commando Royal Marines is a distinguished frontline infantry unit within the Royal Marine Commandos, renowned for its expertise in mountain and cold-weather warfare. This report provides a comprehensive overview of 45 Commando, including its history, organization, weaponry, tactics, positions of power, and notable actions.

History: Established during World War II in 1943, 45 Commando has a proud heritage of serving in various theaters of operation around the world. Initially formed for amphibious raids and operations against Axis forces, the commando unit has evolved into a specialized force adept at operating in challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions.

Throughout its history, 45 Commando has been deployed to numerous conflict zones and operational environments, including the Arctic, Falkland Islands, Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan. It has earned a reputation for its resilience, adaptability, and effectiveness in extreme environments, contributing significantly to the success of British military operations.

Organization: 45 Commando is organized into specialized companies, each tailored for specific roles and missions:

1. Alpha Company: Specializes in close combat and offensive operations, including mountain and cold-weather warfare, amphibious assaults, and direct action missions.

2. Bravo Company: Provides fire support and maneuver capabilities, incorporating heavy weapons and support elements to enhance the commando's combat effectiveness.

3. Charlie Company: Focuses on reconnaissance and surveillance operations, utilizing stealth and agility to gather intelligence in remote and hostile environments.

4. Delta Company: Supports the commando with vital combat support functions, including engineering, signals, and logistics, ensuring operational sustainability in austere conditions.

Each company within 45 Commando is led by experienced officers and non-commissioned officers, responsible for training, readiness, and operational deployment of their respective units.

Weapons: 45 Commando is equipped with a range of specialized weaponry suited for mountain and cold-weather warfare, including:

1. SA80A2 Assault Rifle: Standard-issue rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, adapted for use in extreme temperatures and rugged terrain.

2. FN Minimi Light Machine Gun (LMG): Provides sustained fire support and suppressive fire capabilities, crucial for maintaining fire superiority in mountainous environments.

3. M224 60mm Mortar: Lightweight mortar system used for indirect fire support, capable of engaging enemy positions at extended ranges with precision.

4. Browning Hi-Power Pistol: Standard sidearm for Royal Marines, reliable and durable in adverse conditions, serving as a backup weapon for close-quarters combat.

5. Browning M2 Heavy Machine Gun: Employed for engaging enemy vehicles and fortified positions, mounted on vehicles or emplaced in defensive positions.

Tactics: 45 Commando employs specialized tactics to excel in mountain and cold-weather warfare:

1. Mountain Warfare: Leveraging their expertise in mountain operations, the commando conducts stealthy approaches, vertical assaults, and ambushes in rugged terrain, exploiting natural cover and terrain features to gain tactical advantage.

2. Cold-Weather Operations: Trained to operate in sub-zero temperatures and harsh winter conditions, the commando utilizes specialized equipment and techniques to maintain mobility, survivability, and combat effectiveness in Arctic environments.

3. Small Unit Tactics: Emphasizing agility and flexibility, 45 Commando utilizes small unit tactics to outmaneuver and outsmart adversaries, employing hit-and-run tactics, flanking maneuvers, and rapid infiltration/exfiltration techniques.

4. Patrolling and Reconnaissance: Skilled in reconnaissance and surveillance, the commando conducts stealthy patrols and observation posts to gather intelligence, monitor enemy movements, and deny the adversary the element of surprise.

5. Vertical Envelopment: Utilizing helicopters and aircraft, 45 Commando conducts vertical envelopment operations to insert forces behind enemy lines, disrupting enemy communications and supply lines, and seizing key objectives.

Positions of Power: Key positions within 45 Commando include:

1. Commanding Officer (CO): Provides overall leadership and direction to the unit, responsible for strategic planning, training, and operational readiness.

2. Second-in-Command (2IC): Assists the CO in the management and administration of the commando, assuming command in the CO's absence.

3. Company Commanders: Lead the individual companies within 45 Commando, overseeing their training, operations, and welfare.

4. Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs): Provide essential leadership and guidance to junior Marines, ensuring cohesion, discipline, and morale within the unit.

Notable Actions: 45 Commando has participated in several notable actions and operations, including:

1. Operation Corporate (Falklands War, 1982): Deployed to the Falkland Islands, where the commando played a critical role in securing key objectives and repelling Argentine forces, contributing to the successful recapture of the territory by British forces.

2. Operation Telic (Iraq, 2003-2009): Conducted multiple deployments to Iraq in support of coalition forces, engaging insurgents and providing security and stabilization efforts in the region.

3. Operation Herrick (Afghanistan, 2006-2014): Deployed to Afghanistan as part of NATO-led counter-insurgency operations, conducting patrols, reconnaissance missions, and combat engagements against Taliban forces.

4. Arctic Warfare Training: Regularly conducts Arctic warfare training exercises in Norway and other cold-weather environments, enhancing its readiness and proficiency in extreme conditions.

These actions demonstrate 45 Commando's commitment to excellence, professionalism, and operational effectiveness in challenging and demanding environments.

Conclusion: In conclusion, 45 Commando Royal Marines stands as a highly specialized and adaptable unit within the Royal Marine Commandos, renowned for its proficiency in mountain and cold-weather warfare. Through its distinguished history, advanced training, and effective utilization of weapons and tactics, the commando remains a formidable force capable of operating and succeeding in the most challenging and hostile environments.

- Noel Hands

Gosport RM