Old unit gets new name as 3 Commando Brigade becomes UK Commando Force
An elite unit that has existed since the Second World War – 3 Commando Brigade – has now been officially renamed as the UK Commando Force.
The transition had already begun back in 2017, with confirmation of the name change having now been announced by the King.
The rationale for the move is the fact that the personnel making up the brigade – Royal Marines, Army Commandos and Royal Navy Commandos – have been using new, more modern tactics.
Old unit, new name, new tactics
Members of the UK Commando Force have been operating new crewed and uncrewed systems and vessels, including aerial and surface drones, new weapons, surveillance and digital communications systems, and battlefield vehicles.
The special operations formation is used for missions that require dispersal, the ability for personnel to be split into smaller components, greater reach, longer endurance and self-sufficiency.
The unit was formed in 1943 from Royal Marines and Army personnel and initially operated against the Japanese in Southeast Asia.
After the Second World War it has served in numerous engagements and theatres including the Suez Crisis, the Falklands War, the Gulf War and Afghanistan.
Royal approval
Confirmation of the unit's new name came from King Charles himself as he presented new Colours to four Royal Marines units – 40, 42, 43 and 45 Commando – at Windsor Castle.
"Whether in the heat, the cold or something persistently wet in between, you have consistently demonstrated that there are no environments in which a Royal Marine cannot operate and win," he told the assembled marines in The Quadrangle.
"In this regard, I am particularly pleased to be able to announce today, as we mark the closure of one chapter, and the opening of another, with the presentation of your new Colours, that 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines will henceforth be known as the United Kingdom Commando Force."
His comments were echoed by General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Commandant General Royal Marines.
"This is more than a name change – it reflects a decade of transformation," explained Gen Sir Gwyn.
"Our Royal Marines have evolved from a very high readiness amphibious brigade into a modern, globally deployed Commando Force, designed to operate in the most demanding environments.
"That is why United Kingdom Commando Force better represents who they are now: highly versatile, technologically advanced strike teams, specialised for a huge array of tasks and perfectly adapted to the nature of 21st century warfare.
"A force ready to fight and win — wherever and whenever the nation requires."
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