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The Royal Marines Date Added:4th Dec
Gym: Commando Training Centre  
Competing Level: Advanced  
Region: Dorset  
 
   

Introduction By WGC

The formidable Royal Marines are the elite fighting unit of the British Armed Services ( I am a former Royal Green Jacket and that takes some saying!) . Their history is strewn with heroic deeds throughout many campaigns and as is consistent with a top fighting outfit, they are quick to adapt to new training methods and new challenges. So it is with great pride that worldgymchallenge.com welcomes the Royal Marines to the incredible sport of X Training.

The proof of the pudding- as they say is in the eating - these guys are mainly from the Physical Training Instructor Team and they should know a tough challenge when they see one, so here is their view on the recent Hampshire Fire X mas Cracker X Training Challenge.


 How did you enjoy the Hampshire Fire X Training Challenge Challenge?

I enjoyed the challenge very much, wasn't totally focused though because I had to dart off to a mate's wedding, that's why I raced in with the intermediates.

It was good for me to see Chris compete for the first time as I've recently introduced him to the sport & we've been training together; he made the common beginners mistake of setting off far too hard, we've all been there though!
 Les
 How many RM PTI currently take part in X Training?

There are currently 3 RM PTI's involved in X-Training  (myself, Les B & Lordy) plus Cai who's a Marine specialising in Raiding Craft.

I'm aiming to get a few of the new PTI's involved who are just about to finish their PTI Course at the Commando Training Centre. I would ideally like to have a strong team of around 6 Marines.

 Cai
 What are their views on it?
The lads love the competitions and relish the thrill of racing
others ,they also enjoy the hard training that must be done to excel in the sport. We're trying to get it officially recognised as a sport within the RM.

 Chris
 Would you say it's tough?

The competitions are very tough but in a nice way, normally after physical challenges ie.Assault Courses,Yomping (advancing to battle with heavy packs & weapons) etc.

Marines have to spend nights out cold and hungry under the stars; at least we don't have to do that at the end of a X-Training comp!
 
 Could you attempt this challenge at RM Training centre?
We hold challenges at the Commando Training Centre but unfortunately because of security constraints we couldn't organise one for civilians to take part in; it's a real pity. I've tried to arrange it in the past but security issues always stop it from coming to fruition.
 Chris
Would you like to challenge the other forces at it - including world wide?

Competing against other forces would be great ,ie Army
Regiment's, Navy, RAF. I think that would produce some real grudge matches!


We've competed at various events against the US Marines, we normally whoop them, they're big strong guys but seem to lack a bit of CV over us Brits.

 The Royal Marines do like a good Challenge.
 Your final thoughts?

Finally i'd like to say that I along with the other Marines,have respect for all X-training competitors whatever the standard, it's a hard but very enjoyable sport & long may it continue!

Hope everyone has a great Xmas & New Year

Thank you to Chuck for his thoughts on X Training.

What an incredible thought of getting Units from each of the Armed Services Challenging each other both from a UK perspective, and then a Global one ...

Now that would be something.

 
 Chuck