Specialist Royal Marines have carried out covert reconnaissance missions in the fjords of northern Norway as part of preparations for a major NATO Arctic exercise.
The operations were conducted by the Shore Reconnaissance Troop (SRT) from the Commando Force Boat Operators branch, a unit trained to discreetly survey complex coastal environments and identify suitable landing sites for larger amphibious forces, according to the Royal Navy.
These missions form part of what is known as advance force operations, where small specialist teams deploy ahead of the main force to prepare the ground for follow-on troops. This can include assessing beaches, identifying potential threats and helping establish positions that allow larger units to land and operate effectively. “As an advance force, this winter training ensures SRT are capable of projecting combat power from the sea, securing beachheads, and establishing critical footholds in austere or contested environments, providing follow-on forces with a decisive tactical advantage,” said the officer commanding the Shore Reconnaissance Troop.
The commandos have spent around three months training in Arctic conditions, preparing for operations in extreme cold and difficult terrain. Their work forms part of NATO’s Cold Response 26 exercise, expected to involve around 25,000 troops from 14 nations between 9 and 19 March as the alliance increases its presence in the High North.
Operating in the region requires specialist skills and equipment. SRT teams use small craft to reach target areas before entering the water to conduct detailed coastal reconnaissance, sometimes swimming in near-freezing conditions while carrying weapons and equipment. “Swimming in near-freezing water builds cold-weather resilience, strengthens mental toughness, and conditions operators to manage cold shock, restricted mobility, and heavy equipment whilst maintaining operational focus,” the troop’s officer commanding said.
The unit is part of the Surveillance Reconnaissance Squadron within 30 Commando IX Group Royal Marines. Personnel must first qualify as Commando Force Boat Operators before completing a demanding reconnaissance operators course designed to prepare them for covert surveillance and intelligence gathering missions behind enemy lines.
Larger amphibious forces would be minimal.
The bulk of the RM formations are now committed to Norway minus most of their their ships, which are either sold, rusting in Devonport, or being towed to Turkey.
I’m curious how they landed? I’d read that the 3 remaining Bays are tied up due to budget pressures, and their RIBS didn’t merrily travel across the North Sea?
Ironic also, that they still exist, given that all we hear is that its all obsolete and we don’t need to land forces anymore.
Yet, the RM are still training advanced forces to enable such.
Well I never!
Bit like Para,s ain’t it?there but hardly used!
As an advance force, this winter training ensures SRT are capable of projecting combat power from the sea, securing beachheads, and establishing critical footholds in austere or contested environments, providing follow-on forces with a decisive tactical advantage,” said the officer commanding the Shore Reconnaissance Troop.
Why do we need to any of this when beach landings are now apparently deemed impossible because someone might actually fight back. Anyway this RM officer is certainly not following HM Treasuries amphibious doctrine and is definitely not on message.
Not sure I agree. The RM haven’t given up on landing, just doing it at small scale and not persistantly.
Along with Pathfinder Ptn they are serious guys & well respected!