3 Commando Brigade

3 Commando Brigade
Unit name	3 Commando Brigade
Caption	Insignia of 3 Commando Brigade
Dates	1940–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	United Kingdom (1940–present), United Kingdom (1996–present)
Type	Commando Brigade
Role	Amphibious and Arctic operations
Size	Brigade
Command structure	Royal Marines, Commando Forces
Garrison	Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth
Nickname	3 Cdo Bde RM
Battles	Second World War, Falklands War, War in Afghanistan, Iraq War
Notable commanders	Sir Robert Laycock, Sir Julian Thompson

3 Commando Brigade is a Royal Marines Brigade and the principal amphibious formation of the British Armed Forces. Part of the Commando Forces and a core element of the United Kingdom's 3rd Division, it is trained for rapid worldwide deployment and specializes in operations in extreme environments, including the Arctic and mountain warfare. The brigade is headquartered at Stonehouse Barracks in Plymouth and maintains a high state of readiness as the lead element of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force.

History

The brigade traces its origins to the Second World War, initially formed as part of the British Commandos for raiding operations against Axis forces. It saw extensive action in the European and Pacific theatres, including the Dieppe Raid, the Burma campaign, and landings in Normandy. Post-war, it was reconstituted within the Royal Marines and played a decisive role in the Falklands War, where its units fought key battles such as the landings at San Carlos and the Battle of Mount Longdon. Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, it has been continuously deployed on global operations, including major combat roles in the War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War, as well as providing humanitarian assistance following disasters like the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.

Organisation

The brigade is a flexible, combined-arms formation built around a core of three Royal Marines Commando units: 40 Commando, 42 Commando, and 45 Commando. It is augmented by integral supporting arms, including the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and the 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers. Essential combat support is provided by the Commando Logistic Regiment and specialist elements such as the UK Special Forces Support Group. The brigade also routinely operates alongside attached units from the British Army, such as the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers, and integrates with aviation assets from the Fleet Air Arm and the British Army Air Corps.

Operations

The brigade's operational history is defined by expeditionary and amphibious campaigns. Its defining modern engagement was the Falklands War, where it conducted the amphibious assault to recapture the islands. In the post-9/11 era, it deployed extensively to Helmand Province in Afghanistan and to Basra in Iraq. It maintains a persistent global presence through standing commitments such as providing the Lead Commando Group for rapid response and conducting cold-weather training exercises in Norway as part of NATO's defence plans. The brigade also regularly participates in multinational exercises like Exercise Cold Response and Joint Warrior.

Training

All personnel undergo the demanding Commando Course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, earning the coveted Green Beret. Subsequent specialist training is conducted in Arctic warfare at the Royal Marines Norway facility in Bardufoss, and in mountain warfare and climbing with the Mountain Leader Training Cadre. The brigade's training regimen emphasizes live-fire combined arms exercises, helicopter-borne air assault operations with the Joint Helicopter Command, and advanced amphibious drills with the Royal Navy's Albion-class ships.

Equipment

The brigade utilizes a mix of specialized vehicles and weaponry suited for light, mobile operations. Its primary infantry weapon is the L85A2 assault rifle, supported by the L7A2 general purpose machine gun. For mobility, it employs the BV206 tracked all-terrain vehicle and the Land Rover for Arctic and temperate environments respectively. Fire support is provided by the L118 light gun and the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile. The brigade is integrated with the Wildcat and Apache attack helicopters of the Joint Helicopter Command and deploys from the Royal Navy's amphibious warfare ships.

Commanders

Notable past commanders include Sir Robert Laycock, who led the brigade during the Second World War, and Major General Julian Thompson, who commanded it during the Falklands War. More recent commanders have been senior Royal Marines officers of Brigadier rank, such as Brigadier Jim Morris and Brigadier Matt Pierson, who have led the formation through its complex deployments in Afghanistan and modernisation programmes. The commander is typically a Royal Marines officer with extensive operational experience.

Category:Royal Marines Category:Commando units and formations of the United Kingdom Category:Military units and formations established in 1940