Royal Marines from 45 Commando, who spearheaded the very first military operations in Afghanistan in 2002, have begun deploying to the Sangin area of northern Helmand.
The 700 marines, based in Arbroath, will be part of 3 Commando Brigade, which is currently taking over the command of NATO's Task Force Helmand from 16 Air Assault Brigade. 45 Commando will be the lead element of Battlegroup North.
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They will be helping to create the right security conditions in order to extend the influence of the Afghan Government in the area, to support reform and development. The work involves providing protection for reconstruction teams, supporting the Afghan National Army and police, patrolling, and denying the Taliban freedom of movement.
This is the third tour of duty in Afghanistan for 45 Commando. As well as 2002, they also went to Helmand in 2006, providing mentoring and training for Afghan troops, as well as support for patrols, and protection for teams building schools, hospitals, play parks, and other projects.
45 Commando's Commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris, said: "45 Commando has considerable experience of operating in Afghanistan, so we're hoping to build on our past successes there, and make a real difference. I'm proud of the men and their families, this is what they do, this is their job and they just get on with it.
"We've done six months of extensive training for this tour, as well as specialist training for specific roles, such as driver, sniper and signaller. So we're fit, focused and ready for the challenges and rigours of Helmand."
45 Commando, based at Royal Marines Condor, is made up of different companies: Victor, Whiskey, X-Ray, Yankee, Zulu, Logistics and Headquarters, plus an integrated artillery unit, 7 Battery 29 Commando RA.
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