Introduction

The Royal Marines are known for their rigorous and grueling training regimen, designed to test the physical, mental, and emotional fortitude of their candidates. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in whether women can successfully complete the full Commando training course. Although a small number of women have made it through the 14-week all-arms commando course, no female has yet to complete the 36-week full Commando course. This article delves into the experiences of female candidates who have attempted this demanding training and discusses the reasons behind the current gender disparity in Royal Marines training.

Has Any Woman Completed the Royal Marines Commando Training?

According to multiple sources, only a handful of women have completed the 14-week all-arms commando course. These were exceptional cases where candidates either did not receive fair treatment or met the requirements legitimately. However, as of now, no woman has succeeded in completing the full 36-week Commando course. This course is significantly more challenging and involves a series of grueling tests and exercises that not everyone, regardless of gender, can endure.

The Alleged Cases of Female Royal Marines Candidates

One name often mentioned is Pip Tattersall, an alleged first female Royal Marine who passed the 9-week all-arms commando course. However, the credibility of this claim has been called into question. According to reliable sources, Pip was unable to complete the 30-foot rope climb, a crucial part of the course. There is a suggestion that she may have cheated by having a few personal trainers help her without any witnesses present. Some experts argue that she did not truly pass and, in fact, faked it by taking an early morning workout without the necessary observation.

Current Training Challenges

Despite these allegations, there are still women who have been admitted into the Royal Marines Commando training course. However, even these candidates face significant challenges. For instance, a current woman at the Commando Training Center (CTC) is noted as a former Olympian, Phillipa Birch. Despite her athletic background, she is expected to face difficulties in completing the course due to the physical and psychological demands required. Recent reports suggest that she was admitted to remedial training, indicating that she may be struggling significantly with the pressure and physical requirements of the training.

Physical and Psychological Demands

The rigors of the Commando training course include a series of challenging tests and exercises, with the Bottom Field Passout being one of the most daunting. This test, which traditionally required 21 weeks to complete, is a prerequisite for entering the Commando phase of training. The test involves a vertical 30-foot rope climb with all gear and rifle equipment, requiring immense physical strength and endurance. Many male candidates find this test to be the breaking point. The necessity of "breathing out of your arsehole" technique adds an additional layer of irony and difficulty to the challenge.

Conclusion

The Royal Marines Commando training course remains one of the most physically and mentally demanding training programs in the world. While a small number of women have made it through the 14-week all-arms commando course, no female has completed the full 36-week Commando course to date. The challenges faced by female aspirants in this course are significant and include both physical and psychological hurdles. Until the training requirements are fundamentally altered, the gender gap in this elite training remains a reality.