Royal Marines and Dutch forces participated in a joint exercise on a frozen lake in the Arctic Circle, as part of large-scale NATO training manoeuvres.
The Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron (SRS) of the 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group focused on improving their specialised commando abilities during the intensive training, which included 20,000 troops in Northern Norway.
The SRS personnel, who serve as the intelligence-gathering unit of the UK’s Commando Force, performed a parachute jump from a Dutch C-130 Hercules aircraft along with Dutch Marines.
This marked the 50th anniversary of the UK and Netherlands Amphibious Force. Their objective during the exercise was to simulate attacks on positions behind simulated enemy lines, thereby establishing a foothold for NATO forces participating in Exercise Joint Viking.
According to a press release:
“SRS are the sharpest point of the commando spear who are at the forefront of the UK’s expertise in Arctic warfare. They are highly trained to forge ahead of the main force to carry out covert missions or pave the way for larger forces to enter the area.”
Captain Lansley, officer in command of Recce Troop, 24 Commando Royal Engineers, was quoted as saying:
“As Commando Sappers we bring our specialist engineer capabilities to SRS. There are fewer activities that require more mutual trust than parachuting, so this is a great test of our interoperability with NATO partners. It is a privilege to work with the Dutch, parachuting with them has special significance for me as my grandfather participated in Operation Market Garden during the Second World War.”
Reminds me of “Firefox Down” and the SBS Troop DZ near the frozen lake.
Was a cracking film… the books were excellent too.
Firefox was, the sequel was never made into film. One that got away.
I’m sure you will enjoy this film on BBC player titled Mr Jones.
“A Welsh journalist breaks the news in the western media of the famine in Ukraine in the early 1930s.”
LINK
Looks interesting? Not heard of it.
Thats a really good film mate.
Agreed, we watched it last night. 👍
BBC iplayer sorry. worth watching.
I was thinking more Ice Station Zebra. Showing my age again.
Slightly off topic but George – I think it’s safe to say you have done more than enough to establish yourself as a credible defence journalist. Have you ever considered directly approaching Ben Wallace for an interview? He is an MP after all and is therefore (theoretically) accountable for defence-related decision making. If he declines so be it; if he accepts, its a win!
If I’ve missed one you’ve done already then my bad!
Cracking idea Gareth…no pressure George.😉
Ooh hit up the labour, snp and Lib Dem’s as well.
U could say I’ve got some random questions from my readers at the end. 😀😀😀
He is one of the better transient politicians but let’s be honest. They are not a difficult field to assail. If I had my way, Three years military service (including volunteer reserve) would be a mandatory requirement before being permitted to stand for election. Ten to fifteen years to be eligible for ministerial rank and twenty plus to be a party leader. That way we ensure politicians who at least should understand their primary role.
The kids who graduate university intent on a life long career in politics, would be banned for life!
Not certain re the specific gates for varying levels of office, but believe the general idea has significant merit. 🤔👍 Politicians, and Western societies in general, should have more contact w/ respective militaries. Believe fewer wars of choice would be initiated, if middle and upper class have ‘skin in the game.’ No more designated ‘bleeding class.’ One year (negotiable time frame) compulsory national service for males, followed by X yrs. reserve commitment. Voluntary service commitment for females. In order not to dilute professional military competence/esprit de corps, could be managed as largely/entirely separate organizations, which only train together by exception.… Read more »
It’s a good idea. I’ve been banging on about it for years to anyone that will listen. The country at large could do with an injection of military discipline, behavioural standards, ethics and national pride. The military should have a more central role in society. There are numerous ways to achieve the desired goal.
👍
Hi George, totally agree what you have said.
The Army Cadet Force definitely tries to install discipline, good behavioural standards and ethics and pride in their detachments, county, as well as nationally. We teach the cadets to be good citizens in their community, helping local charities as well as learning about Fieldcraft, First Aid, Skill at Arms, Shooting, Navigation, Drill, Physical Fitness and having a good diet, Leadership skills as well as Expedition skills. So all is not lost on some of our youngsters!
Cheers Clive. If I had my way, a uniformed services qualification would be part of the national curriculum. With a joint cadet detachment as a mandatory part of every school in the country. I do mean EVERY school, no uniformed service involvement equals no licence to open a school and teach kids. All of the things you mention would be on the syllabus. In the perfect world our military would be visibly involved in everyday life. With Armed Forces personnel attached to the emergency services and even the NHS. The old Jesuit maxim. “Give me the boy for the first… Read more »
I 100% agree.
And I also think with the PC nature of politics these days and the fuss even when a Brit flag appears there’s not a chance.
Oh things can change very quickly, especially following a period of chaos. Be it pandemic, war or some other vector leading to civil tensions.
In my lifetime I have seen political changes happen that I thought were impossible. The fall of the USSR, BREXIT etc etc. But it’s the very nature of “P Correctness” that will likely result in the next backlash. 40 years ago, would you have believed that flying a Union Jack would cause offence. Or that immigrant rape gangs acting on an industrial scale, would be ignored by the police, for fear of racist claims.
We had a RAF Army Cadet Det in our High School at least, but that was the 80s no idea about now. I remember an article on UKDJ about an army careers team visiting a school in Scotland and there was local outrage. I for one hope the changes you mention happen soon. But it seems they’re more likely to teach kids about white priveliege and the “evils of empire” than the stuff we’d appreciate. Oh, I’d also send all new MPs on a fortnight with the services to teach them what it means and that they’re a national asset… Read more »
I think it’s safe to assume we are on the same page. I would have military service as necessary prerequisite before standing for election. Three years for a backbencher, ten for ministerial posts. Party leader fifteen plus. It’s not a popular idea but that’s never stopped me before.
We are, on a great many things I’m sure. The silent majority as we are sometimes called, and I seethe at some of what I see.
Anyway, lets get back to military matters!
As an ex soldier I would not have been to pleased to be in a tank crew with a conscript that really did not want to be there. Falling asleep on stag and poor maintenance of equipment, if they can’t be bothered, risks all of the crew and the operation. The above applies to all of our nations forces. We may not have the best equipment anymore, but we do have the best people, let’s not start diluting that as well. I do however agree the nation could do with more discipline and national pride. Lessons best learnt at a… Read more »
I think we are roughly on the same page. The problem with expecting parents to kickstart the remedial process, is the family unit has deteriorated considerably over the past 50 years of my adult life. Single unmarried parents seems to be the norm these days. Kids have almost become a necessary evil to gain additional benefits! I’ve said before that in the perfect British society, the military ethos would be proudly taught in schools. Adding a uniformed services qualification to the national curriculum, would go a long way to correcting some of the marxism that has tainted our education system.… Read more »
Your a bit out of date mate. If you have conscription for any it must be male and female unless you want to be sued. there equal now a days! I believe they can serve in any unit that they can pass the tests. I however dont agree with watering those tests down. They must pass on their own merits.
I do like the idea of politicians having to have done a three year minimum.
Thanks, a very polite critique! Have been characterized at various times as a reactionary white, Anglo-Saxon Protestant (WASP) or a dinosaur, still roaming the earth! And those are the printable characterizations! 😁
You should hear what I’ve been called over the years. I’ve even had a T-shirt made from one of them. It goes very well with a MAGA hat. So I’m told by my son who lives on Long Island NY.
I always thought that the SBS was the forward eyes of the Royal Marines – going into occupied areas undercover to recce prior to any attack. When did the SBS stop doing that ??
As far as I know, they haven’t. The SBS are strategic troops, with that task amongst others.
The SRS (and within it the Brigade Patrol Troop ) support 3 Cdo Bde.
Likewise in the army, the SAS also have that role, one of many, yet 16 AA Brigade also has Pathfinder Platoon as their equivalent.
The wider army also have the HAC ( 1 Sqn specifically ), 4/73 Battery, 148 Battery. The Reserve SAS also had a similar role, while the SRR and JSG are a bit different.
Crikey, im surprised they can get the cold weather gear on and the straps done up with those massive balls they have
I took part in a few antipiracy operations and I remember thinking “war has moved to hot zones. Cold places are safe”.
Couldn’t have been more wrong.