Royal Marines recruits tackle the infamous '30-miler'

The final test standing between Royal Marine recruits and a green beret is the '30-miler'.

The eight-hour, 30-mile hike and run across the wild, open moorlands of Dartmoor is completed along with three other commando tests – the Endurance Course, a nine-mile Speed March and the Tarzan Assault Course.

What makes the '30-miler' so tough?

[McDago]

As an American I have one thing to say to the British Royal Marines! I am glad we are on the same side.

[annelewry]

Grandson has just passed out as a Royal Marine and after a few setbacks he kept going with determination and the right spirit, he so deserved his green beret, so proud of him especially as he comes from a Royal Navy family

[LeroyJenkins]

I was in royal marine training for a year. Didnt make the cut in the end, was too injury prone, but I can tell you what i witnessed and ive been told many times. The 30 milers the easiest thing you will do at lympstone. Compared to the many, many, many sleepless nights, thrashings on the bank, wet and dry fuckabouts, drill shed kit musters, mud runs, exercises on woodbury commom and morale crushing weekend duties, knowing you have 30 miles between being a nod and being a trained rank is an immense psychological boost, and thats the reason so many lads pass the 30 miler with stress fractures, broken bones etc.

[goodyeoman]

I had the pleasure of working with a few of the Royal Marines at the ambulance service, when they were drafted in to help during unprecedented demand during Covid. What a top bunch of lads and an absolute pleasure to be around them. God bless to all our Armed Forces men and women, serving and retired.

[Rogue-cgrm]

My nephew did this 10 years ago ..
Cannot put into words how proud the whole family were of him ..
The passing out parade was off the scale fantastic .
Definitely not for wimps .

[Slarti]

I was trained to parachute by two Royal Marine Commandos as well as by civilian trainers. The Royal Marine Commandos were by far the kindest and best of the trainers.

[derfel]

I operated with the RM both at home and abroad in the 90's. Always an honour and a privilege.

[crimsonpirate]

God bless everyone of you who serve. My dad was in the Navy and worked with RMCs for years. Great bunch, hats off to you.

[ThePierre]

1980 I did my 30 miler. Surprisingly we all passed in a good time. By the time you reach the start, the motivation is absolute. Never been fitter. Proud to see the Booties still cruising along.

[AlanScottDavies]

Always had massive respect for the lads that complete this 30-miler at the end of a grueling course that most of us would fail. They turn ordinary into extraordinary and that is why they remain the best in the world. Alan - ex-RAF 1975 - 1986.

[mattwilkinson]

Maximum respect to all the armed forces, you do an incredibly difficult job

[mugshot]

I did the Royal Marine 30 mile march more than sixty years ago, and sometimes still have nightmares about that, and other aspects my R.M training.
Former member of 42 commando.

[josholdham]

I've heard from numerous american service personnel how professional and excellent the Royal Marines are to work with. Love em!

[deanhowes]

I did the 30 miler in 1978, with 112 Troop, only we started off the event with a simulated tactical beach landing at dawn via raiding craft before splitting into sections, no training team escorts, and a series of map references to reach in specific times in order to make the time/grade. in true RM fashion we were able to chose our own route between one of the sections which basically meant lots of tough terrain for the shortest possible route of 30 miles or a punishing option to march further but with slightly less obstacles - none of the sections opted for the longer option! Oh and each section were given different map co-ordinates to ensure we all reached our objectives in a stagger before coming together at the last checkpoint. without any prompting each section on reaching the final checkpoint surrounded the transport/driver to prevent early departure - everyone on the 30miler that day passed! - great memories

[kimwilliams]

Go royal marines tough men I support these guys my grandad was a royal marine a old 42 commando their training is the toughest I love you all green berets xxx

[MR-yqvi]

As a British civilian, I can't say how proud these guys make me feel. Up most respect to every single one of our service men and ladies.

[memeone]

Fantastic effort!! 30 miles and still having a laugh at the end.

[Jeff-joie]

I was one of them 79-85, once done never forgotten

[mike]

Man doing the 30 miles alone with all that kit ... respect boys 🇬🇧 x.

[theofarmmanager]

They are rightly proud of all they have achieved in the last 36 weeks. It usually turns young men into one of the finest fighting forces in the world.

My family has a history with the Corps going back 140 plus years. I can’t think that my great grandfather who served from around 1880 would have done the 30 miler. He served on sailing ships, hybrid sail and steam and, finally, pure steam. Was in the Corps that helped relieve Pekin (sic).

My father joined in wartime and, as far as I know, did a much shorter training because of that. He landed with 47 on Gold on DDay. One of our sons passed out a year and a bit ago and is now serving. I was extremely productive that he gave me his training beret and his first green lid.

Congratulations to all who made it. To those who were injured during training, I hope they recover to give it another try. To those who had to drop out quickly, certainly you mustn’t feel failure - you gave the hardest training regime in the UK military your best. Not many can say that.