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Almost 20 years since last going into battle, 45 Commando Royal Marines is preparing for a return to war.

The 400-strong contingent of specialist mountain warfare troops, based at Arbroath in Angus, is expected to be in Afghanistan within three weeks. For the past three months it has been involved in rigorous training exercises in the Scottish mountains in preparation for an attack on the high-altitude strongholds of al-Qa'ida and Taliban forces.

"We have been practising ambush and anti-ambush techniques, mountain navigation and weapons training," said Marine Dale Barnard, 21, who has been in the military for three years.

Despite the deaths suffered by American forces and the possibility of British casualties, none of the men of 45 Commando had any doubts about what was expected of him.

"My job is just to bring all of my company home again," said Major Rich Hills, 34, who expects to be leading 100 men, with an average age of 21, into the war zone. He added: "We are going up against an enemy who range from battle hardened guerrillas with 20 years' experience to untried volunteers from Birmingham. We don't underestimate them but our training has made us among the best mountain troops in the world." The last time 45 Commando saw action was in the Falklands when it defeated Argentine forces in the crucial battle for Two Sisters.

Corporal Peter Curley, 36, an instructor in mountain warfare, said: "Fighting at high altitude is what we have been trained to do and we are prepared for whatever is thrown against us." Cpl Curley is from London but, like the rest of 45 Commando, regards RM Condor at Arbroath as home. While he is away on active service his wife, Kerry, 31, who is due to give birth to their first child in May, will remain at their married quarters at the base.

He said: "She is obviously apprehensive for me, but she knew what I did before we married and accepts that this is my job. In many ways it's more difficult for the families waiting at home. It may be tough being a Marine but it's much tougher being a Marine's wife."

The people of Arbroath, numbering about 25,000, are used to supporting the families of servicemen fighting abroad. As home to 45 Commando since 1971 the town granted the brigade Freedom of Arbroath in recognition of its importance within the community.

Local shops, bars and taxi firms all acknowledge that business will be hit badly with the troops away on active service and hope for their fast and safe return.

"The whole town's thoughts and prayers will be them," said Sheena Welsh, a councillor. "We are proud of them going into action on behalf of us all."