Royal Marines

Royal Marines
source
Unit name	Royal Marines
Dates	28 October 1664 – present
Country	Kingdom of England (1664–1707), Kingdom of Great Britain (1707–1800), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801–1922), United Kingdom (1922–present)
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Marine commandos and special forces
Role	Expeditionary and amphibious operations
Command structure	Naval Service
Garrison	Commando Training Centre Royal Marines
Nickname	The Royals, The Commandos, Bootnecks
Motto	Per Mare, Per Terram (By Sea, By Land)
March	Quick: "A Life on the Ocean Wave", Slow: "Preobrajensky"
Anniversaries	28 October (Founding Day)

Royal Marines. The Royal Marines are the United Kingdom's amphibious light infantry and a core component of the Naval Service. Operating under the command of the Royal Navy, they are trained for rapid worldwide deployment and are experts in arctic, mountain, and desert environments. Their history stretches from the Dutch Wars of the 17th century to contemporary operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

History

The corps traces its origins to the formation of the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot in 1664 during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, they served as ship-borne infantry in numerous naval engagements, including the Battle of Trafalgar and the War of 1812. The 20th century saw a major evolution with their transformation into a commando force during the Second World War, conducting famous raids such as the St Nazaire Raid and the Dieppe Raid. Post-war, they were heavily involved in conflicts including the Korean War, the Falklands War, and more recent campaigns in the Balkans.

Organisation

The operational force is centred on 3 Commando Brigade, which comprises several commando units. These include 40 Commando, 42 Commando, and 45 Commando, each with specialised roles. The brigade also integrates supporting units from the British Army such as the Royal Artillery and the Royal Engineers. Key specialist elements within the corps are the Special Boat Service, an elite special forces unit, and the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, responsible for guarding key naval assets. The headquarters is located at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth.

Roles and capabilities

Their primary role is to conduct amphibious and expeditionary warfare, securing beachheads and conducting raids from the sea. They are the UK's experts in cold-weather warfare, with 45 Commando forming the core of the Arctic warfare capability. Other specialist roles include providing boarding parties for the Royal Navy, contributing to the Special Forces support group, and conducting maritime counter-terrorism. They frequently deploy as part of the Joint Expeditionary Force and on NATO exercises.

Training

All recruits undergo the demanding 32-week course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon. The culmination is the infamous Commando tests, which include a timed endurance course, a Tarzan assault course, and the gruelling 30-mile march across Dartmoor. Officers train separately at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth before joining their troops. Further specialist training is conducted for mountain leaders, reconnaissance operatives, and snipers.

Equipment

They utilise a range of infantry weapons, including the L85A2 assault rifle, the L7A2 general purpose machine gun, and the L129A1 sharpshooter rifle. For anti-armour roles, they employ the NLAW and Javelin missile systems. Mobility is provided by the BV206 Viking tracked vehicle for Arctic operations and the Land Rover for general use. Amphibious operations are supported by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and vessels like the HMS *Albion* and HMS *Mounts Bay*.

Traditions and insignia

The corps motto, Per Mare, Per Terram, is shared with the Special Air Service. The uniform features the distinctive globe and laurel cap badge, commemorating their global service. The ceremonial No. 1 Dress includes a blue tunic and peaked cap. The Royal Marines Band Service provides musical support, performing at state occasions like Trooping the Colour. Major ceremonial events include the annual Founding Day parade on 28 October.