The Commando helicopter reconnaissance specialists at the forefront of the battle
The Commando Mobile Air Operations Team (MAOT) is a unit of specialist helicopter operators who are key to linking the forces on the ground with the support they need from the air.
Working as part of the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), the MAOT is often found at the forefront of the battle, acting as a reconnaissance unit and scouting out suitable sites for helicopters to land.
But what does this service have that makes it such an effective fighting force?
We asked a serving member of the MAOT about the unit and what it brings to the battlefield.
What does MAOT do?
He said: "To any service within the military we provide helicopter landing site reconnaissance.
"We are basically something called an HHS, which is a helicopter handling specialist.
"That's the link between the ground combat element and the airframe itself, so anything to do with Merlin, could be Chinook or could be Wildcat helicopters."
What equipment do you have?
He continued: "We have a variety of weapons. We have the C8 Diemaco, which is the short-barrelled version. We also use the Glock 17.
"We get to use First Spear body armour. It is basically body armour-cum-life jacket. Just in case when we're working with aircraft we can ditch out basically and inflate the life jacket if needed.
"We also utilise oxygen bottles to give ourselves a little bit more time to get out of the aircraft if we are underwater.
"We also get to use the Ops-Core helmet, mainly because we’re maritime troops. It is a bit better than the Virtus helmets, and in fact it's lighter. It is handy when utilising it with an aircraft as well.
"We also have the C8 Diemaco long-barrelled version. The long barrel means it's easier for field work."
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