Whiskey Company left Condor last week and today Zulu Company packed their kit on board the buses bound for RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

The remaining elements from X-Ray Company are heading out next week.

The Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade are replacing 16 Air Assault Brigade in the latest front line troop rotation.

This six-month operational tour of Afghanistan will be the third in six years for 45 Commando.

The unit was also involved in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

Their last operational tour of Afghanistan ended in April 2007.

The frequency of this tour goes against the Ministry of Defence’s own ”harmony guidelines”, which advises two-year breaks between six-month operational deployments.

Despite that, the mood amongst the commando elite appears to be one of anticipation and belief that they are the best men for the job.

There is, of course, some regret and sadness that they will be away from loved ones and families over Christmas again, but that is accepted as being part of service life.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jim Morris said this latest deployment would offer up different challenges, even for those who had been there before.

“Unlike 45 Commando’s last deployment in Afghanistan, when the unit was mainly split up into small groups as part of the ISAF operational mentoring and liaison work with the Afghan National Army, this time we will be going out as a cohesive and recognisable 45 Commando Group, as part of 3 Commando Brigade,” he said.

The unit will be deployed alongside 42 Commando, the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, the 1st Battalion The Rifles, and the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards.

Local MP Mike Weir said he was sure everyone in Angus was behind the marines and hoped that all would return safely.

“I wish the personnel of 45 Commando well in their mission in Afghanistan,” he said.

“No one is in any doubt that they face a tough assignment in a very dangerous area.

“I recently attended a reception at the Officers’ Mess where we were given a thorough and honest assessment of the mission.

“I also had the opportunity to talk directly to several of the young officers who will be taking part. Whilst none of them underestimated the scale of their task, they felt they were prepared and ready for the mission ahead.

“The next six months will be very difficult for the men and, especially, for their families. I wish them all well and hope we can welcome them all safely back.”