Royal Marines are ready to respond immediately if there’s ever a repeat of the Novichok attack on British soil after honing their chemical warfare skills.
Zulu Company from 45 Commando, based at Arbroath, will now be the first men on the ground should the marines be called on to deal with a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incident at home or abroad.
“The recent attack on British soil highlighted the importance of this capability and it is more important than ever for us to be able to operate effectively in this environment should the need arise”
Sergeant Ben Fail, Defence Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Centre
Due to the heightened threat following last year’s incident in Salisbury, the commandos refreshed their skills at the UK’s specialist training centre preparing troops for such forms of chemical warfare.
Military and civilian specialists from the Defence Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Centre at Westdown Camp on Salisbury Plain – just 15 miles from the site of the fatal Novichok attack – helped the Scottish-based marines perfect their skills.
