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Steve C,

I've been out of the Corps for 29 years now,but the Green Beret used to be "presented" at the conclusion of the 30 Miler (the final part of the "Commando Tests"),you were then allowed to place a Cap Badge in it (most took the opportunity to remove the lining & shrink the Beret,to ensure a neater fit) & hand it back,for "Formal Presentation" at your Passing Out Parade ... Then & ONLY Then were you permitted to wear it ... so,the answer to your question is NO,if you didn't qualify,you didn't get it in the first place.I'm not sure if that's still the case today.

As to whether you will "qualify" ... it depends on how badly you want to become part of a very select "Family" ... witness the camaraderie here !

The green beret is now presented to the proud recipient, in front of the families, in the new building which houses a magnificent lecture theatre, NAAFI complex, PRI shop etc. (My jaded memory thinks it's known as Hunter Hall) There's a film show of the actual troop (nice touch, lots of "ooooooooooo there's Our Albert getting dirty") doing the course and tests, followed by the presentation. It's different but it does work as all the troop instructors are introduced to the families by the CO Commando wing, an opportunity for a little piss taking. Everybody then moves off to the parade ground for the King's Squad drill display.
Last time I went to watch a friend pass-out he came up to me afterwards and said "I've found your photo, it's in black & white" The youth of today! Next thing you know they'll be pinning CD Roms to the wall.

as mentioned before, if you don`t pass all the Commando Tasks, ya don`t get the "coveted Green Beret". Before I passed out, and not due to, too much alcohol, a guy in one of the troops in front of us, failed one of the tasks, although he passed out with the rest of his troop, he didn`t get the ,"green", until he passed the task he failed, I beleive he went on to become a clerk.

You're wrong,.......... over!

DAMN! ok, ok i'll guess i'll stop fighting the institution for the moment.

-Steve C

Oops, didn't make it too clear. I was just wondering if you failed on some area of the course, the commando tests for example, 3 times, and then when they would take your issue kit back would they also take your Blue RM beret (Recruit's beret)? or would you be allowed to keep it?

It's theirs, they keep it. What part of No is difficult?

The bit in the middle! Thanks that answers my question, I thought my ramblings were incorrectly comprehended. I'm just one of those guys that look for a full sentence answer, maybe it's because my mothers a teacher, oh well...

-Steve C

They, Her Majesty's Government, (noun and correct use of apostrophe), issue (verb) an individual with equipment. The individual is under an obligation to return (verb) said equipment if he leaves the environment designed for the useage of the aforementioned (adjective?) equipment. The environment being Her Majesty's Royal Marines. Any particular item of apparel may create an aura of affection; however, (conditional) it remains the property of HM'sG. (plural for a bunch of cults).

I remain Sir Your Obedient servant,

Samuel Pepys. (Fat Knacker)

(Try that on mum, she'll tear it apart in seconds)

Steve C,

A couple of good rules to remember are
1: "Upon finding oneself in a Hole ... STOP DIGGING"
2: When all else fails,refer to Rule ONE.

Someone throw me a ladder?

-Steve C

Merci beaucoup owdun! My very own maginot fortress, they'll never get me now MuaHAhA! I see you have the place well stocked!

-Steve C

Now then,Steve,

Don't take on so ! .... t'weren't meant personally,I feel sure that when your Officers & NCO's in the Reserve Forces tell you to do something,they expect you to "hoist it inboard",without them having to go into chapter & verse.

They certainly do in the Corps,as you will discover,if you ever decide to join us !

To demonsrate no malice,I think,buried somewhere in my "Ditty box",I have a couple of unused Scarlet patches,to go behind the Cap Badge on a
"Recruits" Beret, .... I'll have a search later today,if I still have them & if you want 'em ,they're yours ... you can buy a Navy blue Beret,via mailorder from www.silvermans.co.uk & probably an RM Cap Badge too (for your Trophy Cabinet).


I bet Owdun's sangar is carpeted & has easy chairs to complement its mini-bar !

lol, Yorky, I've nevr been one to take much personally. My question was only an innocent one, no malice intended, just wanted to know if completing the commando tests earned you the right to both the Green AND RM beret, not just the Commando beret, which Rob answered (thank you).

Hehe, naa, i'd prefer to go through the proper channels to get the beret Yorky. I'll have one on monday anyway, so it might be slightly faster anyway! They should have a size 56 waiting for me.

-Steve C