30 Commando Information Exploitation Group

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]

30 Commando (Information Exploitation) Group Royal Marines
Unit badge
Active	2000 - present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Marines Naval Service
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]

History

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]

Structure

SRS Shore Reconnaissance Team personnel conducting an exercise.

SRS personnel conducting a ski warfare exercise.

30 Commando comprises:^[2]

• Headquarters Squadron, including the Intelligence and Information Activities Cells
• Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron^[9][10]
  • Brigade Patrol Troop^[5]
  • Shore Reconnaissance Team^[11][12]
• Y Squadron - Electronic Warfare
  • Air Defence Troop - using Starstreak high-velocity missile^[5][13]
• Information Activities Cell - Information Operations and Combat Camera Team (CCT)
• Communications Squadron
• Logistics Squadron^[5]
  • Motor Transportation Troop
  • Royal Marines Police Troop - protect key personnel such as visiting dignitaries and foreign officials. They also provide training and assistance to police forces around the world.
  • Catering Troop
  • Stores Troop
  • Equipment Support Troop
• Base Squadron - looks after Royal Marines Barracks Stonehouse, much of which was built in the 1700s. It is responsible for providing real-life support, such as dining facilities, accommodation, medical care, rehabilitation of injured personnel and physical training facilities.