This is the Brigade Commanders Command, Control and Communications unit, which comprises of:
Made up of Royal Marines Signallers who provides all communications for the Brigade Headquarters, HF VHF, UHF, and Satellite, Secure and open circuits, voice and data.
For Rear Communications it provides communications from anywhere in the world to a command or suborn HQ and to the Permanent Joint Headquarters in the UK.
For Forward communications it provides Command and Control circuits to all Commando units and attached arms and rear echelons.
Are the Brigades electronic eyes and ears. These again are Royal Marines Signallers, specialists in Electronic Warfare. Equipped with state-of-the-art communications and electronic support measures equipment (ESM). They provide intelligence at all levels by intercepting enemy transmissions.
Responsible for Co-ordinating and Directing close fixed-wing aircraft support from either the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force. These Parties consist of three men a Royal Marine Lt, a Cpl and Mne Signaller.
A small highly mobile Air Defence Troop which provides point air defence for the Brigades high value assets such as the Headquarters or supply area.
Six, four man teams they operate forward of the main forces in a reconnaissance role. Collecting information on the enemy and topology and reporting back to the Brigade Command Post. They are often deployed in advance of the amphibious landings.
This troop is made up of Royal Marines trained to the same standard as the Royal Military Police but with that Royal Marine attitude in tact. They direct movement of vehicles from the beachhead, they are also responsible for marking all main supply routes and escorts to convoys. They also provide the close protection of the Brigade Commander.
Consists of three Commando Units 40 Commando Royal Marines, 42 Commando Royal Marines and 45 Commando Group Royal Marines. These are the cutting edge of the Brigade providing its immediate combat capability, Each Commando is approximately 600 strong and can deploy either with the Brigade or as a Commando Group, which is a self contained force with elements from the other combat support units of the Brigade.
Is made up of five Squadrons, one Headquarters and four specialist squadrons which provide the backbone of all second line combat service support in areas of Logistic Support, Medical, and Workshop facilities. It is this support which allows the Brigade the flexibility to operate in such theatres as the Falklands and Northern Iraq without having to rely on a large network of Logistics and Service support normally associated with Operations many miles from the UK.
Provides additional mobility to the Amphibious Assault Force, It is also used to support advanced force operations and during an assault or landing it can be supplemented by the 4th and 6th Assault Squadrons Royal Marines based on the two Landing Platform Dock Assault Ships HMS Intrepid and Fearless and the LPH HMS Ocean (Soon to be replaced by HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark at the millennium). They operate from RIBs, Landing Craft (LCVP) and (LCM), Ridged Raider Craft (RRC) and occasionally from Hover Craft
Is the Brigades Artillery support with twenty-four 105mm light guns (six come from 289 Commando Battery TAVR), or from ships of the fleet which the regiment provide Naval Gunfire Observation Officers from 148 Commando Battery.
Provides additional Air Defence in the form of the RAPIER a recent addition to the Brigade to compliment their own Air Defence Troop who use JAVELIN.
Provide the close engineer support for the Brigade, their role ranges from bridge demolition to bridge construction, Mine laying to mine clearance, and just as important the supply of drinking water from natural sources. They are in turn enhanced by the TAVR 131 (V) Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers.
Formally the two units CHOSC and 3 BAS mow under one command. It provides the co-ordination for rotary wing aircraft for the Brigade on operations. It is made up of 3 squadrons: 2 squadrons of support helicopters (Seaking Commandos) and 1 squadron of light helicopters (Lynx and Gazelle).
Normally from the Special Boat Service Royal Marines (SB) assigned to the Brigade to conduct advance force operations working forward of the main force both before, during and after the assault/landing.
Is currently provided by B Squadron The Household Cavalry Regiment, which is assigned to the Brigade for specific operations providing Scimitar and Striker armoured Vehicles. Formerly this role was associated, for a short time, associated with the 13Th/18Th Royal Hussars (QMO) who shared the Regimental March "A Life on the Ocean Waves" with the Corps.