PICTURES: South West Royal Marines' desert training

desert training Photo: MOD

Plymouth-based42 Commando Royal Marines have hit the desert sand running as they plungestraight into intensive hot weather training in the US.

The 300Marines are feeling the heat in many ways as they cope with high temperaturesin the Mojave desert in California, loaded with heavy rucksacks, weapons andprotective gear.

Hot weathertraining enables the Marines to build on their ability as a high-readiness unitable to be deployed at short notice any where in the world, regardless of theclimate and conditions.

The specialist amphibious commandos can operate in the harshest environments Credit: MOD
The Commandos are honing their skills at Twentynine Palms, home to the US Marine Corps’ Air-Ground Combat Centre Credit: MOD
Hot weather training enables the Marines to build on their ability as a high-readiness unit Credit: MOD