FPGRM

The Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (FPGRM), formerly Comacchio Company Royal Marines (1980-1983) and Comacchio Group Royal Marines (1983-2001), is a commando-sized specialist unit of the Royal Marines responsible for guarding the United Kingdom's Naval nuclear weapons and other security-related duties.

History

On 1 May 1980, the Comacchio Company Royal Marines was formed to guard the UK's Naval nuclear weapons and as a Maritime Counter-Terrorism unit for offshore installations, including oil rigs and ships. The Comacchio Company RM initially numbered around 300 personnel.

Taking its name from a World War Two battle honour, the Comacchio Company's purpose was deemed inappropriate for a Commando-level specification. Instead, the Comacchio Company was named after a battle fought in Lake Comacchio, Italy, by Royal Marines in 1945, where Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter of 43 Commando posthumously received the Victoria Cross for his actions. On its formation, Comacchio Company took on the colours and traditions of the-then defunct 43 Commando.

The Comacchio Company RM became Comacchio Group RM in November 1983 to reflect a manpower increase to over 400 Royal Marines. From 1987 onwards, Comacchio Group also ceased performing the Maritime Counter-Terrorism role, after a study transferred the task to the newly-formed M-squadron of the Royal Marines Special Boat Service.

The Comacchio Group RM was renamed Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines in March 2001, and was restructured into its current organisation. The Group also moved from RM Condor in Arbroath Angus (where it was co-located with 45 Commando) to HM Naval Base Clyde, which is situated near Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute (both in Scotland).

In 2004, rifle squadron P was renamed S squadron and the Group was further expanded to a complement of 530.

Tasks and organisation

As of 2005, the Fleet Protection Group has over 500 personnel and is organised into several sub-units:

• HQ headquarters squadron
• O rifle squadron
• R rifle squadron
• S rifle squadron

The Group currently performs several tasks, including:

• Fleet Standby Rifle Troop (FSRT) - The Group provides a number of teams to conduct tasks in support of the Royal Navy worldwide. All the teams receive specialist training and equipment and are held at high readiness for deployment. Many of the teams are specifically trained in non-compliant boarding skills. Those wishing to join an FSRT team are required to serve an apprenticeship in FPGRM and to be specifically recommended as suitable for this highly demanding and rewarding role.

• Joint Support Unit (JSU) Northwood - The Group provides a detachment for the physical security of key parts of the Northwood Headquarters, near London. The detachment is formed from manpower provided by O and R squadrons with marines becoming eligible to serve at Northwood once they have completed a minimum of 6 months in FPGRM.

• Security of Nuclear Weapons - The Group provides military support for the Final Denial of access to nuclear weapons in HM Naval Base Faslane, at the Royal Naval Armament Depot at Coulport and in transit. The duty squadron provides a number of Reaction Forces at various notices to move in order to support the static guarding undertaken by the Ministry of Defence Police. This is a complex task that requires a thorough understanding of Rules of Engagement, accurate weapon handling and good CQB skills. This role is becoming more demanding as new weapons; skills and tasks are being introduced.

• Force protection of Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels outside the UK - FPGRM provide force protection teams for HM ships alongside outside the United Kingdom to supplement organic security teams. This task is supported by members of the Royal Naval Reserve.

Only a proportion of squadron manpower is deployed at any one time, with the remainder taking leave, courses or training. When not on duty, the squadron conducts field firing, mountain training and other sub-unit training. It is also liable to be deployed on exercises such as Ex Trade Winds (in the Caribbean), to take part in November Ceremonies at the Cenotaph in London, or conduct cross-training with the USMC during the biannual Ex Tartan Eagle.

FPGRM is responsible for running the selection process for Royal Marines who wish to join the UK's Special Forces Support Group.

The Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines is the only operational Royal Marines Commando unit outside of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, instead the group works through the Commander Operations Fleet to the Commander-in-Chief Fleet.