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New marines receive Green Berets from First Sea Lord after he joined them on commando test

New marines receive Green Berets from First Sea Lord after he joined them on commando test
5 July 2024
Trainee Royal Marines received the coveted Green Beret from the Navy’s most senior sailor – after he joined them for some of their final challenge.

First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key pounded the lanes of Dartmoor alongside the men of 335 Recruit Troop from Commando Training Centre Lympstone as they tackled the infamous ’30 miler’ – the final, gruelling test at the end of more than seven months’ training.

Recruits are expected to cover 30 miles, carrying 21lbs of equipment and rifle in eight hours across Dartmoor.

It’s the fourth and most demanding of the final tests every Royal Marine Commando must pass to earn the Green Beret, having already conquered the six-mile endurance course, a nine-mile speed march as a squad and the ‘Tarzan’ assault course at Lympstone.

Those who succeed are – after being given a few minutes to freshen up and recover following their exertions – presented with their berets at Bickleigh Barracks, home of 42 Commando, in this case Admiral Key.

He had observed the recruits completing the Tarzan course earlier in the week, and said it was a privilege to first watch, then join the trainees on Dartmoor.

“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 told the successful trainees as he presented them with their berets.

“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.”

His praise was accompanied by warm words from Colonel Innes Catton RM, Commandant of CTCRM.

“On behalf of the Commandant General Royal Marines, welcome to the Royal Marines family,” Col Catton said.

“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 next Friday when he attends the King’s Parade passing out ceremony at Lympstone, joined by the new Royal Marines’ families and friends.

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