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29 Commando Regiment is the Commando-trained unit of the British Army’s Royal Artillery,
based in Plymouth, in The Royal Citadel. The regiment is under the operational control of 3 Commando Brigade, to which it provides artillery support and gunnery observation. We hold a unique capability within the Royal Artillery. We are the Commando Gunners, and we provide offensive support to 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. We are a regiment of Army Commandos held at Very High Readiness (VHR) and we specialise in amphibious operations, mountain, desert, jungle and arctic warfare. The RAPTCIs within 29 Cdo Regt RA are SSgt (SSI) Phil Dodds and SSgt (SSI) Will Ficken (ERI) who provide all physical and rehabilitation aspects to maintain the unit’s high readiness state.
Training soldiers ready for the All-Arms Commando Course (AACC) is one of the Regiment’s main efforts. Potential commandos arrive to us from Larkhill, where they embark on the journey of becoming an Army Commando - To become a Commando Gunner you must pass the AACC. This arduous course is held at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon. On completing the course, you will be awarded both the Commando Green Beret and ‘Army Commando’ shoulder flashes (badges). At 29 Cdo Regt we aim to set you up for success. We have the facilities required to train and prepare you to pass the All-Arms Commando Course.
In May, the Regiment celebrated 60 years of Commando Gunners since it was created in 1962. Both SSgt (SSI) Dodds RAPTC and SSgt (SSI) Ficken RAPTC took part in the marching contingent through the streets of
29 Commando Regiment marching contingent for Commando 60
29 COMMANDO REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY
SSgt (SSI) W Ficken RAPTC & SSgt (SSI) P Dodds RAPTC
Plymouth with over 400 veterans marching alongside the Regiment. Marching through the city of Plymouth the Regiment marked the right to the freedom of the city.
On 21 Jul 22, the gym staff, under the guidance of SSgt (SSI) Ficken, organised a Regimental Triathlon and Rehabilitation Triathlon within The Royal Citadel and local outdoor pool. The competition was an individual event focusing on the components of fitness and testing the Commando Gunner – showcasing their strong commando mindset. It also allowed those under regular rehabilitation to participte in a short swim in the Plymouth Lido before making their way back to The Citadel for a static transition onto CV kit. Those conducting the regular triathlon were treated to the scenic views of the battlements surrounding the camp. The event was a success and a model for future events within 29 Cdo Regt.
The Regiment continues to take a proactive approach to injury prevention and supports ERI delivery of level 3 PT. With the integration of the ‘Pre- Commando Screening Programme’ injury rates have dropped dramatically during the commando pipeline and Potential Commandos are subjected to a science- based strength and conditioning build up. Regimental Service Personnel (SP) rehab has also been restructured with each stage of injury recovery assigned a pathway allowing unit SP to actively understand the rehab process and the timeline their soldiers are on.
With continued deployments to various continents around the globe, life is never dull with 3 Commando Brigade and with future deployments to Norway, Oman, Australia already on the horizon.
‘United We Conquer’
SSgt (SSI) W Ficken RAPTC & SSgt (SSI) P Dodds RAPTC ready for Commando 60 parade
29 Commando Regiment conducting Cold Weather Warfare Training
29 Commando Regimental Triathlon 22