42 Commando
42 Commando (pronounced 'Four Two Commando') is a Maritime Operations Commando (MOC), specialising in maritime security operations and overseas training missions. 42 Commando is based at Bickleigh Barracks near Plymouth, Devon.
42 Commando Organisation
42 Commando was previously a unit of similar structure and role to 40 Commando and 45 Commando. In April 2017 it was announced that 42 Commando would be reorganised to specialise in maritime operations. [1] Under Project Sykes, the unit was radically restructured, including the intake of 120 personnel from S Squadron 43 Commando.
- Support Company
- Command elements
- Recce Troop
- Sniper Troop
- Signals Troop
- Mortar Troop
- Juliet Company (J Coy)
- Kilo Company (K Coy)
- Lima Company (L Coy)
- Mike Company (M Coy)
42 Commando Role
As 3 Commando Brigade's maritime operations specialists, 42 Commando's roles include:
Maritime Interdiction
J Coy (formerly S Squadron 43 Commando) provides boarding teams for various maritime interdiction operations (MIOPs) such as counter piracy and counter narcotics:-
Fleet Standby Rifle Troops
J Coy fields Fleet Standby Rifle Troops (FSRT). These troops specialise in fleet security and the boarding of ships.
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Fleet Contingency Troop
J Coy also fields the Fleet Contingency Troop (FCT) which deploys globally in support of maritime security / counter-piracy efforts and is trained to make opposed boardings of maritime objectives. FCT operators are drawn from experienced FSRT ranks.
read more : Fleet Contingency Troop
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Maritime Sniper Teams
These specialist Maritime Sniper Teams (MST) deploy on maritime security operations.
read more : Maritime Sniper Team
42 Commando boarding team headwear includes Team Wendy EXFIL Lightweight, Tactical, Polymer (LTP) bump helmets. These helmets feature rails for mounting accessories such as torches (as shown above). Eye protection comes in the form of Revision Sawfly ballistic glasses. Clothing includes MTP uniforms (as shown above). They may also wear black dry suits over their uniforms. Over their clothing goes MTP plate carriers, black load-carrying vests and blue inflatable life preservers.
The primary weapon is the L119A1 carbine (short-barrel CQB version), fitted with Trijicon ACOG scope and Shield red dot CQB sight. A torch and laser light module (LLM) may also be fitted. Standard secondary / backup weapon is the L131A1 (Glock 17 Gen 4) 9mm pistol.
Training Teams
Kilo Company fields short-term training teams (STTT) to train partner nations through so-called Support, Augment, Liaise and Train (SALT) operations.
Force Protection
Mike Company provides Ships Force Protection Teams which bolster security for Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary warships operating in high threat theatres.
Joint Personnel Recovery
Teams from Lima Company specialise in Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR). Elements from L Coy will be stationed on Royal Navy carriers to help rescue downed pilots or other personnel (see video below of L Coy training for such operations). L Coy is currently providng force protection aboard the carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth. Helicopter support for JPR operations will be provided by Merlin Mk4s flown by the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF).
Counter Terrorism
42 Commando is also rumoured to have a counter terrorism (CT) role although the specifics of this are not publicly known. In a leaked memo referenced in a press report, Major General Robert Magowan, Commandant General Royal Marines, said, "[the MOC] will also provide our core contribution to UK domestic operations in response to a terrorist event." [2] The same report stated that liaison officers from the SAS and SBS will be attached to the unit.
Other Roles.
Initial press reports indicated that elements of 42 Commando would carry out small scale operations such as raids and intelligence gathering.[2]
42 Commando Photos
Used under Open Government Licence
Used under Open Government Licence
