Today’s Royal Marines tough it out in a digital world

The Master, Court Assistant Drew Scrimgeour, their consorts and the Clerk visit the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre in Lympstone.

written by The Master

We knew we were out of London psyche when the guard on the local train announced that it would stop at Lympstone Commando only if requested. We did, and it stopped. Bang on time.

Our party of three were soon joined by a Sergeant Major striding briskly towards us. We were expected. With our security badges checked, we joined two others who had arrived separately and our group from the Stationers & Newspaper Makers Company were ready for action. And we weren’t to be disappointed.

The Stationers’ Company has built up a strong affiliation with the Royal Marines over years of support given through the Royal Marines Charity, use of the Hall and awards to excellent Royal Marines. 

Over the next 24 hours we saw why they are such a deserving Corps of men and women.

Courses at the centre in Exmouth range from 18 month training of the mind and body which concludes with a 30-mile gruelling run carrying full kit and equipment weighing 50 lbs, to an eight-week intensive course on hi-tech and management skills.

We were shown and briefed on training sessions that had developed latest gaming techniques that re-enacted scenarios where seconds mattered in life or death decisions.

Other experienced Royal Marines demonstrated how training included developing the latest drone skills, now essential as part of today’s warfare and defence operations.

And yes, we saw the recruits swim fully clothed and laden with equipment through ice-cold dark waters.

Always respectful, always with a smile, the men and women were a pleasure to meet… but it was a glimpse into why today’s Royal Marines are as tough as they’ve always been. And they have kept pace with the dramatic changes in today’s frighteningly hi-tech world of military might.