FOR the first time in Royal Marine history, a group of 27 students from Tavistock and Plymouth will this week get a chance to gain some unique work experience. The 15 and 16-year-old boys from Tavistock College and six schools in Plymouth are attending a five-day course which follows on from a successful test-pilot course in May. The students are getting a first-hand opportunity to experience what life might be like in the Royal Marines. Each day has been packed with theoretical and practical activities designed to test the various skills and aptitudes required of new recruits. Activities include an entrance test, unarmed combat, self-defence demonstrations, practical leadership tasks, an opportunity to attempt the endurance course at Lympstone, simulated weapons training, map reading and orienteering. There will also be a visit to 42 Commando at Bickleigh Barracks and HMS Raleigh on the final day to face the challenge of a simulated on-board emergency and to get an overview of career opportunities in the Royal Navy, should any of the youngsters be better suited to this option. Organiser warrant officer Micky Northfield has high hopes of the success of the event in terms of recruitment. ?This will be a chance like no other for any young men interested in a life in the Royal Marines to test their mettle,? he said. ?The whole experience has been designed to allow the youngsters to show us what they?re made of and for us to show them what we expect in terms of physical and mental standards. ?Obviously we hope our first work experience group is going to have a good time too ? but we will leave the youngsters in no doubt about the level of fitness, commitment and determination they will need if they want to join the Royal Marines. ?I have every confidence that as we run more and more of these events, they will turn out to be an excellent way of effectively selecting new recruits.?
