24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers

Formed in April 2008, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment is a unit of the British Army's Royal Engineers which supports 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. Expeditionary in nature, this elite fighting force is optimised as an Amphibious formation, with the unique ability to rapidly deploy around the World and project force without reliance on ports or airfields. The regiment is one of three British Army units attached to 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, the others being 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and 1st Battalion, The Rifles.

Location and Role

Based in Chivenor, North Devon, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment is required to conduct operations across the spectrum of conflict in support of 3 Commando Brigade, meaning that each members must be trained in amphibious assaults, as well as know how to operate; in the jungle, across deserts, over mountainous terrain and under arctic conditions.

According to the British Army's website the manning of 24 Commando Engineer Regiment will not occur overnight and Full Operational Capability being unlikely to be achieved before 2011. [24 Commando Engineer Regiment webpage http://www.army.mod.uk/royalengineers/role/835.aspx]

Organisation

With an establishment of 543 Officers and Soldiers the regiment comprises 3 Squadrons:

- 54 Commando Headquarters and Support Squadron,

- 56 Commando Field Squadron

- 59 Commando Field Squadron

The Commando Course

All individuals who volunteer to join the regiment have the opportunity to complete the 9 week All Arms Commando Course, after receiving pre-course coaching to develop their strength and endurance. Progressive in nature, this pre-course conditioning package focuses upon developing the individual to undertake the arduous activities of the Commando course. The "train-in" not "select-out" ethos of the course, provides the individual with the best chance of success.

The Green Beret

The coveted Green Beret, the distinctive hallmark of Commando trained troops, is worn by the regiment, recognising those who have completed the gruelling and physically demanding tests of endurance, whilst displaying the Commando spirit. On passing the Commando course, other ranks (ORs) wear the Commando Green Beret with a blackened Royal Engineers cap badge, whilst officers wear the officers' flaming grenade cap badge with a green base material, sewn onto the Commando Green Beret.

Other Uniform Emblems

Both officers and ORs wear the Commando Dagger badge (a small red dagger on a dark blue background) on the upper left sleeve of both shirt and combat jacket, and the Royal Engineers stable belt is differentiated by a Commando Dagger emblem on the clasp. Additionally, the 3 Commando Brigade RM 'flash' is worn on the right arm of shirt and combat jacket - a black Commando Dagger on an olive green square. 'Army Commando' shoulder titles are also worn at the top of each sleeve when issued.

Pre-Existing Units

Prior to the formation of the regiment both 59 Independent Commando Squadron and 131 Independent Commando Squadron (Volunteers) provided support to 3 Commando Brigade.

59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers

59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers is the commando-trained, regular, unit of the Corps. Soldiers are drawn from the regular units of the British Army's Corps of Royal Engineers. The Squadron formed the core of 24 Commando Regiment and is currently based at Barnstaple (RMB Chivenor).

131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers (Volunteers)

131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers(V) is the Territorial Army unit affiliated to 24 Commando Engineer Regiment.

Since 1978 the unit has been on the order of battle of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, providing combat engineer support to the Brigade. This role has seen the Squadron exercise worldwide, often sending small sub-units or individual soldiers to support the Brigade wherever it is training.

ee also

*British Army
*Royal Engineers
*3 Commando Brigade

External links

* [http://www.remuseum.org.uk/rem_his_engineer.htm#cdo Royal Engineers Museum] - Military Engineering Histories (Commando)