My son just got his green lid last Wednesday, what made the day even more special was that their berets were presented by an SBS RSM who actually done the 30 miler along with the troop.
I joined the Royal Marines in 2001 aged aged 19. I only got to week 14 but I can attest to how hard mentally and physically it is. This is why I have the utmost respect for people who have earned their green lid. It’s always been a bone of contention of mine that I didn’t pass out. But quite honestly, it wasn’t meant to be for me and maybe I wasn’t cut out for it at the time. I really struggled to begin with and then I kept getting stress fractures which ironically helped me hone the skills I was struggling with whilst recuperating in Hunter company. I was at Lympstone for a year overall and in the end the injuries forced me to leave. If it hadn’t been for the injuries, who knows? But some of the advice from this guy would have helped me immensely. Particularly the part about growing up and getting some life experience before joining.
Sorry to hear it didn’t work out mate but things happen for a reason I guess and I can imagine if you wanted to try again you could. Honestly though injury is the biggest killer out there in training, I knew a lot of lads who were both physically and mentally strong enough but a freak accident or injury stopped them passing. Glad you found the video insightful though, best of luck my man
@@JayTilleyTV alas, too old now bro (39). I did seriously consider rejoining in 2014 when I was at the upper age limit of 32. I was inspired by the documentary that was around at the time and I knew it was last chance saloon for me so I got myself fit enough should I decide to join. I would have stood a better chance this time around as I was stronger both mentally and psychically, however I decided against it in the end. I had a good stable job and 5 year old daughter back home so I felt I couldn’t risk it all and go through all that again to end up with nothing. I still feel I made the right choice as there was an extremely high chance the same thing would happen again due to my flat feet. It’s sad as it has been the only thing I’ve ever really wanted to do from a work point of view but you have to take it on the chin and move forward with your life. I try to look at all of positives I took from my time at Lympstone-fitness, admin, discipline and knowing how to keep yourself in good shape. It’s not going to work out for a lot people sadly. If it did then the Royal Marines wouldn’t be the elite force they are and the green beret wouldn’t be so coveted. If I had my time again I’d definitely give it another shot but I’d wait until I was mid to late twenties before I joined. It’s ok for some to join at 19 or younger but I was really immature at that age, both psychically and mentally. Thanks for the kind word though pal. I’ll make sure I watch more videos from your channel as I really enjoyed this one and I thought it was great advice for anyone considering joining 👍
@@jonnysloffy i left in October 2019, after getting to week 23, after 11 months. Another mate left on week 29, and another left after being 3 seconds short on the tarzan assult course on his re run after completing the other 3 commando tests. A lot of people think that most people leave because they can't manage the physical or mental side, however, after week 10, it's mainly due to either injury or purely just not wanting to be a Marine anymore. I don't regret leaving, however, if i was to do it again, i would've joined at a later age. I was 18 when i joined.
There is no shame in failing. Anyone who steps into the arena are due respect. There are too many lads who are so frightened of failing that it prevents themselves from even attempting to earn a Green Lid. I joined up and passed out in 89/90. I managed to do it in my original troop, which was really important to me. I’m not sure how I would have reacted to a stint in Hunter Troop. I don’t want to trivialise your injuries, but I carried on with a lot of issues. Stress fractures are almost part and parcel of basic training. It is only pain and you can continue. Like blisters, cuts, and serious chafing from your bergen and webbing. As soon as you get going on a yomp, speed march, etc…..the real sharp wincing pain will eventually die down, although it’s still painful it will be more like a deep throbbing pain. It’s just a question of switching off to it, and consider the alternatives. Every time I called my parents my Mother would tell me that there was no shame in failing and I could come home at any point. My Father said that he had told his mates at work that I had gone to work as a Red Coat at Butlins, so if I couldn’t hack it he was covered. I knew exactly what he meant. I couldn’t stand the idea of having my picture blacked out from the troop photo they took when we first joined up. I didn’t care what they told me to do. I was never going to enter that office and ask to leave. Honestly, it never once entered my head. I wanted a lid, and the only way to get it was to not allow those who were wearing one to have any excuse for binning me. They didn’t, and I achieved my goal. Even my Mom was proud. Thanks for your honesty. I hope you are doing well, buddy.
You are so right about the mental side. On paper I was the perfect recruit ( qualifications and hot pt ) but totally mentally not there and quit quite early. Biggest respect to our forces personal.
Very wise words, Royal Marine Commandos are a breed apart. After two draughts on LPD’s I have nothing but admiration for them. Very worthwhile video with very sage advice, nice one.
Definitely don’t over complicate the nutrition for anything but I would say if you’re going to go into something like the Royal Marines supplementation Is a massive thing. I’ve got couple mates who have mates that were in the parachute and Royal Marines regiment and the supplementation did help them massively with energy levels and muscle recovery and also pre workout shakes
Cracking video. I’m 24 and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Not sure if It is something I’ll ever do, but I like learning about it all the time nun-the less. Like from me.
Good "feet on the ground" advice, no CoD one man army bollocks, just saying as it is; preparation in your head is the key. Mentaly walkthrough all you can imagine so when it happens you know the process. Good video
@@JayTilleyTV What I see very often is modern young people refuse to accept reality,there is no charging music during a fight,the food is as you said fuel,numbers,doesnt have to look fancy to be good for your body,you have to stitch your pants and clean your mess,no mom or wife to do it. I've done mandatory 10month service in Croatian Air Force in 96' , nothing heroic,after basic training 2 months,specialist training 2 months,went to operational unit helping in daily checks on MiG21,freezing on guard duty,cleaning leaves in the yard, maintenance on MiG weapons. The mindset helped to go through without problems,some guys could not take it, we even didn't see real combat. Just a reality check required.
I passed out 34 years ago with my original troop and spent 11 years in the Corp. I think that the best advice is to keep a smile on your face and just do as you’re told and do it to the best of your ability. Stress fractures are a part and parcel of training. The only treatment is complete rest, which is pretty much impossible if you are intent on going through training in the same troop. They used to call it “sore legs”, and gave you a choice. I don’t see any other option but to keep going and just live with the pain. It wouldn’t be a topic of conversation if you were in a Commando Unit. Bergen, yomp, and don’t mention anything about your sore legs. Well, you can do, but I don’t think you should hold your breath for the response that you’d like, ha ha. Train hard, fight easy..
Hoping to join after I’ve finished college but I literally can’t put on wait no matter how much I eat I’ve weighed around 55kg for the last year it’s really annoying, cheers for the video
Glad you like the video! Sounds so obvious but yeah calorie increase is needed if you want to load the weight on. Highly recommend just filling your meals out as best as you can with additional easy calories. Double up on your meals and you’ll change in no time
@@korbiencracknell438 chances are you're not actually eating as much as you think I used to be 58kg until i started eating 5 meals a day and was gaining wait very fast before hand 1 meal could last me 4-5 hours. you just have to set a time to go eat every meal instead of when you feel hungry. for example setting a timer or alarm every 2-3 hours and just eating then. another thing is smoothies if your really not hungry getting liquid down is a lot easier you can easily get 800-1000 calories in a smoothie with protein powder etc
One thing I do know is that wearing the Green Beret with No1 Blues contravenes Dress Regulations only a Peaked Cap or Pith Helmet should be worn with Blues.
I was a Royal Marine from 78 to 88 . The training is the hardest thing I ever did, earning the right to wear the green beret is 90% in your mind. This man is right..they will make you fit beyond belief...I mean Olympic fit. But you have to have the right frame of mind. As far as I know, women can now join the Royal Marines but none so far has passed because they will no drop the standards.
I am weak I have a weak mentality And I think I have ADHD but that makes it worst so I want to do something difficult to make me strong I decided to join British Army but I heard this is harder so I want to join but I don’t think my mind can take it how do I train my mind?
Been training for the RM for about a year now. Hope I, being someone with an Indian citizenship can get in through the commonwealth recruitment scheme.
Thank you very much for this video! I want to join to be a Royal Marines Commando in 2 years once I'm done with school and I know it's going to be tough so I'm training hard
@@Dk-ve1pl no, because some odd things happened and now I'm on my way to become a paratrooper, I passed the British Army assessment center and soon I'll be going off to the Prachute Regiment Assessment Course. If I pass that then I'll be in the Paras, otherwise I'll be in the Infantry
@@Mark_Lacey - nightmare. So much of training is about being lucky and avoiding injury. His biggest issue now will be staying motivated as he recovers his fitness. I did 20yrs in the Corps, it's the best gig ever so I hope he sticks at it.
Interesting video, well made with fluent and engaging presentation. Not sure why I watched it though, since I'm a) German and b) 53 years old, which kind of ruins my chances of being accepted :) Anyway, to all the blokes who intend joining: huge respect, best of luck to you all! Haut rein jungs!
I have a question… I’ve considered joining the marines, however the doubt in my mind is whether or not I’m the sort of person who would pass. I come from a middle-class background, I was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and therefore I was quite overprotected, particularly at school, im quite in touch with my feminine side (not in a gay way or anything like that, more just I can be emotional, I don’t like being disliked and I like being liked, which I imagine will make getting shouted at particularly stressful), I often struggle with simple discomfort barriers like waking up early, and on top of this, I’m very skinny (I weigh 72 kg and I’m 6ft 4). I also struggle with pain barriers, much like others, but the mental doubt mostly comes from watching those commandos on the front lines and ‘how to join the marines’ videos, and all the people who fail are like me. That’s where the doubt comes from. I don’t know what to do? Yes I do want this, but so do the other 50 guys I’m joining with, and most of them fail. I have time on my side (as I need to finish my degree first), so I can train in advance, however I’m worried that marine training is sort of like an iq test where you either are good enough or are not mentally, and there is nothing you can do about it. I really don’t want to sacrifice all that to joining the marines, only to be told I’ve failed the training. Also what do I do if I’m a skinny guy and I can’t put on fat? Cheers
Thanks mate, great tips. When you mention going for long walks with a bit of weight, how much weight would you recommend? Or would it be progressive the more you do?
Thanks man glad you like it. Good question and I’d say it’s always worth a practice just to get use to it. General a burgen would be around 60-80lb sometimes more so if your to practice before hand maybe start off lighter around 30lb just to get used to some weight and then once your in they’ll build you up to where you need to be. Funny thing is it never gets easier you just get used to it
Love this video! Idea I was thinking could you do a video on the Royal Marines regulars and Royal Marines reserves who would benefit from doing one or the other and what are the differences And other general information?
The main difference is usually the occupation or education of the individual who presents for the Reserve. Most of them have good careers and would be taking a step down the wage ladder if they join regular. RMR training is done every second weekend on average, and you'll also have to commit to a couple of weeks at Lympstone after phase 1 and 2 training. All reserves are encouraged (expected :D) to mobilise with a regular unit for 1 year as soon as they can on completion of training. An Royal Navy Armed forces Careers officer can help you with your decision.
Honestly it’s quite a tricky one because this totally depends on the individual and how you work. To help prep would be to put yourself in the similar situations you may face and see if you can take it such as being out in the wet and cold or doing prolonged circuits without quitting. It’s all about getting to the point where you’d quit and pushing past it. PLUS it’s being able to take stuff on the chin without moaning. Check you flashes and crack on as they say.
Yeah mate I was always recommended to chat to your AFCO. Not sure what’s happening with COVID etc but worth looking into. You can do reserves but I always feel with the Marines if your going to do it it’s a long old hit of training so worth doing it as a regular if you can
I'm 13 years old and I want to join the marines when I grow up. Lockdown has killed me, I'm quite puny and I don't workout. I'm starting to gain courage to start working out for the marines but I want to know what age I should start going to the gym, and start working out. My confidence is kicked out of me because of lockdown
you dont NEED a gym to get fit, if your 13 you might find going to gyms abit scary at first. you can always do bodyweight exercises in the meant time until you gain the confidence you need, hell im 20 and dont like going to gyms, its nothing to be worried about, you can defiantly get fit in the comfort of your home, hope this helps
People are obsessed with fitness but for me it was of no significance it was the sleep deprivation and constant cleaning and mind games that was the crux.
Yep fair point! Sleep deprivation is the killer, hence why your called a nod. True story this... I fell asleep stood up on while learning how to gut a chicken and yep you guessed it got chicken guts to the face! Haha
Push ups, sit ups, pull ups and lots of running. Make sure that when you do press ups your elbows are tucked to your sides so that your triceps are doing a lot of work. Aim to be able to do like 60+ press ups in under two minutes comfortably. Aim to be able to do 100 sit ups and for pull ups i think 15. For running it should be 2k in sub 10 minutes.
I’d say your man who commented here pretty much nailed it. It’s that point of practicing the obvious again like I said in the video but to enhance it further incorporate compound lifting, interval training and swimming 👌🏼
Always remember fitness will come with time in training. Do not dare to be independant or a loner they dont like that. I passed every test with flying colours but my troop officer said i scraped thro, i was too quiet and reserved. So if every one to go on a run ashore go along you dont need to get pissed just join in even if you find it difficult. By the way my troop officer was a dick dont know how he passed officer training .
Nailed it there my man. Get the joining run in and that brings out the best in everyone 😂. There isn’t anything wrong being the grey man but always be sure to get stuck in
Brilliant video, I'm 27 and have been trying to join since 2014 where I failed my psychometric and had to wait a year before I could reapply but have been knocked back with a couple of injuries over the years however I'm in good shape now fitness wise and I'm itching to join but my only issue is my swimming I'm not very confident underwater and I've heard that the swim test is now a pass or fail and I cant practise right now with lockdown would you recommend me just cracking on with the application process and just seeing how it goes or wait until I can get to a pool after lockdown? thank you.
Good questions mate and best of luck with the venture! In regards to swinging it is definitely a good idea to be confident in it first because you wouldn't want to go smash all the test and then fail due to not passing the swimming. You don't have to be the next olympian but make sure you can swim a few lengths comfortably and tread water for a minute or two. Best of luck mate!
My uncle was in the royal Irish reg/rangers and i wanna join the military, specifically a part that deal with land ops and I did want to follow my uncles steps and join the RIR but I really do wanna join the marines, plus I do like naval ships so that can be cool to be on haha
Go in and get a trade or skill mate. Consider RAF or Navy/Army Air Corps as well. Think Getting a transferable skill. Trust me, Combat Infantry isn't the way to go. You're on the bottom rung of the ladder.
Hey I’m 15 and I really think I want to be a marine. I’d consider myself mature and mentally prepared but im having conflicted feelings because I’m quite a lean, healthy but don’t have large muscles. Thanks for the video this really helped out
Thanks for the comment and great to hear your on top of things especially at the age of 15! Muscle mass shouldn’t be a worry in general and especially at a young age, usually I’d say people will start to see proper changes between 17-20 so a few more years to build. Just keep them calories up, protein up and training hard. It’ll come 🙌🏼
24 years old and its always been something ive thought about doing or trying anyway in the back of my mind but held back by my own anxiety and self doubt. Could go months without feeling especially anxious but then out of nowhere I could be hammered by it. Is this a common thing you hear about for some people that join up or is it something i’d have to keep quiet or id have no chance getting in? Great video mate.
@@gregormay7963 exactly so what do they know. No its not true. Yes you can get drafted to a ship but you will be attached to the ship and go away when it dose. You won't be away for 2 years.
First i wanted to join the royal navy as an aircrewman, then i was like scrap that i want to be an infantry soldier in the army then i was like hmmm, royal marines so now im like what do i do? 😕😂🇬🇧
It’s definitely not needed mate, you can join without any experiences like that but it worked well for me as it gave me 2 years to fully prepare, go on work experiences with the military and my mum fully refused to sign the papers being under 18 😂 So i joint at 18
probably a stupid question, but are the royal marines and royal marines commando the same thing? Or di you become a Royal Marine and then specialize through to commandos?
Just applied today but I don’t think I’m fit enough, do you think by training correctly I can be ready in 6-7 months as I’m still in college so won’t start training for a while
Awesome stuff! I mean if you already have some form of fitness level then with the right commitment and plan it’s definitely possible. If you’ve never exercised before then yeah that might be tricky haha
Hi I’ve just turned 17 and I’m looking at applying in September I was just wondering if there’s anything you personally would recommend whilst I train to get to the best possible position I can before I apply later this year in September
It's very simple mate, push ups press ups and running. Get on with it, it's shit but that's the point, the enemy haven't got what it takes to beat a marine because marines are so solid
To be fair mate you can get away with doing mainly body weight stuff and then adding weight with a ruck sack if needed. When gyms are back open you can then start to use the weights and machines in there but I wouldn’t worry too much about spending money on expensive kit
In all honesty mate I wouldn’t worry too much about that. You will need an average level of this and I’d say make sure you aim to do well but this won’t generally be a deal breaker
@@JayTilleyTV thank you very much. I am seriously considering joining after school, although I was prepared to spend a maximum time of give or take a year in the army, although, I might need to change that, as I would really like to be a Royal Marine, given I get selected.
You mean Gibraltar? They trained in the subterranean tunnels because they were there and Gibraltar would be a likely target so it's important for RM to train there
@@JayTilleyTV thanks for getting back to me. I'm a spark up in scotland, earn quite good money but looking for a bit of meaning or purpose in life. So I was looking for a career change, which when I get up in the morning it's for something actually good and meaningfull and not just money. But I'm 26 now probably left it 2 late. Not sure if I'm in the 110% sure point just yet.
Yeah well I work away most the time and to make good money in construction you need to out in the hours. Like 12-18hrs a day sometimes more if your busy and trying to keep your business afloat. But it's meaningless work. I just think doing something for the better or helping people or something would be more fulfilling. Thanks
That's why I thought the reserves would be a better shout as it's not full time commitment plus the first year in the marines full time I'm sure you make under £20k which would be a sore one for someone ancient like me with a house and that
@@Jo-kf3iv When you add in the benefits the salary is actually decent - subsidised Food, rent & worldwide travel, seven weeks paid holidays every year, 0% mortgage deposit loan, non contributory pension, military discounts, free access to quality gyms & sports facilities, free dental care & healthcare…
Mate I have no idea what to do. I want to be a pilot and am currently going through the application but i dont know if its worth it becaude they are taking less and less and I got an email saying they strongly reccommend other branches. Im very concerned if I should just say screw it and become a marine
Things may of changed since I was in but I believe to transfer you can either go Army Commando by doing the commando course or you will have to leave the army then do the full amount of training. I had an ex army lad on my troop who then passed training with me. Officer wise again I can imagine would be a similar process but check with your AFCO
I'm 25 and have a degree in Business and Management. I've been considering the forces as a career path, but I don't know which to choose. I've always been under the impression that the Royal Marine Commandos don't really have any routes for "more mature" applicants with higher qualifications. Is this true? even for officers?
I have a degree in mathematics and was a software engineer when I joined the RMR at age 24. Earned my green beret when I was 25. There is no difference in standards between the reserve and regular force - you have to meet all the standards and pass the commando tests - may just take a little longer. You need commitment as Jay has said. The RMR gives you the opportunity to get a bit of a balance between military and civilian duties. Believe me you will gain lots of experiences that make you a better person in your civilian role - standards are high. You will be surprised at the level of qualifications a lot of Royal Marines have (not even officers). I personally think being a little "more mature" is of benefit. I look back on my time and it is the most rewarding thing I have done in my life. I am now 58 years old!!
I MET A ROYAL MARINE COMMANDO SGT, HE WAS ALL TALK, HE WAS VERY GOOD AT INTIMIDATING, PLAYING MIND GAMES AND STALKING BUT WHEN IT CAME TO FIST FIGHTING HE WAS ALL WORDS AND NO ACTION, YES HE WAS A MARINE COMMANDO AS CONFIRNED BY THE POLICE WHO TOSSED HIM INTO THE NUT WARD FOR A FEW WEEKS.