The following article is taken from the latest issue of the Globe & Laurel magazine.
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In August 2023, the Nuclear Security Operators (NSOs) of Anzio Tp, P Sqn, were fortunate enough to be presented an opportunity to conduct training at the home of the USMC’s Tier 2 Special Operations Force, MARSOF. After months of planning, the inaugural Ex Trident Assault was about to become a reality. This CQB intensive exercise would upskill our NSOs in skills required to deliver FINAL DENIAL to CASD, whilst also forging a closer relationship with a key partner.
The lads’ first hurdle was to acclimatise to the intense heat and humidity of the east coast American summer. As always, the racing snakes adapted rapidly, but those with Gold’s Gym vests in their phys kit took longer. After a couple of days of enforced acclimatisation, which conveniently allowed the Tp to gain a robust understanding of their new AO, G4 took centre stage with kit, equipment and personal weapon issue. The Troop had no problems when it came to getting to grips with the host nation weapons as they are already highly competent with Glock pistols, as well as the M4, which is an almost identical AR platform to the Unit’s C8 Rifle.
Following the kit issue, the exercise quickly transitioned into one of the many 50m indoor ranges MARSOF had to offer. The lads progressed through a variety of rifle and pistol shoots, culminating in the Adv CQM Operator shoot, demonstrating their lethality with US weapon systems. On completion of the qualifying shoot, the first week was over and the lads were able to enjoy the weekend experiencing American culture.
Monday of week two saw us move into our first Urban Kill House. The lads again demonstrated their proficiency through several progressive serials with simunition prior to going live. As the days went by, we moved on to live rounds, building complexity by moving though individual, pairs, fire team and team clearances. Then the time came to bring together and demonstrate everything we had learned throughout the package. This was achieved through a 12-man clearance of an entire compound with live ammunition, a privilege not many young marines will have had the opportunity to do at such an early stage in their careers. This involved an incredible amount of concentration, tactical awareness, safety awareness and communication, as well as great leadership from our NCOs.
Taking down a building with live ammunition as a Strike team was not only an adrenaline rush and learning experience combined, but it was also an insight into what responding to a live incident as a Nuclear Security Operator would potentially feel like. The training benefit of conducting this type of activity is incomparable to any other we have had and will be an experience the lads will hold with them for the rest of their careers. The exercise was supposed to culminate in a Full Mission Profile Exercise in the USMC MOUT facility, with MARSOF Operators embedded in the Tp. Unfortunately, the weather took a downturn when Hurricane Idalia swept up the east coast of the US, stopping all training in the area. Luckily the weather did not put a stop to further cultural explorations, and the Tp had a great final weekend with their American hosts.
Despite the missed opportunity to work closely with MARSOF Operators on the ground, the young marines of Anzio Tp experienced a deployment that will be hard to beat. The Tp would like to thank all supporting staff and everyone that made the trip possible, especially the incredibly accommodating MARSOF Liaison Team. Hopefully the foundations have been set to enable further training opportunities, paving the way for a close operational partnership for years to come.
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For more information, and to read similar stories, visit:
Globe & Laurel – RMA – The Royal Marines Charity (rma-trmc.org)
