Sorry for the unintelligible title! "Rock Apes" was, and maybe still is, the fairly contemptuous nickname my regiment gave to the Royal Marine Commandos. I never did find out what they called us but, regimental rivalry being what is is, it was probably quite insulting. Anyway, there is a series running on ITV following the travails (er, no, sufferings, I think is the better word!) of an intake platoon of new recruits. It is terrific viewing and you can go here to catch up on previous episodes, and tomorrow night, Monday 15th, you can watch episode 5 at 10.00 pm which is a change of schedule.
It is heart-warming that there are still some of our 'youfs' willing to have a go in a very rough occupation, and it does not come much rougher than trying to pass into the exclusive ranks of the RM Commandos - already about half of them have failed. What is also encouraging is the extremely high standard of training these young lads receive in the practicalities of soldiering in the field. I have to say that it far exceeds anything I was taught in my basic training, but then again, there weren't any shooting wars going on then. It is obvious that the trainers have battlefield experience from Afghanistan and all their efforts are aimed at giving these young recruits every bit of their experience so that they will be ready for immediate operations.
I suspect that our campaign there is doomed in the long term, but in the short term it has provided our infantry with superb, live-firing, real-soldiering experience that is invaluable, and not just for the Commandos and Paras, but also the line infantry. In a six month tour out there, the soldiers will learn more than six years on Salisbury Plain. That in itself is not a justification for the campaign, nor do I dismiss lightly the loss of life and limbs that it has cost, but we have an army and so it might as well be as good as it can be and as a result of this action it is likely to become one of the few 'government departments' that is fit for purpose.
In the meantime, I wish all those young 'rock ape' recruits slogging across Dartmoor the very best of luck.
"Rock Apes" was, and maybe still is, the fairly contemptuous nickname my regiment gave to the Royal Marine Commandos. I never did find out what they called us...
Allow me to hazard, Mr Duff... cooks?
Posted by: Elmer Quigley Gooseburger | Sunday, 14 October 2007 at 20:37
An army marches on its stomach, Mr. Gooseburger!
Posted by: David Duff | Sunday, 14 October 2007 at 22:10
David
Pray tell.
What Regiment had the honor of your sevices?
Posted by: Hank | Tuesday, 16 October 2007 at 01:42
Well, the man asked an honest question...
Posted by: N.I.B. | Tuesday, 16 October 2007 at 22:18
The Parachute Regiment.
Posted by: David Duff | Wednesday, 17 October 2007 at 08:18
Hank, I seem to recall that 'over there' the Paras were called 'Glorified Ground Pounders'!
Posted by: David Duff | Wednesday, 17 October 2007 at 08:23
David
The Parachute Regiment.
I figured it would be a class unit.
Hank, I seem to recall that 'over there' the Paras were called 'Glorified Ground Pounders'!
Amoung other things that should not be repeated outside a barracks.
Good solidiers though.
But remember the Cavalry lends class to what would otherwise be an undignfed brawl.
Posted by: Hank | Thursday, 18 October 2007 at 00:10
" the Cavalry lends class to what would otherwise be an undignfed brawl."
Of course, Hank, anyone who rides to work must be an aristo!
Posted by: David Duff | Thursday, 18 October 2007 at 09:25