40 Commando Deploy to Afghanistan
25.09.2007
It was announced today that 40 Commando, Royal Marines will be deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Elements of the Taunton-based unit have been deployed to the region before but this is the first time it has done so in full-strength.
The Royal Marines of 40 CDO have gone through a lengthy and intense work up for the deployment, including CQB (Close Quarters Battle) training, language skills and counter-insurgency training.
An advance unit of some 160 Royal Marines from Bravo Company, 40 CDO are deploying first in order to prepare the way for the main force which will follow over the next 2 weeks.
Once deployed, the Royal Marines will be part of 52 Infantry Brigade. Their role is to provide security in the region of Sangin valley, a task that includes both battling Taliban insurgents and winning the support of the local population.
Further reading:
read the UK MOD press release on 40 CDO's deployment
