Project FORTITUDE is an initiative to facilitate further and enduring rehabilitation opportunities for those Marines, Sailors and Soldiers [1] injured on operations and whilst on or off duty who suffer visible wounds, and those who bear less visible wounds of psychological injury. The aim is to enhance the support to individuals and their dependants during the rehabilitation phase from point of injury until re-integration within the RM/RN or integration into civilian employment, care or retirement. Opportunity, Challenge, Focus, and Belonging are the cornerstones.

[1] This should include all members of the RN/RM (Regular and Reserve) but not exclude tri-service ranks from 3 Cdo Bde RM units such as 29 Cdo Regt RA, 59 Cdo Regt RE and 1 Rifles who will be treated on a case by case basis

The key element of FORTITUDE is unity and teamwork, focussing on the individual not the injury, in a demanding and remote environment where there is a real challenge that will place unique demands on individuals and the group.

FORTITUDE was the idea of Major Molly Macpherson RM and Sgt Steve Perry. Sgt Perry with assistance from Maj Macpherson and other personnel planned and executed KC 09. Due to the amount of planning required for expeditions and activities, only with expertise and dedication of personnel can these go ahead as the majority of the planning is done out of work time. Only with the introduction of a permanent FORTITUDE facilitator was this possible. FORTITUDE and KC10 Team members are grateful to Maj Molly Macpherson and Sgt Steve Perry MBE for their efforts to get this project off the ground.

This post has now been established and sits with in Hasler Company at HMS Drake and is responsible to OC Hasler Company. FORTITUDE will assist in delivering Sporting and Adventurous Training opportunities to all Royal Marine ranks with in the Recovery Pathway in Hasler Company, Recovery Troops and other RM Units and outstations.

As well as FORTITUDE activities and projects the Role will be to advertise, promote and support Battle-Back activities and projects.

This year sees FORTITUDE return to the Himalayas in a reduced category of two trekking teams with a total of 32 personnel. 12 of these ranks have been injured in service and will use this unique opportunity to further progress through their rehabilitation. As with any activity or event in the RN/RM to take place somebody needs to conduct planning and head up executing the event. This has only been possible with the assistance of CSgt Paul Weir who volunteered his services as Expedition Leader and will deliver this project. Paul is currently the Royal Marines Adventure Training Advisor which makes him the ideal candidate for the role.

FORTITUDE is extremely grateful to the Navy and the Royal Marines for supporting us to be able to return to Nepal this year. A massive thank you to RN/RM Charities, the Sports Lottery and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund who have assisted us to fund this project. We have also been very fortunate to be supported by Corps Security, NSSL, Mammut, and Rokk Media.

Once again we are delighted to have VICE ADMIRAL RICHARD IBBOTSON CB DSC Deputy Commander in Chief Fleet as the expedition Patron.

We have been afforded a unique opportunity to carry the Baton this year. See www.thebaton.co.uk

Warrant Officer 2 Rob McIntyre Royal Marines

FORTITUDE