RMR Basic Training and the Commando Course are not for the fainthearted. It requires real commitment and determination, as it puts great demands on the recruits spare time and dedication. In order to complete RMR Basic Training and prepare for the Commando Course. Over a period of 8 - 10 months, recruits are required to attend training at their RMR Units, one evening a week and usually two weekends a month. In addition when not training with the RMR they must work on their physical fitness in their own time.

To undergo and complete RMR Basic Training a recruit must remain self-motivated and dedicated, while balancing this with the support, co-operation and understanding of families, girlfriends, wives and employers.

However, it is these very challenges that attract the calibre of recruit the RMR are looking for. The fact they are willing to undergo one of the toughest courses any Reservist can attempt, to have the pride of wearing the coveted Green Beret that signifies their achievement.

Outline of RMR Basic Training

Basic Training for RMR recruits is divided into three parts:

Phase 1A - Individual Skills Training

Phase 1B - Tactics Training & Commando Course

Phase 2 - Advanced & Commando Skills Training

Phase 1A - Individual Skills Training

Phase 1A lasts for approximately four to five months and is the beginning of RMR Basic Training. It is designed to introduce recruits to the rudiments of Individual Skills and Fieldcraft. Recruits must complete 6 Weekend training periods in addition to training for two hours for one evening a week. On completion of their Phase 1A training, recruits are required to attend a 2-week course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM).

Phase 1A - The Blue Beret

Phase 1A Recruits wear the blue beret with red badge backing issued to RM personnel who have not passed the Commando Course.

Basic Fieldcraft

Instruction on how to fend for themselves under field conditions. This covers the construction of different types of shelters ("bivvies"), the use of the different types of ration pack, how to maintain themselves and their standards of hygiene under arduous conditions. Camouflage and concealment.

Navigation Theoretical and practical aspects of finding their way over all types of terrain by day and night.

Weapon Training Instruction on how to handle, maintain, strip and clean their 5.56mm Rifle correctly.

Physical Training - is important from the outset, it is progressive and prepares recruits for Battle Physical Training (BPT) in Phase 1B. Physical Training periods concentrate on introducing and developing the techniques required for rope climbing, regains, fireman's carry and obstacle courses with an introduction to speed marching and load carries. However, it is necessary for recruits to continue fitness training in their own time in order to build their strength and endurance to the required level.

Field Exercises - recruits are taught and tested on how they fend for themselves under field conditions, they soon learn that their comfort and survival in the field and on operations begins with good personal organisation and preparedness. To bring these points home there is usually an inspection every morning - the NCOs have an eagle eye for detail.

PHASE 1A Course at CTCRM

The two-week course is designed as a confirmation of the recruit's individual and physical skills. Also the recruit's abilities are tested over an extended period to ensure that they are capable of proceeding on to Phase 1B. The course also introduces the recruits to CTCRM and provides an insight into the conduct of the Commando Tests. Phase 1A Recruit Weapon Training Camouflage & Concealment Assault Course at CTCRM

Commando Training Centre (CTC) at Lympstone

Phase 1B - Tactics Training & Commando Course Phase 1B lasts for approximately four to five months and is designed to equip recruits with the skills and knowledge required to act as a Rifleman in a Commando Unit. In addition to preparing them for the rigours of the Reserve Forces Commando Course. Recruits must complete 8 Weekend training periods in addition to training for two hours for one evening a week. On completion of their Phase 1B training, recruits are required to attend the 2 week Reserve Forces Commando Course at CTCRM.

Phase 1B - The Cap Comforter

On the successful completion of Phase 1A, Phase 1B Recruits are entitled to wear The Cap Comforter. Since WW II, this headgear has traditionally been worn by those ranks undergoing Commando Training.

Battle Physical Training - BPT - is designed to develop physical military skills, strength and endurance, whilst preparing recruits to withstand mental pressure. The BPT is designed to prepare Recruits for their BPT Pass Out and the Commando Course.

Physical Training is now undertaken wearing personal load carrying equipment (PLCE/Fighting Order/Webbing). Throughout Phase 1B training, weight is gradually added to the Recruit's Fighting Order until it weighs the 22lbs required during the Commando Course. In addition the Recruits will carry their 5.56mm Rifle (a further 10lbs).

Fieldcraft and Tactics - The development and practise of the recruit's Individual and Fieldcraft skills continues. Tactical instruction begins with Basic Patrolling Techniques before moving onto Recce Patrols, Observation Posts and finally Fighting Patrols and Ambushes.

RESERVE FORCES COMMANDO COURSE at CTCRM

The two week Reserve Forces Commando Course (RFCC) at CTCRM is the culmination of the Recruit's Basic Training. The course is designed to test whether the Recruits professional and physical abilities are of the standard required by a Commando.

On successful completion of the RFCC, RMR Recruits are awarded the coveted Green Beret. As new Marines in the RMR they continue to learn Commando Skills during their Phase 2 Training.

Phase 2 - Advanced & Commando Skills Training

Phase 2 is designed to equip Marines who have recently passed the Reserve Forces Commando Course with the remaining skills and knowledge they required to possess if they are to serve with the Royal Marines on Exercise or Deployment. The Phase 2 Course is normally conducted over a period of 2 weeks, usually divided into two separate weeklong packages based at CTCRM.

Live Field Firing Exercise (FFX) - Marines are introduced to realistic live firing exercises conducted on field firing areas. Exercises progress from individual shooting on a simple range through to a live firing troop attack involving 30 Marines. At first this can be somewhat nerve-racking, but Marines quickly learn that they must trust the men around them and act responsibly and professionally themselves to earn the trust of others. In addition to firing small arms, Marines are given the opportunity to throw live grenades and fire the 94mm Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW).

Amphibious Exercise - Marines are taught the theory and drills associated with Amphibious Warfare. Practical training then takes place using Rigid Raiding Craft (RRC) during an Amphibious Exercise, where the Marines conduct Landing Raids from the sea.

Helicopter Drills - Marines are taught the theory and drills associated with the Operational use of Helicopters. Practical training then takes place, using Helicopters.

Quarry Day - The purpose of this day is to teach the Marines roping skills. The Marines practise abseiling and other Cliff Assault techniques.

Further Training and Specialist Qualification Training

On completion of their Phase 2 Training, Marines are considered fully trained Riflemen capable of serving with the Regular Corps. Marines are now able to embark on Further Training e.g. Mountain & Cold Weather Warfare Training. In time Marines will also have the opportunity to attend Specialist Courses and gain Specialist Qualifications (SQ) e.g. Assault Engineer.