Are Royal Marine Commandos Special Forces?
The Royal Marine Commandos, a branch of the British Armed Forces, have long been recognized for their exceptional skills and bravery. Often mistaken for special forces, the Royal Marine Commandos are indeed a specialized unit, but do they qualify as special forces? This article delves into the unique characteristics and capabilities of the Royal Marine Commandos to answer this question.
The Royal Marine Commandos were originally formed during World War II to carry out covert operations and amphibious landings. Since then, they have been involved in numerous conflicts around the world, earning a reputation for their unparalleled adaptability and effectiveness. While they share some similarities with special forces, there are distinct differences that set them apart.
One of the key characteristics of the Royal Marine Commandos is their amphibious capability. They are specifically trained to conduct operations from the sea, using both small boats and larger amphibious craft. This allows them to rapidly deploy to any location along the coast, making them a valuable asset in amphibious assaults and peacekeeping operations.
Another defining feature of the Royal Marine Commandos is their versatility. They are trained in a wide range of disciplines, including close quarters combat, counter-terrorism, intelligence gathering, and survival techniques. This enables them to adapt to various mission requirements and operate in diverse environments.
However, the Royal Marine Commandos are not classified as special forces for several reasons. Firstly, special forces units are typically smaller in size and more specialized in their skills. While the Royal Marine Commandos are a highly trained and skilled unit, they are larger than many special forces units and have a broader range of capabilities.
Secondly, special forces units often operate independently and are less likely to be directly supported by conventional military forces. The Royal Marine Commandos, on the other hand, are part of the Royal Marines, which means they receive support from other branches of the British Armed Forces when needed.
Lastly, special forces units are often involved in high-risk missions that require a high degree of stealth and surprise. While the Royal Marine Commandos have executed numerous successful covert operations, they are also involved in conventional combat missions and amphibious landings, which may not always require the same level of stealth and surprise as special forces missions.
In conclusion, while the Royal Marine Commandos are a highly skilled and versatile unit, they do not fit the strict definition of special forces. Their amphibious capabilities, broad range of skills, and direct support from other branches of the British Armed Forces distinguish them from the specialized, independent units that typically make up special forces. Nevertheless, their contributions to the British military and their unwavering commitment to duty continue to make them an invaluable asset to the nation.
