30 Commando (Information Exploitation) Group Royal Marines | |
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![]() Unit badge | |
Active | 2000 - present |
Country | ![]() |
Branch | |
Type | Commando |
Role | ISTAR |
Size | Battalion 465 personnel (2012) [1] |
Part of | UK Commando Force |
Garrison/HQ | Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth |
Motto(s) | Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea By Land) (Latin) |
March | Quick - A Life on the Ocean Wave Slow - Preobrajensky |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lieutenant Colonel Simon Cox RM [2] |
30 Commando Information Exploitation Group RM, or 30 Commando (IX) Group, is a battalion-sized unit of the Royal Marines and forms part of UK Commando Force. The unit resources include communications, information operations, information systems, intelligence, surveillance, and Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). [3]
The group's title harks back to the original 30 Commando (which in turn became 30 Assault Unit RM), formed in 1943. This unit was tasked to move ahead of advancing Allied forces, or to undertake covert infiltrations into enemy territory by land, sea or air, to capture much needed intelligence, in the form of codes, documents, equipment or enemy personnel. [4] [2]
In 2000, the United Kingdom Landing Force Command Support Group (UKLF CSG) was formed from 3 Commando Brigade's Headquarters and Signals Squadron. [5]
In March 2010, the UKLF CSG was renamed the 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group. [6] [1]
In 2013, the group was granted the freedom of Littlehampton, West Sussex, in honour of the original unit being based in the town during the Second World War. [7] [8]
30 Commando comprises: [2]