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Royal Marines Reservists get ready for operations with training in Wales
19 October 2026
Royal Marines Reservists have strengthened their operational readiness during a two-week tactical exercise in Wales, testing their skills under simulated battlefield conditions.
Using the Commando Force’s latest weapons, tactics and equipment, Exercise Campbell Hardy developed individual, team and leadership skills.
The first week focussed on specialist-to-arm training before reservists brought together those skills together in a demanding field training exercise during the second week.
During the first week, reservists conducted surveillance and reconnaissance training in urban and rural environments. They trained with SIG MCX rifles and used MPU5 radios alongside a Battlefield Management System to improve communications and situational awareness.
The programme also covered drone integration and the establishment and operation of observation posts.
Developing the leadership skills of potential Junior NCOs was a key focus, supported by tactical command training delivered by staff from CTCRM. The training strengthened their ability to assess changing situations, set priorities, issue clear orders and maintain control of a team under pressure.
Through planning exercises, tactical decision-making and practical command appointments, potential leaders were encouraged to communicate intent confidently, adapt plans as new information emerged and take responsibility for the safety and effectiveness of those under their command.
Reservists also completed Tactical Combat Casualty Care for All Service Members – a new service-wide competency. Training was delivered by a reservist medic from 335 Medical Evacuation Regiment, supported by US Navy corpsmen and a Royal Marines reservist who works as a civilian paramedic.
This highlighted one of the key strengths of the Reserve Force: the wide range of professional skills that its personnel to bring to training and operations.
A realistic training mannequin supplied by 40 Commando simulated injuries and blood flow, giving personnel valuable hands-on experience in casualty care where every second counts.
Exercise Campbell Hardy 26 gives our reservists the opportunity to turn individual training into practical experience in a demanding and realistic environment.
In the second week, reservists applied their specialist-to-arm training against personnel from the Royal Naval Reserve General Warfare Branch, who acted as the opposing force.
Teams drew on their surveillance and reconnaissance skills to establish observation posts and build an intelligence picture of the opposing force.
That intelligence informed the planning and execution of a deliberate attack, culminating in an assault on an enemy-held fortress. The final assault required personnel to move from rural ground into an urban area, coordinating my MPU5 radio and employing weapons ranging from the SIG MCX rifle to the general-purpose machine gun, supported by using smoke and simulated fragmentation grenades.
The scenario gave potential corporals the opportunity to demonstrate command, decision-making and clear communication while leading teams of between four and 13 Royal Marines. Operating independently and at distance under pressure of a simulated battlefield, they developed, briefed and implemented the final plan, translating tactical command training into practical leadership experience.
Warrant Officer 2 Lynskey said: “Exercise Campbell Hardy 26 gives our reservists the opportunity to turn individual training into practical experience in a demanding and realistic environment.
“It tests their judgement, communication and resilience, while giving emerging leaders the confidence to make decisions and command teams under pressure. Working with the latest equipment and alongside personnel from across the armed forces ensures they return to their units better prepared to support the UK Commando Force.”
Alongside the intensive military training exercise, the reservists completed an adventurous training ascent of Pen y Fan, testing their fitness, resilience and teamwork in challenging terrain.
Exercise Campbell Hardy forms part of the wider commitment to ensure Royal Marine Reservists remain ready to support operations alongside the wider Commando Force whenever required.