US Marine Reacts to Royal Marine Commando Tests 

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 RU-vid 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.

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!

Thanks for the unbiased review, that’s a rare thing these days.

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?

Wasn't expecting such an unbiased review for this video. Impressed. If everyone was like you the world would be a better place

The second review I’ve seen you do and I love the respect and the unbiased opinions. Cheers from an ex Brit soldier.

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.

30 miler is one thing. 30 miler on Dartmoor is a different ball game.

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"

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

You have to check out the Gurkhas. One of the most respected in the British army. God bless them.

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.

Fair play to this lad ~ it's a pretty fair appraisal. No 'we are better than them' stuff .... well done sir !

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.

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.

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.

My home town 😭❤️ my dad used to be in the Royal Marines and seeing CTC is bringing back alot of good memories x

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.

Great review. and you sir are a gentlemen. unbiased and fair. have a great year. from an ex British squaddie.

An unbiased professional review. Very impressed.

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.

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.

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 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

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!

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!!!!

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 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.

That yomping, I remember the pain, exhaustion and how well I slept after it in basic training. Ex Argyle and Sutherland highlander

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.

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.

Great videos mate from an informed no bias viewpoint aswell

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.

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 ..

What makes the Commando test more difficult than you think is that they take place over four days. ( former Royal Marines instructor at CTCRM)

Great unbiased video mate. Would love to see you take a crack at it someday, I think you'd give it a good go.

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 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.

"Doing it together" - pretty sure the cadence of marching in step must help. Marines to the moon .... GO

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

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

Great video & you're a top bloke, thanks for your hard work & honest input. All the best to you sir.

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)

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

Great review by a great reviewer. Thank you, everyone would be glad to have you on team UK or team USA. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

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 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”

There’s a documentary called “Commando - on the front line.” On RU-vid which shows the course in better detail, well worth a watch 👍🏻

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.

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 RU-vid 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 !!

Great video Brother I joined the Royal Marines in 2005 and am still serving! 👍🏻

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

Watch royal marine commando school that will give you a better understanding

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 .

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

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.

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.

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 📹 ✅

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.

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.

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 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.

Thanks for the great respect to the Royal Marines Commandos.

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."

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 RU-vid so you get a really in depth look at their training.

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

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.

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

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 have respect for all the armed forces that go through training and then to go on and fight for country and freedom I salute you all

When I done this we still had the A1 rifle which was not renowned for it's reliability. A few guys failed the endurance course due to weapon malfunctions so we were advised to use the four mile run to the range to also give our weapons a rough clean to try and avoid this, it definitely added an extra layer of stress. The A2 rifle is a big improvement!

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 RU-vid.

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

At 2.20, the water mentioned is drinking water. Usually 4 liters, so add 4kg to the advertised weight carried.

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.

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.

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!

Keep in mind the tests have changed a ton due to the future commando force and they also have a lot more than this in the RMC Course. Fair play to this man though he respects every military and isnt bias

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

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 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)

Thanks for the thoughtful and respectful comments. I'm a civvy with a huge amount of respect for military types, often the ones that I've met are very humble types then you hear what they've done from another source and they just play down their heroics. The USAF PJs seem like a fine bunch of lads.

This video showed up randomly in my feed and just wanted to say, to all of you who have served or are currently serving THANK YOU!!!

Just a shout out to the veterans line the road on the last stretch (seen at 17min 15 sec) see the next generation finish

One word.... "Dartmoor" If you know, you know.

You make a great video all the best from England I wont pretend to have served but I admire lads that have, toodle pip

You should check out the SAS training if you thought the Royal Marines training was rough you'd be in for nasty shock. I know I wouldn't finish the SAS tests. I completed the Royal Marines tests years back, I'm on Civvy Street these days doing electrical engineering for military vehicles and armour.

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

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

It’s not just the physical... it’s state of mind. Thanks for the vid

Good review. This guy is one switched on Marine. Love to have you guys come over and vice versa.

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 !!

I've been looking outside my house for what's making that squawking noise! finally worked out its on the vid!!

What peeps don't understand about these tests is that u are already fatigued by the time u do them. This is where the mental side of it then comes in

I’m a dyed in the wool old fart British veteran, and I’m very defensive about our military. I’ve watched a couple of your vids now, and I’m very pleased with the way you present them. No bullshit, no bravado, no slagging off. You say what you see and I’m pleased about that. Carry on doing what you do. Celer et Audax.

Hi Buddy, just seen this, if you want to get a better idea of the training that the boys go through, look for "Royal Commando School". It is on the Extraordinary people channel

One thing they never say about the endurance course is you have to speed march up there to the start point (another 4 miles). I’m not sure why the endurance course is 73 minutes, we were told by our training team that it simulates a section attack, and the highlighted importance of looking after your weapon and the zero while crawling through tunnels etc, as you have to hit 6 out of 10 round on the target to pass; if you have a stoppage or miss too many, it’s a fail. As it’s an individual effort, they are looking for self-motivated people; but to get to this stage...everyone is self-motivated. 🤙🏻

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

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.