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American boot camp is a joke and I been highly trained in a lot of schools and the screaming is stupid and just done because it is tradition. I hold a forever hate for screaming people and it is pointless and even to this day if I run into those idiots in combat I will not even talk to them. I hate people that are not unoriginal and just follow a system without improving it. Take yelling and disrespect out of it and people would listen train and learn better. I just want to kill them every time somebody has yelled around me even if they are not yelling at me. That is why you have to go special forces if you want to enjoy the military and be able to think as a person. Most the main military is full of very low iq people.
What a great video! My husband is a US Marine. He went to the UK and did the AACC last winter & said it was the most challenging and rewarding course he’s ever done. He made a couple great friends, very admirable guys.
I was one of Bob's Royal Marine Drill instructors taking a Recruit Troop through training, total respect for him, he did a great Troop Sgts job and a quality all round guy, Semper Fi Bob, come and visit us again sometime
Great interview! This is the first video of yours Chris that I've watched. What really stuck out in your style is your respect for the guest by letting them speak uninterrupted. Well done!
Was a recruit in 737 troop with Rob! 1998.......the buckle on my rifle sling snapped coming off the Tarzan assault course and he followed me round the bottom field to make sure I nailed it! Top bloke and fantastic to see his face once again. Cheers Royal!
I did joint ops with the Brits a few times and once encountered some Royal Marines. They told me their qualification course content, which sounded truly hellish. I'd be happy to buy a pint for anyone who makes it through that course!
We have an endurance course in Quantico and when the Royal Marines come to visit they crush our endurance course times. Those commandos are cardio beasts.
So interesting to see an American Marine talking about Royal Marine training. My dad was a Commando in WW2. He saw service in North Africa and Italy. I think he did his training at Achnacarry. He retired and moved to Exmouth where many of their neighbours were Marines. He died in 1997 and I was amazed to see around a dozen serving Marines at his funeral paying their respect. PS. I used to walk my mums dog on Woodberry Common where he would occasionally sniff a bush that would be a soldier in camouflage.
Nothing compares to Lympstone, I was back trooped at week 14, and was in hunter company for a while due to waiting for an operation on an injury, getting back into training after that was hard, but to get to the end was the proudest I ever felt.
@@jerryoshea3116 I agree many of in the UK just don't get the culturural differences between UK and USA; and sadly there is a good bit of political driven drivel spouted in the UK about the USA. I think each should keep to their own domestic politics as each has developed to represent very different places and societies. Neither are perfect and both are pretty good considering what else is found around the world. I just like the fact we are good friends, and long should it stay that way. (London was built on a swamp. Washington has its swamp life too? Loads in common, just done with different styles..) ATB
@@jerryoshea3116 Same to you, be safe, have fun. Its good to have friends. Scotland has just beaten England in Rugby 11-6. Scotland played well, England should have stayed in bed. ATB.
@@muskett4108 Exactly. I get fed up with this stupid machismo rivalry in the comments sections on TH-cam. Half of it is probably certain countries leaving comments to shit stir. And half are just stupid people who are unaware of history. The way I see it, is that Britain is Americas older Brother. Americas younger and fitter and more impulsive, but they should be listening to their older Brother. Because we have a little bit of experience in World politics and diplomacy.
Full respect to Robert he must be tough and physical condition to pass the RM course especially at 31. As a former British infantryman I have great respect to both Corps
I worked with a GnySgt USMC. We ran the Mountain Leaders Cse together back in 2001. He did the All Arms Commando Cse at the age of 40yrs. Not because he had to. He thought it would be a good crack. A special USMC recon operator indeed.
I've been watching your videos for a while Chris. I have to be honest, at first i did not take to them. However after watching more and getting to know your interviewing technique and personality i have to congratulate you . The honesty and integrity that you portray are second to none. I have downloaded your books and look forward to reading them over the next few weeks. Keep it up Friend.
Had the privilege to spend time along side the USMC Silent Drill Team for about two weeks while they were in the UK in the late 80's. Excellent bunch of guys and their drill display was exceptional, but they had a somewhat different approach to soldiering. They were what I would termed "over disciplined" it got to the point that they would not attempt to think for themselves and we're almost robotic in their response to their NCOs. With the various British regiments I have served in or with, both TA and Regular, many of the more experienced Junior Ranks showed more personal initiative. Sometimes that got them into trouble but was mostly encouraged and seen as a good thing.
I went on my Snipers course at CTCRM in 1985 from 42 Cdo RM. My partner on the course was a USN Petty Officer from SEAL Team 6 who was a cracking guy. At the time the Royal Marines Snipers course was one of the most intensive courses in NATO and had a pass rate of just 40%. The Corps has a long tradition of welcoming our allies to work alongside us.
@@tommy4244 Us Marines only have around 150 to 300 snipers. So many people fail they have a problem now. They are desperate for more but arnt getting any. Do the royals have the same problem?
Was fantastic hearing Robert's story, I had the great luck to work with him during the summer of 2020 and he is an awesome guy to get to know. He always had a few stories to tell about the things he's done. Great guy to know.
Did 25 years....... loved the Endurance course....... broke the record in 1970...... and enjoyed all the tests.......my son did the AACC.... he was REME, attached to 3 CDO BDE AIR SQN.....Air Craft Tech..... done his 25 years, retired 8 years now.... I'm looking at 70 next birthday..
Tony, everything is now H&S....... safety rails down the old butts on the Endurance Cse, the water tunnel is well posh, cement piping...... like you said, no safety nets...... loved it all, do it again.... but know my knees and hips are crying NNNNOOOOOOOOO.....lol
I was Bootneck for 10 years in the 1960's. Back then more or less every Royal Navy ship from the size of frigate upwards had a Royal Marine detachment of about 30 men on board. I put in for sea service and served over 2 years on an aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Centaur. That was my favourite period as a Bootneck.
I did the all arms Cdo course in 1982! I remember it vividly because it was whilst the Falkland War was going on. Remember doing the abseiling training the day HMS Sheffield blew up! We had a USMC SNCO on our course. He took it in his stride (Vietnam Vet) and whilst he found it a challenge, as we all did, he was humble and there to learn. Excellent man. Went on to serve with our US allies in Iraq and Afghanistan. I didn’t agree with either war, but that didn’t diminish our bond.
Great vid Chris, We had Gunny Tilly as our troop Sgt with 617troop. He also got his lid, and I think he was in his late 30's when he cracked it. He was a bonkers, makes them a very unique and small group of USMC Commando's.
Interesting piece really good insights. I have met a few US Marines who have completed the Royal Marines Commando Course earning the coveted green beret. One thing i think is interesting is the discussion compares and contrasts USMC enlisted recruit training and the Royal Marine Commando training. If one wanted to see where there was more parallel's you would actually need to look at the USMC officer training pipeline. USMC Officer Candidate School (OCS) does in fact have a Royal Marine Physical Training Instructor (PTI) as the fitness instructor, a tradition dating back several decades, the regime that he builds for the officer candidates is very similar to that of the commandos. Many of the physical events at both OCS and The Officer Basic Course (TBS) are based on the Commando Course. These events such as the endurance tests and confidence course could be arguably described as mildly watered down versions of the same courses. Important to note is that physical standards expected of USMC junior officers is considerably higher than that of recruits who are often 17-18 years and right out of high school. Cheers for the great video!
Respect to both fellas on this mini doc. When I did RMC basics as a Booty RMC YO...graft is the basic word! We had 2 x USMC Officers doing the Commando tests with us...they soon leant...we don't sing or hoorah! keep your gob shut and conserve your energy and lungs fellas!!! This is a ball buster if ever...9 mile speed march with FFO is too put it mildly...the worst experience any young Marine recruit (officer or boatneck) will ever go through!! It's a make or break test...lung buster to put it mildly!! How to RUN Miles with 35lbs of full fighting order...Killer!!!
I live in Lympstone and often see the courses out on the runs, and see bottom field from the train as it goes through Lympstone Commando railway station. Impressive.
I read a book about WW1 and a wounded USMC grunt was taken to a field hospital and the English nurse upon hearing him speak said, "Are you American ?" He replied "No ma`rm I`m a Marine." Kind regards from Blighty to the USMC.
The USMC and Royal Marine Commandos cap badge actually fits together to show the entire globe. Whenever a US Marine and Royal Marine bumped into each other back in the day we would always demonstrate the trick and swap cap badges.
I have a friend and a co-worker First sergeant Brad Delauter that graduated from that course during the 1990s. It is real hard-difficult mentally physically you named it. As an 0369 retired have to congratulate those who went and graduated. Semper Fi SSgt Gamba 0369
I am not a RMC but whilst serving in the police I was sent on a RMC training course which involved doing a shortened version of the survival course limpstone, without the 4 miles run their and back. That was a fraction of what u had to pass and that was enough for me that day!
Went through USMC boot camp in San Diego in 1963. Full Metal jacket was the real deal in showing how it was (save for the incident in the head). Had some great liberty with some RM 'cousins" Cheers.
Thanks once again for your channel Mr Thrall, and I enjoyed your recent "bushcraft" video (I'd like to see a bit more of that). I would be interested to know what you would put in a get home bag/bug out bag/I'm never coming home bag..... or even kit that you have found useful on your international adventures. Respect to you, your guests and subscribers, JC
you have left out 1 basic element. This man was a Recon Marine. This is why he was able to be proficient in your commando training. To be a Recon Marine, you need to go to Marine Recruit Trainging, THEN you go to your MOS training (likely infantry) (all of this is at least 6 months). THEN after you generate a record of success you go to BRC which is ANOTHER 13 weeks but much harder than basic marine training. Then you have to attend Jump School, Dive School, SERE, etc. so creating a recon marine is roughly similar to creating a Royal Marine in difficulty.
I dunno why, but I get SO happy when a Septic goes through one of our arduous courses. I had a colleague who was Delta and was attached to 22 for Herrick. They sent him to Brecon before the tour and it sounded like they put him through the wringer lol
I did the All Arms commando course at Lympstone.. But our 3 week beat up at 29 commando regiment in Plymouth was harder than Lympstone. There was 12 of us out of 42 who made Lympstone.. Where we did the 5 week commando course.. The last think we did was the 30 miler which was hard. Then we got handed the green beret
Your endurance course sounds similar to the Crucible, which would of been added to Marine training after Robert went thru training (was added in 1996). I wonder if the idea for our Crucible course came from y'all's endurance course. Lots drop in our course, too lol..most from stress fracture injuries.
Hi Chris, I was the guy that came up and spoke to you briefly at the last march and said you looked like my old PTI. Robert Gaybrich was my troop stripey back in 1998 in 751tp, small world isn't it.
The Endurance course is a timed run. In my day we had to get up to the start point under your own steam. Most of us walked up. The actual cross country part with "Peters Pool" and the tunnels is about 1.5 miles. The run back 4.5 miles so 6 in total (plus getting yourself up there) You are wet almost straight away as Peters pool is the first obstacle. it is manky and instantly you are uncomfortable with grit etc... rubbing at your webbing and groin. I don't remember the tunnels being 100 metres long, more like 15-20m. they were also wet and full of stones that were great for your knees (most ex RM have knackered knees) the run back to the camp was at your own pace. If you didn't make the time you were in trouble. If you failed the shoot at the end you also failed even your time was good. Being allowed 3 pull throughs to clean the rifle (SLR in my day) would be enough to make it fire ok. Some nods would pull a johnny (Durex) over the end of the rifle to try and keep the crap out. I used to stuff it up my sleeve and drag it behind me. (Durex didn't work so good after being on your rifle). I think you normally do the endurance course 3 times in training and once in pass out week. I was unlucky I did it 7 or 8/9 times as I broke an ankle, got back trooped and had to do it several times in "Hunter troop" getting fit again. I am proud of the fact I manged in in 59 minutes my final time having a PTI from my new troop shouting me all the way round as he didn't want to have a "Back trooper" in his troop.... I did my best to prove him wrong. Strangely after he knew I wasn't going to wrap my hand in he started encouraging me. Not many of us managed to break the 60 minute time. The endurance course is not hard, just uncomfortable. For me the hardest commando test was the 9 mile speed march to be done as a squad in 90 minutes. The only time you did it was in test week. Most believe the 30 miler is the hardest.... but for me was OK as it was the last one, and besides pouring blood out of my boots at the end pure joy. The troop I was back trooped to had an USMC sergeant as our troop sergeant. He was alright. Nice whatching these clips of folk "swinging the lantern"
Don't remember having to yomp to the start, 4 tonner to Four Firs car park,double to the start line and off we went,Tunnels,Peters Pool,Water Tunnel,Smartie tube,more tunnels then run back to range,1 minute added onto time for every round dropped,loved it!
It's almost sixty years since I did the Royal Marines Comando course that was at Bickleigh Barracks, in my day and I still have nightmares about it. I can't believe that this isn't the toughest military training in the World.
Most logistics commandos in the corps are far more accomplished bootnecks & confident soldiers than most GD marine out the box! as Chris says people get pinged! Professionalism & skill grows with time, a lot of top operators have served in logs coys. Chris is spot on you do a year or 2 then make a choice, sometimes no choice Pinged! 👍
@@shaunsprojects3930 , I finished training 1970, 42 Commando Singapore. returned to the UK did a D3's course, became D2 Cpl. Changed branches...LC2 Cpl, para trained, due to para accident retrained as a SA, finished as a SNCO....94.
Called getting your monies out of the Corps. Drove artics in France delivering mobile homes while living there. Taught a couple of friends how to use their small boats in the nearby river with outboards. Clerking side helped with pricing and letter writing for estimates..... plus other things..... I enjoyed my 25 years service
The Army has specialized Leadership schools for enlisted personnel directly after boot camp. I was selected for such a school and was just 17 years old. I liked every moment of the leadership responsibility. This extra training should be incorporated into every service persons training.
Great episode, good to see Robert earned his green lid, talking of which have you covered Chris Terrell "the oldest Marine" who won an honorary green lid aged 55 after completing the 32 week course at Lympstone along with the troop he was filming, a truly tough old bugger.
They talk about the film 'Full Metal Jacket'. that was filmed in the UK-the Docklands-my brother was in the Army at the time and was an extra as a VC soldier. I joined the Royal Marines, glad I did, it made me.
I did the all arms commando course back in 87, 187 troop RMR.. Peters pool was neck deep at the time, the tunnels were flooded with about a foot of water, the guys in front created a bow wave which washed over your head, insanely difficult but I completed it in the allocated time, the Tarzan course was the memorable one for me, jumping into the cargo net and punching through the gaps i grazed under my arms quite badly from rope burns... In the saville bar later I watched a guy eat a lightbulb whilst Prince sign I the times was playing on the juke box, fucking mental.....
Being a very small country surrounded by potential enemies and with overseas ambitions, the British had to decide whether to have an army or a navy. They couldn’t really have both, so they decided on a navy which for about two hundred years was the most powerful in the world. Meanwhile they adopted measures where tiny land forces could win battles against the odds, plus of course recruiting foreign armies to fight on our side. The American experience was quite different. They could if they wished recruit huge armies and their preferred option was to simply overwhelm the enemy. During the First and Second World Wars the British and the Americans were sometimes at loggerheads. The Americans just wanted to pulverise the enemy and couldn’t understand why the British bothered with such organisations as the SAS. But eventually the Americans while still preferring just to get on with it did realise small specialist organisations could be useful. For a time in 1942/3 the SAS destroyed more German aircraft than the British and Americans airforces put together. There is still a difference of opinion about special forces. The Americans still think they should bash the enemy. The British would probably like to do the same but with limited resources have to make up the difference by stealth and extreme tactics and very fit and trained troops.
@@matthill1727 TBS 88, yes ocs, but the RMC boot camp need to be the USMC boot camp. The average US Marine could not pass out THE ARCC much less the RMC boot camp, Most fresh OCS 2d Lts could not either.
@@xusmico187 There aren't really any fresh OCS lieutenants. That's the Army. Candidates successfully graduate OCS and are eventually Commissioned as 2nd Lt's. They aren't fit to go to actually get specialty until they pass TBS after about 6months of personal guidance from our caring teachers ;-).
I was in 7th Para RHA in the nighties for three years, Weekenders. If I had my time again I would of gone for the Royal Marines training. Sounds a lot more of a challenging, interesting job after listening to this and what I have read.
I was stationed at St. Mawgan from Dec. 1977 to June 1979. In Feb 1979 I was picked with another Marine L/Cpl Seirra from Det 2 and two other US Marines L/Cpl Easter and Connors. from the London Marine Barracks. Marines from St. Mawgan went to Lympstone every 3 months if you had a PFT of 300. Hardest course I ever did. Coldest as hell brother, A British Marine told me I would be wearing womans panty hose . He was right. We ran 4 miles with full war gear . then had to break the ice at Peters Pond. I came out of the water and man it was cold as hell . Took my breathe. After the Tunnels and mud field water pipe then the ran back with the wet clothes it sucked man. The Marines didn't allow you to wear the Beret in my Day. Semper Fi brother... 0311 and 8151.
Very interesting conversation. I was in the US Navy Submarines from 1964 to 1970 and had interactions with US Marines from time to time. Basically all good people. Just as the Marines, we who qualified in submarines still consider ourselves Submariners. Neither their Globe and Anchor or our Dolphins, which have to be earned, have no expiration dates on them. Was interesting to hear about the Royal Marine training program.
Did my six USS Cheyenne SSN-773, I will always remember the day I earned my dolphins. People even surface guys have asked why are dolphins so important best answer I can give is, " I trust that guy that he will die for me and he trusts me that I will die for him."
@@webbtrekker534 One big thing I noticed from the skimmer fleet and submarines is the lack of mentorship. No seadad - seapup relationship, holding a more senor qualified guy accountable for a nubs upbringing and learning his duties and culture.
@@chrisbrodhagen3658 A friend of mine went back into the navy after 9/11. He had qual'd submarines before getting out. Navy wouldn't put him back on the boats due to age. He had to shift rates and ended up on skimmers. He just retired with 20 as a chief. He hated skimmers and all the politics. He did have the best division on the ship though. Wore his Dolphins every day. Pissed off the rest of the chiefs.
@@webbtrekker534 I did my last 9 months as an MM1 on the Nimitz ( kidney things ) worst time of my life. I was ALPO for a division of 45. I never wanted ESWS but I signed plenty of qual cards. Their firefighting was horrid (which infuriated me ). I took my division form 11 out of 11 to 2 out 11 in 9 months. They hated me but they did much better.
I would love to have heard what this chappy had to say after returning to the States, he no doubt had loads of questions from US Marines about his experience in Blighty. Id love to know his reponse to them and their response. Great show. Do the Paras with US Airborne next :-) Sorry for the bad language.
I'm curious. Did Robert get his green lid? If so, and if he wore it, did he salute the American way or the British way? Fascinating to hear him tell his story.
He wore his Green Beret the Royal Marines “style” way with his black USMC metal “Cover” Globe & Anchor Badge positioned like a Royal Marines Cap Badge. Being in the USMC he continued to use the customs, traditions & Drill Movements of the USMC, as any Military Rank from any nation would when serving with a foreign nations Armed Forces. Why would a serviceman or servicewomen do otherwise?
@@dingerbell100 the picture in the thumbnail looks pretty badass, I have herd of US marines earning the green beret after completing the commando test week, I wasn’t sure if they were allowed to wear them I did try to find a picture. You’re clearly more clued up on this subject than myself do you know if he would be able to wear the commando dagger even once he returned to the US? We SNCOs in my unit (British Army EOD) wearing a US jumps wings, and a officer wearing the a US Army EOD badge on their uniform, I know the US military can wear certain other militaries badges such as jumps wings.
@@mweston25 Foreign jump wings are usually OK with permission. But a U.S. Marine wouldn't be allowed to wear the RMC's green beret with his USMC uniform in the U.S. while with a USMC unit. There are no USMC units that wear berets. You'll see that with U.S. Army and USAF pretty much exclusively. You'll also see the wearing of foreign qualification badges/awards with the Army and AF more than you will with the USMC or Navy here in the U.S..
I was supposed to do this course when I passed out, was looking forward to it, unfortunately, I was a bad lad at the time so missed out, it's one of the only things I regret not doing whilst I was in the Army.
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I wanted to do the all arms not
American boot camp is a joke and I been highly trained in a lot of schools and the screaming is stupid and just done because it is tradition. I hold a forever hate for screaming people and it is pointless and even to this day if I run into those idiots in combat I will not even talk to them. I hate people that are not unoriginal and just follow a system without improving it. Take yelling and disrespect out of it and people would listen train and learn better. I just want to kill them every time somebody has yelled around me even if they are not yelling at me. That is why you have to go special forces if you want to enjoy the military and be able to think as a person. Most the main military is full of very low iq people.
What a great video!
My husband is a US Marine. He went to the UK and did the AACC last winter & said it was the most challenging and rewarding course he’s ever done. He made a couple great friends, very admirable guys.
MUCH respect to the Royal Marine Commandos from an old US Marine grunt.
Y’all are amazing!
Thank you sir we are proud of our heritage and our brother marines across the pond
I was one of Bob's Royal Marine Drill instructors taking a Recruit Troop through training, total respect for him, he did a great Troop Sgts job and a quality all round guy, Semper Fi Bob, come and visit us again sometime
Much respect to Mr Gabrych. Any U.S. Marine that can Pass the Commando test has earned it.
Anyone who can pass the test has earned it bud.
@@ronniespeirs1808 Mr Thrall understands It takes a very special US Marine/Yank to pass the course.
@@ronniespeirs1808 Mr Thrall understands It takes a very special US Marine/Yank to pass the course.
I I should see if they will let me do it lol
All Recon Marines would crush the commando course
There's a quietness and humility to the man. I'm guessing he's been at the sharp end.
I love how Roberts language is very much coloured from his time over here with us.
Respect for sticking it out back in the day. Top man.
This was a nice conversation to listen to, both guys took the time to hear the other without interruption. Well done.
Great interview! This is the first video of yours Chris that I've watched. What really stuck out in your style is your respect for the guest by letting them speak uninterrupted.
Well done!
Thank you Michael!
This was fantastic. Good honest comparison without any BS.
Great to know we have guys like Robert as our greatest allies. What an interesting and humble man. Awesome.
Was a recruit in 737 troop with Rob! 1998.......the buckle on my rifle sling snapped coming off the Tarzan assault course and he followed me round the bottom field to make sure I nailed it! Top bloke and fantastic to see his face once again. Cheers Royal!
This is Brad not Becci by the way.........😂
@@beccijobson95 - I did wonder but then just assumed that you had either gone LC or joined 45’s Recce Tp.....🤣
I did joint ops with the Brits a few times and once encountered some Royal Marines. They told me their qualification course content, which sounded truly hellish. I'd be happy to buy a pint for anyone who makes it through that course!
We have an endurance course in Quantico and when the Royal Marines come to visit they crush our endurance course times. Those commandos are cardio beasts.
Yes sir we train for stamina not strength per se, arguably more important in modern warfare
True, EXTREMELY true.
So interesting to see an American Marine talking about Royal Marine training. My dad was a Commando in WW2. He saw service in North Africa and Italy. I think he did his training at Achnacarry. He retired and moved to Exmouth where many of their neighbours were Marines. He died in 1997 and I was amazed to see around a dozen serving Marines at his funeral paying their respect. PS. I used to walk my mums dog on Woodberry Common where he would occasionally sniff a bush that would be a soldier in camouflage.
Nothing compares to Lympstone, I was back trooped at week 14, and was in hunter company for a while due to waiting for an operation on an injury, getting back into training after that was hard, but to get to the end was the proudest I ever felt.
Really enjoyed this episode.
I'll always be delighted that we have USMC as friends, USA as allies. Done a lot together.
@@jerryoshea3116 I agree many of in the UK just don't get the culturural differences between UK and USA; and sadly there is a good bit of political driven drivel spouted in the UK about the USA.
I think each should keep to their own domestic politics as each has developed to represent very different places and societies. Neither are perfect and both are pretty good considering what else is found around the world.
I just like the fact we are good friends, and long should it stay that way.
(London was built on a swamp. Washington has its swamp life too? Loads in common, just done with different styles..)
ATB
@@jerryoshea3116 Same to you, be safe, have fun. Its good to have friends. Scotland has just beaten England in Rugby 11-6. Scotland played well, England should have stayed in bed.
ATB.
@@muskett4108 Exactly. I get fed up with this stupid machismo rivalry in the comments sections on TH-cam. Half of it is probably certain countries leaving comments to shit stir.
And half are just stupid people who are unaware of history.
The way I see it, is that Britain is Americas older Brother.
Americas younger and fitter and more impulsive, but they should be listening to their older Brother.
Because we have a little bit of experience in World politics and diplomacy.
Full respect to Robert he must be tough and physical condition to pass the RM course especially at 31. As a former British infantryman I have great respect to both Corps
Really admire and respect all military guys, hard working, disciplined and honest human beings
The best of the best USA AND UK TOGETHER
I worked with a GnySgt USMC. We ran the Mountain Leaders Cse together back in 2001. He did the All Arms Commando Cse at the age of 40yrs. Not because he had to. He thought it would be a good crack. A special USMC recon operator indeed.
USMC are awesome and the ones that manage to pass commando training are a credit to the corps
I've been watching your videos for a while Chris. I have to be honest, at first i did not take to them. However after watching more and getting to know your interviewing technique and personality i have to congratulate you . The honesty and integrity that you portray are second to none. I have downloaded your books and look forward to reading them over the next few weeks. Keep it up Friend.
NIce one Kris - really appreciated!
Super interesting episode, brother!
Cheers Theo!
Haha Theo, I was going to message you this episode!
much respect to our US brother, great that he got his green lid
One of my best friends in the USMC is the son of a Royal Marine. He has stories.
What a great humble guy. Respect from a ex Royal
Had the privilege to spend time along side the USMC Silent Drill Team for about two weeks while they were in the UK in the late 80's. Excellent bunch of guys and their drill display was exceptional, but they had a somewhat different approach to soldiering. They were what I would termed "over disciplined" it got to the point that they would not attempt to think for themselves and we're almost robotic in their response to their NCOs. With the various British regiments I have served in or with, both TA and Regular, many of the more experienced Junior Ranks showed more personal initiative. Sometimes that got them into trouble but was mostly encouraged and seen as a good thing.
I went on my Snipers course at CTCRM in 1985 from 42 Cdo RM. My partner on the course was a USN Petty Officer from SEAL Team 6 who was a cracking guy. At the time the Royal Marines Snipers course was one of the most intensive courses in NATO and had a pass rate of just 40%. The Corps has a long tradition of welcoming our allies to work alongside us.
Did you know a guy called Pete Bloom in the RM sniper instructor?
@@Chalfield53 - Yes. Why?
@@tommy4244 used to shoot in same club after he went to civvy street. Always helpful and instructive. Sad end he had..
@@Chalfield53 - Yes, Pete was an all round good egg. Like most good guys he was taken from us way too early..
@@tommy4244 Us Marines only have around 150 to 300 snipers. So many people fail they have a problem now. They are desperate for more but arnt getting any. Do the royals have the same problem?
Was fantastic hearing Robert's story, I had the great luck to work with him during the summer of 2020 and he is an awesome guy to get to know. He always had a few stories to tell about the things he's done. Great guy to know.
Boot neck for 22 years ,loved Saint peters pool,did my endurance course in 1972 , best 22 years of my life . Great discussion happy memories 😊🤓👍
Did 25 years....... loved the Endurance course....... broke the record in 1970...... and enjoyed all the tests.......my son did the AACC.... he was REME, attached to 3 CDO BDE AIR SQN.....Air Craft Tech..... done his 25 years, retired 8 years now.... I'm looking at 70 next birthday..
@@MJMgreen0303 my biggest laugh was the Tarzan course ,no safety nets ,just a pit on the death slide full of leaves 😳😜🤓😂😂
Tony, everything is now H&S....... safety rails down the old butts on the Endurance Cse, the water tunnel is well posh, cement piping...... like you said, no safety nets...... loved it all, do it again.... but know my knees and hips are crying NNNNOOOOOOOOO.....lol
I was Bootneck for 10 years in the 1960's. Back then more or less every Royal Navy ship from the size of frigate upwards had a Royal Marine detachment of about 30 men on board.
I put in for sea service and served over 2 years on an aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Centaur. That was my favourite period as a Bootneck.
I did the all arms Cdo course in 1982! I remember it vividly because it was whilst the Falkland War was going on. Remember doing the abseiling training the day HMS Sheffield blew up! We had a USMC SNCO on our course. He took it in his stride (Vietnam Vet) and whilst he found it a challenge, as we all did, he was humble and there to learn. Excellent man. Went on to serve with our US allies in Iraq and Afghanistan. I didn’t agree with either war, but that didn’t diminish our bond.
Mate! Love my US, Aussie, Kiwi and South African brothers 👍
I just watched your interview of Chris Terrill, absolutely brilliant insight into the man and his life ,thanks Chris.
Great vid Chris, We had Gunny Tilly as our troop Sgt with 617troop. He also got his lid, and I think he was in his late 30's when he cracked it. He was a bonkers, makes them a very unique and small group of USMC Commando's.
Interesting piece really good insights. I have met a few US Marines who have completed the Royal Marines Commando Course earning the coveted green beret. One thing i think is interesting is the discussion compares and contrasts USMC enlisted recruit training and the Royal Marine Commando training. If one wanted to see where there was more parallel's you would actually need to look at the USMC officer training pipeline. USMC Officer Candidate School (OCS) does in fact have a Royal Marine Physical Training Instructor (PTI) as the fitness instructor, a tradition dating back several decades, the regime that he builds for the officer candidates is very similar to that of the commandos. Many of the physical events at both OCS and The Officer Basic Course (TBS) are based on the Commando Course. These events such as the endurance tests and confidence course could be arguably described as mildly watered down versions of the same courses. Important to note is that physical standards expected of USMC junior officers is considerably higher than that of recruits who are often 17-18 years and right out of high school. Cheers for the great video!
What a great guest as usual,top notch Chris.
Respect to both fellas on this mini doc. When I did RMC basics as a Booty RMC YO...graft is the basic word! We had 2 x USMC Officers doing the Commando tests with us...they soon leant...we don't sing or hoorah! keep your gob shut and conserve your energy and lungs fellas!!! This is a ball buster if ever...9 mile speed march with FFO is too put it mildly...the worst experience any young Marine recruit (officer or boatneck) will ever go through!! It's a make or break test...lung buster to put it mildly!! How to RUN Miles with 35lbs of full fighting order...Killer!!!
I live in Lympstone and often see the courses out on the runs, and see bottom field from the train as it goes through Lympstone Commando railway station. Impressive.
Ahhh the the amount of times we were made to wave at the train after getting thrashed down there....funny times....in hindsight of course 😆
Great video Chris. Fantastic comparison inside view from Robert. Great to see the brotherhood between fellow marines.
I read a book about WW1 and a wounded USMC grunt was taken to a field hospital and the English nurse upon hearing him speak said, "Are you American ?" He replied "No ma`rm I`m a Marine." Kind regards from Blighty to the USMC.
Total respect to you Sir thank you for your sevice and to all our American Brothers in Arms well done.
A coincidence that the globe on the Royal Marines emblem shows the Eastern Hemisphere and the USMC EGA shows the Western Hemisphere? Brothers in arms.
The USMC and Royal Marine Commandos cap badge actually fits together to show the entire globe. Whenever a US Marine and Royal Marine bumped into each other back in the day we would always demonstrate the trick and swap cap badges.
The Royal Marines capbadge shows the British Empire at the time of the Royal Marines instigation in 1664.
Huge respect for what this man did.
Max respect to my old S/Sgt Gabrych. He passed me out of training with 737 troop
I really enjoyed this video. Thank you Chris and Robert
I have a friend and a co-worker First sergeant Brad Delauter that graduated from that course during the 1990s. It is real hard-difficult mentally physically you named it. As an 0369 retired have to congratulate those who went and graduated. Semper Fi SSgt Gamba 0369
OUTSTANDING!!! Another awesome episode- Thanks brother
Could listen to these two all night
Awesome podcast Chris. Respect to Robert for going through Lympstone. 👍
Nice one Royal. Brings back the good memories.
Awesome, as usual. Thanks Chris, thanks Robert
I am not a RMC but whilst serving in the police I was sent on a RMC training course which involved doing a shortened version of the survival course limpstone, without the 4 miles run their and back. That was a fraction of what u had to pass and that was enough for me that day!
That endurance course sounds fun! That’s no problem. Embrace the suck! Years in the Marine Corps grunts made this fun-it may suck, but it’s still fun!
Went through USMC boot camp in San Diego in 1963. Full Metal jacket was the real deal in showing how it was (save for the incident in the head). Had some great liberty with some RM 'cousins" Cheers.
Thanks once again for your channel Mr Thrall, and I enjoyed your recent "bushcraft" video (I'd like to see a bit more of that). I would be interested to know what you would put in a get home bag/bug out bag/I'm never coming home bag..... or even kit that you have found useful on your international adventures. Respect to you, your guests and subscribers, JC
you have left out 1 basic element. This man was a Recon Marine. This is why he was able to be proficient in your commando training. To be a Recon Marine, you need to go to Marine Recruit Trainging, THEN you go to your MOS training (likely infantry) (all of this is at least 6 months). THEN after you generate a record of success you go to BRC which is ANOTHER 13 weeks but much harder than basic marine training. Then you have to attend Jump School, Dive School, SERE, etc. so creating a recon marine is roughly similar to creating a Royal Marine in difficulty.
Brilliant can I just ask about full metal jacket..two top blokes..god bless
I dunno why, but I get SO happy when a Septic goes through one of our arduous courses. I had a colleague who was Delta and was attached to 22 for Herrick. They sent him to Brecon before the tour and it sounded like they put him through the wringer lol
Loved this interview.Robert was a lot of fun to watch. Semper fi leather🇺🇸
I remember at Lympstone in the 80s a US Gunny Ray Sizemore passed the AACC smashing fella.
Another brilliant pod cast Chris your channel is so wonderful love your topics and guests 💯💗
Great to listen to. Much respect
I love how he was coming out with British military words/slang
I did the All Arms commando course at Lympstone.. But our 3 week beat up at 29 commando regiment in Plymouth was harder than Lympstone. There was 12 of us out of 42 who made Lympstone.. Where we did the 5 week commando course.. The last think we did was the 30 miler which was hard. Then we got handed the green beret
So true, the Army course in Plymouth was brutal. But would never look back, best days of my life
Try 32 weeks of it lads 😆
Great interview! Stay motivated! Semper Fidelis.
Kudos to that man . That is a VERY difficult course.
R Lee Ermey did the part so well because he didn't really have to act it as he'd served as a USMC drill instructor prior in his military career.
Your endurance course sounds similar to the Crucible, which would of been added to Marine training after Robert went thru training (was added in 1996). I wonder if the idea for our Crucible course came from y'all's endurance course. Lots drop in our course, too lol..most from stress fracture injuries.
Great videos. Semper Fi from a former USMC Artillery Crew member.
Hi Chris, I was the guy that came up and spoke to you briefly at the last march and said you looked like my old PTI.
Robert Gaybrich was my troop stripey back in 1998 in 751tp, small world isn't it.
The Endurance course is a timed run. In my day we had to get up to the start point under your own steam. Most of us walked up. The actual cross country part with "Peters Pool" and the tunnels is about 1.5 miles. The run back 4.5 miles so 6 in total (plus getting yourself up there) You are wet almost straight away as Peters pool is the first obstacle. it is manky and instantly you are uncomfortable with grit etc... rubbing at your webbing and groin. I don't remember the tunnels being 100 metres long, more like 15-20m. they were also wet and full of stones that were great for your knees (most ex RM have knackered knees) the run back to the camp was at your own pace. If you didn't make the time you were in trouble. If you failed the shoot at the end you also failed even your time was good. Being allowed 3 pull throughs to clean the rifle (SLR in my day) would be enough to make it fire ok. Some nods would pull a johnny (Durex) over the end of the rifle to try and keep the crap out. I used to stuff it up my sleeve and drag it behind me. (Durex didn't work so good after being on your rifle). I think you normally do the endurance course 3 times in training and once in pass out week. I was unlucky I did it 7 or 8/9 times as I broke an ankle, got back trooped and had to do it several times in "Hunter troop" getting fit again. I am proud of the fact I manged in in 59 minutes my final time having a PTI from my new troop shouting me all the way round as he didn't want to have a "Back trooper" in his troop.... I did my best to prove him wrong. Strangely after he knew I wasn't going to wrap my hand in he started encouraging me. Not many of us managed to break the 60 minute time. The endurance course is not hard, just uncomfortable. For me the hardest commando test was the 9 mile speed march to be done as a squad in 90 minutes. The only time you did it was in test week. Most believe the 30 miler is the hardest.... but for me was OK as it was the last one, and besides pouring blood out of my boots at the end pure joy. The troop I was back trooped to had an USMC sergeant as our troop sergeant. He was alright. Nice whatching these clips of folk "swinging the lantern"
Don't remember having to yomp to the start, 4 tonner to Four Firs car park,double to the start line and off we went,Tunnels,Peters Pool,Water Tunnel,Smartie tube,more tunnels then run back to range,1 minute added onto time for every round dropped,loved it!
Did the course in 1988 and we had to make our way up to the start of endurance which adds 4 miles to your round trip
It's almost sixty years since I did the Royal Marines Comando course that was at
Bickleigh Barracks, in my day and I still have nightmares about it. I can't believe that this isn't the toughest military training in the World.
"Driver, Chef, Clerk..."
Way to sell the Corps 😂
Most logistics commandos in the corps are far more accomplished bootnecks & confident soldiers than most GD marine out the box! as Chris says people get pinged! Professionalism & skill grows with time, a lot of top operators have served in logs coys. Chris is spot on you do a year or 2 then make a choice, sometimes no choice Pinged! 👍
@@shaunsprojects3930 , I finished training 1970, 42 Commando Singapore. returned to the UK did a D3's course, became D2 Cpl. Changed branches...LC2 Cpl, para trained, due to para accident retrained as a SA, finished as a SNCO....94.
Called getting your monies out of the Corps.
Drove artics in France delivering mobile homes while living there.
Taught a couple of friends how to use their small boats in the nearby river with outboards.
Clerking side helped with pricing and letter writing for estimates..... plus other things..... I enjoyed my 25 years service
@@MJMgreen0303
My dad left 42 in 69. I spent my early years in Singapore. (He was at Limbang in Dec 62).
Robert was my Troop Sgt in 737 troop at CTC in 1998! Great guy, great troop Sgt
Simon, I hope all is well Mate!
The Army has specialized Leadership schools for enlisted personnel directly after boot camp. I was selected for such a school and was just 17 years old.
I liked every moment of the leadership responsibility. This extra training should be incorporated into every service persons training.
Great podcast guys👍
Small world wads
Brilliant effort.
Fantastic stuff. What an amazing bloke. Respect.
It's great the way they have respect for each others countries forces 👍
Paratrooper training is on a similar level. Many get through that and then apply for SAS selection.
Great episode, good to see Robert earned his green lid, talking of which have you covered Chris Terrell "the oldest Marine" who won an honorary green lid aged 55 after completing the 32 week course at Lympstone along with the troop he was filming, a truly tough old bugger.
Yes, he came on the podcast X
@@ChrisThrall Thanks Chris I'll make a point of watching that.
You were there same time as me! I passed out 719 troop. Nov 97. Semper Fi !
Great episode Chris, Nice one ya mentalist.
Respect semper fi
Nice one Robert. You earned and proved your one capable elite soilder. Not many would go through all that if given a choice. Tough s.o.b.
They talk about the film 'Full Metal Jacket'. that was filmed in the UK-the Docklands-my brother was in the Army at the time and was an extra as a VC soldier. I joined the Royal Marines, glad I did, it made me.
Nice one brother!
I did the all arms commando course back in 87, 187 troop RMR..
Peters pool was neck deep at the time, the tunnels were flooded with about a foot of water, the guys in front created a bow wave which washed over your head, insanely difficult but I completed it in the allocated time, the Tarzan course was the memorable one for me, jumping into the cargo net and punching through the gaps i grazed under my arms quite badly from rope burns...
In the saville bar later I watched a guy eat a lightbulb whilst Prince sign I the times was playing on the juke box, fucking mental.....
Meant to say flooded with three feet of water 🤪
Small smartie tube tunnel , with your rifle and webbing was a squeeze and bad enough butwhen half full of water it was intense
Being a very small country surrounded by potential enemies and with overseas ambitions, the British had to decide whether to have an army or a navy. They couldn’t really have both, so they decided on a navy which for about two hundred years was the most powerful in the world.
Meanwhile they adopted measures where tiny land forces could win battles against the odds, plus of course recruiting foreign armies to fight on our side.
The American experience was quite different. They could if they wished recruit huge armies and their preferred option was to simply overwhelm the enemy.
During the First and Second World Wars the British and the Americans were sometimes at loggerheads. The Americans just wanted to pulverise the enemy and couldn’t understand why the British bothered with such organisations as the SAS. But eventually the Americans while still preferring just to get on with it did realise small specialist organisations could be useful. For a time in 1942/3 the SAS destroyed more German aircraft than the British and Americans airforces put together.
There is still a difference of opinion about special forces. The Americans still think they should bash the enemy. The British would probably like to do the same but with limited resources have to make up the difference by stealth and extreme tactics and very fit and trained troops.
If only my COrps would adopt the same program.
USMC OCS uses Royal Marine Colour Sgts and chunks of the Royal Marine Tarzan and other obstacle courses are done at OCS.
@@matthill1727 TBS 88, yes ocs, but the RMC boot camp need to be the USMC boot camp. The average US Marine could not pass out THE ARCC much less the RMC boot camp, Most fresh OCS 2d Lts could not either.
@@xusmico187 There aren't really any fresh OCS lieutenants. That's the Army. Candidates successfully graduate OCS and are eventually Commissioned as 2nd Lt's. They aren't fit to go to actually get specialty until they pass TBS after about 6months of personal guidance from our caring teachers ;-).
I was in 7th Para RHA in the nighties for three years, Weekenders. If I had my time again I would of gone for the Royal Marines training. Sounds a lot more of a challenging, interesting job after listening to this and what I have read.
Leigh you was in a nightie for three years 😳
I was stationed at St. Mawgan from Dec. 1977 to June 1979. In Feb 1979 I was picked with another Marine L/Cpl Seirra from Det 2 and two other US Marines L/Cpl Easter and Connors. from the London Marine Barracks. Marines from St. Mawgan went to Lympstone every 3 months if you had a PFT of 300. Hardest course I ever did. Coldest as hell brother, A British Marine told me I would be wearing womans panty hose . He was right. We ran 4 miles with full war gear . then had to break the ice at Peters Pond. I came out of the water and man it was cold as hell . Took my breathe. After the Tunnels and mud field water pipe then the ran back with the wet clothes it sucked man. The Marines didn't allow you to wear the Beret in my Day. Semper Fi brother... 0311 and 8151.
Also I loved the Tarzan course slide for life. The wall was tricky at the end. The fireman carry was fun to
Nice new layout on screen Chris .
Very interesting conversation. I was in the US Navy Submarines from 1964 to 1970 and had interactions with US Marines from time to time. Basically all good people. Just as the Marines, we who qualified in submarines still consider ourselves Submariners. Neither their Globe and Anchor or our Dolphins, which have to be earned, have no expiration dates on them. Was interesting to hear about the Royal Marine training program.
Did my six USS Cheyenne SSN-773, I will always remember the day I earned my dolphins. People even surface guys have asked why are dolphins so important best answer I can give is, " I trust that guy that he will die for me and he trusts me that I will die for him."
@@chrisbrodhagen3658 Trust, Aye! You wear your badge of trust. We may not like each other but we can trust each other!!! That is our Brotherhood!
@@webbtrekker534 One big thing I noticed from the skimmer fleet and submarines is the lack of mentorship. No seadad - seapup relationship, holding a more senor qualified guy accountable for a nubs upbringing and learning his duties and culture.
@@chrisbrodhagen3658 A friend of mine went back into the navy after 9/11. He had qual'd submarines before getting out. Navy wouldn't put him back on the boats due to age. He had to shift rates and ended up on skimmers. He just retired with 20 as a chief. He hated skimmers and all the politics. He did have the best division on the ship though. Wore his Dolphins every day. Pissed off the rest of the chiefs.
@@webbtrekker534 I did my last 9 months as an MM1 on the Nimitz ( kidney things ) worst time of my life. I was ALPO for a division of 45. I never wanted ESWS but I signed plenty of qual cards. Their firefighting was horrid (which infuriated me ). I took my division form 11 out of 11 to 2 out 11 in 9 months. They hated me but they did much better.
Respect to this gentleman thanks Chris good video
I would love to have heard what this chappy had to say after returning to the States, he no doubt had loads of questions from US Marines about his experience in Blighty. Id love to know his reponse to them and their response. Great show. Do the Paras with US Airborne next :-) Sorry for the bad language.
A reply would be Great, do you OP think you could get a 2nd Interview?
Great podcast Chris 😊👍
I'm curious. Did Robert get his green lid? If so, and if he wore it, did he salute the American way or the British way? Fascinating to hear him tell his story.
He wore his Green Beret the Royal Marines “style” way with his black USMC metal “Cover” Globe & Anchor Badge positioned like a Royal Marines Cap Badge.
Being in the USMC he continued to use the customs, traditions & Drill Movements of the USMC, as any Military Rank from any nation would when serving with a foreign nations Armed Forces.
Why would a serviceman or servicewomen do otherwise?
@@dingerbell100 the picture in the thumbnail looks pretty badass, I have herd of US marines earning the green beret after completing the commando test week, I wasn’t sure if they were allowed to wear them I did try to find a picture. You’re clearly more clued up on this subject than myself do you know if he would be able to wear the commando dagger even once he returned to the US? We SNCOs in my unit (British Army EOD) wearing a US jumps wings, and a officer wearing the a US Army EOD badge on their uniform, I know the US military can wear certain other militaries badges such as jumps wings.
@@mweston25 Foreign jump wings are usually OK with permission. But a U.S. Marine wouldn't be allowed to wear the RMC's green beret with his USMC uniform in the U.S. while with a USMC unit. There are no USMC units that wear berets. You'll see that with U.S. Army and USAF pretty much exclusively. You'll also see the wearing of foreign qualification badges/awards with the Army and AF more than you will with the USMC or Navy here in the U.S..
@@tidefanyankee2428 thank you sir, I appreciate you taking the time to reply and for clarification.
@@mweston25 My pleasure
I was there at Lympstone at that time1985/6 I think I mind we did a Half marathon for compulsory fun and Robert (if it was him) came first I think
Much respect to all Marines - wearers of the green beret, I live near Achnacarry in Scotland where the Commandoes were "born"
My dad was a Commando in WW2. He did his training in Achnacarry in the early 40's. He was 8th Army, 9 Commando.
@@martynbush My Grandad was in the 8th Army, he was at El Alamein. Fought through Sicily, Italy and ended the war in Austria.
I was supposed to do this course when I passed out, was looking forward to it, unfortunately, I was a bad lad at the time so missed out, it's one of the only things I regret not doing whilst I was in the Army.