Interesting to see your own thoughts on the RMs Commando Course. I'm a former RM Instructor and would just like to add a couple of comments on other things you may not be aware of. The Commando tests come towards the end of a 32 week course whereby everyone will be run down, fatigued and most likely be carrying some form of injury. The rifle on the back tends not to get in the way if it's slung correctly, great way to carry it if not on a load carry, speed march or tactical, great for fast roping too "non tac" 1. Endurance Course. Can be emotional, Peters Pool is the second obstacle, sometimes you have to break through the surface ice so you can Wade through it, pretty much starting the whole challenge wet, cold and muddy. You also have to maintain and look after your weapon, don't bang the sights, fill the barrel and working parts with mud as you can only pull the barrel through at the end before you shoot and if you fail the timed shoot at the end you have to do it again!! 2. The 9 Mile Speed March, agreed it's great to run as a troop, however due to everyone's stride being different lengths it is also quite challenging for the lads with really long or really short legs, certainly can mess with your mental state if you let it. 3. Tarzan assault course. Only have 13 minutes to complete it's, but you are running as fast as you can for the while course, with kit, balls out till the top of the 30ft wall, some ladd find this one of the hardest tests. 4. The 30 miler, 7 hours for officers and 8 hours for Marines. The last test so if you've passed everything else you are buzzin for it. Dartmoor "the area it is run" has its own eco system, can be snowing, raining, be foggy or sunny all in the same day, what ever the weather the time allowed remains the same, don't ever remember changing my sock as you have enough time at check points to drink water and maybe a pastie or banana, I found this the toughest challenge, although as an instructor I lead around 18 X 30 Milers over my career. But at the end you get your Green Beret, best feeling ever, just one week of drill for the passout parade to complete. The RMs are having a massive recruitment drive at present, so having someone that is promoting them onn TH-cam is great and if you wanted to come over and try out the Commando Tests for yourself you should try, there's always a way of getting things done. "maybe I could help introduce you to someone" keep up the good work.
Of course they have a massive recruitment drive, no one wants to join becoz they all saw how pointless Afghan and Iraq were! Fighting,dying and maimed for bankers and politicians and killing people who have done fuck all to us does not motivate and pump any mans nads!! Armies are for defense not attack! World war 2 was about defending us and other nations, not taking over oil and poppy fields!
Retired MSgt, USMC, I went through the course at the Commando Training Center in March of 1975. It was snowing when we ran the Endurance Course. The tests were demanding and the spirit of the Royal Marines is beyond compare. I would go to combat with any of them anytime. Excellent fighting force!
@@eraualum honorary in the sense that you don't become a commando after and it's awarded to you because you did all the Commando tests. Like Chris from the 50 year old commando documentary.
Combat Arms Channel first of all fantastic video. I am not a military man but I understand how important each unit remains true to their roots whether that be in the UK or US. If you have time I recommend you check out the St Nazaire raid or also know as operation chariot. It fills me with so much pride whenever I hear this story. It would be fantastic if you could do a video on this. Many thanks.
Combat Arms Channel there was a video on TH-cam of the st Nazaire raid by Jeremy clarkson. I recommend you look for this, you will be impressed for sure.
What do I like most from this video over similar from other youtubers? You've not once said 'ours is more difficult' You've been totally respecful for the training of another nation, offering a comparison with your own. You sir, are a perfect example of which it is to be a marine. Hey, wouldn't it be cool if the US and UK marines were to swap training facilities, learning from one another?
In all honesty though for an american to say their training is more difficult or whatever everyone knows they would be bullshitting. physical training for british army CHEFS is on par with the USMC.....
@@66lesjo I didn't mean you were actually lazy I just meant you might as well finish it by putting British. Surprised you would just call yourself a Brit rather than a Briton.
I haven't the faintest idea which is "better", and it doesn't matter because it's a subjective thing anyway. This is a fine young man and he is a credit to his country.
My friend here is a former Royal Marine and they force marched from morning to the following night in the Faklands- no one expected them to make it except their officers - the enemy were taken by surprise especially with the intense firefight at the end - they called it a 'slog"
SAS is the most respected in the British Forces I've been in a room with 3 of them 2 were ex-sas 1 was current and I felt intimidated just sitting there with them
Foggo The Clown Thank you very much my friend, great words. My stepfather Robert Bob consiglio died on the now infamous Bravo20 patrol in Iraq 1991 as part of B squadron. Their mission was to observe movement and if possible destroy scud launchers which were threatening to draw Israel into the war as well as being a menace to the coalition. Thanks again brother
Don't know if it will interest anyone here but I live close to where the commandos were trained during world war 2 a small place called Achnacarry. Their training began as soon as they stepped off the train at Spean Bridge station as they had to run the 8 miles to the training depot. The Commandos pioneered many of the training techniques that are used today. They also used a lot of live fire exercises to prepare the men for combat. From 1942 until the end of the war about 25000 men passed through the depot at Achnacarry.After the war, most of the commando brigades were disbanded leaving only the Royal Marine 3 brigade. The area's links to the commandos was commemorated with the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge dedicated to all the Commandos that died during WW2. The stone plinth of the memorial has "United We Conquer" inscribed in it
As far as I know, the 73 minutes thing is because it used to be 70 minutes, but a detour/change was added to the course which was estimated to add 3 minutes on.
I love how at the end of the 30 the retired RM attend and cheer you over the bridge, that must feel amazing to know your being clapped across the finish line by long serving men who have been through that very birth into the RM.
That boggy area is Dartmoor, the weather changes constantly and you can get all 4 seasons in 1 day, it's nasty up there when the weather turns, home of the hound of the baskervilles
@@planeoldpaul1512 haha. Oakhampton is surely the wettest place in the universe. Its unbelievable how brutal it gets up there sometimes and that hill you're talking about is the longest hill in the universe
Having to complete a 100 metre uphill stagger (it would be difficult to describe it as a jog after a 10 mile timed forced march) with a mate on your back in what is known as a fireman's (firefighter's) carry, with his rifle and kit as well as your own. Then discovering you have cramp in both legs as you jump down from the 6 foot wall, knowing that you still have half the assault course plus the rifle range still to go. The best bit was knowing that if you did not achieve the requisite accuracy with your rifle, you would have to do it all again the following day. The 25 mile winter's night orienteering exercises across boggy moorland were always good fun. And that was just the British Army: it was a lot tougher in the Royal Marines. I later worked for many years with a few ex- Royal Marines, top blokes every one of them. Fearless, but with a brilliant sense of humour.
What makes the four commando tests so tough is they start the day after final ex., which is eight to ten days in the field including mega yomps with a 120 lb Bergen, rifle and webbing.
Respect for an unbiased critique on the video. You've completed some tough training with the USMC but made no attempt to big yourself up at all. Not many would do that when referring to another elite military unit.
First off you come across as a crackin bloke who would fit in well with the RM. The Factory aka CTCRM does have a resident USMC gunny sgt who is the troop sgt of a training team on recruit training. They do the All Arms Cdo course before getting this position so green beret is won by them also. If you are still USMC you can aspire to this. I was on the AACC team so I took a number of these guys thru all great blokes but who were initially not sure of our spoken and not shouted approach to training. A few points these tests are done after a 10 day exercise which finishes on the Friday and tests start Monday. After 30 odd weeks of training the body is pretty worn down and most guys have patches on their body everywhere covering sores caused by webbing burns....the feet are also pretty tender....but this is the point it is also testing the mechanical structure of the body and the mid set because determination can over come pain and discomfort. Being wet soaked to the skin not only adds weight but a different dynamic on how to move....but this is realistic the battle field is not a clean gym. The Endurance course is 73 minutes as a time over distance has been calculated for a standard they wish to see they also have to walk to the start from camp no transport this is not timed but normally it starts first thing in the morning so they are told make your own way to the start be there at..... If you drop a round on the shoot you fail the test. You are not allowed to clean your rifle before the shoot so care must be taken when going through all the gunge to maintain weapon functionality. The 9 mile speed march is actually very grueling especially the start which is all up hill to Woodbury Common so it is a forced pace up hill and run and march on the flat with run always down hill. It is an art. On a historical point the Romans occupied a fort on its highest ground there. On completion of this speed march blank ammo is issued and a troop attack is staged (well it was in my day.) No point in getting to the battle if you are not fit to fight. The Tarzan assault course may look like fun but under a timed condition and wearing that kit it is most uncomfortable and technique along with strength must be achieved as the arms are well pumped. The 30 miler has only 6 miles of roads (in my day) the rest is up and down Dartmoor a wet uneven honking surface. If you fail a test you will have to do 2 next day.....do not fail a test it is a nightmare. If you have to rerun the tests you will have to do the 10 day exercise again and then do it all again with another troop. If you fail again you will probably get the boot. These standards which hark back to WW2 ensure PC cannot cripple us and if they impose different standards we are no longer RM Commandos but RM Light infantry. It is for the politicians to decide but do not piss down my back and tell me it is raining.
That was an interesting read, thanks. I work with an ex marine who is as every bit fit now in his early 50’s as he must have been in his 20’s. And my thought was also this lad is very humble, a credit to himself, his family and his country.
@@scottclarke9160 I am 62 I still run 5 days a week and weight train the RM gave me a state of mind I will not give up. Can I run as fast NO. BUT never give up. When I see the average civ pop I just think you poor bastards .................
Due to the 2020 MoD cut backs. Are the Royal Marines moving in with the paras as one unit? I have seen it on the news in Germany. I got made redundant in the army. So just asking
@@jamesbrown-cr1fg Highly unlikely, there would be violence, screaming with a mass yomp east to Parliment by all serving & ex commandos. At same time there would be a tab south and north to Parliment by serving and former paras. It won't happen, too much history.
CTCRM was my last draft after 19 years of service. The year's have flown by but the memories will last forever. What a great unbiased review. You’re welcome at CTC any time. Bully - 301club president.
Forgot to mention the Royal Marine Officers do the same tests but all the times are faster example the Officers 30Miler is timed at 7 hours !, and uniquely in the British Armed forces our Officer go through training at the same camp as the recruits, and some times exercise along side each other.
Yes but the Ruperts don't necessarily complete quicker than the nods. Everything is weather dependant across dartmoor, timings vary wildly if heavy snow/fog vs nice spring sunshine.
firstly thank you for your service from Scotland, just like to say great videos, it's always better to listen to someone who knows the subject matter and has respect for it, so well done for that. the royal marines call the long distance marches yomping, the phrase became more widely known after the Falkland's war. After one of the British cargo ships carrying helicopters was sunk the soldiers had to march(yomp) across the island to Port Stanley. you should look it up it was quite a feet for them to get across the island. the royal marines mountain leader course is something else, if you can find a video on that course that would be worth a watch.
@@CombatArmsChannel It's an old series from 1985, will be well worth you reviewing like Keith says... 7 Episodes... Enjoy! th-cam.com/video/TXJb_zlq7r4/w-d-xo.html
Iplayer “Behind the lines” I’m pretty sure it’s still on there. It’s a documentary on the ML course. The OC of the course is Major Lear. He presented me with my lid. One of the CPL’s on the programme was my first TP Sergeant at 40CDO, Al Hewitt on deployment to Iraq. Enjoy.
You’re welcome fellas. In my opinion they’re the best long range, conventional, bread and butter soldiers in the world. I spent my first 5 years in a fighting company and all of my TP Stripeys were ML’s, so were the vast majority of my section commanders. Top blokes. If you’re standards are high and likewise your soldering skills, and don’t mind anything between 5 and 15 mile runs for every fizz session, sometimes 20 if they knew the lads were hanging out from a run-ashore (which they would have more than likely been on too) you couldn’t ask for a more solid bloke. They essentially, broke the spirit of Argentinian forces through constant and continual harassment. Fighting, recce, standing patrols. They were utterly dominant, probing, disrupting the enemy and of course the gathering of information, critical to the Commanders on the ground in preparation of the upcoming assaults carried out by the 3 units within 3 Commando Brigade, yet most outside of the Corp (even within the Forces) aren’t aware of their existence. The attack on “Top Malo House” is worth looking into. I won’t mention anyone by name, but my first TP Stripey on joining a Cdo unit was instrumental in the attack. Apparently, some Argie was sitting on the throne concentrating on something outgoing, BANG!!!!! soon changed to Incoming.......
UK does get quite cold, usually cold/mild with lots of rain and wind during the winter, think Pacific NW. Can get pretty hot in summer though, couple of guys died from heat exhaustion on SAS selection a couple of years ago.
I remember that. The government tried to tell the SAS to make their selection process easier and the SAS pretty much told them to fuck off or some shit like that.
@@gaz4366 This was 3 deaths, and 10 hospitalisations on the Fan Dance. Because gear was fucked - and the GPS trackers were known to be dodgy - one of the guys had been dead for 2 hours before anyone got to him. It was a clusterfuck, no ifs no buts.
I did this at 18. you should search the 55 year old commando. A film make called Chris Tyrell earned an honorary Green Lid at 55. It is awesome to watch.
cracking video. i am not a Royal but have been on base a number of times when the 9 miler finishes... you see a glimpse of it but what isn’t mentioned on the video is that they get “drummed” back onto base by a drummer from the Band of the Royal Marines. Officers, men and others from around the base all come out and applaud the troop as the make there way through the base. true respect for what the troop have done and are due to complete over the next couple of days. must be a real sense of belonging for the young lads!!! i have also seen on twitter that the senior officer at CTC has recently posted he re-ran the 30 miler with a recruit who initially failed it... to help him through it... i havent heard of any military service around the world where this has happened and goes to show the mentality of all Royal Marines!!!!
@@TheMountainMan001 one lad failed Endurance on sat failed Tarzan Tues retook in the pm and passed failed 30 miler, retook Endurance Friday and passed 30 miler around woodberry sat passed. How much do you want it.
@@PabloE888 Wanting it is true. I knew a marine commando, we went out, got hammered, he was meant to do a charity half marathon the next day but forgot his runners. He did the whole race in loafers.
In the Falklands conflict, as I understand it. The thing that blew the Argentinians away was their disbelief when they realised the Royal Marines Yomped 56 miles across rough terrain, carrying an 80lb kit bag in three days. And arrived ready to start fighting :-)
I am in awe, grateful and humbled not only by the service of our forces but also of all our highly trained and professional forces who stand with us. Thank you sir for your service and like all of the UK appreciate and are proud of our allies.
What you did not mention was that these tests are done over a four day period one after the other, Monday to Thursday, and if you fail one, by even 10 seconds, you get a chance to do a rerun on the Saturday. The tests and times have not changed in many years from the Guys who went to Korea ( Chosin ) to the guys who were in Afkan. So if an 80 year old veteran meets 20 year old straight out of training they know they have done the same to earn the "Green Lid". I received mine in May !966 aged 17 and 6 months. OARMAARM (Once A Royal Marine Always A Royal Marine)
@@daviddaly8287 you only get a max 3. The 2nd rerun is a day later, the third if you fail the 2nd is 1 week later. Fail that and you're backtracked. Still elite though, you can't complete these without the fitness of a world athlete
WHAT, several reruns, my guess is a world class athlete wouldn't need that many, ,,,, I'm messing with you of course , if that's your unit then much respect to you old lion, p.s don't take what numptys say in the comment section to heart
@@daviddaly8287 lol nah I've not done them yet. May go through the all arms commando course internally some day. I'm Royal Navy. But can never get rid of my feelings for the Marines
tony welch I beat you to it by just under 3 years. I was a Junior Marine (No 12 squad).The training period for a junior was 16 months, and I passed the commando course about 4 weeks after my 18th birthday. I went on to serve a total of 10 years. It was the best decade of my life. I often think about it.
I’ve watched quite a few of your videos now and I’ve got to say they’re really good. Doesn’t seem have any bias at all when comparing various regiments/ militaries. Makes a very pleasant change.
I was in the ROYAL NAVY and in my basic training was based with 42 ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS on leaving the Navy I joined the ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY and served 28 yrs on regular occasions I worked with the 42 and 45 ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS. during both times working with them I found them to be very proud professional and as hard as bricks. I worked over the 28 years with a lot of military personnel and although I was impressed by every regiment the MARINES were always the best. I don't think that the standard of the MARINES could be beaten by any other force on this planet.
@@simonmcgreevy9944 loads of thing went down over 35 yrs but lest said better as it's all in the past but 42 and 45 RMC are by far the best in the world. Although I'm now retired I still have the respect for RMC which they earned with their courage determination and sheer professionalism.
I was in the Canadian Armed Forces many moons ago. Your video was fantastic and objective. Brought back some memories of pain and endurance. Thank you.
Absolutely great series of videos. You should watch a series called behind the lines the royal marines. It's about the Arctic warfare cadre and mountain leader's those blokes are seriously tough. It's a TV series that the royal marines uploaded on TH-cam so you get a really in depth look at their training.
Good review like your videos. Regarding the Ship Dip - The tunnel full of water - being in the UK it does get frozen and sometimes the first guy there has to break the ice before they can go through. Just an indication of how warm it is lol
Don't forget , these tests are carried out after a 10 day final ex ..so the body is in bits pre test. When I went through training and I did my endurance course we had to break the ice on peters pool and the sheep dip.. A quick note on the endurance course, it is 4 miles from CTCRM to the start which you have to yomp to the start before beginning in your 3 man team,after the sheep dip it becomes an individual test as you can put your foot down... The final lane you run down before crossing the bridge into CTCRM is called " Heartbreak lane" as many a heart has been broken there... Good review ..
Combat Arms Channel Thanks for another good video. I can recommend that you have a look at another 2 tests which you can find on other TH-cam videos. One is the 'firemans lift carry' on what is called the bottom field at the training centre. You have to carry a squad mate over your shoulder and run for 200 metres. He will have the extra weight of his equipment and rifle, as you will also have. Most only manage to shuffle along rather than run, me included ! The other is the infamous regain tank. It is a taut horizontal rope across a big tank of water. You pull yourself along the top of the rope, stop midway, drop down holding the rope, with arms at full stretch. You then have to get back on top of the rope and continue to the finish. If you fail to regain the top of the rope, then it's into the cold water you go !!
I done that course on woodbury Common and it was mid Jan and all the pools were frozen over and as first group we had to jump in and break it, talk about take your breath away
That 30 miler goes across Dartmoor, near here I live. It not just boggy its really uneven up to knee deep tussocks of grass, rabbit holes everywhere etc. Incredible that anyone can do this.
I really like that you posted this and how respectful of the process you were. I'd seriously love to see a troop of graduated US Marines attempt the RMs Commando Course. I think the pass/fail rate would be super interesting. Note: My brother was a Royal Marine, I was a professional athlete and I ran his arse into the ground while he was in training, but he's now much harder than I am, so I can't brag about it
Royal marines are in another league😂 really nice video, cool hearing and comparing your own experiences... also there is a whole british documentary on it, all the parts are on youtube.. it's called royal marine commando school, it follows a troop from day 1 to the 30 miler
Please don’t watch that. My uncle was in the Marines and said it was garbage and made it look like a holiday camp. If you want to see what CTC actually looks like watch Commando on the front line by Chris Terill
I was ex RAF which is pretty lighweight in comparison. Coming from the west of England I had spent quite a bit of time out and about on Dartmoor. This is really, really tough environment. Its probably the thing that makes the Royal Marines stand out. Its not just putting in the miles, its doing it on terrain that is brutal. When the fog rolls in and its cold and raining and you are sinking up to your ankles in mud. Oh man. Hats off to them.
Fantastic video pal, I'm from Scotland an anybody who puts there body through these training courses, deserves the respect of everyone, even the ones who don't make it, for trying to do it, there's no failures, an I mean that, an that goes for whatever country your from.
One units a very professional,small specialised commando strike Force ,the other is a very large self contained amphibious infantry type unit , now honestly people except for the name marine how can you compare the two , This is no way being disrespectful,but in my experience the Us Marines are.the same standard as a British County infantry Regiment ,and for a unit so large is very good.
One thing I've noticed even in the Army you slack up even the tiniest bit you pay the price the British military training wise doesn't leave room for slacking.
The comments here have been making some references to the Royal Marines, and comparisons with the Parachute Regiment. Some years ago I read a newspaper article on this very subject. The author concluded the article with this comment - "The Royal Marines are intelligent thugs, but the Paras are just thugs."
There's a line in the book "The Virgin Soldiers" (which is about National Service RMs) where an RM instructor tells his trainees; "You will hear a lot about the Parachute Regiment", mostly from the the Parachute Regiment".
A Royal Marine and a Para are running towards a wall ,The Royal Marine gets there first stops and takes a look over . The Para comes up and jumps straight over, It,s a 20 foot drop and he breaks his legs. Must have thought he could fly .As above the Royal Marines are thinking soldiers. Para,s have got more of this gung ho thing going on .
That`s cos he knew fuck all. Falklands war, Victoria Crosses earned ...Para Regt TWO, Royal Marines NIL. Afghanistan, Para Regt TWO, Royal Marines NIL. Last time you saw Royal Marines surrender.... Straits of Hormuz having sustained zero casualties. The Falkands war (after sustaining NO casualties) Last time you saw Para Regt surrender....ARNHEM after 75% casualties..... I rest my case M`lud.....
These test are rough, but what you havent mentioned or even know is that these tests are conducted over 5days. No real time to recover and thats what makes the tests harder. Same as P Company test week by our Parachute Regiment. All Conducted one after the other..its crazy hard and no way will you pass unless you really wanted your Green Lid or Maroon Beret. Respect to every single soldier serving in the UK and our US allies. You are all warriors no matter the Regiment/Core or Country
I started my army career in the Royal regiment of fusiliers as a junior soldier in 1984. It wasn't just 13 weeks basic it was a full year of almost continual beasting. And we were constantly shouted at, not spoken to. If I recall correctly I counted 7 career ending training injuries in that year from four training squads of 12. Pretty harsh when you consider that we were just 16 years old boys. Joining as a junior infantry soldier back then was truly brutal.
I joined up with, and passed out with 600Tp 89/90. Our Tp Stripey was a US Marine. “Gunnery Sergeant Oliver Tilley” Top bloke. I hope he is well after all these years. Cheers, Gunny. “Semper Fi, Royal” Rct “Pasty Harrison”
As for wet clothes, even though I've never been in the military, I am Scottish and quite often you find yourself walking miles in pissing rain, soaked to the bone. I've done shifts loading bin-lorries which is physically demanding, running up and down hills dragging weight, knowing the rain is not gonna let off, and you'll soon forget what being dry or warm ever was....you really learn the how to keep your spirits up and laugh through it because you're not going home until the job's done and if you start whining, you're fucked.
You should see if you can find the series "The 55 Year Old Commando" by Chris Terrill. He is a documentary film maker who has done a few excellent series on RM troops on active service and who decided to go through the commando tests as part of his preparation for going to Afghanistan with the same RM company. He completed all commando tests at age 55 and they awarded him an honourary green beret. He is from a military family but has no personal military service but was a fit old bastard!
The SAS have to do a 42 mile hike with a full pack, rifle and all their food and fluid on board.They can't use roads or tracks, and have many checkpoints, and they can't mark their maps. In 20 hours.
I've done 15 odd miles on Dartmoor and been nackered haha, that 30 miler would be horrible! Great video though, really admire they way you think and speak man. Cheers from England
I did this and got my green lid in 1982 believe me it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life to successfully pass the Royal Marine Commandos course . It was then and is now the proudest achievement of my life other than my family and it straightened me right out and set me up for life then and now almost 40 years later . It made me the man I am and I am very grateful for all the Royal Marines gave me and earned it by the way .
Great representation, very objective an informative. As per one previous comment, there was no bias of egoistic comparison. Totally professional. My son earnt his Lovett green beret. Like all who have done this course, it’s an exceptional achievement. Our American friend is clearly very respectful of the RM and their ethos. My respect to him.
You should check out the ML course aswell. The mountain leaders. As well respected as SF guys if not more so. There’s an old 80/90s video on YT somewhere. Very tough course. Puts the Tarzan assault course into perspective
I was not RMC but regular army unit, our co CO was RMC and as such we did some form of PT every day, he had a framed dagger on his desk and we found out he was awarded lt because he broke his ankle in training but still completed his training, also being posted to Hong Kong I had the honour of working with a no of Gurka battalions they were the nicest people, and the fittest I ever saw they would run up sheer slopes Like mountain goats none of us could catch them they won every race
I hike on Dartmoor most weekends with my Jack Russell's. Every now and again I pass a group of youngsters doing their 30 miler, I just stand to one side and say Keep going lads!! Most reply with a knackered smile !!! Top blokes and the best of British !!
The 30 meters is a typo. It's up to 30 feet. The hardest thing I found about the tests was the fact my body was in pieces from the seven month hammering before hand (and a few pints in jollies night before the 9 miler)
Saw your video come up by chance! I clicked on this and not having seen you before but seeing your ex us marine I was expecting you to say yours harder and what not!! I was pleased that you actually take the same respect for your own boys to ours!! An honest review unbiased and I can tell by Your smile that you must of been reminded of similar training that you did! I worked along side many us soldiers when I was in forces years ago! I don’t Most people couldn’t pass us marines or Royal Marines training!! That’s why the two units are among best in world!! Much respect to you for your genuine views
The reason the Endurance Course time is 73 minutes: Since the formation of the Commando regiments on Churchill's orders during WWII, the Endurance Course has always been done on the rough moorland and woodlands at Woodbury Common near Lympstone, UK, a few miles from the Commando Training School. The time given to complete the course has until fairly recently been the same since it was originally set back in 1940 - 72 minutes. It was increased by 1 minute to 73 minutes due to the route being slightly altered but RM officers must complete it in 71 minutes, 2 minutes faster than their men (which kind of tells you all you need to know about the officers' commitment to always setting an example to their men). Great set of videos you're putting out, btw. Very honest and fair commentary.
The current CTS, you mean. When Commando training was formalised - having initially been the responsibility of the various COs - it was at Achnacarry in Lochaber.
Good insights. In the pre-Nam days the USMC had a 20-miler back to MCRD SD from the range at the start of the fourth week of training. We had mixed terrain and it was broken with an overnight in the boonies with shelter-half sleeping. SF
Nice. Keep it up. Maybe you should follow up with the SAS. In the selection they have a 40 mile march, non stop in less than 20 hrs (I think). With a rifle and 60lb on their back.
The first month of selection (aptitude or 'hills' phase) is graduated marches over mountainous terrain every day with increasing weight, culminating in test week which is 5 individual marches over 23-28 km. The endurance march (known as long drag) is 64km with 59lb and is done after this. All weights are at the end, so water/food are not included, so you start out with heavier. These are timed and are pass fail, however the timings vary depending on weather and are not told to the volunteers, so best effort is needed throughout. So all in all, a bit cheeky.
I did the tree stuff at Lympstone as a 16 year old in the mid 1960s. There were no time limits. It was fabulous fun. We were a school cadet force and we were looked after very well by the RM Instructors. One exercise had us running along a beam and jumping across into a vertical net. It was a bit of a challenge. The instructor explained about punching your arm through a hole in the net and snapping it down to your body. Then the exercise became easy and fun. Pulling yourself along a rope with a leg dangling for stability was easy. Slipping off the rope to hang down from two arms and then getting back on the top of the rope was easy, once it was explained by the instructors. There were lots more exercises. It was one of the best times of my life. The exercise on the moors was hard work. Were were carrying heavy 303s and full packs. We made bivvies out of two ponchos. A night attack, not being able to see anything, was pretty scary. Breakfast in the cookhouse was the best breakfast ever.
Getting through commando test week, passing all the commando tests and being given your green beret at the end of the 30 miler is worth all the blood ,sweat and tears believe me. Per mare per Terram. Once a marine always a marine
paul fairclough I passed the commando course in early 1963. After the 30 miler myself and my Junior Marine squad mates paraded outside of our barrack huts wearing muddy khaki denim type uniforms and cap comforters (woolly hats) for the green beret presentation. What followed was the most understated military parade that I ever experienced. The training officer went up and down the line and stopped in front of each recruit, who removed his cap comforter and was presented with the green beret. That was it - parade dismissed, no bells or whistles, no speeches, no fuss. Apart from that it was a great day, and a huge relief that you had finally got to the end, and the green beret was yours.
Trained with two USMC NCO's who were on secondment at Lympstone, SSGT Gabrych and Gunny Skyles, both were seriously well trained and tough men, USMC's finest. They could never understand my scouse accent though!
Never once as a RM questioned the capabilities of our American Marine brothers. Nothing but respect and love for the Yanks, proud to have served along side them and proud to call the ones I served with my brothers x
In case you haven't watched it yet, the documentary series "Royal Marines:Behind The Lines" (1985, 7x30 mins) is very good. All episodes are on TH-cam.
Just in case you haven't heard the story, research how the British forces lost all their troop carrying helicopters in the Falklands. They had to "yomp" right across the island to engage the occupying Argentine forces! Oorah brother 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
@@Ryan-lk4pu absoulotly!! He said it was one foot in front of the other....!🤣 this is the same guy, that used to say to us as kids on a "wee walk" "its just down the road"! He means you've another 10 miles to go.😂 good times!🙄
Check out the pathfinders and special recon regiment. Really switched on squaddies Love and respect and keep the channel going sweet. Bless your friends in south Wales uk
Interesting to see your own thoughts on the RMs Commando Course. I'm a former RM Instructor and would just like to add a couple of comments on other things you may not be aware of.
The Commando tests come towards the end of a 32 week course whereby everyone will be run down, fatigued and most likely be carrying some form of injury. The rifle on the back tends not to get in the way if it's slung correctly, great way to carry it if not on a load carry, speed march or tactical, great for fast roping too "non tac"
1. Endurance Course. Can be emotional, Peters Pool is the second obstacle, sometimes you have to break through the surface ice so you can Wade through it, pretty much starting the whole challenge wet, cold and muddy. You also have to maintain and look after your weapon, don't bang the sights, fill the barrel and working parts with mud as you can only pull the barrel through at the end before you shoot and if you fail the timed shoot at the end you have to do it again!!
2. The 9 Mile Speed March, agreed it's great to run as a troop, however due to everyone's stride being different lengths it is also quite challenging for the lads with really long or really short legs, certainly can mess with your mental state if you let it.
3. Tarzan assault course. Only have 13 minutes to complete it's, but you are running as fast as you can for the while course, with kit, balls out till the top of the 30ft wall, some ladd find this one of the hardest tests.
4. The 30 miler, 7 hours for officers and 8 hours for Marines. The last test so if you've passed everything else you are buzzin for it. Dartmoor "the area it is run" has its own eco system, can be snowing, raining, be foggy or sunny all in the same day, what ever the weather the time allowed remains the same, don't ever remember changing my sock as you have enough time at check points to drink water and maybe a pastie or banana, I found this the toughest challenge, although as an instructor I lead around 18 X 30 Milers over my career. But at the end you get your Green Beret, best feeling ever, just one week of drill for the passout parade to complete.
The RMs are having a massive recruitment drive at present, so having someone that is promoting them onn TH-cam is great and if you wanted to come over and try out the Commando Tests for yourself you should try, there's always a way of getting things done. "maybe I could help introduce you to someone" keep up the good work.
Gary Braim ex marine myself after yomping across the Falklands the training wasn’t hard enough ,
Thanks for the incredible insight! Very admirable for anyone with strength enough to volunteer for all of that
Krav163 agreed it's a brilliant doc, well worth a watch.
@Krav163 Agreed 100%. It's one of the very best military documentaries I've ever seen.
Of course they have a massive recruitment drive, no one wants to join becoz they all saw how pointless Afghan and Iraq were! Fighting,dying and maimed for bankers and politicians and killing people who have done fuck all to us does not motivate and pump any mans nads!! Armies are for defense not attack! World war 2 was about defending us and other nations, not taking over oil and poppy fields!
Retired MSgt, USMC, I went through the course at the Commando Training Center in March of 1975. It was snowing when we ran the Endurance Course. The tests were demanding and the spirit of the Royal Marines is beyond compare. I would go to combat with any of them anytime. Excellent fighting force!
I am very proud of my "Berry" as they pronounce it.
Thank you brother, we are what we are. Glad you enjoyed your time over here!
Wait so did you do the Commando tests or what? If so did you get an honorary green beret?
@@empire-classfirenationbatt2691 It wasn't honorary, I earned it. The USMC and Royal Marines have exchange training programs
@@eraualum honorary in the sense that you don't become a commando after and it's awarded to you because you did all the Commando tests. Like Chris from the 50 year old commando documentary.
Thanks for the unbiased review, that’s a rare thing these days.
Of course! It was fun to check out
Combat Arms Channel first of all fantastic video. I am not a military man but I understand how important each unit remains true to their roots whether that be in the UK or US. If you have time I recommend you check out the St Nazaire raid or also know as operation chariot. It fills me with so much pride whenever I hear this story. It would be fantastic if you could do a video on this. Many thanks.
Carl 15 not really what this guy caters to. But it was certainly an amazing part of our history
jaeger bomb I checked it out. Really impressive and ballsy for sure. Sounded like a lot of disregard for personal safety and sacrifices for sure
Combat Arms Channel there was a video on TH-cam of the st Nazaire raid by Jeremy clarkson. I recommend you look for this, you will be impressed for sure.
Wasn't expecting such an unbiased review for this video. Impressed. If everyone was like you the world would be a better place
If everyone was like this guy, no armies were even needed, hence this video may never have never excisted :-) (jk)
What do I like most from this video over similar from other youtubers?
You've not once said 'ours is more difficult'
You've been totally respecful for the training of another nation, offering a comparison with your own.
You sir, are a perfect example of which it is to be a marine.
Hey, wouldn't it be cool if the US and UK marines were to swap training facilities, learning from one another?
eumaeus absolutely brother! Thanks for that
In all honesty though for an american to say their training is more difficult or whatever everyone knows they would be bullshitting. physical training for british army CHEFS is on par with the USMC.....
This review is by far one of the best. Unbiased throughout and providing your input based on what you went through are both added bonuses. Great job.
Thanks! It is always cool to see what others have to go through during training
@@CombatArmsChannel Been there, done that, thanks for the reminder, great video.
From one Marine to another... RM 1990-98
30 miler is one thing. 30 miler on Dartmoor is a different ball game.
You do a runner from Dartmoor jail to 🤔🤔🤔
my view no mate
And done in 8 hours or under, under is the better option.
Lol it's a tough place if things go wrong .
Chris Holland baby heads. That is all !
The second review I’ve seen you do and I love the respect and the unbiased opinions. Cheers from an ex Brit soldier.
Always willing to give respect where it's due. Thanks for watching!
@@CombatArmsChannel My pleasure. I've subscribed, and I look forward to watching more. I hope your channel continues to build.
@@66lesjo Just don't be lazy and add the ish on the end.
@@dbdb9334 I think my service to Britain and subsequent disability proves that I'm not lazy.
@@66lesjo I didn't mean you were actually lazy I just meant you might as well finish it by putting British. Surprised you would just call yourself a Brit rather than a Briton.
I haven't the faintest idea which is "better", and it doesn't matter because it's a subjective thing anyway. This is a fine young man and he is a credit to his country.
True.
👍
Someone's feeling insecure.
My friend here is a former Royal Marine and they force marched from morning to the following night in the Faklands- no one expected them to make it except their officers - the enemy were taken by surprise especially with the intense firefight at the end - they called it a 'slog"
You mean a "Yomp ?"
You have to check out the Gurkhas. One of the most respected in the British army. God bless them.
Yeah but they don’t they don’t show the level of respect you would expect
SAS is the most respected in the British Forces I've been in a room with 3 of them 2 were ex-sas 1 was current and I felt intimidated just sitting there with them
Foggo The Clown Try having one as a father bro!!
@@gangstar8652 damn bro mad respect to your dad and man thank you to his service
Foggo The Clown Thank you very much my friend, great words.
My stepfather Robert Bob consiglio died on the now infamous Bravo20 patrol in Iraq 1991 as part of B squadron.
Their mission was to observe movement and if possible destroy scud launchers which were threatening to draw Israel into the war as well as being a menace to the coalition.
Thanks again brother
Don't know if it will interest anyone here but I live close to where the commandos were trained during world war 2 a small place called Achnacarry. Their training began as soon as they stepped off the train at Spean Bridge station as they had to run the 8 miles to the training depot. The Commandos pioneered many of the training techniques that are used today. They also used a lot of live fire exercises to prepare the men for combat. From 1942 until the end of the war about 25000 men passed through the depot at Achnacarry.After the war, most of the commando brigades were disbanded leaving only the Royal Marine 3 brigade. The area's links to the commandos was commemorated with the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge dedicated to all the Commandos that died during WW2. The stone plinth of the memorial has "United We Conquer" inscribed in it
Thanks for sharing, 🙂👊🏼
As far as I know, the 73 minutes thing is because it used to be 70 minutes, but a detour/change was added to the course which was estimated to add 3 minutes on.
My dad said those trenches on top of the hill points you run past were part of his course in 60s, so i guess it keeps changing a bit with time.
th-cam.com/video/r4w2XUqxcBk/w-d-xo.html this is why 73 😊
72 mins in '97
Fair play to this lad ~ it's a pretty fair appraisal. No 'we are better than them' stuff .... well done sir !
Colin Hodson it was refreshing to see...
I love how at the end of the 30 the retired RM attend and cheer you over the bridge, that must feel amazing to know your being clapped across the finish line by long serving men who have been through that very birth into the RM.
I've been there for my two lads 😉👊🏼
My home town 😭❤️ my dad used to be in the Royal Marines and seeing CTC is bringing back alot of good memories x
That boggy area is Dartmoor, the weather changes constantly and you can get all 4 seasons in 1 day, it's nasty up there when the weather turns, home of the hound of the baskervilles
Visibility can also be a massive issue. I just loved not being able to see more than a ft
Yep Dartmoor if you dont like the weather just wait 10mins and it will change :)
Brings back memories, it really is possible to be miserable and happy at the same time.
Anyone remember the gentle slope to Oakhampton camp, oh those morning strolls
@@planeoldpaul1512 haha. Oakhampton is surely the wettest place in the universe. Its unbelievable how brutal it gets up there sometimes and that hill you're talking about is the longest hill in the universe
Having to complete a 100 metre uphill stagger (it would be difficult to describe it as a jog after a 10 mile timed forced march) with a mate on your back in what is known as a fireman's (firefighter's) carry, with his rifle and kit as well as your own. Then discovering you have cramp in both legs as you jump down from the 6 foot wall, knowing that you still have half the assault course plus the rifle range still to go. The best bit was knowing that if you did not achieve the requisite accuracy with your rifle, you would have to do it all again the following day. The 25 mile winter's night orienteering exercises across boggy moorland were always good fun. And that was just the British Army: it was a lot tougher in the Royal Marines. I later worked for many years with a few ex- Royal Marines, top blokes every one of them. Fearless, but with a brilliant sense of humour.
What makes the four commando tests so tough is they start the day after final ex., which is eight to ten days in the field including mega yomps with a 120 lb Bergen, rifle and webbing.
Respect for an unbiased critique on the video. You've completed some tough training with the USMC but made no attempt to big yourself up at all. Not many would do that when referring to another elite military unit.
First off you come across as a crackin bloke who would fit in well with the RM. The Factory aka CTCRM does have a resident USMC gunny sgt who is the troop sgt of a training team on recruit training. They do the All Arms Cdo course before getting this position so green beret is won by them also. If you are still USMC you can aspire to this. I was on the AACC team so I took a number of these guys thru all great blokes but who were initially not sure of our spoken and not shouted approach to training. A few points these tests are done after a 10 day exercise which finishes on the Friday and tests start Monday. After 30 odd weeks of training the body is pretty worn down and most guys have patches on their body everywhere covering sores caused by webbing burns....the feet are also pretty tender....but this is the point it is also testing the mechanical structure of the body and the mid set because determination can over come pain and discomfort. Being wet soaked to the skin not only adds weight but a different dynamic on how to move....but this is realistic the battle field is not a clean gym. The Endurance course is 73 minutes as a time over distance has been calculated for a standard they wish to see they also have to walk to the start from camp no transport this is not timed but normally it starts first thing in the morning so they are told make your own way to the start be there at..... If you drop a round on the shoot you fail the test. You are not allowed to clean your rifle before the shoot so care must be taken when going through all the gunge to maintain weapon functionality. The 9 mile speed march is actually very grueling especially the start which is all up hill to Woodbury Common so it is a forced pace up hill and run and march on the flat with run always down hill. It is an art. On a historical point the Romans occupied a fort on its highest ground there. On completion of this speed march blank ammo is issued and a troop attack is staged (well it was in my day.) No point in getting to the battle if you are not fit to fight. The Tarzan assault course may look like fun but under a timed condition and wearing that kit it is most uncomfortable and technique along with strength must be achieved as the arms are well pumped. The 30 miler has only 6 miles of roads (in my day) the rest is up and down Dartmoor a wet uneven honking surface. If you fail a test you will have to do 2 next day.....do not fail a test it is a nightmare. If you have to rerun the tests you will have to do the 10 day exercise again and then do it all again with another troop. If you fail again you will probably get the boot. These standards which hark back to WW2 ensure PC cannot cripple us and if they impose different standards we are no longer RM Commandos but RM Light infantry. It is for the politicians to decide but do not piss down my back and tell me it is raining.
That was an interesting read, thanks. I work with an ex marine who is as every bit fit now in his early 50’s as he must have been in his 20’s. And my thought was also this lad is very humble, a credit to himself, his family and his country.
@@scottclarke9160 I am 62 I still run 5 days a week and weight train the RM gave me a state of mind I will not give up. Can I run as fast NO. BUT never give up. When I see the average civ pop I just think you poor bastards .................
Due to the 2020 MoD cut backs. Are the Royal Marines moving in with the paras as one unit? I have seen it on the news in Germany. I got made redundant in the army. So just asking
@@jamesbrown-cr1fg Highly unlikely, there would be violence, screaming with a mass yomp east to Parliment by all serving & ex commandos. At same time there would be a tab south and north to Parliment by serving and former paras. It won't happen, too much history.
@@jamesbrown-cr1fg No.
CTCRM was my last draft after 19 years of service. The year's have flown by but the memories will last forever.
What a great unbiased review. You’re welcome at CTC any time.
Bully - 301club president.
Forgot to mention the Royal Marine Officers do the same tests but all the times are faster example the Officers 30Miler is timed at 7 hours !, and uniquely in the British Armed forces our Officer go through training at the same camp as the recruits, and some times exercise along side each other.
And they navigate their own 30 miler.
Yes but the Ruperts don't necessarily complete quicker than the nods. Everything is weather dependant across dartmoor, timings vary wildly if heavy snow/fog vs nice spring sunshine.
Great review. and you sir are a gentlemen. unbiased and fair. have a great year. from an ex British squaddie.
Allan Fitz Cheers brother
Speaking like that are you sure your not a Rupert 😂😂
An unbiased professional review. Very impressed.
firstly thank you for your service from Scotland, just like to say great videos, it's always better to listen to someone who knows the subject matter and has respect for it, so well done for that. the royal marines call the long distance marches yomping, the phrase became more widely known after the Falkland's war. After one of the British cargo ships carrying helicopters was sunk the soldiers had to march(yomp) across the island to Port Stanley. you should look it up it was quite a feet for them to get across the island. the royal marines mountain leader course is something else, if you can find a video on that course that would be worth a watch.
Thanks! and that sounds really interesting, I'm gonna check it out.
@@CombatArmsChannel It's an old series from 1985, will be well worth you reviewing like Keith says... 7 Episodes... Enjoy! th-cam.com/video/TXJb_zlq7r4/w-d-xo.html
Iplayer “Behind the lines” I’m pretty sure it’s still on there. It’s a documentary on the ML course. The OC of the course is Major Lear. He presented me with my lid. One of the CPL’s on the programme was my first TP Sergeant at 40CDO, Al Hewitt on deployment to Iraq. Enjoy.
You’re welcome fellas. In my opinion they’re the best long range, conventional, bread and butter soldiers in the world. I spent my first 5 years in a fighting company and all of my TP Stripeys were ML’s, so were the vast majority of my section commanders. Top blokes. If you’re standards are high and likewise your soldering skills, and don’t mind anything between 5 and 15 mile runs for every fizz session, sometimes 20 if they knew the lads were hanging out from a run-ashore (which they would have more than likely been on too) you couldn’t ask for a more solid bloke.
They essentially, broke the spirit of Argentinian forces through constant and continual harassment. Fighting, recce, standing patrols. They were utterly dominant, probing, disrupting the enemy and of course the gathering of information, critical to the Commanders on the ground in preparation of the upcoming assaults carried out by the 3 units within 3 Commando Brigade, yet most outside of the Corp (even within the Forces) aren’t aware of their existence. The attack on “Top Malo House” is worth looking into. I won’t mention anyone by name, but my first TP Stripey on joining a Cdo unit was instrumental in the attack. Apparently, some Argie was sitting on the throne concentrating on something outgoing, BANG!!!!! soon changed to Incoming.......
Great videos mate from an informed no bias viewpoint aswell
Glad you enjoyed!
That yomping, I remember the pain, exhaustion and how well I slept after it in basic training. Ex Argyle and Sutherland highlander
UK does get quite cold, usually cold/mild with lots of rain and wind during the winter, think Pacific NW. Can get pretty hot in summer though, couple of guys died from heat exhaustion on SAS selection a couple of years ago.
People die every year in sas training
Arguably you could put that down to the fact that in the UK we ain't used to that high of heat and if anything it's the bloody humidity that gets you.
Hence the mandatory water stops
I remember that. The government tried to tell the SAS to make their selection process easier and the SAS pretty much told them to fuck off or some shit like that.
@@gaz4366 This was 3 deaths, and 10 hospitalisations on the Fan Dance. Because gear was fucked - and the GPS trackers were known to be dodgy - one of the guys had been dead for 2 hours before anyone got to him.
It was a clusterfuck, no ifs no buts.
Great video & you're a top bloke, thanks for your hard work & honest input. All the best to you sir.
I did this at 18. you should search the 55 year old commando. A film make called Chris Tyrell earned an honorary Green Lid at 55. It is awesome to watch.
cracking video. i am not a Royal but have been on base a number of times when the 9 miler finishes... you see a glimpse of it but what isn’t mentioned on the video is that they get “drummed” back onto base by a drummer from the Band of the Royal Marines. Officers, men and others from around the base all come out and applaud the troop as the make there way through the base. true respect for what the troop have done and are due to complete over the next couple of days. must be a real sense of belonging for the young lads!!! i have also seen on twitter that the senior officer at CTC has recently posted he re-ran the 30 miler with a recruit who initially failed it... to help him through it... i havent heard of any military service around the world where this has happened and goes to show the mentality of all Royal Marines!!!!
Kev G thats awesome
Great unbiased video mate. Would love to see you take a crack at it someday, I think you'd give it a good go.
What makes the Commando test more difficult than you think is that they take place over four days.
( former Royal Marines instructor at CTCRM)
5 days.
Endurance Saturday
9 miler Monday
Tarzan Tuesday
30 miler Wednesday
With the possibility of retaking a test should you fail one. But fail 2 or more you’re either out for whatever reason or back trooped!💪🏼
@@TheMountainMan001 one lad failed Endurance on sat failed Tarzan Tues retook in the pm and passed failed 30 miler, retook Endurance Friday and passed 30 miler around woodberry sat passed. How much do you want it.
@nasty creature. True mate I suppose it truly is in the mind. Determined to the end
@@PabloE888 Wanting it is true. I knew a marine commando, we went out, got hammered, he was meant to do a charity half marathon the next day but forgot his runners. He did the whole race in loafers.
There is Royal Marine Commando, and then there is the Royal Marine Mountain and Arctic Warfare cadre, those guys take it to the next level!
You mean the mountain leaders?
jan kaas that’s what it is called
@@loudman12 i know
@Alex Al Ghouti rnlmc mountain leaders are in a dedicated part of marsof.
Yeah the mountain leaders are essentially special forces
Watched like 20 videos of yours and you are always honest and you give a good insight to the whole military system in general. Entertaining videos 📹 ✅
In the Falklands conflict, as I understand it. The thing that blew the Argentinians away was their disbelief when they realised the Royal Marines Yomped 56 miles across rough terrain, carrying an 80lb kit bag in three days. And arrived ready to start fighting :-)
I am in awe, grateful and humbled not only by the service of our forces but also of all our highly trained and professional forces who stand with us. Thank you sir for your service and like all of the UK appreciate and are proud of our allies.
What you did not mention was that these tests are done over a four day period one after the other, Monday to Thursday, and if you fail one, by even 10 seconds, you get a chance to do a rerun on the Saturday. The tests and times have not changed in many years from the Guys who went to Korea ( Chosin ) to the guys who were in Afkan. So if an 80 year old veteran meets 20 year old straight out of training they know they have done the same to earn the "Green Lid". I received mine in May !966 aged 17 and 6 months. OARMAARM (Once A Royal Marine Always A Royal Marine)
Wow, I didn't know they get reruns, I was always told they were elite
@@daviddaly8287 you only get a max 3. The 2nd rerun is a day later, the third if you fail the 2nd is 1 week later. Fail that and you're backtracked. Still elite though, you can't complete these without the fitness of a world athlete
WHAT, several reruns, my guess is a world class athlete wouldn't need that many, ,,,, I'm messing with you of course , if that's your unit then much respect to you old lion, p.s don't take what numptys say in the comment section to heart
@@daviddaly8287 lol nah I've not done them yet. May go through the all arms commando course internally some day. I'm Royal Navy. But can never get rid of my feelings for the Marines
tony welch I beat you to it by just under 3 years. I was a Junior Marine (No 12 squad).The training period for a junior was 16 months, and I passed the commando course about 4 weeks after my 18th birthday. I went on to serve a total of 10 years. It was the best decade of my life. I often think about it.
I’ve watched quite a few of your videos now and I’ve got to say they’re really good. Doesn’t seem have any bias at all when comparing various regiments/ militaries. Makes a very pleasant change.
I was in the ROYAL NAVY and in my basic training was based with 42 ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS on leaving the Navy I joined the ROYAL ULSTER CONSTABULARY and served 28 yrs on regular occasions I worked with the 42 and 45 ROYAL MARINE COMMANDOS. during both times working with them I found them to be very proud professional and as hard as bricks. I worked over the 28 years with a lot of military personnel and although I was impressed by every regiment the MARINES were always the best. I don't think that the standard of the MARINES could be beaten by any other force on this planet.
R.N. then 42 then R.U.C? Sounds like you coulda been doing some sneaky-beaky stuff. Any interesting stories you willing to divulge?
@@simonmcgreevy9944 loads of thing went down over 35 yrs but lest said better as it's all in the past but 42 and 45 RMC are by far the best in the world. Although I'm now retired I still have the respect for RMC which they earned with their courage determination and sheer professionalism.
I was in the Canadian Armed Forces many moons ago. Your video was fantastic and objective. Brought back some memories of pain and endurance.
Thank you.
Absolutely great series of videos. You should watch a series called behind the lines the royal marines. It's about the Arctic warfare cadre and mountain leader's those blokes are seriously tough. It's a TV series that the royal marines uploaded on TH-cam so you get a really in depth look at their training.
Good review like your videos. Regarding the Ship Dip - The tunnel full of water - being in the UK it does get frozen and sometimes the first guy there has to break the ice before they can go through. Just an indication of how warm it is lol
Don't forget , these tests are carried out after a 10 day final ex ..so the body is in bits pre test.
When I went through training and I did my endurance course we had to break the ice on peters pool and the sheep dip..
A quick note on the endurance course, it is 4 miles from CTCRM to the start which you have to yomp to the start before beginning in your 3 man team,after the sheep dip it becomes an individual test as you can put your foot down...
The final lane you run down before crossing the bridge into CTCRM is called " Heartbreak lane" as many a heart has been broken there...
Good review ..
garry leask yikes haha, US Marines arent that acclimated to cold, so that just sounds like a bad time
Combat Arms Channel Thanks for another good video.
I can recommend that you have a look at another 2 tests which you can find on other TH-cam videos. One is the 'firemans lift carry' on what is called the bottom field at the training centre.
You have to carry a squad mate over your shoulder and run for 200 metres. He will have the extra weight of his equipment and rifle, as you will also have. Most only manage to shuffle along rather than run, me included !
The other is the infamous regain tank. It is a taut horizontal rope across a big tank of water. You pull yourself along the top of the rope, stop midway, drop down holding the rope, with arms at full stretch. You then have to get back on top of the rope and continue to the finish.
If you fail to regain the top of the rope, then it's into the cold water you go !!
I done that course on woodbury Common and it was mid Jan and all the pools were frozen over and as first group we had to jump in and break it, talk about take your breath away
"Doing it together" - pretty sure the cadence of marching in step must help. Marines to the moon .... GO
Wreckedum 😂😂
STANDBYYYY.............. GO!
That 30 miler goes across Dartmoor, near here I live. It not just boggy its really uneven up to knee deep tussocks of grass, rabbit holes everywhere etc. Incredible that anyone can do this.
I really like that you posted this and how respectful of the process you were. I'd seriously love to see a troop of graduated US Marines attempt the RMs Commando Course. I think the pass/fail rate would be super interesting. Note: My brother was a Royal Marine, I was a professional athlete and I ran his arse into the ground while he was in training, but he's now much harder than I am, so I can't brag about it
Royal marines are in another league😂 really nice video, cool hearing and comparing your own experiences... also there is a whole british documentary on it, all the parts are on youtube.. it's called royal marine commando school, it follows a troop from day 1 to the 30 miler
Thanks for the input and suggestion!
Several different troops.
Please don’t watch that. My uncle was in the Marines and said it was garbage and made it look like a holiday camp. If you want to see what CTC actually looks like watch Commando on the front line by Chris Terill
@@barneystemp2507 agreed!
@@barneystemp2507 Is he the filmmaker who decided he had to earn his Green Beret before he could film them? And succeeded.
Fantastic video, haven't served, but huge amounts of respect and great unbiased opinion
I was ex RAF which is pretty lighweight in comparison. Coming from the west of England I had spent quite a bit of time out and about on Dartmoor. This is really, really tough environment. Its probably the thing that makes the Royal Marines stand out. Its not just putting in the miles, its doing it on terrain that is brutal. When the fog rolls in and its cold and raining and you are sinking up to your ankles in mud. Oh man. Hats off to them.
Great video Brother I joined the Royal Marines in 2005 and am still serving! 👍🏻
The Young Officers in training actually have to do these tests with a lower time limit. The 30 miler for example is 7 hours for officers rather than 8
Also they have to nav it themselves!
Fantastic video pal, I'm from Scotland an anybody who puts there body through these training courses, deserves the respect of everyone, even the ones who don't make it, for trying to do it, there's no failures, an I mean that, an that goes for whatever country your from.
One units a very professional,small specialised commando strike Force ,the other is a very large self contained amphibious infantry type unit , now honestly people except for the name marine how can you compare the two ,
This is no way being disrespectful,but in my experience the Us Marines are.the same standard as a British County infantry Regiment ,and for a unit so large is very good.
Really interesting comments you are a very passionate marine and it is really cool to see your smile when something in the video triggers something.
End of the 30 miler you got lads hanging out. Regroup, dust off and cross the bridge as a team. Even after all that still not guaranteed your lid.
One thing I've noticed even in the Army you slack up even the tiniest bit you pay the price the British military training wise doesn't leave room for slacking.
@@samuel10125 "pays to be a winner"
@@tonysadler5290 its not done at night
Damn your videos have improved so much man. Congrats on another year of TH-cam
Hail to my batch YO Sept 90...indeed the most physically difficult 15 months of my life. Got my green lid to prove. Royal Marines.
Good review. This guy is one switched on Marine. Love to have you guys come over and vice versa.
Cheers brother 💪
The comments here have been making some references to the Royal Marines, and comparisons with the Parachute Regiment.
Some years ago I read a newspaper article on this very subject. The author concluded the article with this comment - "The Royal Marines are intelligent thugs, but the Paras are just thugs."
There's a line in the book "The Virgin Soldiers" (which is about National Service RMs) where an RM instructor tells his trainees; "You will hear a lot about the Parachute Regiment", mostly from the the Parachute Regiment".
So Royal Marines play rugby, the paras football
Both are going to really fuck up your day though. Wouldn't want to tangle with eithet.
A Royal Marine and a Para are running towards a wall ,The Royal Marine gets there first stops and takes a look over . The Para comes up and jumps straight over, It,s a 20 foot drop and he breaks his legs. Must have thought he could fly .As above the Royal Marines are thinking soldiers. Para,s have got more of this gung ho thing going on .
That`s cos he knew fuck all. Falklands war, Victoria Crosses earned ...Para Regt TWO, Royal Marines NIL. Afghanistan, Para Regt TWO, Royal Marines NIL. Last time you saw Royal Marines surrender.... Straits of Hormuz having sustained zero casualties. The Falkands war (after sustaining NO casualties) Last time you saw Para Regt surrender....ARNHEM after 75% casualties..... I rest my case M`lud.....
Great videos, well done. Intelligent comments, respectful and non bias. Thankyou for Your service. Best wishes for your future. from the UK.
These test are rough, but what you havent mentioned or even know is that these tests are conducted over 5days. No real time to recover and thats what makes the tests harder.
Same as P Company test week by our Parachute Regiment. All Conducted one after the other..its crazy hard and no way will you pass unless you really wanted your Green Lid or Maroon Beret. Respect to every single soldier serving in the UK and our US allies. You are all warriors no matter the Regiment/Core or Country
I started my army career in the Royal regiment of fusiliers as a junior soldier in 1984. It wasn't just 13 weeks basic it was a full year of almost continual beasting. And we were constantly shouted at, not spoken to. If I recall correctly I counted 7 career ending training injuries in that year from four training squads of 12. Pretty harsh when you consider that we were just 16 years old boys. Joining as a junior infantry soldier back then was truly brutal.
I joined up with, and passed out with 600Tp 89/90. Our Tp Stripey was a US Marine. “Gunnery Sergeant Oliver Tilley” Top bloke. I hope he is well after all these years. Cheers, Gunny. “Semper Fi, Royal”
Rct “Pasty Harrison”
Great review by a great reviewer. Thank you, everyone would be glad to have you on team UK or team USA. 🇬🇧🇺🇸
As for wet clothes, even though I've never been in the military, I am Scottish and quite often you find yourself walking miles in pissing rain, soaked to the bone. I've done shifts loading bin-lorries which is physically demanding, running up and down hills dragging weight, knowing the rain is not gonna let off, and you'll soon forget what being dry or warm ever was....you really learn the how to keep your spirits up and laugh through it because you're not going home until the job's done and if you start whining, you're fucked.
We need you.
There’s a documentary called “Commando - on the front line.” On TH-cam which shows the course in better detail, well worth a watch 👍🏻
Definitely recommend this. The documentary maker did all the same training (bar shooting) as the recruits. He was 50!
You should see if you can find the series "The 55 Year Old Commando" by Chris Terrill. He is a documentary film maker who has done a few excellent series on RM troops on active service and who decided to go through the commando tests as part of his preparation for going to Afghanistan with the same RM company. He completed all commando tests at age 55 and they awarded him an honourary green beret. He is from a military family but has no personal military service but was a fit old bastard!
The SAS have to do a 42 mile hike with a full pack, rifle and all their food and fluid on board.They can't use roads or tracks, and have many checkpoints, and they can't mark their maps. In 20 hours.
I've done 15 odd miles on Dartmoor and been nackered haha, that 30 miler would be horrible! Great video though, really admire they way you think and speak man. Cheers from England
Another quality reaction. nice one.
I did this and got my green lid in 1982 believe me it was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life to successfully pass the Royal Marine Commandos course . It was then and is now the proudest achievement of my life other than my family and it straightened me right out and set me up for life then and now almost 40 years later . It made me the man I am and I am very grateful for all the Royal Marines gave me and earned it by the way .
Just a shout out to the veterans line the road on the last stretch (seen at 17min 15 sec) see the next generation finish
Great representation, very objective an informative. As per one previous comment, there was no bias of egoistic comparison. Totally professional. My son earnt his Lovett green beret. Like all who have done this course, it’s an exceptional achievement. Our American friend is clearly very respectful of the RM and their ethos. My respect to him.
You should check out the ML course aswell. The mountain leaders. As well respected as SF guys if not more so. There’s an old 80/90s video on YT somewhere. Very tough course. Puts the Tarzan assault course into perspective
Behind the Lines is the video
@@macmac8275 yep. Great video.
I was not RMC but regular army unit, our co CO was RMC and as such we did some form of PT every day, he had a framed dagger on his desk and we found out he was awarded lt because he broke his ankle in training but still completed his training, also being posted to Hong Kong I had the honour of working with a no of Gurka battalions they were the nicest people, and the fittest I ever saw they would run up sheer slopes Like mountain goats none of us could catch them they won every race
Mark Rees That’s hardcore haha
I hike on Dartmoor most weekends with my Jack Russell's. Every now and again I pass a group of youngsters doing their 30 miler, I just stand to one side and say Keep going lads!! Most reply with a knackered smile !!! Top blokes and the best of British !!
1. Glad to see unbiased opinions and fair comparisons
2. It's usually like 70 fahrenheit or 21 celcius in the summer
Keep up the good work
The 30 meters is a typo. It's up to 30 feet. The hardest thing I found about the tests was the fact my body was in pieces from the seven month hammering before hand (and a few pints in jollies night before the 9 miler)
One of the best nights drinking as a US Marine was while spending time with some RMs on a deployment. Good bunch of lads.
Like this guy ,obviously done abit , quietly respectful , looking in knowing from his own experience this isn’t a walk in the park ,FairPlay.
Saw your video come up by chance! I clicked on this and not having seen you before but seeing your ex us marine I was expecting you to say yours harder and what not!! I was pleased that you actually take the same respect for your own boys to ours!! An honest review unbiased and I can tell by Your smile that you must of been reminded of similar training that you did! I worked along side many us soldiers when I was in forces years ago! I don’t Most people couldn’t pass us marines or Royal Marines training!! That’s why the two units are among best in world!! Much respect to you for your genuine views
Ojm3 Wad cheers bro!
At 2.20, the water mentioned is drinking water. Usually 4 liters, so add 4kg to the advertised weight carried.
Jaase Walllace Haha yeah brilliant, that would make sense
The reason the Endurance Course time is 73 minutes: Since the formation of the Commando regiments on Churchill's orders during WWII, the Endurance Course has always been done on the rough moorland and woodlands at Woodbury Common near Lympstone, UK, a few miles from the Commando Training School. The time given to complete the course has until fairly recently been the same since it was originally set back in 1940 - 72 minutes. It was increased by 1 minute to 73 minutes due to the route being slightly altered but RM officers must complete it in 71 minutes, 2 minutes faster than their men (which kind of tells you all you need to know about the officers' commitment to always setting an example to their men). Great set of videos you're putting out, btw. Very honest and fair commentary.
The current CTS, you mean. When Commando training was formalised - having initially been the responsibility of the various COs - it was at Achnacarry in Lochaber.
@@derpimusmaximus8815 Achnacarry - where those crazy instructors Fairbairn & Sykes introduced their famous knife/dagger to the trainee Commando's!
Good insights. In the pre-Nam days the USMC had a 20-miler back to MCRD SD from the range at the start of the fourth week of training. We had mixed terrain and it was broken with an overnight in the boonies with shelter-half sleeping. SF
Nice. Keep it up.
Maybe you should follow up with the SAS. In the selection they have a 40 mile march, non stop in less than 20 hrs (I think). With a rifle and 60lb on their back.
Richard Patton the rifle is rubber nowadays
@@marblerun5149 Some reason I highly doubt that when even basic infantry soldiers use the real thing...
Jeez that's gotta be rough
Even.Ways Music they are. They require no maintenance and they weigh the same and doesn’t matter if they get lost
The first month of selection (aptitude or 'hills' phase) is graduated marches over mountainous terrain every day with increasing weight, culminating in test week which is 5 individual marches over 23-28 km. The endurance march (known as long drag) is 64km with 59lb and is done after this. All weights are at the end, so water/food are not included, so you start out with heavier. These are timed and are pass fail, however the timings vary depending on weather and are not told to the volunteers, so best effort is needed throughout.
So all in all, a bit cheeky.
I did the tree stuff at Lympstone as a 16 year old in the mid 1960s. There were no time limits. It was fabulous fun. We were a school cadet force and we were looked after very well by the RM Instructors. One exercise had us running along a beam and jumping across into a vertical net. It was a bit of a challenge. The instructor explained about punching your arm through a hole in the net and snapping it down to your body. Then the exercise became easy and fun. Pulling yourself along a rope with a leg dangling for stability was easy. Slipping off the rope to hang down from two arms and then getting back on the top of the rope was easy, once it was explained by the instructors. There were lots more exercises. It was one of the best times of my life.
The exercise on the moors was hard work. Were were carrying heavy 303s and full packs. We made bivvies out of two ponchos. A night attack, not being able to see anything, was pretty scary. Breakfast in the cookhouse was the best breakfast ever.
Getting through commando test week, passing all the commando tests and being given your green beret at the end of the 30 miler is worth all the blood ,sweat and tears believe me. Per mare per Terram.
Once a marine always a marine
paul fairclough I passed the commando course in early 1963. After the 30 miler myself and my Junior Marine squad mates paraded outside of our barrack huts wearing muddy khaki denim type uniforms and cap comforters (woolly hats) for the green beret presentation. What followed was the most understated military parade that I ever experienced. The training officer went up and down the line and stopped in front of each recruit, who removed his cap comforter and was presented with the green beret. That was it - parade dismissed, no bells or whistles, no speeches, no fuss. Apart from that it was a great day, and a huge relief that you had finally got to the end, and the green beret was yours.
Another Great Video, you must have a peak at the Cambrian Patrol......If you want horrible plus hills and millage that is the one to see....
Trained with two USMC NCO's who were on secondment at Lympstone, SSGT Gabrych and Gunny Skyles, both were seriously well trained and tough men, USMC's finest. They could never understand my scouse accent though!
Hahaha they need more English friends to get used to all the accents
Never once as a RM questioned the capabilities of our American Marine brothers. Nothing but respect and love for the Yanks, proud to have served along side them and proud to call the ones I served with my brothers x
Watch royal marine commando school that will give you a better understanding
The channel 4 show? I thought it was a let down, the camera crew never left ctc, so all the good, and hard stuff, wasn't shown.
Commando on the front line far better
Thomas Hargreaves one hundred percent
That's just marines training, commando training comes later
sas who dares wins!! Mint programme Cmon now💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Your videos are outstanding, intuitive and great to watch, many thanks 👍
In case you haven't watched it yet, the documentary series "Royal Marines:Behind The Lines" (1985, 7x30 mins) is very good. All episodes are on TH-cam.
I’m going to have to check that out.
Love your channel mate. You should do one on Paddy Mayne SAS. Well worth it fella
Just in case you haven't heard the story, research how the British forces lost all their troop carrying helicopters in the Falklands.
They had to "yomp" right across the island to engage the occupying Argentine forces!
Oorah brother 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Tell me about it
My dad was one of them!
@@sashamay81 what a legend. You should be proud! x
@@Ryan-lk4pu absoulotly!! He said it was one foot in front of the other....!🤣 this is the same guy, that used to say to us as kids on a "wee walk" "its just down the road"! He means you've another 10 miles to go.😂 good times!🙄
Carrying 80 pounds of kit, across 56 miles of horrendous terrain and foul weather ... and be ready to fight!
Check out the pathfinders and special recon regiment. Really switched on squaddies
Love and respect and keep the channel going sweet.
Bless your friends in south Wales uk
I've been looking outside my house for what's making that squawking noise! finally worked out its on the vid!!
dazgally haha sorry about that, early morning tunes over here