New Army "Caliber Configuration Study"

[LRRPF52]

Also, when you throw in Royal Marines, we're talking about a totally different organization with its own unique force structure, selection and training, and doctrine. Royal Marines are a rapid deployment multi-faceted commando unit with its own peculiarities. Take a look at their MTO&E to get a better idea of what I'm talking about:



The closest thing I can relate to it would be a maritime Ranger Regiment, with organic slice elements mixed in that would normally be part of a Marine Brigade, with Maritime Special Forces (SBS) at the upper end of the short leash. For those in the US that might think they're just British Marines, not really.

What really sets them apart is the selection and training process, the MTO&E, and the OPTEMPO of their unit training and deployments. It's a very exclusive organization with extremely difficult initial entry standards to pass through. Attrition is very high, and not all kids get an A for effort. Most will pack their bags and leave within the first few months, and the course is 32 weeks for enlisted trainees.

The closest US comparison would be 75th Ranger Regiment, if you tailored Ranger Regiment towards maritime operations. The mindset of guys from both organizations is frighteningly similar. An entry-level soldier from both units can be counted on to take the fight to the enemy with aggression and competence, with very high standards of junior leadership experience and training to manage him. That is at odds with much of the rest of the military.

As to the GPC concept, it's dead on arrival for a number of reasons, endurance being the most important to actual fighters, and inappropriateness of capability for many of the combat arms duty positions, never mind all the rear echelon support personnel.