Potential Royal Marine Course
The Potential Royal Marines Course, often abbreviated to PRMC, is the Royal Marines selection course for Potential Recruits. The course is held at CTCRM, and is designed to assess a candidate's suitability for entry into the Royal Marines. The course is composed of four Physical Assessments: A 3-mile run, Gym Test 1, the Bottomfield and a 2.5-mile section of the Endurance Course, which includes a 0.5-mile 'hare and hounds' chase, involving the remaining PRMC candidates to keep up with the PTI. The course lasts for a total of 3 days.
Day 1
On the first day of the PRMC, potential recruits begin their assessments at 8am. They undertake the 3 Mile Run and Gym Tests.
The three-mile run consists of a 1.5-miles-out run as a squad followed by 1.5-mile back individual best effort. The 1.5 miles out is done in 12.5 mins followed by a best-effort run back in under 10.5 minutes.[1] However, candidates should aim for a return time of around 9 minutes to improve their chances of passing.
- Gym tests are conducted in the afternoon of the first day. There are four main physical criteria that must be completed in the gym, each is marked out of 100 points and candidates must achieve a minimum of 180 points. There are:
- The VO2 Max bleep test (also known as the 'bleep test'.) Maximum level is 15 for maximum points, and candidates should aim for at least level 11 to stay on the course.
- Pressups are carried out immediately after the bleep test. A maximum score of 100 points is achieved for 60 press-ups are conducted to an audible bleep. These are carried out with arms locked into sides and shoulder width apart. The partner puts his fist on the floor facing away and counts one repetition for every time the chest touches his fist. Instructors observe to make sure the assessment is carried out flawlessly, and any poor form will result in press-ups being deducted from your final score. If you put your knees onto the floor you will be told to stop.
- Situps come straight after the press-ups. 85 are needed for maximum points, again 100 points, as with every other gym exercise sit ups are conducted to an audible bleep. Carried out with partner holding feet, elbows must touch top of knees and then the shoulders and elbows must touch the floor on the way down for a repetition to count. Knees must remain together or else reps will be deducted.
- Pullups follow situps. A minimum of 3 are required to stay on the course and 16 will gain the maximum of 100 points. Carried out with an over-grasp grip, the candidate is required to pull and hold the position until told to extend the arms; pull-ups are performed to the "bend" and "stretch" commands. The candidates chin must pass over the top of the bar to count and on the way down our body must be straight hanging down from the bar. Your legs must not cross. If the chin does not satisfactorily pass above the bar, or candidates cannot keep up with the commands, the candidate will be told to "drop off".
After Gym tests there is a short swimming assessment. This is the final assessment for Day 1 and involves you jumping off the high diving board (3m) in normal swimming kit and swimming a maximum of 4 lengths (approx 100m) of breast stroke. You must complete at least 1 length. If you complete 1 but less than 4 lengths you will be graded as a WEAK SWIMMER and you will be advised to improve before joining and could delay your start date for joining recruit training.
Day 2
The second day is a test of mental strength, physical endurance, stamina and determination. Both physical assessments are done wearing a combat jacket, combat trousers, a rugby shirt and boots. The first assessment of the day is the high obstacle course, and then onto the assault course, followed by the Endurance Course in the afternoon.
After completing the punch through the net on the high obs course, a thorough warm-up begins consisting of sprints to obstacles, burpees, squat thrusts and star jumps, crawling uphill through wet mud on the "take cover" commands and pyramid exercises such as(press-ups, sit ups, and squat thrusts). Candidates then have to demonstrate confidence at height by completing the high-ropes obstacles, before being shown and practicing how to complete obstacles on the bottom field assault course 2 - 3 obstacles at a time.
Throughout this morning, the expression "You're only as strong as your weakest man" is very much in force, meaning there are consequences for the entire squad if a few candidates do not do as told. Also, anybody lagging in particular will be penalised.
After a grueling morning, the afternoon is spent on the "Endurance Course." The first part of this consists of a 2.5-mile obstacle route across the rough and hilly terrain of Woodbury Common in boots and combat clothing. Obstacles include pools and muddy tunnels, some of which are completely underwater, making clothing heavy and ensuring candidates are cold and wet from the outset. The training team then take the candidates on a run across Woodbury Common that includes frequent hill-sprints, press-ups and tuck jumps. Some 'determination' tests along the way include carrying other candidates up hills and crawling through the streams and mud pools which frequent the area. All that has to be shown here is determination by sticking the course out and not stopping or walking. After the 2.5-mile obstacle course there is a 4-mile run back to CTC, any candidates who fall or finish behind the last instructor will be failed.
On completion of the run back from the Endurance Course you’ll pick up dry clothing and field kit and move to a secure location for your night out on the Bottom Field at CTCRM. You’ll spend the rest of the afternoon and night gaining an introduction into a side of Recruit life that is less about fitness and more about ‘State Of Mind’ and the business of learning to become a Royal Marines Commando. Through a series of activities you need to prove you have the ability to learn new skills and put them into practice, working with your fellow candidates in an unfamiliar environment when fatigued. You’ll cook and eat military rations and erect shelters to sleep under. You’ll participate in a watch (sentry) routine to ensure your area remains secure during the quiet hours. You’ll practise military activities such as stripping and assembling a rifle and you’ll gain an insight into how to look after yourself and your equipment in the field. In the morning you and your equipment will be inspected to see how well you have taken in the new information.
Day 3
Reveille is called at 0500, with candidates repacking their bergans and marching back to their accommodation at approximately 0545. They then commence cleaning accommodation and returning equipment and clothing to the storeroom. You will also be told whether or not you have been successful on the course.
Once a candidate has successfully passed the PRMC, he will be issued with a pair of boots and socks. They will then be entitled to join a recruit troop for Royal Marines recruit training. A "PRMC pass" certificate is also given.
The PRMC often changes and as of now activities are carried out in a different order than shown.
The PRMC is designed to challenge everyone regardless of their abilities and fitness. To this end it will always remain flexible. The training team are looking for candidates to show determination and the will to succeed.
References
External links
- Royal Navy website
- An unofficial forum for guys looking at the PRMC
- An in depth look at how you can smash the PRMC with Sean Lerwill Author of the Royal Marines Physical Training Manual