U.S. and Royal Marines sharpen skills to guard nukes

Royal Marines from the UK’s 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group have honed their specialised skills alongside their United States Marine Corps (USMC) counterparts in a joint exercise aimed at safeguarding their respective nations’ nuclear deterrents, according to a press release.

The annual training exercise, Tartan Eagle, reinforces the expertise required to protect the Vanguard-class submarines of the UK and their U.S. Navy equivalents.

The marines of 43 Commando are based at Clyde Naval Base in Scotland, home to the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent, and maintain round-the-clock readiness to prevent unauthorised access to these critical assets. Their mission demands proficiency in close-quarters combat and other tactical skills vital for operations in confined environments.

Strengthening Alliances and Tactics

Tartan Eagle, conducted in two phases, fosters collaboration between 43 Commando and the USMC Security Force Regiment, which protects the U.S. Navy’s deterrence submarines based at Kings Bay, Georgia, and Bangor, Washington. The first phase sees British Royal Marines training in the United States during the summer, while the autumn leg takes place at Clyde Naval Base and the Northumbria Range complex.

“This is a really important exercise for both us and the United States Marine Corps with a view to developing mission-specific tactics,” said Major Jon Attrill of 43 Commando. “My role is to ensure the training is effective, proficient, and suitable to both Royal Marines and the United States Marine Corps.”

Captain Anthony Rossi of the USMC’s Recapture Tactics Platoon echoed the sentiment: “In the States, we have the same mission as 43 Commando, so when we do Tartan Eagle, we learn each other’s tactics and look at how we modify them. It’s a great exercise which allows us to bond with the 43 Commandos, so we can see our differences and similarities.”

Rigorous Training for a Critical Mission

The recent training focused on refining close-quarters battle tactics during the first week, followed by live exercises emphasising precision execution and weapon handling. The marines trained with short-barrelled rifles tailored for operations aboard submarines and in urban settings, enhancing their readiness for their high-stakes mission.

Tartan Eagle refines our tactics to make sure we’re as mission-ready as possible, added Captain Rossi.

The collaboration aims to ensure both forces are fully prepared to secure their nations’ nuclear assets against potential threats. Next year’s iteration of Tartan Eagle will include additional instructor exchanges and a new Closed-Quarters Battle course to deepen the integration of the two forces.

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