Royal Marines identity as an elite naval force

Are the Royal Marines viewed as an elite force in the same way as the U.S. Marines?

Yes, although the public often confuses them with the Army; they strongly value their Royal Navy identity and compact marine organization.

The Royal Marines are publicly viewed as an elite force, a status reinforced by recruitment built around the idea of a commando state of mind. They are nevertheless sometimes mistaken for an Army formation rather than recognized as part of the Royal Navy. Their naval home preserves a specifically marine identity that members value strongly. A compact brigade-scale structure also lets personnel remain focused on marine roles without passing through as many of the broader Army's staff pathways.