24 Commando Regiment Royal Engineers 24 Commando Engineer Regiment is a unit of the British Army ' s Royal Engineers which supports 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines . It was formed in April 2008 . The regiment is one of two British Army units attached to 3 Commando Brigade , Royal Marines , the others being 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery . Location and role . Based in Chivenor , North Devon , 24 Commando Engineer Regiment is required to conduct operations across the spectrum of conflict in support of 3 Commando Brigade , meaning that each member must be trained in amphibious assaults , as well as know how to operate in the jungle , across deserts , over mountainous terrain and under arctic conditions . It was announced on 4 July 2012 that 24 Commando Engineer Regiment was to be disbanded under Army 2020 . Members of the unit will be dispersed to other British Army units and also form the 59 Independent Commando Squadron Organisation . With an establishment of 543 Officers and Soldiers the regiment comprises three Squadrons : - 54 Commando Headquarters and Support Squadron , - 56 Commando Field Squadron ( not yet established ) - 59 Commando Field Squadron The attached REME Workshops is also treated as a squadron . The Commando Course . All individuals who volunteer to join the regiment have the opportunity to complete the nine - week All Arms Commando Course , after receiving pre - course coaching to develop their strength and endurance . Progressive in nature , this pre - course conditioning package focuses upon developing the individual to undertake the arduous activities of the Commando course . The " train - in " not " select - out " ethos of the course , provides the individual with the best chance of success . The Green Beret . The coveted Green Beret , the distinctive hallmark of Commando trained troops , is worn by the regiment , recognising those who have completed the gruelling and physically demanding tests of endurance , whilst displaying the Commando spirit . On passing the Commando course , other ranks ( ORs ) wear the Commando Green Beret with a blackened Royal Engineers cap - badge , whilst officers wear the officers ' flaming grenade cap - badge with a green base material , sewn onto the Commando Green Beret . Other Uniform Emblems . Both officers and ORs wear the Commando Dagger badge ( a small red dagger on a dark blue background ) on the upper left sleeve of both shirt and combat jacket . The Royal Engineers stable belt is differentiated by a Commando Dagger emblem on the clasp . Additionally , the 3 Commando Brigade RM ' flash ' is worn on the right arm of shirt and combat jacket - a black Commando Dagger on an olive green square . ' Army Commando ' shoulder titles are also worn at the top of each sleeve when issued . Pre - Existing Units . Prior to the formation of the regiment both 59 Independent Commando Squadron and 131 Independent Commando Squadron ( Volunteers ) provided support to 3 Commando Brigade . 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers . 59 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers is the commando - trained , regular , unit of the Corps . Soldiers are drawn from the regular units of the British Army ' s Corps of Royal Engineers . The Squadron formed the core of 24 Commando Regiment and is currently based at Barnstaple ( RMB Chivenor ) . 131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers ( Volunteers ) . 131 Independent Commando Squadron Royal Engineers ( V ) is the Territorial Army unit affiliated to 24 Commando Engineer Regiment . Since 1978 the unit has been on the order of battle of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines , providing combat engineer support to the Brigade . This role has seen the Squadron exercise worldwide , often sending small sub - units or individual soldiers to support the Brigade wherever it is training .