Colours parade: Royal Marines present arms and salute the King with the new KS-1

For the drill biffs among us – and I'll be the first to admit I sit firmly in that category – the orders of "slope arms" and "by the centre, quick march" can inspire just as much, if not more, apprehension as an order from the likes of a PTI.

Part of the problem, I discovered while taking part in the Freedom of the City of London March in 2014 to mark the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines, was the sheer weight of the SA80.

Marching through the capital was an immense source of pride, but the biggest moment of relief came with the command "change arms". It was then the case of throwing the rifle butt onto the opposite shoulder from a tired arm that was rapidly losing all feeling.

• Old unit gets new name as 3 Commando Brigade becomes UK Commando Force
• History made as four Royal Marines units receive new Colours from the King
• What are regimental Colours and why do they mean so much

It was a skill in itself – and one that the Royal Marines of today will not get the chance to practise – as they showcased their drill movements with the new KS-1 assault rifle during a Colours parade at Windsor Castle.

Significantly lighter than its predecessor, whether it possesses the same visual appeal as the SA80, or indeed the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) is up for debate. 

Still, the parade marks an important step for the Royal Marines as it transitions into the modern Commando Force.