Talk about multitasking. The Royal Marines Reserves were out doing rigorous exercises in Cyprus when they thought, why not add a rescue mission to the day.

The unit was in the Eastern Mediterranean area, working on the first exercise in over three years where commandos from many reserves were brought together to sharpen their skills so that they were prepared for combat, if it were to happen.

The scorching heat and harsh terrain make for an interesting location when it comes to testing both mental and physical finesse, which is a hallmark of any Royal Marine’s career, including the reserves.

The men in the exercise ended up having to rescue a pilot who was shot down during the final workout. A Griffin helicopter dropped behind enemy lines.

Royal Marines Reserves take part in exercises in Cyprus (photo credit: royalnavy.mod.uk) 

Marine Gareth Breddy, with RMR Bristol’s Cardiff detachment, said: “We were in a forward operating base and simulated mortars came in and we were assembled as a quick reaction force to save a downed pilot. The training we’ve received is second to none. These instructors are the best in the world when it comes to weapons drills, especially.”

The marines, called Commando Phoenix, took no time in tackling three different enemy positions before they were able to pull the pilot back during the Joint Personnel Recovery (JPR) mission.

“The reservists are trained and equipped to the same level as their regular counterparts and regularly called upon to mobilise and work alongside 3 Commando Brigade, so training like this in Cyprus is crucial to ensure they are kept ready for action,” according to an MoD release.

Marine Harry Bloomfield from RMR Bristol said: “It was the accumulation of a two-week shooting package here in Cyprus where we worked up to a full section attack before three targets that we had to take one after the other.

“It’s been tough. The heat was blasting down but it has been good nonetheless. After we fought through three targets we eventually got to a plane where there was mock casualty and we had to extract them out the area.“

Royal Marines Reserves take part in exercises in Cyprus (photo credit: royalnavy.mod.uk)

RMR Bristol led Exercise Commando Phoenix, but marines from across the reserves were involved, including RMR London, RMR Merseyside, RMR Scotland and their 20 satellite detachments.

This is just another example of how ready and prepared the lads in the Royal Marines are, whether they’re veterans, in service, or a part of the reserves.