Trainee Royal Marines were awarded their Green Berets by First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key, who joined them for part of their final commando test, according to a press release.
Admiral Key accompanied the men of 335 Recruit Troop from Commando Training Centre Lympstone on their challenging ’30 miler’ across Dartmoor.
The recruits were required to cover 30 miles in eight hours, carrying 21lbs of equipment and a rifle. This test is the final and most demanding of the four that each Royal Marine Commando must complete to earn the Green Beret. The other tests include a six-mile endurance course, a nine-mile speed march, and the ‘Tarzan’ assault course at Lympstone.
Admiral Key expressed his admiration for the recruits, stating, “Throughout my nearly 40 years in the service, I’ve heard about what it takes, the Commando tests, these almost legendary things. I hadn’t realised what it would mean to me to see what you go through and the commitment you have undertaken.” He added, “You all look taller, the pain has gone out of your bodies, and you are allowed to smile. Welcome to the Fleet! Enjoy the moment and look forward to your careers ahead.”
Colonel Innes Catton RM, Commandant of CTCRM, also addressed the new marines, saying, “On behalf of the Commandant General Royal Marines, welcome to the Royal Marines family. You have worked hard to earn the Green Beret. You’ve gone through the tests, gone through the training and of course it’s what it symbolises is the most significant part. And that is the Royal Marines Commando Ethos. That is the main thing you must take away from training and you must learn it and burnish it and you must keep it alive, and if you stick to that, you will be ready to play your part in the team.”
Admiral Key will see the successful recruits again at the King’s Parade passing out ceremony at Lympstone next Friday, where they will be joined by their families and friends.
Congrats Lads
Yes respect to all
Well done lads
Bloody fantastic. Well done, gents.
Deep respect, having served along side the Marines more than once i know they are all they are made out to be, but better
Well done!
Ha where did this 21 pounds come from on the 30 miler. It’s 21/22 pounds belt kit, rifle and safety kit including troop stores in a day sack. My kit weighed closer to 40 pounds during the 30 miler.
Probably due to health and safety..
I was joking, it’s likely the same. 40 pounds was never the official weight, it was 22 pounds plus safety stores and it just worked out like that. Id imagine it’s the same but this article has just talked about the actual weight required by number and not the extra stuff thrown on.
Sorry I should have included a smiley ☺️ face…Most things nowadays come down to health and safety. They wouldnt get away with most things these days. Had to laugh a few weeks ago about an article about been shouted and sworn at during training somebody said was it necessary.🤔
Well done lads. Great achievement!
As a former marine I know what the green lid means to these lads, WELL DONE.
As the Dad to two Ex Bootnecks, well done Lads now the hard work begins