Specialist Royal Marines unit ready to support helicopter force deep behind enemy lines

After months of intensive training, a specialist Royal Marines unit is now ready to support helicopter operations in some of the world's most challenging environments - including behind enemy lines.

The Aviation Combat Service Support Squadron (ACSSS) provides essential ground, logistics and combat service support to the Commando Helicopter Force when its Merlins and Wildcats are operating in the field. 

But before delivering that support, one final hurdle remained: Exercise Jackal Dawn put personnel to the test in an extensive live-fire serial across the barren, rugged terrain of the Sennybridge Training Area.

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Role of the Aviation Combat Service Support Squadron

Based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset, the ACSSS is uniquely composed of Royal Marines, Royal Navy aircraft handlers, medical staff, and communication specialists. 

Its Ground Mobility Troop is tasked with finding, securing, and defending temporary mobile facilities known as forward refuelling points (FRPs).

These forward operating bases, often established deep behind enemy lines, enable helicopters to refuel and rearm, crucially without returning to a main base. 

Each of these temporary locations requires around 290 personnel, a force protection element, communications experts and enough combat supplies, including water, fuel, ammunition and rations, to sustain operations.

To secure these crucial nodes, the Ground Mobility Troop utilise Jackal armoured vehicles to find, secure and cordon off the location.

Highly manoeuvrable and suited to deep reconnaissance or force protection duties, they carry a .50 calibre Heavy Machine Gun or the lighter 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun. 

How has the squadron been tested?

Ex Jackal Dawn marked the culmination of months of extensive training and validated the force protection element.

Throughout the exercise, personnel faced a series of demanding serials, centred on navigation, communications, command and control, tactical movement, live-fire manoeuvre and force protection. 

It tested both mounted and dismounted close combat, a reflection of the conditions likely to be encountered during future Commando Force operations. 

Lieutenant Oliver Smith, Officer Commanding Ground Mobility Troop, said the training had enabled personnel to demonstrate the "professionalism, tactical competence and fighting spirit required to operate effectively in complex environments". 

"Most importantly, the exercise has validated our ability to provide robust force protection for aviation assets operating from tactical Forward Refuelling Points," he said.

"This capability is fundamental to enabling Commando Helicopter Force aviation operations wherever the UK Commando Force is required to operate. The standards displayed throughout the exercise were exceptional."