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45 provided men for SF force protection during Op Telic, anti-tanks and some AEs(which I know of).
Comacchio Gp was always a ping from hell, there where always more chits in than empty hair gel tubes in a PTI's locker, and the main job of guarding the country's nuclear deterrent hasn't gone away and my understanding was(never got drafted north of Taunton) that as freshmeat that's what you'd do for your first job. They used to provide boarding parties for the lochs in NI, although I've been out too long to know if that is still going.
Ships attachments used to be provided by volunteers, then it went to a system of the unit doing the least had a company trained up but based in the UK and on standby to fly out to ships who needed their particular skills now FPGRM provide boarding parties full time and this could see you deployed anywhere in the world.
And rumour has it that M Squadron may be turned back over to the corps(FPGRM)from Poole for oilrig protection duties as this is a job too far for them being overstretched as it is.
Like any draft though if you put in FPGRM in the section asking "place to avoid" reverse psychology might win the day.

Artist, tell me if i'm wrong (which I'm sure I am) but I thought the vast majority of new Marines went into the Cdo groups.

Are the Cdo groups just fighting forces? Wouldn't there be dull jobs (pings) within 40, 42 & 45 such as admin or stores?

Apologies for my thick-headedness!

Doug

Most blokes do go straight into a CDO unit true.

Save for those who get pinged for Signals or some other branch which is short of men. And even then they will more than likely get a first draft to one of the units.

Artist

Just to correct what must surely have been a typo FPG is not a specialist group.

After passing out, and dispite all that is said by the doomy and gloomy a Marine will normally be drafted to a unit as a rifleman. These days units are classed as, 40, 42, 45, Logs AND Fleet Protection Group. It may not be a unit as we all understand but that is how drafty sees it.

Almost all riflemen at the end of their first draft will be "encouraged" to obtain an SQ - ie to go into a branch or specialisation. Exceptionally certain individuals may go on to do further time in non units as a GD Marine - these would include, Stonehouse, CTCRM, Poole, Yeovilton. Second tours in Units are almost unheard of at this moment in time due to manning problems

FPG's role is very diverse and you can expect many varied duties serving with the Navy, including ships boarding parties in the Gulf and Caribbean etc - but also you can expect to be included in the duties that don't appear to described too appeallingly above. However, the time off and chance to do Andventure Training during your rotations make up for it. Life in the Corps ain't meant to be one long holiday. They do pay you, you know!

Stix stop drinking wets in the restroom and get back up the common your late!

As with most jobs in any service certain positions are made to sound more gucci than they are, FSRT is part of FPG but unfortunatley you will have to put some time in at that unit doing guard duties or at Northwood you would be better of in the units.

The corps at the minute is trying to keep lads just out of the box as GD and not ping them for for undermanned SQ's unless they want to, giving them a fair crack of the whip just dont expect to stay GD much more than 18 months you carn't climb cliffs and kill German sentries for ever.

I must congratulate you on your choice of user-name.
Never has one been so suited.
Large head, knuckle dragging and covered in Ponds Cam Cream (green)

But still twice as esscence as you!