Royal Marines training | Potential Royal Marines Course

Summary

The Royal Marines Commando training journey is a demanding yet rewarding challenge that tests both physical and mental endurance. From the Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC) to the infamous endurance course, recruits must prove their fitness, confidence, and determination. With physical tests like push-ups, sit-ups, swimming, and running, as well as mental challenges during the endurance course, the training pushes recruits to their limits. Success leads to the coveted green beret and lifelong camaraderie with fellow Marines. It's a tough journey, but the reward of becoming a Royal Marines Commando is well worth the effort.

Takeaways

• 😀 Becoming a Royal Marines Commando is tough but not impossible, requiring both physical and mental dedication.
• 😀 The Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC) focuses on bodyweight exercises and cardiovascular fitness, preparing recruits for the rigorous demands of training.
• 😀 It's essential to condition your body before arriving for the PRMC to handle long physical testing sessions effectively.
• 😀 Focus on achieving specific fitness goals like 60 push-ups, 85 sit-ups, and 16 pull-ups with proper form to pass physical tests.
• 😀 Swimming is a crucial skill, including diving from a high platform and retrieving a brick from the pool's bottom. Confidence in the water is key.
• 😀 The free-mile run in the PRMC starts easy but ramps up in intensity, requiring recruits to complete it in under 11 minutes and 15 seconds.
• 😀 Day 1 of the PRMC tests physical standards, while Day 2 focuses on mental resolve, pushing recruits to prove their determination.
• 😀 During Day 2, recruits undergo a determination assessment where they must endure strenuous physical tasks despite not knowing when they will end.
• 😀 The Bottenfield endurance course simulates battlefield conditions, testing physical stamina through mud, water, and obstacles.
• 😀 The infamous 'shake dick' obstacle in the endurance course is part of preparing recruits for challenging, real-world scenarios in the field.
• 😀 Passing the PRMC is an important milestone, earning recruits the chance to begin full training toward becoming a Royal Marines Commando, with only 32 weeks left to earn the green beret.

Q & A

What is the first step towards becoming a Royal Marines Commando?

The first step is the Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC), which is designed to assess both physical fitness and mental resolve.

What should applicants focus on during the training for the PRMC?

Applicants should focus on bodyweight exercises and cardiovascular fitness, conditioning their body for long sessions of physical testing.

Why is mental preparation important for the PRMC?

Mental preparation is crucial because those who don't fully commit tend to fall behind. The course tests both physical and mental endurance.

What is the recommended VO2 max level for the PRMC?

Applicants should aim for a VO2 max level of 13, which is critical for cardiovascular endurance.

What physical standards should applicants strive to meet during the PRMC?

Applicants should aim for 60 push-ups, 85 sit-ups, and 16 pull-ups, ensuring they maintain good form for all reps.

What is the significance of the swimming test in the PRMC?

The swimming test involves diving from a high platform, swimming two lengths, and collecting a brick from the bottom. It is crucial for demonstrating confidence and swimming skills, as water-based operations are integral to Royal Marines training.

How is the free mile run structured in the PRMC?

The run begins as a warm-up with the group, but the return leg is more challenging. The goal is to complete the mile and a half in under 11 minutes and 15 seconds.

What does Day 2 of the PRMC focus on?

Day 2 focuses on mental resolve, testing applicants' determination and ability to keep going despite uncertainty or doubt.

What is the endurance test known as the Bottenfield endurance course?

The Bottenfield endurance course is a physically demanding test involving two miles of hilly, boggy ground, muddy water, and high tunnels, designed to assess battlefield fitness.

What mindset is required to succeed in the PRMC?

Applicants must have a strong, determined mindset, embracing the hardships and pushing through them. Success is about proving both physical and mental toughness.