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The Royal Marine Commandos To Get A New Uniform Under The Future Commando Programme

Gungho Cowboy

Royal Marines Uniform 2020

Sounds like something that you will read from a corporate brochure, but this one is from the Royal Navy as they unveiled last week the new uniform that the Royal Marines will soon get as part of the most significant transformation and rebranding programme launched since World War 2. That’s what the news release says.

This modernisation project, called the Future Commando Programme, is an overhaul on how the Royal Marines, also called the Green Berets in the UK, operate worldwide. The issuance of a new uniform is in-keeping with the maritime traditions of the corps, and at the same time honours their commando forebears.

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Supplied by the Crye Precision, famous for the Multicam pattern, the uniform is lighter, with a higher tear strength, faster drying, and breathable than the usual 50/50 cotton-nylon kit. Whilst, the British Army use the Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) which is a variant of the Multicam pattern, the Royal Marine uniform is not MTP but uses the actual Multicam pattern.

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There is a new patch reflects this and takes its inspiration from the original World War Two shoulder flashes. There is a new 3 Commando Brigade patch that features the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife:

And, in the week that saw the 80th anniversary of Operation Collar, the first commando raid of World War 2, the marines have drawn on their heritage by returning to the traditional Royal Marines Commando insignia, just like the design first worn by commandos when they launched daring raids into Nazi-occupied Europe.

The flash with red writing and navy-blue background will be worn once again, as commandos evolve to conduct more raids from the sea, persistently deployed to counter the threats of the modern-day battlefield.
For the first time the White Ensign features on one sleeve, as a clear indication of the Royal Marines’ integration with the Royal Navy.

The iconic Fairbairn-Sykes Dagger patch of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines has been redesigned and is based on the first pattern of the legendary fighting knife made in 1940.

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“The Royal Marines are integral to the Royal Navy and an extremely versatile elite force, able to operate from mountain and Arctic wastes to jungle and littorals," said Lieutenant Colonel Ben Reynolds RM, who led with the procurement and design of the new uniform. “The Royal Marines’ Commando Uniform 2020 reflects our distinctiveness and the unique capabilities we bring to defence, in addition to the Royal Navy’s eagerness to invest in our development towards the Future Commando Force.

“The practical benefits to this uniform shouldn’t be underestimated. It has been specifically selected to serve commandos as they carry out operations all around the globe in the most extreme environments.

James Heappey, Minister for the Armed Forces, said: “The Royal Marines require a uniform that they can rely on in the most hostile of environments on earth. This robust, breathable and lightweight kit will ensure our commandos remain fighting fit and able to deal with the full range of threats we rely on them to face.

“It is fitting that on the 80th Anniversary of the first commando raid of World War 2, this uniform now bears the traditional Royal Marine Commando insignia. A poignant link to their history as the commando force embarks on a modernisation programme that will keep them in their place as the world’s best amphibious force.”

With the Future Commando Force programme, it is seen that more Royal Marines will operate from the sea as high readiness troops that are forward deployed and be the first to the scene whether for commando raids or conducting humanitarian assistance. They will be equipped new and innovative technology.

The commandos are already receiving the new combat shirt and trousers, field shirt and trousers, a utility jacket and utility belt. The new uniform will be worn by the Fall season. The procurement process just took over one year using the NATO Support & Procurement Agency.

 

Photo credit: Royal Navy (Crown Copyright)

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