Duration
13 weeks
Frequency
3 course per year
Location
Commando Training Centre Royal Marines
IELTS
5.5
Aims
The All-Arms Commando Course (AACC) prepares tri-service personnel for roles within Commando Forces. This includes assignments with UK Commando Forces (UKCF), Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), Maritime Amphibious Brigade 6 (MAB6), or at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM). AACC evaluates individuals on the Commando Ethos – Mindset, Values, and Spirit. The course develops core military skills, physical robustness, and mental resilience necessary for Extremely and Very High readiness in Commando and Littoral Strike operations.
Outline Syllabus
- Field craft & tactics
- Signals
- First Aid, health & hygiene
- Map reading & navigation
- Organisation & role of Commando forces
- Skill at Arms with troop weapons
- Physical fitness
- Amphibious training
- Vertical assault
Entry Standards
- All ranks must be medically fully deployable (MFD) (P2) and meet weight/BMI requirements as per the Institute of Naval Medicine
- Candidates must be in-date for Individual Training Requirements (ITRs) and competent in basic first aid, map reading, and military navigation
- Swim 40 meters in clothing, tread water for 3 minutes, having entered water from 3 meters (RM Basic Swimming Test)
- In date for the ACMT and the Weapon Handling Test on the 5.56mm SA80 A2 Rifle in accordance with the Army Operational Shooting Manual
- Pass the Potential Commando Physical Assessment (PCPA)
PCPA Standards
|
Serial (a) |
Test (b) |
Standards/Criteria (c) |
Details (d) |
Failures/Retests (e) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
RMBFT |
RMBFT - 1.5 miles run to be completed in under 11 mins and 30 seconds. |
Gymnasium. Test conducted in issued boots with heel block, MTP trousers, and PT T-shirt. Any ranks wishing to wear nonissued boots must present a valid medical exemption chit on arrival. A 1.5-mile squadded warm-up run will be conducted in no less than 15 minutes beforehand. The 1.5-mile test is an individual best effort |
1. If FAIL, RTU (Professional). |
|
4 |
AMF |
2 x 30ft rope climbs (1 x 15lbs in webbing, 1 x clean fatigue). One circuit of Bottom Field assault course within 5 mins. 200m fireman’s carry within 90 secs. |
All tests conducted in MTP trousers, combat jacket and t-shirt or MTP shirt, and issued combat boots. All tests to be conducted wearing webbing containing 15lbs. |
1. If a rank fails only 1 element, they are permitted an immediate retest on completion of the AMF assessment. If they achieve the required standard, it is considered a PASS. 2. If a rank fails more than 1 element, or fails the immediate retest, it is considered a FAIL. 3. If FAIL, RTU (Professional). |
|
5 |
Map Reading Test |
Equivalent standard to MATT 5/ITR Navigation. |
Examinations
Four Commando Tests:
- Endurance Course: Complete 6 miles in 73 minutes with equipment weighing 9.6kg and carrying personal weapon
- Tarzan Assault Course: Complete in 13 minutes with equipment weighing 9.6kg and carrying personal weapon
- 9 Mile Speed March: Complete in 90 minutes as a formed body with equipment weighing 9.6kg and carrying personal weapon
- 30 Mile March: Complete in 8 hours with equipment weighing 9.6kg and carrying personal weapon and safety stores on a given Dartmoor route as a syndicate
Commando Spirit: Throughout the course, candidates are expected to display the core tenets of the Commando Spirit:
- Courage: Get out front and do what is right
- Determination: Never give up
- Unselfishness: Others before self
- Cheerfulness in the face of adversity: Humour as the heart of morale
Remarks
Emphasis is on fitness and stamina. All students must be physically prepared on arrival. Students will also be required to demonstrate the Commando Ethos, Mindset and Qualities. Students should also be proficient in the operation of PC 354 and PRC 355 Bowman man-pack radios.
The 4-week Preparation Course run by the Commando Logistics Regiment at RM Chivenor, immediately precedes the AACC. This course provides essential preparation, including SA80 familiarisation, field exercises and Battle Physical Training.
Vacancies depend on RM training requirement and will not exceed more than 5 IDT students per course.