3 Commando Brigade

3 Commando Brigade consists of 3 battalion sized 'Commandos' :

• 40 Commando
  (based at Norton Manor Barracks, Taunton, Somerset)
  
  
• 42 Commando
  (based at Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth, Devon)
  
  
• 45 Commando
  (based at Condor Barracks, Arbroath, Angus, Scotland)

Total number of fighting men is around 4800.

Other elements include:

• Commando Logistic Regiment
  
  
• 539 Assault Squadron, Royal Marines (539 ASRM)
  
  
• Command Support Group (CSG), which deploys as 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, comprises:
  
  
  • CSG Headquarters Troop
  • Communications Squadron
  • Two HQ Satcomm Troops
  • Support Squadron
  • Brigade Patrol Troop
  • Y Squadron
    (Electronic Warfare specialists)
  • Air Defence Troop
  • Tactical Air Control Parties
  • Police Troop
  • Logistics Squadron
  • Motor Transport Troop
  • Catering Troop
  • Stores Troop
  • Equipment Support Troop
    
    
• Armoured Support Group (ASG)

Command Helicopter Force

Sea King and Lynx helicopter support is provided by the Commando Helicopter Force

Attached Army Units

3 Commando Brigade includes elements from the British Army. Most of these men go through extensive Commando training which enables them to operate alongside the Royal Marines.

• 1st Battalion, The Rifles (1 Rifles)
  
  
• 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery
  
  
• 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers

With the addition of the attached Army units, 3 Commando Brigade can operate as a self-contained expeditionary force.

Amphibious Task Group

The Amphibious Task Group (ATG) (formerly the Amphibious Ready Group) is a fast reaction force made up of various 3 Commando Brigade elements. Each of the 3 Commandos (40,42 and 45) take turns in the role of Spearhead Lead Commando, forming the ATG's landing force. The ATG is usually deployed from the carrier HMS Ocean but may also operate from Landing Platform Docks such as HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark.

The ATG is on standby to deploy in respond to a crisis anywhere in the world.

3 Commando Brigade carry out amphibious operations from HMS Ocean, HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark (pictured here) as well as various auxiliary landing ships such as RFA Mount's Bay.

photo: US DoD

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