The Royal Marine Commandos are the amphibious trained infantry force of the Royal Navy and still follow the role they were tasked with following their formation in World War 2, the Royal Marines form a part of the Special Forces Support Group along with components from the RAF Regiment and Parachute Regiment.
Like the rest of the Armed Forces they come in 2 flavours; regular and reserve, although both have to meet the exact standards and the tests are exactly the same and they train alongside each other and deploy on operaitons as well, reserve is more for those who don’t want to give up their job but want to realise an ambition and regular is for those whom want make a career, both well worth respecting.
The Royal Marines Commandos endure some of the most gruelling training compared to the some other NATO compartments and enjoy regular training and exercises alongside their counterparts; it’s thorough and extensive, and Commandos can expect and are trained to operate in any environment in the world from the freezing cold weather of the Arctic through to the tropical Jungle and training is taken on in environments like Norway and Belize.
Chris Terrill is a film maker whom followed a platoon or troop as they are called in the RMC from start to finish in their training, and also himself taking part in the training where allowed and Commando Tests that followed, and went on to Afghanistan with some for their pending deployment, his exploits were covered in his documentary “Commando – On the front line“, the documentary is quite recent, for completing the Commando tests he himself was awarded an honorary green lid, which is quite a feat for someone who was 55 years at the time of filming.
The story of the Royal Marines Commandos is a long one and goes back to World War 2 for a lightly equipped force which could strike at will quickly and effectively dealing the maximum amount of damage and inflicting maximum casualties through surprise, and than dissapearing before the enemy could react, their exploits were well documented and it was as elite than as it is now.
Royal Marine Commandos qualify for the green beret at the Commando Training Centre at Lymstone in Devon through an intensive course where they are than posted to 3 Commando Brigade initially.
You don’t need to be in the Navy to be a Royal Marine, but to serve with 3 Commando Brigade all candidates from the Army or RAF have to pass the All Arms Commando Course which is basically a compressed and intensive package for officers and other ranks, it’s not uncommon for candidates to have to undertake multiple attempts like the Royal Marines to pass the Commando Tests, it’s certainly a feat when you look at them, personnel from overseas on exchange can also undertake the course to serve with the brigade.
Commando Tests
Endurance course. This is an individual test comprising a challenging 6-mile (9.65 km) course whilst carrying 21 lb (9.5 kilograms (kg)) fighting order and personal weapon. The first two miles consist of undulating woodland terrain featuring obstacles such as tunnels, pipes, wading pools and an underwater culvert. The latter four miles (6.43 km) remain an obstacle-free metalled road return run back to CTCRM. Candidates are to complete this in 73 minutes. This is followed by a marksmanship test where the candidate must hit 6 out of 10 shots at a target simulating a man at a range of 200 metres.
9-mile speed march. This is a 9-mile (14 km) speed march, as a formed body, which is to be completed in 90 minutes (at an average pace of 6 miles per hour (mph)) whilst carrying fighting order and personal weapon.
Tarzan assault course. Starting at 1-minute intervals on the Cdo slide (a zip line), this is an individual test that commences with a number of “high aerial apparatuses” followed immediately by the “bottom field assault course”, and then finishing with a rope climb up a 30-foot (ft) near-vertical wall. It must be completed whilst carrying fighting order and personal weapon in 13 minutes.
30-miler. This is a tactical navigation endurance march to be completed as a syndicate whilst carrying personal load carry equipment, weapon, spare clothing and rations. Candidates must achieve this in 8 hours.
Retests. If a candidate fails a commando test, then they will get an opportunity to retake it again in the four-day window that follows the 30-miler. If a candidate fails two or more of the tests, it is unlikely that a chance to re-attempt them will be offered.
On passing the All Arms Commando Course the candidate is entitled to wear the Commando dagger qualification badge on their uniform and the green beret and to serve with 3 Commando Brigade.
