Brigade Reconnaissance Force (Brigade Patrol TRoop)

Heavily armed BRF WMIK Land Rover patrols seek out and engage the Taliban in Afghanistan 2006/2007.

A special reconnaissance unit within 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, Brigade Patrol Troop (BPT) will insert ahead of an amphibious landing or other RM operation to gather intelligence on the surrounding area.

This relatively new unit takes over the reconnaissance role previously performed by the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre, a Royal Marines special forces unit. The Cadre trained the rest of the Marines in all aspects of mountain climbing and arctic warfare, a role now performed by the Mountain Leaders. Those qualified as mountain leaders often serve in the BPT.

The BPT will often deploy alongside other specialized units, forming the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF). These units include Fire Support Teams (29 Commando RA), Engineers (24 Commando RE) and electronic warfare specialists (Y Squadron). The BRF may also include recce elements from Army units that are also deployed in the same theatre.

In late 2006, 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, deployed to Afghanistan where BRF patrols came into regular contact with Taliban forces.

The Marines of the Brigade Patrol Troop are comparable in role and proficiency to the Para's Pathfinder Platoon and whilst not technically special forces, are certainly an elite within an elite. In addition to full Royal Marines training, the Marines of the BPT are also parachute trained.

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