NAVY NEWS, DECEMBER 2008 21
● Finger on the trigger – regulars and reservists train side-by-side in the jungle of Belize during Fleet Protection Group RM’s Exercise Tradewinds 08 Picture: LA (Phot) Kelly McAlinden
Diamond force aids cutting edge
IN TERMS of operational
The busiest year for the Royal Marines
on NATO’s northern flank. mobilised and, additionally, at any The law prevents reservists from
output, 2008 has been the Since the end of the Cold War, one time about seven per cent are being mobilised for more than
busiest in the history of the Reserve also marks its 60th anniversary
the RMR has continued to evolve, serving with the RM on Full Time 12 months in three years, which
Royal Marines Reserve,
working ever closer with the regular Reserve Service (FTRS). makes it difficult to sustain such a
writes Lt Col Ed Musto RM. Reserve, which was established in (Reserve), each of which could be
Corps and dropping the distinctive Their ability to be employed high level of mobilisations.
A total of 142 members are 1948 with centres in the City of independently mobilised.
‘R’ worn on both shoulders. in either a General Duties The RMR is therefore recruiting
deployed on Operation Herrick, London and Glasgow. Then, as now, reservists trained
In 2003, 126 reservists capacity or in one of the RMR’s hard to reach its endorsed
representing about 26 per cent of Two more centres were for one evening a week as well
augmented 3 Cdo Bde RM in 18 specialisations has made them requirement, and new detachments
the RMR’s trained strength. established the following year in as attending nominated weekend
Iraq on Operation Telic 1 at enormously flexible and a model continue to be formed.
It was also a significant year Liverpool and Bristol, but it was training plus a two-week exercise
short notice, they were integrated of best practice amongst the UK’s Some 27 per cent of this year’s
because it saw the award of the not until 1954 that a fifth centre or course.
seamlessly – causing the then Reserve Forces. RM Young Officer intake were
RMR’s first George Cross – to was created in Newcastle, known Training became progressively
Brigade Commander, Brig Jim To assist integration following previously members of the RMR.
L/Cpl Matthew Croucher, who, as RMFVR Tyne. more integrated with the regular
Dutton, to remark when asked mobilisation, reservists now join And while the RM remain
while on patrol in Helmand Most of the centres soon began Corps, and by the 1960s the RMR
how the reservists had performed: their regular unit and complete about 500 men below strength,
Province, demonstrated incredible growing detachments, resulting was exercising not only in NATO
“What reservists?” four months of pre-deployment the RMR continues to grow, with
courage, selflessness and speed of in an expanded RMR national countries but also in the Far East
This set the tone which persists training which, when added to a recruits attracted by the line A
thought when he threw himself on footprint. and Central America.
to this day. six-month tour and leave, means reserve for use.
to a grenade, allowing his heavy In 1966 the RMFVR was By 1986, the RMR’s role was to
Since Telic 1, 71 per cent of the that most mobilisations are for 12 The RMR has come a long way
equipment to absorb the blast, re-titled the Royal Marines Reserve provide rear area security for 3 Cdo
RMR’s trained strength have been months. in 60 years.
thereby saving his own life as well and became known simply as the Bde RM as T Company Group.
as the lives of his comrades. RMR. In addition to completing the
It is therefore perhaps fitting At this time, the RMR became Commando Tests, reservists also
that 2008 also marks the 60th responsible for three operational had to complete the intensely
BLACK SWAN CLASS 1943
anniversary of the RMR. units – 608 Tactical Air Control demanding mountain and cold
Replica representative model, measuring 10.5”, hand cast in metal and hand painted,
The RMR traces its roots Party (Reserve), 4 SBS (Reserve) weather training to enable them to presented on a wooden plinth 12” x 3” with brass nameplate and hand made gift box.
back to the RM Forces Volunteer and 2 Raiding Squadron serve with the Commando Brigade
HMS BLACK SWAN, FLAMINGO, ERNE, IBIS, WHIMBREL, WILD GOOSE, WOODCOCK,
WOODPECKER, WREN, ACTAEON, ALACRITY, AMETHYST, CHANTICLEER, CRANE, CYGNET,
HART, HIND, KITE, LAPWING, LARK, MAGPIE, MERMAID, MODESTE, NEREIDE, OPOSSUM,
PEACOCK, PHEASANT, REDPOLE, SNIPE, SPARROW and HMS STARLING (PICTURED)
£85.00
+ £8.00 p&p
UK Only
To order your model send your name, address and daytime telephone number,
along with your cheque or credit card details (visa/mastercard) to:
● A Royal Marines Reserve
during weapons training on Skytrex Ltd, Unit 1 Charnwood Business Park, North Road, Loughborough,
Exercise Hairspring in Norway in
Leicestershire LE11 1LE Tel: 01509 213789 Fax: 01509 230874
the early part of 2008
email: sales@skytrex.com www.skytrex.com
Picture: PO (Phot) Angie Pearce
PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 28 DAYS FOR DELIVERY
021_NN_dec.indd 1 17/11/08 17:32:51
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