Commando Training Centre Royal Marines

Commando Training Centre Royal Marines
source
Unit name	Commando Training Centre Royal Marines
Dates	1940–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	United Kingdom Royal Marines
Type	Military education and training
Role	Commando training
Garrison	Lympstone, Devon, England
Garrison label	Location
Nickname	CTCRM

Commando Training Centre Royal Marines. It is the principal training establishment for all officers and other ranks of the Royal Marines, located at Lympstone in Devon. The centre is responsible for delivering the gruelling 32-week Commando Course, which culminates in the legendary Commando Tests to earn the coveted green beret. As the spiritual home of the Commando force, it shapes individuals into elite amphibious soldiers capable of operating in the most demanding environments worldwide.

History

The origins of the centre trace back to the establishment of the first Commando units in 1940 during the Second World War, with initial training conducted at locations like the Independent Companies depot. A significant early base was established at Achnacarry in the Scottish Highlands, where the Commando Basic Training Centre set the ruthless standard for Allied forces. Post-war consolidation led to the formation of a dedicated training centre, which moved to its current permanent home at Lympstone in 1960. The facility has continuously evolved, integrating lessons from conflicts such as the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, ensuring its training remains at the cutting edge of warfare.

Training

All prospective Royal Marines recruits, both officers and marines, undergo the intensive 32-week Commando Course at the centre. The syllabus is divided into distinct phases, starting with basic military skills, physical fitness, and weapons handling at the Recruit Troop stage. This progresses to tactical fieldcraft, amphibious warfare, and cold-weather warfare training. The final and most famous phase is the Commando Tests, a series of four extreme physical challenges including the Endurance Course, a Tarzan assault course, a speed march, and the gruelling 30-miler across Dartmoor. Success grants the right to wear the green beret and the Commando shoulder flash.

Organisation

The centre is commanded by a senior Royal Marines officer, typically of Colonel rank, and falls under the operational command of Commando Force Royal Marines. Key training divisions include the Young Officers' training wing, the Recruit Troop squadrons for new entrants, and the Specialist Wing which delivers advanced instruction in areas such as mountain leadership and weapons. It also hosts the All Arms Commando Course for personnel from other branches of the British Armed Forces and allied nations. The instructional staff are drawn from the most experienced NCOs and officers across the Corps.

Facilities

The extensive camp at Lympstone occupies a strategic site on the east bank of the River Exe. It features state-of-the-art facilities including the infamous Bottom Field assault course, an extensive weapons ranges complex, and a modern swimming pool for water confidence and helicopter dunker training. The centre utilises the rugged terrain of nearby Woodbury Common and the Dartmoor training area for field exercises and the final Commando Tests. Accommodation blocks, classrooms, simulators, and a large gymnasium support the holistic training regime. Its quay provides direct access for amphibious exercises on the River Exe.

Notable personnel

Many distinguished figures in British military history have been associated with the centre, either as instructors or graduates. Renowned Victoria Cross recipient Lance Corporal John Henry Stephen was a Commando trained under the early regime. Famed polar explorer and Captain Sir Robert Swan is a former Royal Marines officer. Legendary Major General Julian Thompson, who commanded 3 Commando Brigade during the Falklands War, oversaw elements of training development. The centre has also trained members of the British Royal Family, including Prince Harry and Prince Andrew, who both completed the All Arms Commando Course.

Category:Royal Marines Category:Training establishments of the Royal Marines Category:Military training facilities in the United Kingdom Category:Buildings and structures in Devon