Off the train and waiting outside the guard hut for the Corporal. When the Corporal arrived we formed into 3 ranks and he took us to the PRMC accommodation. We were the last to arrive.
We were shown our rooms (3 rooms for PRMC) and got unpacked. Next we were all called into the corridor to collect mugs, canteens and knives/forks/spoons etc. We were then sent to the store room to collect combat trousers/boots/combat jacket/ rugby tee-shirt and phys tee-shirt. From this moment on you are constantly alert for your name to be called out for a bollocking (a lot of lads were being screamed at for small things). There were about 6 lads who had failed a PRMC previously, one lad had reached week 29 and packed it in. The PRMC totalled 42 people. One lad has a 'Royal Marines Commando' tattoo
After we got settled in and handed our numbered bibs we were sent to scran. The corporal advised us to get changed into casual civvy clothing to avoid any piss-taking. There is nothing much really to say about scran other than its very good. After returning we were told that we would have to do a written test (which is strange since we all have to do a sodding psychometric test anyway and we have all of our certificated photocopied too!). The room where we were going to do the test was locked so we managed to escape it – make sure you bring your certificates as you’ll be allowed to skip it if you do. After that we were allowed to watch a video for the rest of the night but only watched 20 minutes at everyone was on edge as you could hear the corporal was pissed off about something so we retreated to our rooms and polished our boots – we were called out again to be asked if there were any smokers and to hand in £3 towards the coffee and tea. If you do smoke, STOP – some lads had a bad time because of this – there is a new hatred of smokers on the PRMC
. As it was the first night we were all obviously scared shit-less! All through the night everyone in our room was jumping thinking that we had over-slept - when the bed squeaked we thought it was the corporal crashing in! 
– I wore ear-plus and that saved me from listening to some of the other loud sleepers as some lads were kept awake all night by that.Day 1
5:45: We all woke up, showered shaved and went for scran – cleaned the accommodation ready for inspection. When we returned we got changed into combat jacket/ trousers/ boots and Rugby shirt ready for drill. We picked this up pretty quickly and were told to read some of the information written on the walls of the drill shed (kings badgemen/ vc winners and battle honours). After that we marched back to the accommodation and were given 2 minutes (literally) to get ready for the 3 miler (combat trousers, trainers and pt tee-shirt). Before that we went for the PRMC introduction outlining what we should expect throughout the 3 days. We were then told that the 3 miler would be done 1.5 miles as a group and then 1.5 miles 110% effort, no pacing yourself just all-out. I was crapping myself at this time.
3 miler
We were ordered outside and formed into 3 single files and made our way to the beginning of the run, over the bridge and into the car park for a warm-up. The warm-up wasn’t too bad but there were a few lads worn out already by this time. We formed up into 3 files again and began the run. It’s not run at a very fast pace. Don’t jump over or avoid any puddles, run right through them. After a short run we arrived at the 1.5 mile mark and prepared for the run back – everyone was encouraging each other which was good. I managed to stay in 3rd place for the whole run – I don’t know what my time was as I wasn’t told. You are given a tag with your place on it so don’t lose it or drop it! 3 lads ended up in the back of the van and were immediately failed as a result. I think 1 other lad failed to finish in time. Quick cool-down and back to the accommodation – all of us in high spirits. You can't really go too wrong here if you have trained vigorously!
We lined up outside our rooms in the PRMC in order of place and results were written down.
Next was the Pay and conditions lecture followed by scran. After scran we got changed into shorts/trainers/ bib /civvy tee-shirt for gym test 1. You are told you are not allowed to wear tracky bottoms so don’t bother bringing them. Also make sure you have some proper running trainers, not the slip-on ones – they get pissed off at this for obvious reasons. About 10 lads were taken outside at this point to be told they needed to reach a minimum of level 11 to pass (alot didn’t). We all formed up and made our way to the gym. We waited outside the door for 20 minutes; everyone was shivering because of the cold!
Gym test 1
Bleep test
When we were ordered in we did a short warm-up, as said many times before don’t scratch – they say that this is an important part of discipline so do yourself a favour and don’t waste precious energy! Bleep test followed, crowded as hell but you have to make do. I managed to get beyond 10 but I don’t know what it was (I wasn’t told) – you have to make sure you practice turning around as this was my downfall on the bleep test (everyone else seemed to be able to turn a lot faster). The guy next to me slipped up on every turn after about level 9 because of his crappy trainers.
Press-ups
After the bleep test we were formed up to start the press-ups test, I managed to get 95 which the corporals were pleased about. The lad next to me only managed 21 as all of his press-ups weren’t being counted, so make sure you become an expert at press-ups with the correct technique!
Sit-ups
The sit-up test followed, I managed 87 but had 10 knocked off because I didn’t touch the top of the knees (I always thought the sides were good enough). Again the lad next to me was having them all knocked off because his knees weren’t together.
Pull-ups
A maximum of 6 pull-ups were required but the other teams were made to do as many as possible. I got 6 for full points.
Gym test 1 was simple enough, just make sure your technique is good all round and you can’t go far wrong! Also, when you are getting up from the mat after doing sit-ups and press-ups – that’s not an excuse to wipe your face as I found out the hard way!
Swim test
Simple, jump from the diving board and swim the length. No fancy life guard jumps.
After getting changed back into civvy gear we were formed up outside our rooms and about 7 lads were called outside to be told that they had failed while the rest of us watched about 10 minutes of Happy Gilmour. That was quickly interrupted and we were then led off for weapons acquaint – all weapons were explained and we were allowed to pickup and feel some of the weapons. After that a man and a woman entered the room and we signed a form to open a Barclays account (as that is the only bank on the base) – you don’t have to open an account but it’s for the added convenience.
Next we had the RM specialisations lecture and met some recruits who were in week 29 who gave us an insight about how tough training is (out of 40 only 11 remained from their original troop) - through injury, backtrooping and people deciding to quit.
We were all happy to be still there but some lads were already failed but told they could stay to gain an insight into the course – mainly due to the bleep test (this also means you can come back sooner if you manage to keep up)
Day 2
5:45 we were up again and again crapping ourselves. Once we had gotten shaved and showered we went for scran – when we got back there were a few lads leaving after deciding it “wasn’t for them” (we were all nervous but didn’t give into it) – we were all dreading bottom field as it was so FOOKING COLD. Once they had all cowered off back home we had inspection (make sure everything is clean, toilets, floors, everything).
High obstacles/ assault course
We were led down to the death slide and were given a brief demonstration of how to secure yourself into the harness. We were also told that an ambulance was coming as well (none of us believed it until it showed up
). Next we dipped the rope in the water/ice and sprinted up to the top of the death slide, first lad buggered up, I buggered up (didn’t lift my legs up), next lad and so on. Only about 3 actually got it right apparently. Anyway none of us could feel our hands and the pain was beautiful – one lad was made to do loads of press-ups and star-jumps screaming “I’m a ****” because he put his hand up when they asked if we were cold.We were next told to learn the times on the record board of the Tarzan assault course and who it was set by (although I was never asked about this in the end, but I’m not sure about the others). One lad failed to do the death slide, obviously too scared of heights – that was nothing compared to what was coming next though!!.
We next ran down to bottom field and were shown the regain practice ropes (the low ones). Apparently we weren’t paying attention so we were told to run up to the regain rope tank. I at this point was dreading what was I thought was about to happen as we climbed onto the side of the tank looking at the ice that had formed over the top. We were told to submerge our heads under the water for 20 secs at a time, 3 times. When that was done I thought I was going to pass out (so did everyone else).
Next we ran down to the high regain ropes. This is high!!!!!!! We were given a demonstration and then it was our turn – climb up the ladder, onto the rope, across, climb up the scaffolding onto the plank, and confidently walk across. I was obviously crapping myself as it was covered in frost. I managed it first time luckily but a lot were made to do it 2-3 times. Do yourself a favour and do it right first time or you will have to walk back and forward until you get it right. I'm not great with heights at all, especially when its 20ft up and theres nothing between you and a broken leg, but i took a deep breath and did it. You aint asked to skip across!
After that we were shown the obstacle course, 3 obstacles at a time and were told to practice. Nothing too bad here but make sure you get a good leap over the first tank trap as a lot of lads ended up wet at the first hurdle.
We were then formed up into 4’s ready for the timed run, I have no idea what time I got but I didn’t make too many errors so it was probably ok. Remember to land with both feet and scream your name at the top of the last obstacle and while you run past the telephone box at the end of the course or you’ll end up with a forfeit at the end (burpees!)
We all ran in a circle and a few lads were injured (injury means failure if you let it effect you, no sympathy so just crack on!).
Bottom field
Next was bottom field. Squat trusts, press-ups, sit-ups run up the hill (steep hill with a cone at the top) and repeat. About 10 minutes in we were told that we had 45 minutes left and some lads gave up at this point. After that we were made to do piggy-back running (only one). That was no doubt the hardest part as there is no small guy with small guy routine, it’s just whoever you end up with. After that it was 200m sprints etc. You just have to remember that it will eventually end. The whole time they were telling us we could give up at any time if we wished (they were telling us “there’s no shame in giving up”) and that some lads had failed (even though they hadn’t!) There are a lot of mind games!
After getting back and showering some of the lads were obviously annoyed that they had given up so close to the end. We cleaned our kit and put them in the dry room.
Interview
Nothing too major here, it was a simple “tick the box” questions to be honest. I was asked:
VC winners (Hunter, Finch)
The 4 commando tests (Endurance course/ 9 mile speedmarch/ 30 miler/ tarsan assault course)
What part of the course did you find particularly hard?
What is the latin motto? -"Per Mare Per Terram" and what does it mean? (By Sea By Land)
The main assault rifle used by any Royal Marine - SA80a2
What are/ where are the 3 commandos based Taunton, Plymouth and Arbroath
Bring smart civvies for this or you’ll end up getting a bollocking (I had to lend one lad my suit)
Next was lunch and an hour later gym test 2 (some lads were told in their interview that they had to put a “superman” effort into gym test 2 to pass – I tried to encourage one of them saying it was just mind games – it turned out the corporal wasn’t bull-shitting!
)Gym test 2
This was a lot harder than I had previously expected. Some of the stages are extremely tough but only last for 3 minutes each so just hang in there and remember that you’ll get to rest the other parts of your body on each test. If you aren’t running over the obstacles you are double-marking time (make sure you do them properly or you’ll be doing something harder as a punishment)
Stage 1: 2 men carry an ammo box over the beam, place it down and carry the next ammo box (which is heavier) and take it under the beam – work as a team.
Stage 2: Pull the weight across the floor with ropes (this is hard!)
Stage 3: Work as a team to carry the mats across the horse without stepping off the other mats, your body isn’t allowed to touch the horse either.
Stage 4: Jump over 3 horses, marine style climb over the beam, roll over the next set of mats 3x
Stage 5: throw a 25kg sack over 3 horses, touch the wall with it, hold it like a baby and run back across 3 benches (this is hard!)
We put everything away and prepared for the next bit.
Next was the sprinting, simple enough really, just go balls out for the next 20 minutes – this could tip the balance so make sure you put everything you have left into this last exercise. 2 teams, run half way and back (1, 2, 3, 4 ,5 times), run across the hall etc and back a number of times – DON’T BE LAST!!!!!! At the end we had a sprinting session that involved being first to sit out the next set of sprints (first 3 lads, first 2 lads, first lad back) – the ‘look at life’ lads at the back were having a good laugh.
After that was stretching (including the groin stretch which must be an endurance test in itself as it never gets easier!
)After this it was outside, and back to the accommodation – we saw some muddy and exhausted lads running past us (firing in the background too) they were doing their endurance course.
Next was scran after showering and getting into civvy clothing. We cleaned our kit further, handed our bibs in and tidied out accommodation for inspection later on that night – all kit was bunched together ready to be taken back to the stores tomorrow.
The realities of training lecture was good because we were able to watch on of the pass-out videos of a 2005 troop. It showed us their whole 32 weeks of training and showed how close everyone gets during training.
After that we went back to the accommodation, we were all exhausted but happy that we had gotten through it. We forgot about the Close quarter combat at the end of the day but we didn’t do it anyway because the gym was being used by a troop doing their gym pass out practice. I was too tired to do any of that anyway!
We filled out a PRMC questionnaire.
We all went to bed early(ish).
Day 3
Got up at 5:45 again, some lads were told when they could come back (3 months). There wasn’t a fitness brief.
We cleaned the accommodation, bedding, clothing etc and returned them all to the stores.
After that we were taken to a lecture room, the corporal went through the questionnaires and we were then able to watch the Blue Peter 30 miler attempt. After this we formed up in 3 ranks and were told whether we had failed or not (certificate). None of the lads who hadn’t been told already failed so we were all very happy. Back at the accommodation we were given a PRMC tee-shirt, water bottle and a history of the Royal Marines if you passed (we were told to learn it).
We went and got our new boots from storage and returned to get ready for the train.
2 minutes before the train arrived we were standing outside our accommodation – next thing we knew we were running at 100mph down to the train station (in suits, with heavy luggage!) with the corporal screaming at us to “get out”, the lad in front of me lost his trousers in the process!
Hilarious!!
That’s it
Tips:
- Don’t take everything the corporals say literally as a lot of the time its mind games
- Practice turning for the bleep test and for the sprints in gym test 2 – i found a lot of the time I was first but upon turning around I had to catch up with the group!
- Even if you feel really home-sick, don’t give up as some of the other lads did before even doing the tests!
- Don’t give up what ever you do on the 3 miler, that’s an immediate fail!
- Be prepared to help the lad out next to you, if he is struggling to get his boots off etc, help him out! Start getting used to being part of a team.
- If you smoke, stop! Stop before you get there because life becomes hard if you don’t!
- Don't wear "cool" baggy trousers, get your hair cut and avoid standing out!!
- Don't wear a baseball cap, don't wear tracky bottoms or a hooded top.
- Everything happens at 100mph, do what you are told IMMEDIATELY, run if neccessary
- Don't wear the new "fashionable" pink, fashion trends don't exist at CTC
- Don't expect to feel welcome, you get the impression that some of the corporals hate you
- When lined up anywhere don't lean against the walls!!!
- Good trainers are an absolute must or you will end up slipping on the gym floor and you'll get a bollocking from the corporal! If you have a pair of these:
Bin them and get some proper ones!
The hardest part for me was the home sickness and the constant thinking "is this for me?" and "i miss the tv", especially when some lads starting going home because of nerves. You have to remember not to lose sight of why you are there.
I personally bloody loved the physical tests even though they were difficult but it really got us working as a team and encouraging each other - that something you don't often see!
