Brigade Patrol Troop
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The Brigade Patrol Troop is a Royal Marines force element within the Support Squadron of the UK Landing Force Command Support Group, 3 Commando Brigade.
The role of the Troop is medium-level reconnaissance, contributing to the UKLFCSG's role, providing information superiority in the battlespace for the Brigade. The four-man patrols would be deployed in advance of the main force, collecting intelligence and communicating it back to the Brigade Headquarters. The Troop comprises six patrols of specially-trained personnel known as Recce leaders.
[edit] History
The Troop was formed in the late 1990s using personnel from the Mountain and Arctic Warfare Cadre, and attached to Headquarters 3 Commando as an Brigade asset. Subsequently they have been employed on all Brigade deployments including the Operation TELIC, the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and in Afghanistan
[edit] Selection and Training
Candidates for the troop are already Commando-qualified and continue their training to qualify as Recce Leaders. The Troop only accepts candidates from the Royal Marines. In addition to the cold weather warfare training which all members of the Brigade receive, personnel are trained in first aid to a high level of competence; voice and data communications; reconnaissance patrolling and intelligence collection. Personnel also qualify as "Sharpsooters" and undertake sniper training using the L96A1 sniper rifle and as parachutists, conducting parachute training at RAF Brize Norton.
After qualification, the Recce leader undergoes a period of probation.
Training as a Recce leader is seen as sound preparation for future selection as a Swimmer Canoeist in the Special Boat Service due to its arduous nature.
Members of the Brigade Patrol Troop use the M-16A2 assault rifle and M4 Carbine in preference to the British Armed Forces standard SA80A2 assault rifle.
