New era begins as 3 Commando Brigade to be officially known as the UK Commando Force

The Commando Force transformation began in 2017 as all those serving in 3 Commando Brigade  – Marines, Army and Navy Commandos – modernised with new tactics and ways of operating, ready  for combat in the most demanding environments, while embracing cutting edge-technologies to meet the evolving challenge of warfare.

Since then, the Commando Force has introduced to their arsenal new crewed and uncrewed systems and vessels, including aerial and surface drones, while investing in weaponry to suit their missions, as well as surveillance, digital communications systems, and battlefield vehicles.

In a bold move away from existing structures and ways of operating, the Commando Force drew inspiration from their long history of delivering special operations to reorganise for new battlefields, environments, that now demand dispersal, disaggregation, greater reach, longer endurance, and self-sufficiency.

The 3 Commando Brigade name is synonymous from the early post-World War 2 era, the Falklands War in 1982, and subsequent conflicts in the Middle East. It will continue to remain a key part of the Royal Marines Commando history and will continue to inspire today’s Commando Force. The new name that has been phased in over a number of years better reflects this modern era.

His Majesty The King announced this official name change as four Royal Marines units – 40, 42, 43 and 45 Commando – were presented with new Colours as a historic ceremony at Windsor Castle.

“Whether in the heat, the cold, or something persistently wet in between, you have consistently demonstrated that there are no environments in which a Royal Marine cannot operate and win,” His Majesty said, addressing the parade gathered in The Quadrangle at Windsor.

“In this regard, I am particularly pleased to be able to announce today, as we mark the closure of one chapter, and the opening of another, with the presentation of your new colours, that 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines will henceforth be known as the United Kingdom Commando Force.”

General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Commandant General Royal Marines, said: “This is more than a name change — it reflects a decade of transformation.”

He continued: “Our Royal Marines have evolved from a very high readiness amphibious brigade into a modern, globally deployed Commando Force, designed to operate in the most demanding environments.