Construction of a Modular Steel Facility at 42 Commando Royal Marine Barracks Plymouth.

Description

Background 1. 42 Cdo are the only non-Special Forces organisation in Defence that provides a globally deployable force, capable of delivering Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIOps) including a Level 1-3 Vessel Boarding capability1. A vital component of this capability is Close Quarter Combat (CQC) which must be of the highest standard due to the physical demands and complexity of tactical activity of the most demanding nature. 2. Very few facilities exist where high-level CQC can be exercised, therefore they are always in high demand, usage is subject to competing priorities and last-minute changes which derails already compressed training pipelines and risks failure to meet mandated operational outputs. Due to the locations of these facilities, there is little opportunity to capitalise on last minute cancelations for additional/continuation training (e.g the facilities most routinely used by 42 Cdo RM are in Lydd and Hythe (6-7 hour drive) and Portland (3-4 hour drive)). 3. The current Force Generation (FGen) pipeline is as efficient as it can be, it does not offer value for money due to lost training days (for travel) and transportation costs. Conservative estimates, including pay for lost training days, allowances for long-distance travel and vehicle costs equate to c.£170K per annum. These calculations do not factor in LSA, continuation training or the moral component of excessive weekend travel. Requirement 4. The requirement is to install a CQC facility in line with ref B, within existing infrastructure in Building 6 (Drill Shed) at 42 Commando, Royal Marines Barracks, Bickleigh, Plymouth, PL6 7AJ.