Commando Training Centre Royal Marines

Commando Training Centre Royal Marines
Unit name	Commando Training Centre Royal Marines
Native name	CTCRM
Dates	1940–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Training establishment
Role	Recruit and specialist training for Royal Marines
Garrison	Lympstone Commando
Notable commanders	General Sir Gordon Messenger, Major General Sir Edward P. Beckwith

Commando Training Centre Royal Marines is the principal training establishment for the Royal Marines, preparing recruits and serving marines for service with 40 Commando, 42 Commando, 45 Commando and specialist units. Located at Lympstone Commando near Exmouth, the centre delivers basic recruit courses, specialist trade training and advanced commando qualifications under the auspices of the Admiralty and later the Ministry of Defence. CTCRM traces its institutional lineage through Second World War formations such as the Royal Naval Division and training influences from the Commandos (United Kingdom) established in 1940.

History

CTCRM's origins lie in the early-war development of amphibious raiding tactics inspired by operations like the St Nazaire Raid and the Dieppe Raid. The consolidation of commando training into a permanent centre followed post-war restructuring influenced by veterans of the Normandy landings and doctrine from the Allied Expeditionary Force. During the Cold War CTCRM adapted to NATO imperatives, supporting deployments to locations associated with Soviet Union tensions and incorporating lessons from conflicts such as the Falklands War and the Gulf War. In the 21st century CTCRM modernised facilities and syllabuses in response to operations in Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) and multinational exercises with partners including United States Marine Corps, Canadian Forces and Royal Netherlands Marine Corps.

Organisation and Training Units

CTCRM is organised into distinct wings and squadrons reflecting recruit progression and specialist trades. Key subdivisions include the Recruit Training Wing, Specialist Wing, and Cadre responsible for the infamous All Arms Commando Course and the Potential Officers Course. The establishment liaises with schools and units such as Fleet Air Arm, Commando Helicopter Force, and the Royal Logistic Corps for integrated technical training. Command and staff oversight has historically been provided by senior officers who previously commanded operational units like 3 Commando Brigade and institutions including the Naval Service training directorates.

Recruit Training (Phase and Syllabus)

Recruits undertake a phased continuum beginning with initial acclimatisation, physical conditioning, and weapons handling culminating in the commando tests recognised by the Green Beret award. The syllabus integrates marksmanship training with the L85A2 or successor rifles, amphibious craft operations with Assault Boat Unit elements, fieldcraft influenced by doctrines from the British Army infantry training centres, and close-quarters battle drills reflecting lessons from Operation Barras. Recruits must complete timed marches, the nine-mile speed march, Congo Climb, and the endurance “Bottom Field” exercises modelled on wartime training practices. Assessment panels draw on personnel experienced in operations with units like No. 3 Commando Brigade HQ and the Special Boat Service for rigour.

Specialist and Advanced Courses

CTCRM delivers advanced courses across multiple streams: reconnaissance, signals, assault engineer, and medical corps instruction tied to units such as Commando Logistic Regiment and RM Band Service. Specialist qualifications include the All Arms Commando Course for personnel from other services, the Mountain Leader training formerly associated with Arctic Warfare training influences, and amphibious assault planning linked to doctrines from the Amphibious Ready Group concept. Advanced leadership pathways feed into appointments at formations including Headquarters UK Littoral Strike Force and multinational commands in NATO exercises like Exercise Cold Response and Exercise Joint Warrior.

Facilities and Locations

The centre's principal site at Lympstone Commando features firing ranges, an assault course, urban assault mock-ups, and tidal training areas enabling interoperability with platforms such as HMS Albion and HMS Bulwark. Indoor classrooms and specialist workshops support instruction in communications equipment used by Royal Navy and Defence Electronics systems. Nearby terrain includes estuaries connected to Exmouth Beach and access to the River Exe for small-craft training. CTCRM has maintained links with other training localities, historically utilising ranges in Dartmoor and cold-weather detachments in partnership with units operating at Svalbard-adjacent facilities.

Traditions, Insignia and Culture

CTCRM upholds commando traditions embodied in awards like the Green Beret and unit badges reflecting heraldic links to Royal Navy history. Ceremonies, including Passing-Out parades, draw senior patrons from organisations such as the Royal United Services Institute and former commanders who served in campaigns like the Battle of the Atlantic. Culture at the centre emphasises esprit de corps, discipline, and the evolution of commando identity through historical artefacts referencing figures like Lord Mountbatten and operations including the Bitter Lakes Raid. Insignia worn by successful graduates aligns them with regimental customs observed across the Royal Marines Band Service, Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines, and operational commando units.

Category:Royal Marines Category:Military training establishments of the United Kingdom