The following article is taken from the latest issue of the Globe & Laurel magazine.
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In September, X Coy deployed to Slovenia for Ex Triglav Star 24, along with ten select units from NATO nations. For the exercise, UKCF were the designated Advanced Force for the other NATO nations – recognition of our long-standing history of mountain warfare. As the Commando Force focuses as a special operations force, particularly in environments where our skillset is unique in UK Defence, this is a role we must ensure we are credibly able to undertake.
Mountain environments cover 24% of the Earth’s landmass. They are generally rich in natural resources, provide a large proportion of water supplies (50% globally) and form natural and often contested barriers between peoples and nations. For the military professional the advantages and risks of operating in the mountains are obvious. If you get it right, mountains canalise movement (where it is possible at all), extend the reach of observation and fires and create natural defensible positions. Get it wrong, and you find yourself at the bottom of a valley on an exposed feature and at the mercy of the enemy and elements. To fight and win requires dedicated troops and skills.
45 Cdo have been developing these skills for the past year. Ex Green Dagger in October 2023, developed the most highly trained mountain warfare force in Defence. Ex Triglav Star was X Coy’s opportunity to continue this.
Over the course of the exercise, we focused on refreshing specialist individual and team skills before exploring their best tactical applications. Mountain Leaders (MLs) delivered the core mobility skills essential for moving forces and their equipment, including river crossings, Vertical Assaults and utilising fixed lines. Specifics of medical care and communication in the mountains were also exercised and incorporated into tactical actions.
Operating in mountainous environments presents immense challenges for individual combatants, with difficulties in movement, communication, medical support and sustainment intensifying as unit sizes grow. Working in small, autonomous teams under clear direction went some way to mitigate these factors, though challenges in sustainment, medical evacuation and command and control persisted, particularly as weather conditions deteriorated.
It became increasingly clear that flexibility in planning and adaptability in execution is essential for tactical success. Time and resource demands to achieve effects are highly variable, therefore subordinate formations must be equipped for changes in mission, both conceptually and physically. These experiences aligned with lessons from historical conflicts. The skirmish at Top Malo House during the Falklands Conflict highlights the significant impact a trained advance force can have through adaptability. When the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre Tp identified Argentine SF positions threatening the main force’s advance on Mount Harriet, they shifted from reconnaissance to assault, effectively neutralising the threat despite limited offensive support. Operation Paraquet during the recapture of South Georgia and the challenges faced by a SAS Tp on Fortuna Glacier emphasises how weather and terrain can disproportionately affect operations…………………………..
To find out more about 45 Cdo RM and further RM activities across the globe, catch up regularly with all the news in the Globe & Laurel Magazine, the Journal of the Royal Marines.
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Globe & Laurel – RMA – The Royal Marines Charity (rma-trmc.org)
