The Endurance Course

This 73-minute challenge is only the start of an intense, week-long physical examination that proves you’re ready to wear the green beret. Desire to succeed, or fear of failure. Whatever gets you over the line. It’s a state of mind. You may already have it: bit.ly/GMS_End...

[@melvinsamson5684]

"The only thing that keeps you going is that you want the end goal more than you want to stop." Such powerful words. Hats off, I'm definitely going to remember this statement in hard times.

[@davidlister5964]

Joined at 17 in 1986 55 years old now and still miss it everyday. My nephew is in training now and i am so jealous.

[@bergeracvandamme]

I admire these lads who, despite their youth, have already realised something very important that it took me a long time to learn: an easy life isn't the same thing as a fulfilling life, and in fact it's the challenges and hardship that shape us, make us better men, give us purpose and also make the easy times all the more sweet. The most miserable people I know are the ones who chose to prioritise safety and convenience above all else.

[@gibsonduvall]

bergeracvandamme; Former RM here, joined 1976. Can I just let you know that your comment is one of the best I've read in a very long time, sage words indeed! Also, I forwarded it on to a former Guardsman and very good oppo of mine who is going through a very tough time at the moment, and has been for the last year. What you wrote brought him straight into my mind for the way he is handling this current horrific and malicious issue and I'm convinced he can do that because of the "challanges & hardships" you mention. Bravo to you.

[@lateapex9420]

21 years have elapsed since I passed out of Lympstone. Those last two weeks; Commando Tests and Kings Squad are etched into my memory like it was yesterday. I'd go back and do it all again in heartbeat.

[@matthewj1997]

Late Apex any advice to prepare for joining up?

[@lateapex9420]

@@matthewj1997 I was 19 years old. I basically ran 4-6 cross country miles 5-6 times a week. And I could do 14 wide-arm pull ups, 60 press-ups, and 85 sit-ups by the day I joined up. I practiced the USMC (as it was in my day) every day by just doing my max effort at least once a day. You'll read all sorts of clever get fit methods but for the early stages of the CTC, you just need good basics - 8ish minute miles, and upper body around the numbers I was doing. Being fit when you join will make your life so much easier. The course is designed to get you fit if you've got the determination to stick it out. Good luck.

[@matthewj1997]

Late Apex how’d you find the 30miler then?

[@lateapex9420]

@@matthewj1997 Most lads that reach the Commando Tests are, barring injuries, easily fit enough to pass the tests. The tests feel no different to the kind of thing you're put through on Final Ex. I found the 30miler easy. I'd rank them as follows, hardest to easiest - 9 miler, Endurance Course, Tarzan, 30 miler.

[@matthewj1997]

Late Apex oh wow, i’d expect the 30 miler to be the hardest of them all, so i guess all of your training is led up to the 30miler so therefore you’d be fit as fuck prepared for it?

[@bevboakes8982]

Joined 1965, 837squad just over 2years later made full corporal. Enjoyed every moment the good and the bad. In my time the 30 miler was as the crow flies, so in reality you did more than 30 miles, my time was 7hr27mins. Whoever is lucky enough to join and pass out good on you,you will have joined one of the best fighting units in the world.

[@specialunit0428]

My grandfather was a Royal Marine, and was a champion boxer whilst he was. He served aboard HMS Bulwark and fought in the Suez Canal.

[@ianmooresguard1721]

When was that

[@specialunit0428]

​@@ianmooresguard1721 1956 - 1957 :) I take it you meant the Suez Crisis?

[@ianmooresguard1721]

@@specialunit0428 yeah, thanks,had no idea there was even a war there

[@specialunit0428]

@@ianmooresguard1721 :)

[@adventussaxonum448]

My dad was on the Bulwark. He joined in 1945 and served through to 1968. Just missed the Far East campaign ( most of his NCOs were veterans of The Arakan campaign; the rest were D-Day and Walcheren survivors). His first action was in Palestine, stuck in a foxhole between Jewish Haganah and Arab positions, and taking fire from both.😲

[@reecebennett1115]

One more year of college and then onto the Royal Marines I can’t wait!

[@Richy076]

Good luck mate.

[@reecebennett1115]

Alex Rich thank you bud

[@matthewj1997]

reece bennett nice bro, what course are you doing? when i get to college i’m going to do the uniform service course

[@baazdust]

Thank you for ur future service good luck my friend stay safe

[@isabelleemily2477]

reece bennett good luck

[@grahamfee7277]

My Dad was in the RN in ww2.He loved the Bootnecks ,told me a story once that during the Palestinian conflict that our troops were having a bad time ashore.Mountbatten said send in the Bootnecks. Cleared it all up within a couple of days. He would have been 101 years of age on the 8 Dec .will play life on the ocean wave to him by the grave side .What a tribute.

[@davediamond9842]

As a Reservist I passed the Endurance Course in 60 mins. Looking back cannot believe how fit I was at 18 Years old. I was a Painter and Decorator Apprentice, after a days work I would eat then go out for a run. Building up the length of run every few weeks. At Dundee Detachment we were so lucky as ex full time guys from 45 Commando in Arbroath would join the Reserves. They were brilliant guys. Passed out in 1988. You will achieve the coveted Green Beret, if you never give up. One of our Instructors from CTC was Sgt Whalley.

[@auxillery8998]

The reason Bootnecks are a tribe is because you are totally fu~~ed before the commando tests are taken. I passed the endurance with a minute to spare and you did not undertake the same training which broke you before you were tested.

[@charlesdevaney7144]

Did the same 1970 will always remember,as they will never forget, once a marine always a marine. Best of luck to all who join the best corp.

[@MrJazzflute]

I Passed out in 1984 I had to break the Ice going into Peters pool , what people dont realise is that the Commando tests are carried out after over 3 weeks on your final exercise which is extremely tough and leaves you battered bruised and cut to bits and physically exhausted. You then do your Commando tests.

[@DAVECTC28]

RM Recruitment has done very well with this series of short clips on training and PRMC . I Think they should now expand this into other areas such as ML branch, Snipers, Boarding Teams and CQB Instructors. That would draw in alot of keen individuals who are interested in seeing what life is like post commando training. Whoever was involved in allowing the previous Commando School docs should really be sacked. These short 5-10 min clips are far more professional.

[@cm-pr2ys]

D101 Oh yes. Show these kids what they can aspire to. Great idea! 🍻

[@kingjeremy1278]

@@cm-pr2ys its 100% inspired me. Im 13 and im hoping to join 42 commando

[@thomasdoy3350]

@@kingjeremy1278 good luck lad only 2 more years till you can apply 👍

[@6mojo]

Been there done that..joined 804 sqd in Jan/64. Did my nine years in Recce 42 then left to join Devon & Cornwall Police..few years later emigrated to be a cop in Canada..now happily retired in S/E Spain..best country in the world!

[@Spoon_278]

On the endurance course tomorrow morning, can’t wait to join the best boys club around

[@-lightningwill-6014]

This is why the UK is the best quality fighting force in the world

[@Alpha-ev5xf]

UK is best because majority of your army are Asians

[@-lightningwill-6014]

@@Alpha-ev5xf not what i saw 😂

[@Alpha-ev5xf]

@@-lightningwill-6014 ha ha ha ha just watch closely your army and parliament

[@-lightningwill-6014]

@@Alpha-ev5xf do you live in the UK?

[@Alpha-ev5xf]

@@-lightningwill-6014 no we watch UK from asia

[@chimaezeamama4115]

Only those who have been through some sort of military training will understand how difficult this is and what it takes to get through. best wishes guys, you deserve this.

[@kevinward3088]

A salute to the RMC Green Lids , this resonates with me too , as an ex maroon lid RAMC medic Pongo , underwent P-Company back in 1990 , and the potential RMC lad at 1.19 describes the atmosphere very well , tense , knowing this event WILL test every atom of your being , and the fear of failure......This test is feckin' tough. Same as P Company, all the Commando tests are consecutive.

[@gregbuxton6438]

Somebody wrote 'What's Commando stand for?' Combination of Mind Muscle and Nerve During Operations. I passed out of CTCRM, 'The Factory' (House of Pain) in 1979. I served 9 years. Loved it, it gave me fantastic transferable skills, for the world outside. The Commando Spirt/Ethos.....................How to win friends and influence people!

[@borjastick]

1975 for me. I failed but I tried my hardest and to this day the core values and motivation stay with me. Get up, keep going, organisation and planning, hygiene, presentation, never back down or quit. I'm 62 now, still fit and slim, still love guns and I still love HM The Queen. And if asked today to pull the trigger for Queen and Country I'd be there like a shot.

[@bergeracvandamme]

The fact that you tried and gave it your all means no regrets. One of my few regrets in life is trying, not giving it my all and quitting. I've learned a lot since then, but unfortunately my epiphany came too late for me to try again.

[@dadof3tngirls]

31 weeks. “Everything hurts, it always does.” Next level commitment.

[@adamrawlins3361]

"The only thing that keeps you going is, you want your end goal more than you want to stop" -bestquote

[@sagittariusa2283]

Peters pool, Woodbury rash and the water tunnel......... and Dutchy burgers. Fond memories of C.T.C aka the deathstar 😊

[@michaeldennis1021]

Be strong fast and positive and give a 100% 🇬🇧 Oh and a sense of humour 🇬🇧

[@NeroAngelo616]

Watching this on the night of my PJFA after coming up from a nap. I'm 32. It's now or never.

[@jamiegraham9131]

This helped me push through to join cause one day I know I’ll become an Royal Marine and serve this country

[@ged7196]

Passed for duty 71....,our training teams did and pushed us ,some of which would not be allowed today..times must change as long as standards don't drop...crack on lads best of luck.

[@GuyWilson706]

Be sure to tape your waists and feet, keep focus on the pace maker and nothing else and more than anything never give up when you are hitting the wall. I wish you luck royals Pain is temporary, glory is forever! If you can make your troop laugh and banter when they suffering it really helps too! Keep each other going

[@chrisskatez1241]

I’ve got 7 years to get used to the pain they go through I wish to be a royal marine and that’s what I’m gonna do 💪🏻

[@JammyDodger45]

Don't make your life too painful kiddo, make sure you have plenty of fun along the way or you'll forget what it's all for.

[@azzerrrr]

Now THIS is a recruitment video...

[@mededits276]

Massive respect from Nepal

[@jathomas274]

Thanks for showing this, it means a lot

[@hiddenassassin3233]

Man this seems like a great thing to be apart of

[@glenscott8367]

I can't wait to join

[@hiddenassassin3233]

@@glenscott8367 I know right

[@Bootneck-RMC]

It's the most special and best club you will ever have the privilege to join (if you meet the requirements) and not everyone who applies for membership gets accepted I'm afraid.

[@alanoag8926]

Bootneck they do if they have mental and physical ability

[@Bootneck-RMC]

I think that's what I just said "if you meet the requirements"

[@johnallen7807]

Cushy billets lol. We had wriggly tin huts with coke stoves at Sennybridge in the 70s! Try having 12 men dry their kit ready for another day on the Brecons.

[@tonyjames5444]

Peter's pool water level was low! Did mine in the winter of 1980 and had to hold onto the rope and pull myself along with one hand holding my SLR above my head as I couldn't touch the bottom, not saying it was cold but there were broken slabs of ice on the surface. Happy days I think...

[@bootneck5624]

🤣 did mine in 78. Can't say I enjoyed the water tunnel, can't say I enjoyed any of it. 🤣🤣

[@bikelife1389]

59.45 I done this in was an awesome feeling coming first for this one. I consider this the hardest of them all myself.

[@johnreynolds6369]

I did this in 1983 as part of a TA commando course. It really wasn’t that difficult. I think I did it in 79 minutes and that was without weeks and weeks of physical training behind me.

[@auxillery8998]

Lol, ten minutes over the allowed time and without months of beastings. You haven't a clue..Not a clue..

[@rush580]

This is awesome. Love to join this unit

[@mariabadillo8331]

I am going to be a Royal marine, i will train my body and my mind to be prepare to pass all the tests.i am Leonardo i am 14 years old i will keep training see you in a couple years

[@benhoward4107]

Same I’m 13 years old and I’m following a book that tells how to get fit for the Marines. I’m going to be a Royal marine too

[@mariabadillo8331]

@@benhoward4107 see you there

[@matthewj1997]

María Badillo 15 and i got the same ambitions, gonna try specialise as aircrew maybe.

[@LionheartNh]

I hope it all went well for you Leo. I joined the Royal marines back in 1978 and I was the same age as you are now at 17. I bet some things have changed but the pain is still just as painful lol. Hope you give us an update.

[@Jack1dg]

Well?

[@58lp79]

Respect! to you ALL who Earned the Green Beret. Thankyou.

[@sechabamokoena8789]

I'm South African and I'd like to join (Lord willing)

[@gillies7775]

You and me both

[@feolender2938]

I went through in 1997 and we had 2 South africans in my troop. Just apply.

[@gillies7775]

@@feolender2938 spoke to a recruiter for the army, they said that they are not taking in commonwealth countries till 2022. I dont know if it is the same for the navy.

[@cromabu5090]

Sechaba Mokoena epic mate

[@sechabamokoena8789]

@@feolender2938 this whole Covid thing is preventing me from going.

[@LGLGLGLG24]

Done my full application yesterday for the royal marines just hoping everything checks out

[@LionheartNh]

From an old Royal Marine...good luck.

[@stephenbramley9405]

What about the walk first thing just to get to the start , oh yes at least a five mile walk before you start the bloody thing , well this was the case in the 1980 when I joined then the course , then the run back to camp . Tough yes but the 30 miler I felt was the hardest , happy days .

[@alipatebaleivanualevu2795]

Can't wait to try the AAC and join the marines im a common wealth applicant

[@othnielalamluwi3390]

Salam from Malaysia🇲🇾, the British Royal Marines was playing a very vital role on establishing and shaping our 21st Special Service Group (GGK) during communist invasion in 1960s. Until today they’re still training together, I pray that I will be a commandos to get the chance of training with the Royal Marines.

[@jimpaul5925]

I served in 42Cdo in Bornio in the 1960 .good luck to you .one day you will be a BOOTNECK.

[@chrisholland7367]

"The Mayalian Emergency " from 1947 to 1960 Have tried to access information on this almost forgotten conflict which was the first anti comunist war of the 20th century and was successful . The Korean War was a stalemate and Vietnam was a loss for the Americans.

[@olidixon9487]

im trying to gain weight so i can join. i started at 54kg i need to be 65 at least, in 2 months I've gone from 54 to 59.5 ish. trying for it to all be muscle. keeping up wit cardiovascular fitness too, best bleep test is 15,6. most recent is 13.8. 1.5 mile is 8:46. I will make it, it's just a matter of when.

[@JohnSmith-kn1uq]

It's not for everybody but for those few it's a great experience!

[@koontz74]

I passed the prc when I was 16, but left after a few weeks, I was to young straight from school and couldn’t get to grips with it, I should have left it a year or 2, the prc was the hardest thing I have every done, I Think 15 passed out of 50 odd.

[@daleunser9493]

See you in 2023. Need to finish uni first. Hope you'll still be accepting South Africans by then.

[@shadie_x]

Dale Unser that’s when I start training hopefully 😂

[@anthonybockhart5291]

I'm SA too, using this coming year to prepare ! Good luck to you, I'll be going hopefully late 2021

[@Alpha-ev5xf]

Of course they will allow the SAs . The UK is running severe shortage of whites.

[@vitaliyvyntu4566]

Thank You so much

[@engx3733]

Very inspiring indeed, even for this 42 year old civilian.

[@bendoesfps4114]

im joining the aircadets soon im just 13 cant wait

[@bootneck5624]

Try doing this with a 7.62 SLR. Passed out in 78. Still got my green lid. Only just fits🤣

[@DrewWithington]

The best people.

[@callum5257]

Hard effort! Can't help but point out the eye closing right before the trigger pull at 0:36...

[@disgruntledvet4849]

Fond memories passed out 1987

[@twigman8806]

Kerr has to do it again.

[@josephtaylor3868]

Can you wear glasses / contacts in the RM? My eyesight is decent enough but I wear them sometimes for screens. I know there is an eye test, but just wondered if anyone in the RM wears them?

[@Reo-UptonMohun]

Damn, 6 out of 10 shots after all that must be hard... Soul destroying if they don't get 6 or above ...

[@ricksanchez1710]

Everyone thinks you have to be strong for the Royal Marines or we physically fit that’s false they say it’s a state of mind because it’s how much you can take and what your mindset is in battle

[@pr0xy373]

well you still need to be fit to even get there, it's finishing that you need to be mentally tough for.

[@EcsMurphy]

You need to able to do Atleast a sub 6 minute mile. 3 Pull ups. 60 situps. 40 pushups. Like that's minimum lol

[@pr0xy373]

@@EcsMurphy I know, I'm saying it's beyond just mental, in order to get to the place to face the actual mental tests, you have to get their physically, I'm aware of the minimums.

[@cbecks2051]

Fas Unio bollocks😂😂 the standard entry for mile run in royal marines is 9minutes not 6

[@oSAMKIDo]

chris becks well you’re looking at 3 miles in sub 20 minutes for a solid chance of passing so you want to be aiming for a 6 minute mile for 3 miles, not sure where you got 9 from

[@shinkoreancookery952]

I really want to join it looks really hard but fun if you want to join 🤞 GOOD LUCK!

[@GuyWilson706]

You can make it - just believe no matter how much it hurts and that your at your ending point that your mind can drive you on. Human will to succeed is a powerful thing. If you wish to join, it’s not physical - mostly mental

[@louiewalker3109]

1 month left till my apply date now🤩

[@louiewalker3109]

The Scatman sound man, and yeah you’re probably right😂😂 watch this vid every night before bed thou, gets me more hyped for it ahaha

[@louiewalker3109]

The Scatman yeah man phase 2 it’s where all the fun stuff starts lmao

[@chrissauer1498]

@@louiewalker3109 hows it going

[@denisswe]

God bless them

[@brucejackson7126]

If I can get the money to move to Britain I'm gonna join y'all marine corps one day💯

[@JammyDodger45]

Not if you're a Spam you're not buddy.

[@britishjack6901]

Woodbury common I go there and to walk my dog and when I see the marines I very rarely feel as safe as I do when i see them

[@xusmico187]

WWII Commando and RMC testing. original CFT that the US is jumping on now. Wish my Corps would have the same physical tests. Only thing the RMC could have better is a longer rifle range to qualify on. US Marines old iron sight KD boot camp range makes or breaks basic fundamental marksmanship.

[@reecekelly9336]

🇬🇧 Per Mare per terram

[@br33zy71]

Cant wait to do this, one year left

[@JammyDodger45]

Well a year has passed. So ... ?

[@gw2891]

@@JammyDodger45your all over these fools talking 💩😅

[@JammyDodger45]

I'm on a sun lounger in Zadar so I've got plenty of time on my hands.

[@Indoor_Carrot]

Wish I could join the military. I hate living with a disability. 😥

[@robincunningham529]

is the producer rich pencott, the same marine that save Paul Vice MC life?

[@vitaliyvyntu4566]

Respect

[@eddykaburu1683]

I want to join this lads

[@suzitunnicliffe-john6570]

18 Pugweiler - (Rottweiler X Pug Mix)

[@scootjockey]

Did it back in 1979.

[@scottScottMechanics]

Scoot Jockey Me to 129A. Troop

[@scootjockey]

@@scottScottMechanics 148 meiktila.

[@gerrylea121]

Me too 126A troop passed out August 79 great memories 👍

[@vmax42dave]

@@gerrylea121 212 Tp Juniors (16 year olds) Pass out March 76 !

[@jkmalify]

Very hard training

[@bryantdargantes6505]

Damn i want to be a royal marine someday but im from different country

[@efrahimarif5854]

I wanna join but problem is I have to wait for 5years to get an ILR that's the baddest thing ☹

[@JammyDodger45]

Where are you originally from?

[@blakemitchell9280]

What’s the best way to practice shooting in the uk? Currently have 1 Year left of college then joining Marines. I’m confident on mostly all of what I need to train apart from shooting, how can I practice? Are there shooting ranges anywhere in the uk that offer these types of rifles to practice with?

[@DrewWithington]

No. Assault rifle-type weapons are totally banned in UK. Because of the Hungerford Massacre in 1987. But everyone who joins the Armed Forces in the UK is in the same boat; no experience, learn from scratch.

[@scottScottMechanics]

It’s hard at the time you do it But not hard enough

[@freshfrozen3035]

Iv always wanted to join but it took hard

[@paulrounding5260]

It is hard mate, but you don't do this on day one, they mould and train you over six months, it's the best feeling putting on a green beret at the end of it, even better for wearing one for 22 years.

[@stevejessemey8428]

To be the best, you have to give your best !

[@TheHumanOnEarth]

What happens when you fail? Former U.S. Marine asking :O

[@connorjansen1324]

You go home

[@thebeautifulones5436]

Not enough diversity. I want to see a Muslim praying, a lesbian and a man wearing a pink dress.

[@johnmacpherson9629]

Ha Ha. Former British Infantry (Jock) 24 Years. You Hit the Nail on the Head m8

[@johnmacpherson9629]

GREAT VIDIEO

[@Horriblebastad]

@ Mandatory 😂

[@alekferna6760]

What makes a Royal Marine Comando a "Comando"??? Why Comando???

[@jameshartley6161]

A commando is a combatant, or operative of an elite light infantry or special operations force using dedicated operation techniques.

[@bigchungus8108]

If you sit down you wont want to get up

[@MikeH401]

Did this in 1979.

[@peterjames1909]

No offense from my Endurance Course in 1967 this seems a bit easy .

[@jonathondavies8347]

you invest maximum effort into the RM, The RM will invest in you.

[@AngryBootneck]

Its a piece of piss lads, don't listen to the hype. Anyway, must dash, I have to go and see the chiropractor and get him to realign my fucking spinal-column. Best of luck boys!

[@jkara7843]

fit to fight

[@lewismcnamara41]

Bald moes cafe face,Ana bra,steps ahead well done,your troops made then steps ahead ask your water seals

[@jasmitsirah]

Well done our boys the Sikhs

[@backwoodsman6748]

For the love of pain

[@declanbrown9297]

Start basic training 1st june

[@h7283]

How'd it go?

[@JammyDodger45]

He binned it at week 4. He missed his mum too much.

[@h7283]

@@JammyDodger45 Shame

[@mrwippy3112]

If you going through hell. Keep going. Winston Churchill.

[@h7283]

I'm sure we carried 35lb of weight,plus nine pounds of SLR? 1970s,am I right?

[@JammyDodger45]

It was 21lb in the late 80s when I did it and also when I took recruits through in the mid 90s. It was 35lb for the 30 miler though.

[@kaydenbiddle9242]

id like to see the 16 people that disliked this do it

[@reashawick]

So a bit like DofE really? Not too bad

[@NoNo-uy2bq]

Not at all

[@Horriblebastad]

The more sedate of the four tests

[@JammyDodger45]

You must have done a different route to me. There was feck all sedate about it when I did it, I was balls to the wall all the way

[@feolender2938]

What they neglect to mention is that you make your own way from camp to the start too, And it's an instant fail to catch a ride or a taxi.

[@TheMorayMosstrooper]

Particularly if the Git who runs the armoury oversleeps, so your speedmarch to the start point ends up being a sprint...just to get you warmed up, of course!

[@averagejoe8358]

You fail the entire course if you don't pass the rifle range? I thought you just got back-trooped.