REME Commando

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

The 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

Training for the hills on Braunton Burrows Training Area

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

HADR Troop with attached REME personnel deployed to the Caribbean practice Jungle Training with French Forces

REME Personnel get to grips with the 30 Ft Rope during a Commando Conditioning Course

24 Commando RE Wksp Deployed to Norway as part of the Brigade annual deployment and commitment to the Northern Flank

effort in under 10 minutes 30 seconds in boots. At this stage it is all clean fatigue, as this is build-up training for what is to come.

Once you have completed the CCC and PCPA you are invited to begin the AACC, also known as the Individual Skills Phase at CTCRM Lympstone. The initial 5 weeks develops individuals to navigate in greater detail. Such as; night navigation across the harsh terrain of Dartmoor, infantry skills including immaculate kit and self admin and finally the use of different weapon systems found across the Bde. Commando personnel thrive in all environments and this stage is based on the individual working within a team. As an individual you must be at the highest standard - no exceptions. When it comes to Cdo Bde everyone must be at the same high standard. You never know who needs to step up and take the lead. Craftsman to Major, everyone is an equal contributor to the task at hand and these 5 weeks are the most important as you learn the first Commando qualities: courage and determination.

PT sessions and speed marches are conducted throughout this phase by PTI’s from the Royal Marines and Army. Most are on the renowned Bottom Field Assault Course and increase with intensity as the weeks go on. You learn the many techniques and build stamina in order to attempt the Bottom Field Pass Out Assessment, which includes all the PCPA assessments however now with 21lb of kit plus rifle.

After completing the BAPTIST RUN, the test Ex on the individual skills phase, the training moves onto troop level skills and tactics. Starting with basic section attacks, then moving to troop attacks in rural environments and urban environments. Training is given by utilising landing craft and cliff assault techniques in a multitude of challenging scenarios. This stage sees the students start to merge as a troop. All backgrounds, all nations, all cap badges, all ranks. You could be leading the attack as a Cpl, issuing a set of Orders to Officers from foreign militaries, being point man on a recce patrol or simply manning the GPMG on sentry. This stage is all about how the team gels together. This is the stage to show another Commando Spirit: Unselfishness. Working as a team you are tested in harsh conditions where you will be required not only to look after yourself, but your teammate and Troop. The Commandos are a brotherhood. You need to show that you would do anything for your team-mate, and they will do the same for you. The next key assessment is a 6-mile speed march to earn the cap comforter. This is an elite moment in your Commando course as this signifies the start of the famous Commando test phase. This test is a 6-mile speed march in 60 minutes carrying 21lb and rifle. After completing this test, the cap comforter is presented to you. You stand with the men and woman who have passed with you and prove you are fit to fight straight after. This is one of the milestones you remember as one of the key achievements during your journey on the All-Arms Commando Course. Now the commando phase really begins. Broken, tired and with zinc-oxide marks around ankles and knees - this is where it counts. Running on fumes, crawling to the finish, all that is left is the Final Ex and the famous Commando Tests. The Final exercise brings together everything taught throughout the course; long yomps into recce’s, and attacks. This is seemingly straightforward CT 1 level stuff, right? Far from it. Most of the Final Ex’s you have Merlin helicopters and landing craft at your disposal.

A detachment from the Wksp deploying forward to support operations as part of Winter Deployment in Norway Keeping skills sharp on the Ranges

Vertical assaults are used to complete the mission and even CQB on ships can make an appearance. These are all examples of what can take place in this Final Ex. All you have learnt over the 16 weeks is put into play and tested. Your skills and drills are tested, running point man as you’re clearing ships of enemy to then plan your final attack on a fort in Plymouth. All this is at your disposal, showing what the Commandos are all about. Small task forces are deployed to sabotage the enemy; while half of you are jumping onto a landing craft to assault the beach the others are jumping onto a Merlin to fast rope on top of the fort to attack from both sides. These are skills and drills the mainstream Army cannot offer you.

Once the Final Ex is complete, adrenaline is running high as you prepare for the final four Commando Tests. The endurance course, 9-mile speed march, Tarzan assault course and the infamous ‘30 miler’ (30-mile navigated march across Dartmoor to be completed in 8 hours carrying 55lbs) are all that’s standing in your way to get the coveted Green Beret. Being presented by the Bde Comd and welcomed into the Commando brotherhood is a feeling like no other.

After completing all the Commando tests the standard does not stop there. REME Commandos are used all through Bde, providing first and second line support to the Royal Marines wherever they go. We meet the same value and standards to get the job done and deploying across all environments each year. Dense jungle in Belize, the deserts of the Middle East to the arctic environment in Norway. We seek to find each other’s strengths and weaknesses to get the best out of each other. To push harder and pick each other up when we fall. This journey is not easy. Together, we help and support each other to succeed and grow as a body of men.

The All-Arms Commando Course is not for everyone. It takes a

RFA Mounts Bay docks at Charlston Docks in the United States for a REGEN of vehicles for HADR Troop

well-disciplined and resilient individual just to get to the start line. But it is all achievable, remember we are here to help coach and mentor you through. Your Troop look after you as you look after them - and help and guidance is always at hand. Be that from an Officer, experienced SNCO or a young Craftsman, Sapper or Gunner. You are all in it together.

The skills you learn are like no other. Taught by a highly professional training team made up of Royal Marines, SFSG personnel, even SBS Operators. This isn’t just a physical course, far from it. You are taught mental resilience and Skills that last a lifetime.

Have you got what it takes? United We Conquer.