Founded in May 2008, the purpose of The C Group is to raise awareness and generate practical support throughout the business community for Royal Marines, particularly those who are suffering the long-term effects of injuries sustained on operations.
Introducing the Royal Marines 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines is the Royal Navy's amphibious infantry on permanent readiness to deploy across the globe, and is a core and Commando component of the UK s Very High Readiness Contingent Capability. Together, the Royal Navy's amphibious ships and the Brigade provide an agile, self-sustained and adaptive organisation, delivering strategic power projection capability that is unique among the British armed services.
Multi Environment Responsive and Adaptive Capability
3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines is the most deployed Brigade formation in the UK Armed Forces Operational Non-Operational 2001 - Op SILKMAN Sierra Leone 2002 - Op JACANA Afghanistan 2003 - Op TELIC Iraq 2004 - Op BANNER N. Ireland 2005 Op TELIC - Iraq 2006 - Op HERRICK - Afghanistan 2006 Op TELIC - Iraq 2006 Op MONOGRAM Various 2007 Op HERRICK - Afghanistan 2008 Op HERRICK - Afghanistan 2009 Op PELFREY - Iraq 2010 Op HERRICK - Afghanistan 2011 Op HERRICK - Afghanistan 2001 WD Norway 2001 ARGONAUT Oman 2001 SAIF SAREEA Oman 2002 SEA DAGGER UAE 2004 WD Norway 2004 AURORA US/Caribbean 2004 RAPID ALLIANCE US 2004 WESTERN RHUMBA Ghana 2004 DEUX TRICOLOURS Caribbean 2004 ROYAL CHAMOIS Turkey 2004 BLACK HORSE US 2005 TRIDENT DOR Mediterranean 2005 LOYAL MARINER Baltic 2005 NEOTAPON Alboran Sea 2005 GREEN OSPREY W Africa 2006 CETUS / COLD RESPONSE Norway 2006 SEA DAGGER UAE 2006 VELA N / W Africa 2006 GREEN EAGLE Sierra Leone 2007 CARINA Poland 2007 Noble Mariner Baltic 2007 OCTANS Norway 2008 DRIVEN DEFENDER US 2009 TAURUS Med / E Suez 2009 - EGEMEN Mediterranean 2009 COMMANDO RAJAH Brunei 2009 LUPUS Norway 2010 WD Norway 2010 AURIGA US Total number of Marines committed - 14630 Total number of Marines committed - 13930 Total number killed - 62
bearing a heavier burden of injuries and deaths For a force that makes up less than 4% of total defence personnel and is smaller than the British Army by a factor of 14 1, the Royal Marines have borne 11.5% of UK combat deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. 0.9% of total Royal Marines strength has been killed on operations since 2001. Since 2007, there have only been 14 months where a RM unit has not been deployed in Helmand Province. In April 2011, 3 Commando Brigade returned to Afghanistan to take over from 16 Air Assault Brigade. 1 The ratio of service-limiting injuries sustained relative to deaths alters in line with operational tempo and tactics. In Afghanistan, the historical ratio of 3:1 has been increased through the widespread use of IED. 1. British Army: 102,000 personnel Royal Marines: 7,200 personnel
An organisation distinguished and sustained by a unique ethos
Royal Marines Ethos Individual Commando Spirit Courage Determination Unselfishness Cheerfulness in the face of adversity
Royal Marine Ethos Collective Values Unity - There is a unity within the Corps that crosses all ranks and is unique to the organisation. Unity is bred into recruits and young officers at the Commando Training Centre by the proximity of their training together and by the shared hardship of the Commando Course; both not only share the same training and the same hardships but they see each other doing so. Adaptability - Unity and solidarity across the ranks allows the Corps to be 1 adaptable; open to information and opinion from every available angle and able to adapt to this new knowledge. The Commando role demands an ability to adapt at short notice and to respond to new developments. Humility In order to adapt and innovate it is essential that the Corps, while proud of its standards, remains sufficiently self critical humble enough to recognise and adopt the good practices of other institutions. Humility also contributes to the essential bond between all ranks and on operations allows us to work with considerable success, from our handling of Prisoners of War, to our interaction with civilian populations and non-combatants.
Royal Marine Ethos Collective Values (2) Professional Standards - The environment in which commandos operate is complex, dangerous and uncertain, and successful action in this sphere requires the highest professional standards. Fortitude - It is fortitude that underpins achievement rather than simply physical fitness. Commando training is all about enduring. It is the mental stamina to continue, 1 1 when everything is telling you to stop, coupled with physical fitness, that results in fortitude. Commando Humour - How better to endure than with humour? One of the four individual Commando Spirit characteristics, cheerfulness in the face of adversity is made possible only by humour, which although apparently superfluous to operational effectiveness is actually fundamental to the way we operate within the Corps.
The C Group Charity role and budget To support the rehabilitation and re-integration of injured Royal Marines within the Corps or in a civilian career. To provide each individual facing the challenge of forging a new life outside the Corps with a pool of expertise and excellence from which advice, mentoring and support can be drawn, by establishing an informed and diverse network in the business community. The C Group s 2011 budget is 150,000. The aim is to grow that to 500,000 per annum within a three-year period to meet the increased demand on the charity s services.
C Group Grants Grants have varied from a few hundred to several thousand pounds and have supported initiatives such as: The purchase of specialist gym and physiotherapy equipment to assist troops who are on long-term recovery programmes. This includes equipment such as recumbent cycles, hydrotherapy facilities and equipment specially adapted for use by amputees and those with limited limb movement or extensive soft tissue injuries. Support for Khumbu Challenge, which provides injured war veterans with the opportunity to take part in an exceptional high altitude trekking experience to enhance their rehabilitation through the challenging medium of Adventure Training,- www.kc10.org. In 2009 The C Group gave 16,000 to fund research and development into prosthetic equipment for use in extreme environments which will benefit the project on an ongoing basis. This year as Khumbu Challenge returns to the Himalayas, The C Group has provided funds to support travel and accommodation costs for this exceptional opportunity for those on the recovery.
C Group Grants (2) Recuperative breaks in South West Scotland for those recovering from physical and mental injuries and those returning from repeated combat tours. Combining adventure training such as kayaking, cycling and canyoning with therapeutic activities such as fishing in a relaxed private residence, the recuperative powers of good food and community support have proved to be exceptional. Funding for specialist training courses for individual Royal Marines who are leaving the Corps as a result of their injuries and embarking on new civilian careers.
Commando Ethos in Action Wounded Warrior Games (USMC Vs Royal Marines): 11 RM competitors in a field of over 200. 14 disciplines competed. 13 medals won (2 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze). Marine Mark Ormrod (triple amputee in an explosion in Helmand Province on Christmas Eve 2007) completed a 3,530 mile team run across the USA last year. He ran 5 miles a day for 8 weeks. LCpl Pete Dunning (double amputee in Afghanistan in 2008) participated in the Paralympics in Vancouver.
The Effect Marine Richards of 40 Commando, wounded in Afghanistan, on returning from a trip with the Jubilee Sailing Trust: This voyage has been amazing; I ve met many courageous people and made new friends. I ve had an awesome experience with many real adrenalin rushes, it was so much fun It s made me feel so happy and alive. Many voyagers don t really get out often because of their disabilities; many were stuck in a care home environment. I m keeping in contact with a lot of the voyagers on Facebook, where we have shared our photos and moments. I am so glad I went on this voyage; it s made me realise how lucky I am. I see others in a whole new light. I would feel very privileged to sail again in the future.