The Royal Marines go wherever they are needed around the globe, both within and outside NATO. For example, 3 Commando Brigade (3 Cdo Bde RM) plays an integral role in the tri-service Joint Rapid Deployment Force, who are ready to go anywhere in the world at 24 hours' notice.

The Royal Marines' tough training, which includes Jungle, Mountain and Arctic Warfare, means 3 Cdo Bde RM can do anything, anywhere. Recent deployments include: South East Asia, Africa, Iraq, the Baltic States, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the United States.

Landing craft

As the UK's amphibious forces - the Royal Navy's Sea Soldiers - the Royal Marines are trained to land and secure footholds on all types of coastline. Fast, manoeuvrable Rigid Raiders and other landing craft capable of carrying troops and vehicles are used to transport the Royal Marines to shore. With the introduction of the Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) - HMS OCEAN - the Royal Marines can airlift two companies ashore at the same time. Two Landing Platform Dock (Replacement) (LPD(R)), which are still in production, will provide sea-borne capability.

Standing by

The Royal Marines also fulfil a number of other roles, including operational tours to Northern Ireland and disaster relief operations. The Fleet Standby Rifle Troop supports the Royal Navy at short notice as a military presence around the globe.