Nuclear weapons safeguarding tactics bond U.S. and Royal Marines

Photo By Chad McMeen | U.S. Marine Security Forces and their Royal Marine Fleet Protection Group allies enter a mock nuclear facility in the Scottish Highlands during Exercise Tartan Eagle 14. The exercise is in its 20th iteration to share ideas and procedures for the protection and safeguard of nuclear weapons.  

INVERNESS, SCT, UNITED KINGDOM

09.19.2014

Story by Cpl. Joshua Grant 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

INVERNESS, SCOTLAND –Exercise Tartan Eagle 14, in its 20th iteration, brings together U.S. Marine Security Forces and Royal Marine Fleet Protection Group to share ideas and training procedures for the protection and safeguard of nuclear weapons.

The U.S. Marines and sailors recently finished half of the exercise in the Scottish Highlands with close-quarters battle techniques, a hike up a 4,000 foot summit of Ben Nevis, a shooting competition, and commando speed march.

“A lot of the training we do is very similar,” said Watkinson. “Weapons and tactics wise, we are pretty much on the same song sheet. Having U.S. Marines over is good for us because a lot our drills and skills come from their tactics and it’s good to feed back into each other all the time,” said Sgt. Christopher Watkinson, a CQB instructor from Royal Marines 43 Commando Platoon.

“Every now and then there is a new technique each nation learns and this exercise is the best way to share the knowledge and feed off each other’s experiences,” added Watkinson.

The CQB training integrated the Marines into small teams to conduct missions inside a mock nuclear facility.

“We all have the same mission, to guard our nation’s nuclear facilities, so why not bring the best ideas and procedures together to ensure the job is done right; Exercise Tartan Eagle facilitates that environment perfectly,” said U.S. Marine Capt. James Risk, officer-in-charge of Exercise Tartan Eagle.

The shooting range and competition tested the skills and adaptability of the U.S. Marines by having them shoot the Royal Marines’ weapons.

Along with the training, the Marines created lasting friendships and bonds during cultural days.

“We had some U.S. Marines and Royal Marines out in town together and a local gentleman approached a U.S. Marine asking if he was American. Because of the bond they share, one of the Royal Marines stood up and said he was an American that day.”

• Date Taken: 09.19.2014
• Date Posted: 09.19.2014 08:01
• Story ID: 142676
• Location: INVERNESS, SCT, GB