ROYAL Marines from Norton Manor Camp have been strengthening their links with US Marines and members of the Bulgarian Armed Forces on exercise Platinum Lion 15-3.
Carried out at the Selo Training Area, in Bulgaria, Platinum Lion saw 40 Commando practising alongside their US colleagues from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Black Sea Rotational Force (BSRF) and the Bulgarians.
They worked on cordon and search operations, intelligence gathering, live-firing, as well as tactical manoeuvres all designed to strengthen the partnership between NATO nations.
Lieut Thomas Barry, of 40 Commando, said the exercise helped compare and contrast the tactics of the different nations.
He added: “Seeing how the US Marines operate their fire support systems was interesting, as well as the different weapons systems used, rates of fire and the means of implementing them; it was great to work through.
“The US Marine Corps led this exercise, but I look forward to the UK stepping up its role in the next one.”
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