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Combined Joint Task Force Exercise (CJTFEX) 96 brought together a unique array of weaponry and manpower from two allied countries. Marines and soldiers from the United States and United Kingdom waged war against and with each other in the woods, countryside, in the air and on the high seas off, above and on the North Carolina coast during Exercise Purple Star.
U.S. Marines from Marine Forces Atlantic, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) in conjunction with Marines from the United Kingdom's 3 Commando Brigade conducted a variety of training exercises. From reconnaissance insertions to standard conventional operations many "firsts" in U.S. Marine Corps history, as well as in the relationship between the U.S. Marines and British Royal Marines, were achieved. While the two forces differ in many respects, the exercise reemphasized the similarities that exist between them.
The Royal Marines from 3 Commando Brigade are commanded by Brigadier A. A. Milton and based in Plymouth, England. They have a distinguished history dating back to World War II when the unit first saw action against...