Arbroath Marines head to States for amphibious exercise

Royal Marines from Arbroath-based 45 Commando have jetted across the Atlantic to take part in a massive, multinational military exercise.

Exercise Bold Alligator is being held in the US state of North Carolina and will feature troops from the US Marine Corps, Norway, France, Canada, Brazil and Mexico.

Some 650 Royal Marines from 45 Commando will also participate; spending the next six-weeks practising the combat capabilities which make them some of the most feared and respected troops in the world.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to hone our amphibious skills in a fast-paced and complex scenario with our closest international partners,” said Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Forbes, the Commanding Officer of 45 Commando.

“The ability to launch from the sea at a time and place of our choosing is still unique to the Royal Marine Commandos. From amphibious operations to disaster relief, the Royal Marines are able to fulfil a wide variety of roles, as we’ve seen in the Caribbean over the last few weeks.”

During the exercise the Arbroath marines will practise high intensity amphibious operations and urban warfare alongside international colleagues.

Hosted by the US, Bold Alligator has been held annually since 2011, providing troops with an opportunity to exercise and showcase the capabilities of their maritime teams.

RM Condor in Arbroath is home to 45 Commando Royal Marines, part of 3 Commando Brigade. The site also houses 7 (Sphinx) Battery, part of 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, 2 Signals Squadron from 32 Signals Regiment and 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group Royal Military Police Detachment.

To become a Royal Marine you need to undergo one of the longest and most physically gruelling infantry training regimes in the world. Training takes 32 weeks for Marines, with Royal Marine officers undertaking 60 weeks.

Training ends with the infamous Commando Course, a 30-mile march across Dartmoor with equipment and rifle which needs to be completed in less than eight-hours. Those who are successful earn the right to wear the famous Green Beret.