One thing I would like to clear up, and I would like you RM type's input, is the somewhat misleading claim that the RM has the "longest basic training course of any NATO unit". I hear that thrown around all the time and I find it misleading. Just trying to find out for sure. Not putting anyone down - I have more respect for anyone even showing up for recruiting for the RMs than for most people I've met in the last 30 years.
Let me get this straight. Is it not the following - non comissioned members do a "basic" type phase, of roughly 3 months, followed by an "infantry" type second phase of roughly 3 months, followed by the Commando course, something around 2 months, followed by assorted final trg, like water mobility, swimming, etc. for a total of about 9 months before they win the right to wear the green beret.
Am I off on this? Am I close?
If I am, the statement "the longest basic trg course" is a bit misleading because what they're saying is that you are not a fully trained trooper until 9 months have passed.
In Canada, basic is about 2 months, SQ another 2, Infantry another 3 or 4 months - and you're up to 8 or 9 months as well before you are a trained infantryman.
Former Marines - can you set me straight? Thanks. Again, this is just for my own edification, as I've heard that statement many times and I've wondered about it.
Mr. Ted
RM did a splendid job in Iraq by the way. As did the USMC, especially compared to USARMY forces in similar situations. For such a small force(what, 4 battalions of infantry roughly?) the RM sure casts a long shadow.