24 Commando Engineer Regiment is a unit of the British Army's Royal Engineers which supports 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. It was formed in April 2008. The regiment is one of two British Army units attached to 3 Commando Brigade, Royal Marines, the other being 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery.
It was announced on 4 July 2012 that 24 Commando Engineer Regiment was to be disbanded under Army 2020. Members of the unit will be dispersed to other British Army units and also form the 59 Independent Commando Squadron[1][2] In a contrasting statement on 10 April 2014, the Minister for Defence Mark Francois, stated that this withdrawal will not take place. The unit will be retained but reduced in size.[3]
Location and role[]
Based in Chivenor, North Devon, 24 Commando Engineer Regiment is required to conduct operations across the spectrum of conflict in support of 3 Commando Brigade, meaning that each member must be trained in amphibious assaults, as well as know how to operate in the jungle, across deserts, over mountainous terrain and under arctic conditions.
Organisation[]
With an establishment of 543 Officers and Soldiers the regiment comprises three Squadrons:
- 54 Commando Headquarters and Support Squadron,
- 56 Commando Field Squadron (not yet established)
- 59 Commando Field Squadron
The attached REME Workshops is also treated as a squadron.
The Commando Course[]
All individuals who volunteer to join the regiment have the opportunity to complete the nine-week All Arms Commando Course, after receiving pre-course coaching to develop their strength and endurance. Progressive in nature, this pre-course conditioning package focuses upon developing the individual to undertake the arduous activities of the Commando course. The "train-in" not "select-out" ethos of the course, provides the individual with the best chance of success.
The Green Beret[]
The coveted Green Beret, the distinctive hallmark of Commando trained troops, is worn by the regiment, recognising those who have completed the gruelling and physically demanding tests of endurance, whilst displaying the Commando spirit. On passing the Commando course, other ranks (ORs) wear the Commando Green Beret with a blackened Royal Engineers cap-badge, whilst officers wear the officers' flaming grenade cap-badge with a green base material, sewn onto the Commando Green Beret.
Other Uniform Emblems[]
Both officers and ORs wear the army Commando 'wheel arches' on the tops of sleeves, which have replaced the Commando Dagger badge (a small red dagger on a dark blue background) on the upper left sleeve of both shirt and combat jacket. The Royal Engineers stable belt is differentiated by a Commando Dagger emblem on the clasp. Additionally, the 3 Commando Brigade RM 'flash' is worn on the right arm of shirt and combat jacket - a black Commando Dagger on an olive green square. 'Army Commando' shoulder titles are also worn at the top of each sleeve when issued.
Pre-Existing Units[]
Prior to the formation of the regiment both 59 Independent Commando Squadron and 131 Independent Commando Squadron (Volunteers) provided support to 3 Commando Brigade.
59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers[]
59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers is the commando-trained, regular, unit of the Corps. Soldiers are drawn from the regular units of the British Army's Corps of Royal Engineers. The Squadron formed the core of 24 Commando Regiment and is currently based at Barnstaple (RMB Chivenor).
131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers[]
131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers is the Army Reserve unit affiliated to 24 Commando Engineer Regiment. Since 1978 the unit has been on the order of battle of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, providing combat engineer support to the Brigade. This role has seen the Squadron exercise worldwide, often sending small sub-units or individual soldiers to support the Brigade wherever it is training.
See also[]
References[]
External links[]
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The original article can be found at 24 Commando Regiment (United Kingdom) and the edit history here.