thedrifter
02-23-04, 09:57 AM
Marines may be moved <br />
Hundreds of commandos may be brought to the South West in a review of Royal Marines bases. <br />
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The news emerged during cold weather warfare training in Norway by 3 Commando...
thedrifter
02-23-04, 09:58 AM
Marines 'failed by poor kit'
Matthew Taylor
Monday February 23, 2004
The Guardian
More than 80 Royal Marines have returned from a winter training exercise with frostbite amid allegations that they had been making do with sub-standard sleeping bags.
A further 46 soldiers were brought back from the three month operation in Harstad, Norway, with other injuries.
The Ministry of Defence said the number of soldiers who had returned was higher than usual. But a spokesman insisted that the marines from 3 Commando Brigade, who were provided with a sleeping bag, a Goretex bivvy bag and a roll mat, had "the best equipment in the world".
That claim was dismissed yesterday by Colonel Lars Sundnes, of the Norwegian army, who told the Mail on Sunday that British army equipment was not up to scratch.
Last night the MoD confirmed that some marines had bought their own sleeping bags to help cope with the freezing temperatures, but said that was normal.
The evacuation, out of a total of some 2,300 personnel, comes three weeks into the month-long exercise.
The spokesman said that though it was usually an annual exercise, it had not happened for four years.
Soldiers' kit has hit the headlines in recent times. In December, a National Audit Office report found that frontline forces were left without vital equipment during the Iraq war. Nuclear, chemical and biological weapon protection suits and desert clothing did not reach or fit many troops, it said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1153858,00.html
Sempers,
Roger
:marine: