Former Bridgnorth Endowed School pupil, Alec Williams, had the “best day of his life” when he passed out as a Green Beret in the Royal Navy at the end of September.
After his time at school, Alec first tried motor vehicle maintenance, but soon realised it wasn’t for him so moved to the Uniformed Public Services course, which he passed with flying colours.
Two years later, he left college clutching a Level 3 Diploma, worth the equivalent of four A Levels, plus a burning ambition to earn a Green Beret and become a Royal Marine Commando.
Following a long application process, Alec was invited to join the Recruit Orientation Phase (ROP) for a four-week assessment, then embarked on 32 weeks of initial training at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon.
Known as one of the longest and most arduous programmes in the world, Marines Commando Initial Training fully prepared him to become an elite soldier, teaching him everything from physical training and weapon handling, to tactics and battle skills.
The final “Commando” phase, designed to push candidates to the limit, saw him put through his paces with four days of gruelling tests, including the Endurance Test, the 9-Mile Speed Test, the Tarzan Assault Course and the infamous 30-Miler.
The pressure was really on at this point, as those who pass this section are awarded the Green Beret, the distinguished mark of a commando. Not only was Alec successful, but he also had the added honour of receiving his beret from his dad, who had previously served.
When Alec applied last year, 26,000 people showed an interest but, in the end, only 400 passed, which highlights just how difficult this journey had been.
Alec commented: “Without doubt, this has been the hardest and most rewarding challenge of my life, but I’m glad I went for it. It’s still the toughest soldiering training in the world, and I did it.”
“If anyone is interested in joining the armed forces, I’d say give it a go as it has given me a fantastic career and the opportunity to travel the world.”
Congratulations to Alec, who is adding to his skills with Driving and Landing Craftsman (LC) training and is due to join his first Commando Unit in the New Year.
