Royal Marines

Royal Marines
Unit name	Royal Marines
Caption	The Corps' emblem
Dates	1664–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Commando force
Role	Amphibious warfare, expeditionary operations, special operations
Size	c. 6,000 personnel
Garrison	Plymouth, Portsmouth
Nickname	The Corps
Motto	"Per Mare Per Terram"
Anniversaries	28 March (Formation)

Royal Marines The Royal Marines are an elite amphibious and expeditionary light infantry force of the United Kingdom's Royal Navy. Formed in the 17th century, they have served in major conflicts including the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, both World Wars, the Falklands War, and operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. They specialize in amphibious assault, Arctic warfare, mountain warfare, and counter-terrorism, operating alongside units such as 3 Commando Brigade, the Special Boat Service, and allied forces from United States Marine Corps and French Navy Commandos Marines.

History

Raised in 1664 as the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot, the Corps served during the Anglo-Dutch Wars and on board ships in the age of sail. During the Napoleonic Wars marines took part in coastal raids, ship-to-ship actions, and the Walcheren Campaign. The 19th century saw deployment to the Crimean War and colonial campaigns including the Indian Rebellion of 1857. In World War I marines fought in the Gallipoli Campaign and on the Western Front; in World War II they formed specialised commando units that contributed to raids such as Operation Archery and the Normandy landings in Operation Overlord. Postwar restructuring created units organized for rapid amphibious deployment, culminating in the modern formation of 3 Commando Brigade and collaboration with NATO during the Cold War and expeditionary operations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Organisation and structure

The Corps is organized primarily within 3 Commando Brigade, which contains infantry battalions designated as commandos, artillery, engineer and logistic elements. Key subordinate units include 40 Commando, 42 Commando, 45 Commando, and 47 Commando (Raiding Group), plus 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, and supporting formations such as 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and 24 Commando Royal Engineers. The Royal Marines maintain bases at Stonehouse Barracks, RM Condor, and training centres at Lympstone Commando and Arbroath. Command relationships link to Headquarters UK Permanent Joint Headquarters and amphibious platforms such as the HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.

Roles and capabilities

Primary roles include amphibious assault, littoral strike, maritime interdiction, and expeditionary force projection. Capabilities extend to Arctic warfare, demonstrated in exercises with the Norwegian Armed Forces, mountain warfare alongside units such as the Swiss Armed Forces in training exchanges, and special operations interoperability with the Special Air Service and the United States Navy SEALs. They provide embarked forces for the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier strike group, conduct maritime boarding using rigid-hulled inflatable boats, and perform reconnaissance and intelligence tasks in coordination with the Defence Intelligence Staff.

Training and selection

Candidates undergo an arduous selection course culminating in the Commando Course at Lympstone Commando, which includes endurance marches such as the 30-mile march over Dartmoor, amphibious confidence tests, and the famous syndicate tests on Woodbury Common and indoor berg. Officer recruits pass through Britannia Royal Naval College before commando training; other specialists attend courses with the Army Training Centre and international exchanges with the US Marine Corps' schools. Reserve marines complete commando training adapted to part-time service and integrate with regular units for exercises.

Equipment and uniforms

Infantry equipment comprises small arms such as the L85A2 rifle, support weapons including the L7 machine gun and anti-tank systems like the NLAW, while vehicles include the All-Terrain Vehicle family and Viking armoured vehicles embarked in amphibious ships. Artillery support is provided by 29 Commando Regiment using the L118 Light Gun. Uniforms feature the green beret, earned on passing the Commando Course, combat dress compatible with shipboard and mountain operations, and ceremonial dress for parades at venues such as Horse Guards Parade. Insignia include the globe and laurels badge derived from historical devices and the cap badge shared with the Royal Navy.

Operations and deployments

The Corps has a long record of expeditionary operations: 19th-century colonial engagements, the amphibious operations of World War II including Dieppe Raid and D-Day landings, the rapid deployment to the Falklands War in 1982 including actions at Guernica Mount and the Battle of Mount Harriet, and recent contributions to Operation Herrick in Afghanistan and Operation Telic in Iraq. They undertake humanitarian assistance and evacuation operations such as those in Sierra Leone and multinational exercises under NATO auspices in the Baltic and Mediterranean.

Traditions and honours

Traditions include the green beret, the Corps' motto "Per Mare Per Terram", and ceremonial events such as the Beating Retreat and anniversaries on 28 March commemorating the 1664 formation. Battle honours span engagements inscribed from the Peninsular War to contemporary conflicts; individuals have received decorations including the Victoria Cross, George Cross, and Military Cross for actions in both world wars and modern campaigns. Alliances exist with foreign units like the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps; regimental music and marches link to historic naval bands and commemorative memorials are sited at Plymouth Naval Memorial and other locations.

Category:British military units and formations