43 Commando Force Protection Group RM

Ex Southern Explorer

by Mne Birrell, Anzio Tp

In July 2025, Anzio Tp, P Sqn travelled to the southwest of England to complete two weeks of inter-Unit cross training and sport, Special Forces careers briefs and Adventurous Training (AT). The objectives were to improve interoperability with other CF units, increase career options awareness and lastly to blow off some steam before a period on nuclear security operations.

The first week began with inter-Unit cross training at Bovington Camp, the home of Royal Marines Armoured Support Group (ASG). Briefs on the operations and exercises ASG are currently involved in showcased their high utility and operational output. Following this the Tp were introduced to the VIKING, the all-terrain, troop-carrying vehicle used by ASG. We practised embarkation and disembarkation drills and how to set up a Troop harbour using the vehicles. Our collaborative engagement with ASG finished with a slightly more adversarial and competitive 11-a-side football match.

After a tightly contested and hard-fought 90 minutes, Anzio Tp emerged the winners, winning the prize of very little other than pride. The following day, we drove to Hamworthy Barracks, home of the SBS and Royal Marines Razor Sqn. What ensued was a fascinating day of tours and briefs from SF operators and Mnes from Razor Sqn. It gave a flavour of the operational tempo and world-class capability, giving us a uniquely detailed picture about the reality of working in the organisation.