To those desirous of earning the Coveted Green Beret.

[Chas]

In our compulsive, consumer-oriented society,which is fast losing its direction,becoming fat and pot bellied,where discpline is scorned and the scramble for wealth foremost in the minds of our youth, the green beret of the Royal
Marine Commandos stands alone as being a pearl of great price. It is a symbol of excellence, dedication and professionalism; an accolade for those who push themselves beyond the limits of normal human endurance. In an age when standards are crumbling, the green beret is as British as the Union Jack, for it represents true grit and dogged individual determination. The green beret is not for sale - though some may have been won by more sweat and assiduity than others. Thousands have sought to attain it, but along the way many have wilted and failed. It is a classless symbol of fortitude and achievement. "Go for it lads and remember once you have won it- no bugger can take it from you.
It is there for life."

[Sarastro]

All very good except...

stands alone as being a pearl of great price

...I know some owners of maroon and sandy-coloured things who might disagree.

[Chas]

No dispute especially with the fantastic Paras with whom I had the honour
to train and serve. Maida the Shot 1958/9- Offered commision by
Capt. Farrar Hockley as he was then. He was wearing a maroon beret
with Gloster flashes. I stayed with Royal.

[JCAP3]

Thanks Chas, agree with everything said, and is one of the reasons why i am joining up as it is one of the only remaining vestages of a once great Country.

[Chas]

Gents,

No pissing contest intended. I thought the post was apposite for the
times of today. This was actually written by John Robert Young, author
and photographer circa 1991 in his book on the RM. He also undertook
pictorial histories on 'The French Foreign Legion' and 'The Dragon's Teeth'.
The latter being the Chinese Army.
Mea culpa for not having made it quite clear.

[druadan]

Most will never attain it, others will bust gut and limb to wear it;
In money terms, it is inexpensive,
Six or seven pounds at most,
But to the wearer it is a crown of gold,
A cherished garland,
His degree for life,
The Green Beret of the Royal Marines Commando.

I think I've missed out a line or two, but that's it as best I remember...

[Polynikes]

Amen brother, amen.

[Rittefski]

Thats what I'm working for, summed up beautifully. Its an attitude to life. One that is becoming increasingly rare.

Thanks for starting the thread Chas, I think we occassionally need to get back to the basics of what the members of this forum are attempting to achieve and not get too bogged down in training plans and application technicalities.

[Iles]

amen to that. I think it couldn't be said much better. Most people don't understand the effort involved but to those who have/ aim to achieve the honour of wearing green beret it's never really about the money it's priceless. (it never would be with wages like that though would it )

[Artist]

I used to go to the local Boy Scout shop and buy a ruck of their berets whenever I knew we were going to be working with Uncle Sams Misguided Children. Then a visit to slops to buy a similar amount of capbadges.

Once got a Poncho liner, a Kbar knife, two sets of USMC work tollies and shirts plus a USMC Zippo lighter for one of my "Coveted Scout Berets". More normally I'd flog them for about $25 to $30 dollars when stateside to any Yank who wanted one (In fact we all did it). Made for some great runs ashore knowing that the average Yank Marine was more than willing to part with his hard earned dosh for a lid as worn by a Royal Marine Commando.

Artist

[Chas]

Snap- we all did ! Smokes, booze and dosh.
Christ Yanks were gullible. Made me laugh
how soon they vacated a bar if Royal appeared.

[Sully]

I picked up a new US army cot in Lejeune (selling at $100 second hand) for a gash old lid but was outdone by someone who managed to get a set of pilots NVG's We had a clear lower deck where the lucky bootneck was 'urged' to return the NVG's to the jarhead who had 'borrowed' them and got caught but that was the end of it

[JamesSly1989]

Most will never attain it, others will bust gut and limb to wear it;
In money terms, it is inexpensive,
Six or seven pounds at most,
But to the wearer it is a crown of gold,
A cherished garland,
His degree for life,
The Green Beret of the Royal Marines Commando.

Could not have summed it up better.

James