Eleven students studying Levels 2 and 3 Public Services at Bridgwater College experienced what is takes to become a Royal Marines Commando at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon.
The students spent a week at CTCRM, which required them to live, eat, sleep and work like a Royal Marine recruit, which was a shock to the system for many. The course Sergeant and his team, met the students, addressed them and informed them of how the week was to run and their expectations.
The week was true to life and the students experienced activities that a Royal Marine would undertake; activities included, cleaning their accommodation before going to breakfast; a gym test that potential Marine recruits must undertake which consisted of pull-ups, sit-ups, press-ups, and the Multi Stage Fitness Test (Bleep Test); a swimming test, whereby all students were to jump from a 20 foot board into the pool, and were expected to swim one length without touching side; an assault which they completed in less than 6 minutes; demonstrations of Bivouac erection, personal camouflage, and how to cook military rations; a three mile run and many other activities.
At the end of the week’s activity, the students were given a debrief by the course Sergeant who said,
“The overall performance of the students was generally very good and although some students had areas of improvement to consider in order to be considered to start Royal Marines training, all students showed the potential of being considered onto the Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC).”
Joe Bevan, of Bridgwater and a Level 2 Public Services student said,
“This week has made me want to join the Royal Marines more than ever, it’s been ‘Hoofing’ (Royal Marines slang for good).”
Devon Venner, of Bridgwater and a Level 3 Public Services student said,
“I started the Look at Life week wanting to pursue a career in the police force, however this week has really opened my eyes to setting myself a challenge and potentially a career within the Royal Marines.”
