REME Commandos
I was going to do the Commando Course but… OC: Capt J Pratt. Scribe: LCpl Thompson
Workshop REME Deployed in the field during the ‘fight phase’ on their Cold Weather Warfare Course
T
he British Commandos were formed during the Second World War following Winston Churchill’s request for a force to strike back against the Germans in Europe. Initially drawn from within the British Army, soldiers from any rank or cap badge could volunteer for the Special Service Brigade. Volunteers had to demonstrate a high level of fitness, intelligence, and discipline to earn their Green Beret and carry out raids against a fortified, Nazi occupied, Europe. Much has changed since those desperate days, however REME personnel still have the opportunity to serve within 3 Commando Brigade. Those who train to become Commando’s must prove they have the same grit and determination of their forebearers, through the trials and tribulations that would not seem too dissimilar to the veterans of those days gone by. This isn’t a promotional or attendance course - far from it, but it is achievable by those who want it enough. On joining 3 Cdo Bde, you will start training for what lies ahead. Remember all REME personnel started where you are; it seems daunting; a lot to take in. Commando trained or not, you have already shown the mindset to strive to become better by requesting
to be here. To the brotherhood of Commando’s, you’re already starting to show signs of the values and standards we portray every day. The men and women who have passed before you are here to mentor and coach you through. We will give you all the tools you need to get you moving forward, it’s up to you to carve your path to owning the coveted green beret. Before getting to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone, you should attend a pre-course better known as the Commando Conditioning Course (CCC). This 6-week phase, which is hosted at either 29 Cdo RA or 24 Cdo RE concludes with the Pre-Commando Physical Assessment (PCPA) at CTCRM. The course gives you an introduction to basic soldiering ability to get all who attend to the same level as Royal Marines such as navigation, basic infantry skills, fitness tests, Bottom Field, rope technique, and kit issue/layout. To complete the PCPA you must be able to pass a Bottom Field run through in under 5 minutes, followed by one full 30-ft rope climb using the scissor method, a regain over the water tank, a 200m fireman’s carry in under 90 seconds and finally a 3-mile run. The first mile and a half as a squad, followed by individual best
Training for the hills on Braunton Burrows Training Area
HADR Troop with attached REME personnel deployed to the Caribbean practice Jungle Training with French Forces
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