Army Commandos Take On US Marine Corps In Desert Combat Training

British Army commandos, as part of the Royal Marine 40 Commando Battle Group, have deployed to the Californian desert to take on US Marine Corps (USMC) troops in a war-fighting scenario.

A and B company were supported by 24 Commando Royal Engineers and 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery for the combat training near the Mexican border.

Partnering with 7th Marine Regiment USMC, they took on 2nd Marine Division in the simulation.

The vast expanse of the Marine Air Ground Combat Training Centre in 29 Palms enabled gunners from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery to conduct direct-fire training.

Guns were fired horizontally at an 'enemy' within one kilometre, flanked by a team laying down fire on machine guns and rifles. 

The shells thudded into the ground close by, providing - the Army said - an authentic war-fighting feel.

Cover image: Troops training near California's border with Mexico (Picture: British Army).