Royal Marines of 45 Commando, 29 Commando Royal Artillery and 59 Commando Royal Engineers and medics are spending six weeks at Pickel Meadows, the United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California, for exercise Green Dagger. This training is vital for enhancing their mountain warfare capabilities and ensuring they are equipped to face the unique challenges presented by such environments.
Arbroath-based 45 Commando of the UK Commando Force will operate closely with the US Marine Corps, perfecting skills required to survive and fight in the mountains. The Commandos will be conducting a range of mountain warfare scenarios, including testing new weapons, kit, and equipment across the arid terrain. These rigorous exercises will include live-fire drills, stealth operations, and endurance challenges that simulate real combat conditions. They will operate closely with US Marines, honing skills together and further developing their ability to work together in extreme environments. Green Dagger will culminate in both forces testing their warfare skills against each other, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and shared tactics. 45 Commando are the UK Commando Force’s Mountain and Arctic warfare experts, required to keep techniques and procedures sharp in case they are called upon to deploy to these extreme places, demonstrating their readiness to face any challenge.
New kit: The Saab Barracuda Soldier System
This is designed to protect the user from airborne thermal sensors aboard unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As we are seeing in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, these can easily detect unprotected soldiers, especially during critical missions. The Saab Barracuda Soldier System is designed to prevent that thermal recognition, significantly increasing the safety and effectiveness of troops in the field. This system is essentially a large poncho that can completely cover the soldier. The secret materials in the camouflage obscure their outline and thermal signature, making it difficult for enemy sensors to detect them. This type of technology has been a game-changer in modern warfare, where stealth can mean the difference between life and death.
Commandos have been testing the camouflage on Green Dagger, with the ease that combatants can be picked off by attack drones highlighting the need for advanced protective gear. This kind of material will be a game-changer in reducing vulnerabilities on the battlefield. SAAB describe it as:
A crucial asset that should be in every soldier’s gear, Barracuda Soldier Net is a lightweight thermal net that’s easy to use, whether waiting in bivouacs or moving between concealed set-ups. This isn’t an expensive, highly integrated suit for use at all times, but a versatile and simple solution that’s there when it’s needed to protect in times where you could be potentially exposed to sensor threats. The design allows for quick deployment and operational flexibility, making it an essential addition to modern military equipment.
It’s basically a square tarp that can be draped over a soldier and attached to their helmet, used over a dugout or as a camouflage tarp. It’s lightweight and reversible to suit day or night conditions. The versatility of the Barracuda system allows it to adapt to various environments, enhancing the effectiveness of the Royal Marines in diverse situations. SAAB have a pedigree in camouflage systems, and Barracuda covers boats, vehicles, and personnel in its adaptive and advanced protective shell. The innovations in this field are crucial, as they enable soldiers to remain hidden from enemy observation.
Hidden Commandos are becoming a reality with such advanced camouflage technology. The ability to effectively conceal oneself from enemy forces is a vital skill that enhances operational success. This kind of technical camouflage seems sure to become a standard piece of battlefield kit as the nature of warfare evolves. By the nature of the Royal Marines, they are at the forefront of modern warfare where this technology will be a game changer.
The integration of such advanced camouflage systems not only allows for improved stealth but also represents a shift in military strategy. As conflicts grow more complex, the need for adaptive technology becomes increasingly clear. The Royal Marines are committed to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring they remain capable of facing any adversary. This commitment to innovation will be pivotal in future engagements, allowing them to operate effectively in a variety of environments.
The unique challenges posed by mountain warfare require not only physical endurance but also mental resilience. Training in environments such as the Sierra Nevada Mountains allows the Royal Marines to push their limits, honing their skills in navigation, survival, and tactical operations under extreme conditions. This rigorous training prepares them for potential deployments where they may face similar challenges, ensuring they are ready to respond to any situation.
Royal Marines and US Marines on Green Dagger
As part of their training, the Royal Marines engage in various team-building exercises that foster cooperation and communication among unit members and with their US Marine comrades. These skills are essential for successful operations, particularly in scenarios where split-second decisions can have dire consequences. By cultivating a strong team dynamic, the Commandos enhance their operational effectiveness, ensuring they can act decisively in the face of adversity.
Crucially, the lessons learned from exercises like Green Dagger contribute to the development of future military strategies. The experiences gained can be studied and applied to improve training programs, equipment selection, and operational planning. As the nature of warfare continues to evolve, so too must the training and capabilities of the Royal Marines, ensuring they remain at the forefront of military readiness.
More on Exercise Green Dagger on the Royal Navy website, which details the ongoing efforts of the Royal Marines to enhance their capabilities and the importance of exercises like these for maintaining a state of readiness.
