What is the All Arms Commando Course?

Detailed information on the All Arms Commando Course (AACC) can be found here.

The AACC is undertaken at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone, on the South coast of England.

Emphasis is on fitness and stamina, and all students must be physically prepared on arrival. Students will also be required to demonstrate the Commando Ethos, Mindset and Qualities.

Aim of the AACC

The aim of the AACC is to prepare Royal Navy (RN), British Army or Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel for service with 3 Commando Brigade by developing the temperament, mental resolve, physical robustness and core military skills necessary in the demanding environment of expeditionary and littoral operations.

Duration of the AACC

The total course duration is 13 weeks, and includes:

• 4-week Preparation Course.
  • This course is delivered by the Commando Logistics Regiment.
  • It takes place at RM Chivenor immediately before the AACC.
  • It provides for essential preparation such as:
    • SA 80 familiarisation;
    • Field Exercises; and
    • Battle Physical Training.
• 8-week AACC.

What IELTS Level is Required?

Students require IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Level 5.5.

What is the Frequency of Courses?

There are generally three courses per year.

Vacancies depend on RM training requirement and will not exceed more than five (5) international defence training (IDT) students per course.

Outline of Course 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; and
• Vertical assault.

What are the Entry Standards for the AACC?

• Pass Royal Marines Fitness Assessment.
• Pass Royal Marines Battle Fitness Test (BFT) on joining course.
• Pass Combat Fitness Test (CFT) within 1 month of joining course.
• Swim 40 metres in clothing, tread water for 3 minutes, having entered water from 3 metres (RM Basic Swimming Test).
• Medically Deployable.
• Climb 30ft (9.2m) rope whilst wearing issued webbing (6 lbs) and SA80 Rifle.
• Pass Weapons Handling Test on personal weapon to a skilled standard on joining course.

What Assessments are Required to be Passed during the AACC?

• Twelve miles (19km) load carry (with equipment weighing 31.3kg and personal weapon) at night as a formed body within the time limit of 4 hours.
• Final exercise testing basic military tactics (map reading, amphibious skills, endurance and stamina).
• Six mile Endurance Course in 73 minutes with equipment weighing 9.6kg and carrying personal weapon.
• Nine mile speed march in 90 minutes as a formed body with equipment weighing 9.6kg and carrying personal weapon.
• Tarzan/Assault course in 13 minutes with equipment weighing 9.6kg and carrying personal weapon.
• March 30 miles in 8 hours with equipment weighing 9.6kg and carrying personal weapon and safety stores on a given Dartmoor route as a syndicate.