The following article is taken from the latest issue of the Globe & Laurel magazine.
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2024 is a key year for the Royal Marines with our 360th Birthday. At Christmas WORN WO1 Jim Wright RM and I hatched a plan to celebrate it with the First Sea Lord (1SL) in the finest traditions of the Corps – with some phys.
Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE ADC is not known to back down from a challenge and proceeded to dedicate himself to training up to be able to complete 15 miles of the 30-Miler with 355 Tp. From looking through the history books, we think that this is the first time that a First Sea Lord has completed any of the Commando Tests, making it all the more special to share with the Admiral and all those involved from CTCRM.
The week began with a visit to Devonport with a specific visit to 47 Cdo RG RM, where we were received by Col Will Norcott and the team. Following an Ops Update and meeting the LCs of the Unit, 1SL had some time trialling the new CRC whereupon he received permission from the Harbour Master to ‘give it beans’ (my dark blue vocabulary is still left wanting). After being goffered by a 4-Star, we headed up to CTCRM for the bulk of the week’s visit. 1SL received briefs on Project Zeebrugge and the transformation of training which were undoubtedly mirrored in the culture of excellence on display from all those we chatted to. Project Eve, autonomy, UAS, the integration of digital and VR into training and some time with the new KS rifle gave 1SL an insight into the trajectory of the Corps’ development over the previous five years and where we aspire to be in the future.
Following this, it was time for the main event. As we walked over Bottom Field, both WORN and I felt the familiar sweaty palms and heart palpitations we all become accustomed to as 355 Tp were warmed up for the Tarzan Assault Course. A strong Tp, they were two for two with a 100% pass rate. No pressure whatsoever. We were met by the Tp Comd Capt Sam Powell RM, who gave a great brief to the Admiral about the personalities in the Tp and how they were all feeling. 3-2-1 Go! As the first recruit went down the death slide, the Admiral started to truly understand the grit and spirit needed to get round the Commando Course. We walked down towards Bottom Field and saw those coming in in the first wave – hanging out as they got to the top of the 30ft wall. As we saw the recruits going through this adversity, we couldn’t help but get involved and offer words of encouragement to them as they ran back up the steepest hill in NATO.
We turned in for the night in Okehampton Camp and were up at the crack of dawn for a pusser’s fry-up and a wander down to the cattle grid where we waited with nervous anticipation. 355 Tp set a rapid pace, gaining 15 minutes on the expected time on the first leg. The Tp looked strong throughout and were determined to maintain their 100% streak. Unselfishness and determination were in plentiful supply as the Tp powered across the Moor. We joined the Tp at CP3 and smashed across 8km of the Moor in seasonal Dartmoor mizzle and gusting winds. The Admiral was immensely proud to have taken part with 355 Tp and was humbled ………………..
To find out more about the Training at CTCRM and further RM activities across the globe, catch up regularly with all the news in the Globe & Laurel Magazine, the Journal of the Royal Marines.
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Globe & Laurel – RMA – The Royal Marines Charity (rma-trmc.org)
