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Would anyone be kind enough to tell me of what I must be able to do to join with the Brigade Recce Troop in the RM (yes, obviously past training, I know).

Do you get selected for it, or can you apply to it?



Also, could someone give me a detailed description of the training of which BRT go under?

Thank You


(P.S. Has it been known for marines to use the MP5? just a quick side-question )

As far as I understand, you have to do the ML course. However there are other ways to be attatched to the Brigade Patrol Troop.

You have to have been a RM for at least 3 years before you can do the course, or be in the BPT.

I'm sure there are people here will tell you more.

So is there a differance between BRT and BPT? I thought they were the same, just differant names.

Anyone can apply for Recce Troop. I was tempted to put my name forward for the current 42 selection course but am waiting for the next one, just to get some more experience and grav time in the bag.

Recce selection has no rigid structure and usually depends on the team taking it. However, the course is usually one or two weeks and comprises some phys tests at the beginning (usually BFT, CFT or USMC tests all back to back) and some load carries. Rest of the week is spent in the field doing OPs and recce jobs, including tests on vehicle/weapons knowledge. It's different to the ML's (though many do go onto BPT or SF) and is run very similarly to a normal grav troop. Nearly all are para trained. Basically, it's a good job for switched on booties who fancy a bit more of a challenge. Bo selecta.

Ok, I kinda understood that

Sorry, I am a noob when it comes to the abbreviations.

What is the differance between Brigade Recce Troop and Brigade Patrol Troop? Isn't Brigade Patrol Troop regarded as SF?

I'v read somewhere that you have to be a sniper, before you can apply for BPT. Correct me if iam wrong.
Also what are the main differents to the ML and RL courses, and what are their roles? thanks.

My mate went to BPT after serving in a Recce Tp in a Cdo unit. He was a GD Marine sniper. When he arrived at BPT he did the Recce Leaders Course and a para course. On promotion to Cpl, he left the Tp and went back to a Cdo.

for a start its BRF

This was answered pretty well somewhere else, but I can't remember where, so I'll give you what I remember/what I've learned in lectures at CTC...

Each Cdo unit has a Recce Troop, generally made up of 6 four man teams, each team led by a Sgt or Cpl who are normally MLs, although sometimes other specs. The rest of the men are Marines from various specialisations, mainly GD or PW (Snipers are a specialisation within the Platoon Weapon specialisation - it's bollocks that you have to be a sniper to get in, though snipers may have an advantage in that they're already further trained in many of the techniques required for recce duties eg. moving undetected, OPs etc), though I'd guess there are also others. You can apply for Recce Troops, and go through a selection similar to applying for specialisations such as ML.

Once you're in, your training will be geared towards, oddly, recconnaissance and information gathering. There's a lot of responsibility on a lowly Marine in that you're expected to find suitable start lines and FUPs for the main forces, advise the operational commander on the ground and enemy forces, lead forces into position, etc etc. You'll be operating ahead of the main force, cut off to a certain extent, and doing an important job, so you generally get to use quite a lot of gucci kit (but you also have to carry it ). Most are also para trained.

BRF is an extension of the Recce Troops, basically doing the same job but at Bde level rather than Unit. Afraid I don't know much about this one, a couple of my Cpls have served in Recce Troops (both snipers) but not BRF. Recce Troop is the first step in that direction though.