3 Commando Brigade

3 Commando Brigade (3 Cdo Bde) is the UK's amphibious rapid reaction force.

3 Commando Brigade consists of 3 battalion sized units :

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)

The Amphibious Ready Group is a fast reaction force of one of the above Commando unit, usually deployed from the carrier HMS Ocean.

Total number of fighting men is around 4800.

Other elements include:

Commando Logistic Regiment,

539 Assault Squadron, Royal Marines (539 ASRM)

• CSG Headquarters Troop
• Communications Squadron
• Two HQ Satcomm Troops
• Brigade Staff Squadron
• Support Squadron
• Brigade Patrol Troop
• Y Troop
  (Electronic Warfare specialists)
• Air Defence Troop
• Tactical Air Control Parties
• Police Troop
• Logistics Squadron
• Motor Transport Troop
• Catering Troop
• Stores Troop
• Equipment Support Troop

Helicopter support is provided by the Commando Helicopter Force

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

• 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery
• 24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers:
• 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers
• 131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers (Territorial)
• Troop of 49 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
• Elements of 516 Specialist Team Royal Engineers

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

From April 2008, 3 Cdo Bde will be augmented by 1 RIFLES, a newly-formed Army battalion that merges the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry (DDLI) and the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry (RGBWLI).