Tactics, Training During Tartan Eagle
by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kealii De Los Santos January
19,
2023
Cpl Charlie Walker, a general duties
corporal with the 43 commando fleet protection group Royal Marines
(43 Cdo RM) training office, trained and oversaw U.S. Marines with
Marine Corps Security Force Regiment during the cold two weeks of
exercise Tartan Eagle 2022. As a corporal with 43 Cdo RM, it is his
duty to assist and conduct training to the British Royal Marine
Commandos; as well as, partnered forces.

October 24, 2022 - British Royal Marine Cpl. Charlie Walker, a GD training corporal with 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (43 Cdo RM), conducts a weapon familiarization test for U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Security Force Regiment on the C8 assault rifle during
the annual bilateral training exercise Tartan Eagle Phase II, Otterburn Training Camp, Europe. U.S. Marines must properly handle the Royal Marines primary weapon system to pass the annual combat marksmanship training test, while overseas with 43 Cdo
RM. (Image created by USA Patriotism! from U.S. Marine Corps photos by Sgt. Kealii De Los Santos.)
|
“Training can vary from the jobs I have to
do. With 43 Commando, it’s to protect the nuclear deterrence of the
United Kingdom. Their [43 Cdo RM] role is primarily to support and
maintain that, and they need to keep a high level of quality for
their skill sets: fieldcraft, close-quarters-battle, vehicle
maneuvers, etc.”
43 Cdo is
part of 3 Commando Brigade, the United Kingdom’s high-readiness
expeditionary amphibious force that divert, disrupt, delay, or
destroy an enemy's military potential before it can be used
effectively against friendly forces across the Middle East, Africa,
and the Caribbean. 43 Cdo works not only with the U.S. Marine Corps
but with the Ministry Of Defence Police, the Atomic Weapons
Establishment, and U.S. Coast Guard to name a few. 43 Cdo RM
specialists are capable of warfighting in unique and complex terrain
such as urban, maritime, and industrial environments.
“For
exercise Tartan Eagle, I help the United States Marines train
together, learn from each other, and help each other develop the
Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Teams (FAST) experience in a European
environment. Giving them the opportunity to train in different
countries and climates from what they are used to. There’s a lot of
guys here from the desert it sounds like, and not quite used to the
cold and wet. Gives them a different perspective on ‘soldiering’
then they might be used to as a FAST platoon member.”
U.S.
Marines assigned with a FAST platoon have to be an active enlisted
infantry Marine (03XX). FAST teams guard high-value naval
installations, vessels, and nuclear weapons. Whilst expected to
train for close-quarters battle and embassy reinforcement
operations, these infantry Marines don’t engage in many typical
training exercises associated with a majority of Marine Corps
infantry. Fieldcraft, patrolling, and long-distance firing ranges
are all infantry specific skill sets that 43 Cdo RM assists with
training for the duration of Exercise Tartan Eagle.
“The
first week is a field firing package, starting out with simple
static shooting, battle sight zeroing, and finding natural points of
aim. Progressing throughout the week, U.S. Marines fire as
individuals to firing in pairs with fire and maneuver or what we
call ‘field firing.’ From fire and maneuver they move on to firing
in a squad, what we call ‘section.’ For us that’s 8 people, for the
U.S. Marines it’s a couple more. Operating on your squad level,
trying to use your tactics, helping give advice on potential tactics
that you can learn from us and vice versa.”
U.S. Marines fire
the C8 assault rifle, the Royal Marine Commandos’ primary weapon and
standard issue rifle, during their time with 43 Cdo RM. The C8 is
very similar to the M4 and M16 design and build, thus not much of a
learning curve is adherent when familiarizing themselves with the
firearm.
However, to progress through the training week U.S. Marines
must show competent weapons handling skills and pass the Annual
Combat Marksmanship Test (ACMT), a requirement to safely conduct
live-fire exercises on the Royal Marines firing ranges. The ACMT
tests a shooter's ability to fire quickly and accurately from
several positions to include prone, standing, and firing from a
defensive fighting position.
“The second week is a field
week, sort of a week-long exercise. The U.S. Marines spent the first
night in the field in a triangular harbor, which is the standard for
how the Royal Marine come to field exercises. They managed to
experience the great British weather; the cold, the wet, there’s a
lot of water, and I'm sure a lot of them have learned personal
maintenance of themselves, their kit, and equipment. From there they
move into a (simulated) Forward Operating Base location where they
conduct security from a (simulated) enemy force to push and test
them to see what their capabilities are.”
Learning how to
better use camouflage paint and conceal yourself within the burnt
red and yellow ferns that paint the brush of the European
countryside is easier said than done. During this winter training
period, Marines and their gear awoke in a glossy morning dew to
chilling temperatures and a cool breeze of untainted air hovering
over from the night. Shivering and wet, Marines exercised discipline
to keep themselves hidden. Any unnecessary movement would attract
the eyes of 43 Cdo RM instructors that stood observing the training
event.
Warmth came when reviewing the reconnaissance and patrolling
practices of each command. Walking, staying alert, awaiting orders,
providing security, issuing orders, all within a day's work outside
of garrison. The tactics learned from 43 Cdo RM would go on to
assist Alpha platoon’s success during a Marine Readiness Exercise
held at the end of training.
“I do think they’ve learned from
this exercise, especially from observing it. These FAST Marines have
a very specific role and I hope they learned some new skills they
won’t necessarily be funneled into as part of the USMC in their
current job role. I’m sure they do across the wider USMC, but the
actual in the field, field firing across open ground, and the
different tactics that it takes to move across a long open bit of
ground under fire while shooting live.”
When thinking about a
military training exercise with the United States Marines and the
British Royal Marines many picture harsh weather, muscle strains,
mental fatigue, hunger, and an overwhelming desire for a safe return
home. The U.S. Marines of Alpha platoon, Fast Co., MCSFR surpassed
both physical and mental barriers executing Exercise Tartan Eagle
2022. They learned from the guidance of specialists with 43 Cdo RM,
who staged, trained, and perfectly executed professional military
education to further our partnership with the U.K. military and hone
Alpha platoon’s overall lethality.
“This is actually my
second tartan eagle and the first one I've done in a corporal role.
The last tartan eagle I’ve done was the US version about nine years
ago, which was fantastic. I loved going over to Virginia and
experiencing that. It was a lot more static shooting and
close-quarters battle based whereas this one has been what we call
‘green skills’ based. I really enjoyed this, really enjoyed the
experience meeting these guys and girls. It’s been a good
representation of the United States Marine Corps. They’ve learned
what they needed to learn and they've taken onboard what we’ve tried
to help them with.”
The U.S. Marines |
Marines - The Few, The Proud |
Our Valiant Troops |
I Am The One |
Veterans |
Citizens Like Us
U.S. Marines Gifts |
U.S. Marine Corps |
U.S.
Department of Defense
|
|