Jimbleep said:
I have to agree. One of the things that got me through RM training was knowing that every instructor had done everything that I was doing, and that as hard as I found it, they probably had it harder.
Not taking anything away from the guys at the RIFLES with green lids but the AACC and RM training do differ, just with the same tests... And in that sense, the challenges faced by candidates on both courses are different.
It's hard to see how an NCO from the Rifles would fully nurture corps pride amongst recruits in a capbadge that he doesn't wear.
just a few thoughts.
firstly, if they have to pass the same tests to the same standard, surely the end product is fairly similar? unless your going to admit that the RM staff who run the AACC let in sub standard soldiers, if they pass, doesnt that mean they have demonstrated all the qualities that are needed?
a mate of mine who is ex intl corps did his AACC, and he said that you get beasted just as hard and have to go through the same feelings as RM recruits, simply because the instructors are keen to only have the best soldiers, not let in any fat bastard.
and while the AACC and RM basic differ, surely army basic + trade + AACC is probably fairly similar in terms of mental toughness?
and also, lots of army regiments in iraq and afganistan have been in just as bloody and dangerous battles as the RM, and have shown they are quality soldiers.
and not to offend anybody but surely it would be better for everybody if people didnt see it as "RM first, then AACC second" and saw that just because they joined the army not the navy there are still a hell of a lot of ******* good soldiers out there, and if they serve under 3 cdo, it gives the brigade more good soldiers, and gives the army and RM a chance to learn from each other and improve the quality of all recruits?
whats the point in trying to keep all the best soldiers in their own private clubs?
and regarding nuturing corps pride, surely RM staff can do that, what rifles staff can nuture is forces pride. surely thats just as important, seen as the RM need the army/RAF support in some situations.
if anybody saw that commando programme on ITV, the episode where they visited normandy, was i the only one who noticed that its was a lot like "lots of brave RM's here" when very few words were given to the others who died along side them. surely all the sappers blowing holes in the defences deserved an equal mention?