The Royal Marines are the worlds pre-eminent amphibious warfare unit. They are part of the Royal Navy and have been in existence since 1664. In that time they have evolved into a rapid response light infantry assault force that can fight in any amphibious and land based environment .
The Corps consists of;
3 elite Commando infantry Battalions, 40, 42 and 45.
Ship and shore based rapid reaction force - 43 Commando (previously FPG Commachio Company)
Intelligence Company (30 Commando)
539 raiding squadron (boat support)
47 Commando Assault Group (Mountain and Cliff warfare)
SBS - the worlds premier sea borne special forces
Vanguard Strike Force - newly developed force equivalent to US SOG teams
The RM have little in the way of armour, they rely on rapid movement into and out of conflict areas.