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Strike Team & Troop Command Responsibilities & Accountability Framework

Overview

This SOP outlines the responsibilities and accountability of all Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and Officers within the United Kingdom Commando Force (UKCF).

It applies across all UKCF formations, including 40 Commando, 47 Commando, Headquarters, and any future units.
Those appointed to leadership positions are entrusted with the readiness, development, and professional standards of the Marines under their command.

Leadership within UKCF is not solely a position of authority, but a responsibility to actively manage, develop, and maintain operational capability.

Command Responsibility

Strike Team and Troop Commanders are expected to take direct responsibility for the effectiveness of their formation. This responsibility includes oversight of attendance, training, development, and personnel management.

Commanders are accountable for ensuring that standards are applied consistently and fairly across their teams.

Attendance Tracking

Strike Team and Troop Commanders are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date attendance records for all personnel within their formation.

Attendance tracking will be conducted using Unit Commander as the authoritative system of record.

This includes tracking participation in:

  • Operations

  • Strike Team or Troop training

  • Company-level training where applicable

Maintaining accurate attendance data is a core leadership function and is essential to assessing readiness and commitment.

Training & Billet Management

Leaders are expected to ensure that their formation’s required billets and capabilities are filled by appropriately trained personnel.

This responsibility includes:

  • Identifying training requirements within the formation

  • Sending personnel to required training courses

  • Coordinating with G7 (Training) to ensure necessary courses are hosted

This process forms a key part of member development and contributes directly to the long-term health and capability of the unit.

Attendance and Training Enforcement

Strike Team and Troop Commanders are responsible for ensuring individuals meet attendance and training expectations as defined by UKCF SOPs.

Where an individual falls short of these expectations, leaders are expected to:

  • Inform the individual of the deficiency

  • Clearly communicate expectations

  • Determine whether an opportunity to improve or a development plan is appropriate

Where a development plan is issued, expectations and timeframes should be clearly outlined and progress monitored.

Formation Assignment Input

Strike Team and Troop Commanders are expected to take an active role in shaping the composition of their formation.

Commanders are encouraged to provide input and feedback regarding individuals being assigned to their Strike Team or Troop, ensuring that personnel are suitable for the role, training environment, and expectations of the formation.

This responsibility includes:

  • Proactive communication with the relevant Pools within 40 Commando or 47 Commando

  • Providing feedback on individual suitability, readiness, or development needs

  • Highlighting formation-specific requirements or constraints

While final assignment authority remains within the appropriate command and administrative channels, Strike Team and Troop Commanders are expected to engage early and constructively to support effective placement decisions.

Active engagement in the assignment process helps ensure that personnel are set up for success and that formations remain cohesive, capable, and operationally effective.

Personnel Reassignment and Removal

If an individual fails to meet attendance or training expectations and does not comply with an agreed improvement opportunity or development plan, Commanders are responsible for coordinating appropriate action.

This may include:

  • Reassignment to Reserves

  • Reassignment to the relevant Pool

  • Direct dismissal from UKCF

Where direct dismissal is recommended, the Company Chain of Command must be consulted for final authorisation prior to action being taken.

All actions should be proportionate, documented, and communicated through the appropriate chain of command.

Delegation of Responsibilities

Strike Team and Troop Commanders may delegate elements of the responsibilities outlined in this SOP to individuals within their established chain of command.

Delegation may include:

  • Attendance administration

  • Training coordination

  • Maintenance of records

  • Initial engagement with personnel regarding attendance or training issues

Delegation of tasks does not transfer responsibility.
Commanders remain fully accountable for ensuring delegated tasks are completed correctly, consistently, and in accordance with UKCF standards.

Accountability and Oversight

Commanders are accountable to their Company Chain of Command for compliance with this SOP.

Senior leadership may review attendance records, training compliance, and documentation as required to ensure standards are being upheld.

Persistent failure to meet leadership responsibilities may result in administrative review and reassessment of command appointment.

Summary

Leadership within UKCF is built on trust, accountability, and professional standards.
By clearly defining command responsibilities, UKCF ensures that its leadership structure remains effective, consistent, and capable of supporting continued operational excellence.

Created By:

Maj. W. Scott
OC, UKCF

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