Getting Military Fit
Discussion
Specifically, the Royal Marines. I want to be in a state where I can pass their initial entry tests as feel this is a great benchmark for an overall stronger and fitter body. These are:
1.5m in under 12:30 @ 2% incline, 1 minute rest, 1.5m in under 10:30 @ 2% incline
Minimum of 60 situps in 2 minutes
Minimum of 80 pushups in 2 minutes
Over 6 strict pull ups
Has anyone been through the training and have any tips that would be helpful? Currently, I'm doing 30 minutes of running 4x per week (at around 11kph). Aiming to up this to 45-60 minutes shortly once I'm comfortable at 30 minutes. This speed has me cover around 5-6k depending on whether I adjust the speed, take a small break etc. I am planning to add 3 weights sessions per week to this, although only very small sessions that'll target increasing pushups, situps or pullups in some manner and a mazimum of 45 minutes in the gym. Weekends will involve a gentle swim for an hour on one of the mornings.
My BMI isn't great. While this isn't a reliable benchmark at all, I think it's universally something that's fairly easy to measure (get down to Boots and chuck 50p in for the pleasure!).
Typing it out it almost feels like I'll be attempting to do too much?
1.5m in under 12:30 @ 2% incline, 1 minute rest, 1.5m in under 10:30 @ 2% incline
Minimum of 60 situps in 2 minutes
Minimum of 80 pushups in 2 minutes
Over 6 strict pull ups
Has anyone been through the training and have any tips that would be helpful? Currently, I'm doing 30 minutes of running 4x per week (at around 11kph). Aiming to up this to 45-60 minutes shortly once I'm comfortable at 30 minutes. This speed has me cover around 5-6k depending on whether I adjust the speed, take a small break etc. I am planning to add 3 weights sessions per week to this, although only very small sessions that'll target increasing pushups, situps or pullups in some manner and a mazimum of 45 minutes in the gym. Weekends will involve a gentle swim for an hour on one of the mornings.
My BMI isn't great. While this isn't a reliable benchmark at all, I think it's universally something that's fairly easy to measure (get down to Boots and chuck 50p in for the pleasure!).
Typing it out it almost feels like I'll be attempting to do too much?
If I were you OP I would start by going for RAF/Navy standards which are easiest.Then go Army, then marines.
I'm 18 6ft3, 85-90kg with a bit of a belly on me and I can pass the RAF/Navy. I'd say you really don't need to be worrying about your fitness if you can pass those tests. I know plenty of people who can't even run 1 mile. Anyway just don't throw yourself at the deep end try and build up through the services. Also if you are very fitness conscious don't stop at Marines look at what the SAS or French Foreign Legion want.
I'm 18 6ft3, 85-90kg with a bit of a belly on me and I can pass the RAF/Navy. I'd say you really don't need to be worrying about your fitness if you can pass those tests. I know plenty of people who can't even run 1 mile. Anyway just don't throw yourself at the deep end try and build up through the services. Also if you are very fitness conscious don't stop at Marines look at what the SAS or French Foreign Legion want.
Think of the run as 1 x 3 miles in under 22 mins. There's also a bleep test, cross country endurance course and bottom field beasting session in 2 days.
The pull ups are with your hands at shoulder width with your elbows at your sides. The press ups are head to the floor and up so your elbows touch your knees and back down. Knees touching at all times. Pull ups are overhand grasp at shoulder width. Everything is done using a recording of bleeps with no resting allowed. For example in the case of pull ups one beep you go down, another beep you pull up and so on.
Pre joining I was running every other day and swimming for 40 x 33m on the other days. I also did a 45 min body weight session 5 days a week. I was probably the best shape I've ever been in but in hindsight I struggled with body weight stuff except sit ups so I'd say a max of 20 pull ups in one go would be something to aim for.
I would avoid running with weight or in boots. I would also not walk with any extra weight over your waterproofs/warmers and other essentials.
Just out if curiosity do you have any intention of joining?
The pull ups are with your hands at shoulder width with your elbows at your sides. The press ups are head to the floor and up so your elbows touch your knees and back down. Knees touching at all times. Pull ups are overhand grasp at shoulder width. Everything is done using a recording of bleeps with no resting allowed. For example in the case of pull ups one beep you go down, another beep you pull up and so on.
Pre joining I was running every other day and swimming for 40 x 33m on the other days. I also did a 45 min body weight session 5 days a week. I was probably the best shape I've ever been in but in hindsight I struggled with body weight stuff except sit ups so I'd say a max of 20 pull ups in one go would be something to aim for.
I would avoid running with weight or in boots. I would also not walk with any extra weight over your waterproofs/warmers and other essentials.
Just out if curiosity do you have any intention of joining?
Appreciate the advice gents. Yes, I'm interested in joining. I think that from my current levels of fitness, I could start the application process in around 1 month and have a good chance to get through the initial fitness tests.
gjf, yeah you sound grumpy but that is exactly what I'm doing at the minute. Just wondering if anyone has first hand experience or a method to train a bit smarter for it.
Speedy, I can pass the running for those but it's the bodyweight exercises I'm not great at.
Dai, you sound like you're currently serving and went through this? How was the 3 day's PRMC? 1 x 3 mile in 22 minutes is a good angle of attack, I'd not thought of that. Interesting you mention the swimming - is that focused on a lot through training? I think you get the obligatory 'don't drown in all your gear when I push you in' test but other than that, anything else?
gjf, yeah you sound grumpy but that is exactly what I'm doing at the minute. Just wondering if anyone has first hand experience or a method to train a bit smarter for it.
Speedy, I can pass the running for those but it's the bodyweight exercises I'm not great at.
Dai, you sound like you're currently serving and went through this? How was the 3 day's PRMC? 1 x 3 mile in 22 minutes is a good angle of attack, I'd not thought of that. Interesting you mention the swimming - is that focused on a lot through training? I think you get the obligatory 'don't drown in all your gear when I push you in' test but other than that, anything else?
I did my PRMC in 2005 and went through CTC in 2006.
PRMC is hard but still achievable if you can do everything they ask of you. The best you can do is give 100% and not to quit which is what they try to do. There was an extra gym session instead of the endurance when I did it but they re-introduced it again to make the process harder. You need to know your Corps history and knowledge.
I guess you really should think about what you want to do and just concentrate on that. In the Marines you get pushed like never before and the reason I chose it was the challenge and the prestige of the Green Beret. 99% need not apply etc.
There are downsides to the Marines such as getting pinged to do something you don't want to do a year after training (signals, driver, clerk, stores b
h). As such you should pick a specialisation straight from training and do that for the rest of your time. Promotion can also be difficult in certain branches. Faslane is also a st place to be depending on your job.
I wouldn't join the army after working with them.
If you want a technical job join the raf.
If you want to see the world, have no dependants and can handle living on ship join the Navy. If you want this but more relaxed and better food join the RFA. Due to allowances the Navy can give you a lot more money but you have to be away loads.
PRMC is hard but still achievable if you can do everything they ask of you. The best you can do is give 100% and not to quit which is what they try to do. There was an extra gym session instead of the endurance when I did it but they re-introduced it again to make the process harder. You need to know your Corps history and knowledge.
I guess you really should think about what you want to do and just concentrate on that. In the Marines you get pushed like never before and the reason I chose it was the challenge and the prestige of the Green Beret. 99% need not apply etc.
There are downsides to the Marines such as getting pinged to do something you don't want to do a year after training (signals, driver, clerk, stores b
h). As such you should pick a specialisation straight from training and do that for the rest of your time. Promotion can also be difficult in certain branches. Faslane is also a st place to be depending on your job.I wouldn't join the army after working with them.
If you want a technical job join the raf.
If you want to see the world, have no dependants and can handle living on ship join the Navy. If you want this but more relaxed and better food join the RFA. Due to allowances the Navy can give you a lot more money but you have to be away loads.
MrAdaam said:
Appreciate the advice gents. Yes, I'm interested in joining. I think that from my current levels of fitness, I could start the application process in around 1 month and have a good chance to get through the initial fitness tests.
gjf, yeah you sound grumpy but that is exactly what I'm doing at the minute. Just wondering if anyone has first hand experience or a method to train a bit smarter for it.
Speedy, I can pass the running for those but it's the bodyweight exercises I'm not great at.
Dai, you sound like you're currently serving and went through this? How was the 3 day's PRMC? 1 x 3 mile in 22 minutes is a good angle of attack, I'd not thought of that. Interesting you mention the swimming - is that focused on a lot through training? I think you get the obligatory 'don't drown in all your gear when I push you in' test but other than that, anything else?
Slightly less grumpy today, I'd just got back from seeing the consultant about my dodgy knee.gjf, yeah you sound grumpy but that is exactly what I'm doing at the minute. Just wondering if anyone has first hand experience or a method to train a bit smarter for it.
Speedy, I can pass the running for those but it's the bodyweight exercises I'm not great at.
Dai, you sound like you're currently serving and went through this? How was the 3 day's PRMC? 1 x 3 mile in 22 minutes is a good angle of attack, I'd not thought of that. Interesting you mention the swimming - is that focused on a lot through training? I think you get the obligatory 'don't drown in all your gear when I push you in' test but other than that, anything else?
If you're training for something specific then train to do that specific thing.
Which parts have you failed on so far? If it's pull ups then get a bar at home and every time you walk past it do as many pull ups as you can. If it's press ups then do more. As many as you can in 2 minutes won't lead to overtraining if you keep at it every day for a few weeks.
If it's the running the train to do the type of running that you are measuring yourself on, not going for long jogs.
Make sure you're hydrated, sleep well and eat properly.
It definitely boils down to that Green Beret. The amount of prestige surrounding that astounds me - even more so now I've actually put a bit of time into researching the training that the guys go through to get to that stage. I was aiming to get into a specialization as quickly as possible. Is it usual that you can get into a first choice or is it more dependant on what is needed at the time?
gjf, sorry to hear about the knee. I hope it's nothing too serious - the other half has a problem with hers and it's infuriating for her. Very good points. Seems much more simple when you write it down and realise it's all you need to do. Sometimes just takes someone else to make it seem that way. Cheers!
gjf, sorry to hear about the knee. I hope it's nothing too serious - the other half has a problem with hers and it's infuriating for her. Very good points. Seems much more simple when you write it down and realise it's all you need to do. Sometimes just takes someone else to make it seem that way. Cheers!
What is it you want to do? You don't put 3 preferences in. You select a branch, request to join it and depending on waiting time and requirements you do an aquaint after which you are then either accepted and given a course or rejected. If there's a long wait you may still be pinged.
Volunteering for the jobs I mentioned or going to Faslane for 2 years puts you in front of the que for your chosen spec. It can be hard to escape the branch you've volunteered for after two years tho.
The swim test is more about confidence and a basic swimming ability than physical fitness. You do have about 2 swim sessions a week during training which can be hard. The worst beasting I had was in the pool due to us talking too loudly in the changing room.
Volunteering for the jobs I mentioned or going to Faslane for 2 years puts you in front of the que for your chosen spec. It can be hard to escape the branch you've volunteered for after two years tho.
The swim test is more about confidence and a basic swimming ability than physical fitness. You do have about 2 swim sessions a week during training which can be hard. The worst beasting I had was in the pool due to us talking too loudly in the changing room.
dai1983 said:
What is it you want to do? You don't put 3 preferences in. You select a branch, request to join it and depending on waiting time and requirements you do an aquaint after which you are then either accepted and given a course or rejected. If there's a long wait you may still be pinged.
Volunteering for the jobs I mentioned or going to Faslane for 2 years puts you in front of the que for your chosen spec. It can be hard to escape the branch you've volunteered for after two years tho.
The swim test is more about confidence and a basic swimming ability than physical fitness. You do have about 2 swim sessions a week during training which can be hard. The worst beasting I had was in the pool due to us talking too loudly in the changing room.
I thought the swimming was more about confidence in the water and having competence. Volunteering for the jobs I mentioned or going to Faslane for 2 years puts you in front of the que for your chosen spec. It can be hard to escape the branch you've volunteered for after two years tho.
The swim test is more about confidence and a basic swimming ability than physical fitness. You do have about 2 swim sessions a week during training which can be hard. The worst beasting I had was in the pool due to us talking too loudly in the changing room.
I would assume from that, that Faslane is the least popular to go off too and therefore they're trying to offer some incentives? I guess if you're towards the front of the queue for a chosen branch then that has it's merits.
Initial attraction is towards the mountain leader or assault engineer.
Realistically, and moving away from the topic of the fitness required now completely, what's the likelihood of being able to move into a commissioned officer role if starting as a general duties marine?
MrAdaam said:
I thought the swimming was more about confidence in the water and having competence.
I would assume from that, that Faslane is the least popular to go off too and therefore they're trying to offer some incentives? I guess if you're towards the front of the queue for a chosen branch then that has it's merits.
Initial attraction is towards the mountain leader or assault engineer.
Realistically, and moving away from the topic of the fitness required now completely, what's the likelihood of being able to move into a commissioned officer role if starting as a general duties marine?
If you want to be an officer and feel you have the right personality/mentality (natural leader, decisive etc) to do it then do it straight off the bat.I would assume from that, that Faslane is the least popular to go off too and therefore they're trying to offer some incentives? I guess if you're towards the front of the queue for a chosen branch then that has it's merits.
Initial attraction is towards the mountain leader or assault engineer.
Realistically, and moving away from the topic of the fitness required now completely, what's the likelihood of being able to move into a commissioned officer role if starting as a general duties marine?
The RM do have a example training plan on their website to get fit to join up
http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/custom/navy/trainingto...
If that's not detailed enough for you go and have a chat with your local Armed Forces Recruiting Office, if you get a decent recruiter (especially an RM one in this case) they're usually more than happy to chat about the requirements and point you in the direction of a good training plan.
http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/custom/navy/trainingto...
If that's not detailed enough for you go and have a chat with your local Armed Forces Recruiting Office, if you get a decent recruiter (especially an RM one in this case) they're usually more than happy to chat about the requirements and point you in the direction of a good training plan.
MrAdaam said:
It definitely boils down to that Green Beret. The amount of prestige surrounding that astounds me - even more so now I've actually put a bit of time into researching the training that the guys go through to get to that stage. I was aiming to get into a specialization as quickly as possible. Is it usual that you can get into a first choice or is it more dependant on what is needed at the time?
gjf, sorry to hear about the knee. I hope it's nothing too serious - the other half has a problem with hers and it's infuriating for her. Very good points. Seems much more simple when you write it down and realise it's all you need to do. Sometimes just takes someone else to make it seem that way. Cheers!
No worries, just a torn meniscus and wobbly PCL that need sorting now it's the end of the rugby season. I've got no forces experience just a bit of a fitness geek so listen to the experts on here!gjf, sorry to hear about the knee. I hope it's nothing too serious - the other half has a problem with hers and it's infuriating for her. Very good points. Seems much more simple when you write it down and realise it's all you need to do. Sometimes just takes someone else to make it seem that way. Cheers!
Enjoy
To be an ML you had to be a corporal but now there's the ML3 spec you can do as a marine. I don't know much about it but I understand that it's the old recce course but renamed. Previously you could do the course and get pinged the following week. A few years ago some basic courses were turned into proper specialisations. (Recce-ML3, sniper or machine gunner-PW3, PT3 was created).
You have to be fit as fk, a natural soldier and a bit unhinged. It's thought the ML2 course is as hard if not harder than SF selection. You work in a the commando units and you get half SF pay as a Cpl and above. Think "SF with a mrs and kids". Lots of climbing
you can become an AE as a marine. My old neighbour was an Army Commando Engineer which is another option. He was always travelling around for courses, exercises and disaster relief tasks. Seemed busier than the marine AEs I know and had good trips.
Faslane or 43 commando: they have a few tasks. Behind the wire, anti-piracy, Trident escorts
Behind the wire you are sat on camp guarding the nuclear subs for 5 weeks at a time. The reason to avoid the place IMO. After the 5 weeks you have another 5 weeks training and some time off. Then its back behind the wire for 5 weeks sat on your arse while they bring food to you and you do "jail house" phys. On the plus side they do a lot of infantry skills even more than a fighting unit and have decent trips to the states and jungle. Again only IMO.
Anti piracy is pretty good and you spend time in the Caribbean or the Middle East on ship. Usually you have to do your toil behind the wire and work hard in order to do the anti piracy work.
In the convoys you provide protection to the subs as they leave the base or when the missiles are moved by road.
You have to be fit as f
k, a natural soldier and a bit unhinged. It's thought the ML2 course is as hard if not harder than SF selection. You work in a the commando units and you get half SF pay as a Cpl and above. Think "SF with a mrs and kids". Lots of climbing you can become an AE as a marine. My old neighbour was an Army Commando Engineer which is another option. He was always travelling around for courses, exercises and disaster relief tasks. Seemed busier than the marine AEs I know and had good trips.
Faslane or 43 commando: they have a few tasks. Behind the wire, anti-piracy, Trident escorts
Behind the wire you are sat on camp guarding the nuclear subs for 5 weeks at a time. The reason to avoid the place IMO. After the 5 weeks you have another 5 weeks training and some time off. Then its back behind the wire for 5 weeks sat on your arse while they bring food to you and you do "jail house" phys. On the plus side they do a lot of infantry skills even more than a fighting unit and have decent trips to the states and jungle. Again only IMO.
Anti piracy is pretty good and you spend time in the Caribbean or the Middle East on ship. Usually you have to do your toil behind the wire and work hard in order to do the anti piracy work.
In the convoys you provide protection to the subs as they leave the base or when the missiles are moved by road.
Foliage said:
If you want to be an officer and feel you have the right personality/mentality (natural leader, decisive etc) to do it then do it straight off the bat.
This.Failing that you have options if you pass out as a Marine depending on age:
Under 26 you can do YO training which is the same as joining up as a YO from civvy street. You would have the advantage of already done recruit training. It also has the disadvantage of if you fail YO training you cannot go back to being a marine. You can however fail YO as a civilian and start recruit training.
After 8 months at CTC you end up hating the place so you may not want to do YO training which is roughly a year IIRC
Over 26 you can get a senior corps commission. It's my understanding you have to be a sgt and above to do this. They usually get jobs such as MT officer as opposed to close combat roles.
It also depends on what sort of person you are. Do you want more hands on roles where your clearing buildings, fighting, boarding ships for example. Or do you want to be sat in the background managing everything?
I work with the Royal Marines (officers only though, 40,42,45 Cdo/ML/SBS). They're a broad church. Pound for pound, very capable indeed and markedly superior to their average counterpart in the Army, certainly. The distinction appears to apply across the board and in comparison to the other services (yes, counting the RM as an independent entity even though they're part of the Navy, obviously) there is relatively little distinction between officers and marines in terms of educational background and basic intelligence. A significant number of those entering CTC as marines are probably qualified to do so as officers.
They're a good bunch. Just be aware that if you get that green beret you may end up being posted to 45 in Arbroath,and they're a properly weird bunch. It's what comes from being left unsupervised in the middle of nowhere.
As for the phys, go with the advice given here. Just be aware that what they are looking for is the kind of person who just grits their teeth and hangs on in there, no matter what. It's psychological more than physical.
They're a good bunch. Just be aware that if you get that green beret you may end up being posted to 45 in Arbroath,and they're a properly weird bunch. It's what comes from being left unsupervised in the middle of nowhere.
As for the phys, go with the advice given here. Just be aware that what they are looking for is the kind of person who just grits their teeth and hangs on in there, no matter what. It's psychological more than physical.
Have a look at this:
http://hprc-online.org/physical-fitness/performanc...
Its US Navy Seals rather than Marines but there is bags of information in here and it is specifically aimed at what you want to do.
http://hprc-online.org/physical-fitness/performanc...
Its US Navy Seals rather than Marines but there is bags of information in here and it is specifically aimed at what you want to do.
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