47 Commando Raiding Group RM

Ex Neptune Trident

by LCpl Senekal, Neptune Tp

At the heart of 10 Training Sqn lies a vital task, to forge the next generation of amphibious specialists and expertly skilled Commando Force Boat Operators (CFBO). Within the Sqn sits the newly formed Neptune Tp which, whilst small in number, has an impact that is disproportionately vast. Its tasks are varied yet extensive and revolve around the significant responsibility of delivering most Royal Marines’ amphibious training requirements, ensuring that the Corps remains at the cutting edge of sea-to-shore operations.

Neptune Tp enjoying a wet at the Prince of Wales, Princetown at the end of the NAVEX

Recently, amidst our demanding schedule, a rare window of opportunity emerged. With a few precious days unexpectedly clear, we seized the chance to turn our focus inward, to hone the foundational skills that define us as both Royal Marines and adept landing craft coxswains. This wasn’t merely about maintenance; it was about sharpening the spear.

Our two-day programme commenced on Dartmoor. Here, against the backdrop of challenging terrain, we embarked on a fundamental navigation exercise. It was an invaluable opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the nuances of land navigation, reinforcing a core Commando skill. True to form, Neptune Tp approached the task with an unwavering ‘Commando Spirit’ a blend of robust professionalism, urgent precision and that characteristic cheerful resilience that sees us through even the most demanding situations. After a hard day on the moor, everyone was grateful that the last NAVEX checkpoint was the Prince of Wales pub.

The following day brought a different, yet equally crucial, dimension to our training. We set our course from Plymouth to Salcombe, deliberately choosing a route that would expose us to challenging sea states. The objective: to significantly ramp up the demands of navigation and the intricate handling of our fast jet boats, the Commando Raiding Craft (CRC). Fate, it seemed, was on our side, providing us with the perfect confluence of wind, tides and sea conditions. This dynamic environment presented a myriad of hurdles, both on the outbound and return legs of our journey, pushing craft and coxswains.