Page 25 - Mind, Body and Spirit 2015-16

24 Commando Engineer Regiment provides close Engineer support to 3 Commando Brigade and continues to
prove its versatility in supporting the Royal Marine Commandos on deployments across the Globe. In the past year alone the troops have deployed to a range of environments including, Somaliland, the Caribbean, Norway, California and most recently, the Mediterranean, assisting with the migrant crisis. They also remain a key element of the Lead Commando Group.
For those not deployed there were plenty of sporting opportunities. A recent success was achieved during the Lympstone – Poole race that involved running 88 miles over 2 days along the South West Coastal Path in a 4 man team. 24 Commando achieved 1st place with a 40 minute lead over 2nd – much to the annoyance of the other 30 Royal Marine teams. This followed a strong team nish on the Spean Bridge Commando March that was held in Scotland. The race involved a 7 mile ‘speed march’ carrying a bergan weighing 36lbs. The 24 Commando Boxing team were crowned champions of the RE novice championships held at 1 RSME – following expert coaching and team management from SSgt Parks RE. Finally, the 2014/15 winter sports season also produced a number of notable successes in telemark skiing and snowboarding.
Spean Bridge Commando March Team 2016
23
24 COMMANDO ENGINEER REGIMENT
WO2 (QMSI) D Beresford RAPTC
For Sgt (SI) Spires RAPTC life back in the Regiment continues to be a tough ask as he prepares RE ranks from across the rank spectrum for the rigours of the All Arms Commando Course (AACC). The Commando Conditioning Course (CCC) has seen many changes over the past few years, with a more progressive approach adopted in the design of the training programme. This has seen a steady rise in the pass rate of RE ranks on the AACC and has maintained 24’s reputation of having the highest pass rate in the Brigade. Although the course is more progressive, it is worth noting the output testing standards have remained exactly the same with the 4 Commando Tests at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone proving to be the nal hurdle of the 16 week process. Any RAPTCI that is interested in earning the coverted ‘Green Beret’ and would like to attend the CCC are welcome to get in contact with Sgt Spires for further advice.
On a lighter note...24 Cdo is located just a few miles from the North Devon Coastline and a ‘Christmas Fun Run’ saw around 100 competitors in a range of fancy dress ascend across Saunton Sands beach – a random unexpected spectacle to the local dog walkers and tourists alike. The event went on to make front page headlines in the local newspaper!
Winners of the 88 mile Lympstone to Poole Race 2015 Christmas Fun Run
Vertical Cliff Assault on the All Arms Commando Course