Exercise Tartan Eagle 23

Photo By Staff Sgt. Servante Coba | U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jaden Bowes, a recapture tactics team member with 1st platoon, Alpha Company, Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion Kings Bay, Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment clears a doorway during close-quarters battles drills at Northumbria Police Operational Tactical Training Centre, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, United Kingdom September 11, 2023. United Kingdom September 11, 2023. U.S. Marines and Royal Marine Commandos trained in CQB tactics into increase proficiency and knowledge of different tactics. Exercise Tartan Eagle is an annual bilateral training exercise for the U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines with 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines to travel to each other's training facilities to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures in fixed site security. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by SSgt. Servante R. Coba)  

VA, UNITED STATES

10.04.2023

Story by Sgt. Hannah Adams 

Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command

UNITED KINGDOM– U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jaden Bowes, an infantryman and close quarters battle team member with Marine Corps Security Force Regiment and shares his unique perspective during exercise Tartan Eagle 2023 phase I and II.

Exercise Tartan Eagle is an annual bilateral training exercise between the United States Marine Corps and British Royal Marines to advance tactics, techniques, and procedures, to ultimately foster a relationship promoting integration, interoperability, and interdependence.

The Royal Marines are the United Kingdom's special operations capable commando force, one of the five fighting arms of the Royal Navy. The commandos provide high-readiness expeditionary amphibious force that divert, disrupt, delay, or destroy an enemy's military potential before it can be used effectively against friendly forces. Specifically, the 43 Commando Fleet works closely with the U.S. Marine Corps, Ministry of Defense Police, the Atomic Weapons Establishment, and U.S. Coast Guard.

“Exercise Tartan Eagle is an exercise that establishes relations and tactics with the Royal Marines,” Bowes explains.

Tartan Eagle phase I reviewed weapon systems and integrated the Marines. Additionally, service members assessed training differences to increase communication efficiency for the duration of phase I and for phase II.

“Tartan Eagle phase I and II are similar in the mission, but different in tactics.”

Exercise Tartan Eagle phase I is conducted in Chesapeake, Virginia. This includes the two forces collaborating on weapons safety, undergo M4 Carbine Rifles and M18 pistol course of fire, and lastly collaborating during Close Quarter Battle techniques.

Phase II is on United Kingdom soil for two weeks. In addition to CQB and live fire ranges, the Royal Marines focused on Military Operations in Urbanized Terrain training, simulation ranges, and repelling techniques.

Bowes emphasized this exercise is crucial when it comes to interoperability amongst allies. It granted the opportunity to overcome differences in tactics and language barriers.

“In phase II we worked closely with the Royal Marines. They really explained the why and how they do some of the things they do. Merging the two tactics together created a hybrid version,” Bowes expressed.

Upon conclusion of Exercise Tartan Eagle 23, Bowes looks forward to bringing new skills back to the homeland.

“I'm definitely bringing back wedge procedures and weapon handling techniques,” Bowes concluded.

• Date Taken: 10.04.2023
• Date Posted: 10.27.2023 16:15
• Story ID: 455144
• Location: VA, US
• Hometown: NEWBERG, OR, US