The aim of the AACC is to prepare RN, Army and RAF personnel for service with 3 Cdo Bde RM by developing the temperament, mental resolve, physical robustness and core military skills necessary in the demanding environment of expeditionary and littoral operations.
The AACC is the only recognised route for regular members of the Armed Forces outside of the RM to become commando trained. There are 3 courses a year.
It is a mandatory requirement for all personnel to pass a Pre Commando Course (PCC) prior to attendance at the AACC. The PCC will run in the 2 weeks preceding the AACC and is designed to ensure that all students are at an adequate standard of fitness and preparedness prior to commencing the challenging AACC. Candidates are to ensure that they are competent in basic map reading, navigation and first aid. In particular students must be fully familiar with the prevention and first aid treatment of climatic (heat and cold) injuries. Candidates should also be proficient in the operation of PRC 354 and PRC 355 Bowman man-pack radios.
The seven week AACC is carried out under the auspices of Commando Training Wing (CTW) and is conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1 of the AACC (Weeks 1-4) is an Infantry Skills phase and contains the bulk of the military skills and fitness training in preparation for Phase 2 in Weeks 5-7. Phase 2 incorporates amphibious, vertical assault and helicopter training, culminating with a Final Exercise and Commando Tests.
a. Royal Marines Basic Fitness Test. Wearing boots, CS95 trousers and a green t-shirt, all age groups must complete, in quick succession without rest; five (overhand grip) pull-ups (chin to a horizontal bar), 50 sit-ups (knees bent / ankles held) in 2 minutes and a 1.5 mile run in 15 minutes as part of a squad immediately followed by an 1.5 mile individual run in under 11.5 minutes (all on road).
b. Weapon Handling Tests - 5.56mm Rifle A2. Passing in accordance with the Army Operational Shooting Manual.
c. Royal Marines Battle Swimming Test. The candidate wears CS95 trousers and shirt, webbing (6lbs) and SA80 Rifle. The student jumps into the pool from a height of 3 metres & swims 40 metres, the student then releases his/her equipment & passes it to the side of the pool, without touching the sides. The student then remains afloat for the remainder of the 3 minutes from time of entering the pool.
d. Multi Stage Fitness (Bleep) Test. The National Coaching Foundation Progressive Shuttle Run Test for the prediction of maximum oxygen uptake is a shuttle run at increasing speed, dictated by a bleep signal. Wearing training shoes, PT t-shirt and shorts all age groups must achieve Level 11.
e. Combat Fitness Test. This is an eight mile (12.8 km) march carrying 25kg (not including weapon) in minimum time of 1hr 55mins; maximum time is not to exceed 2 hrs.
f. 30ft Rope Climb. All age groups must be able to climb a 30ft rope in boots with PLCE weighing 15lbs/7kg and carrying a SA80 rifle. The ‘Scissor’ method is the only method accepted when rope climbing at CTCRM.
Success on the course entitles the student to wear the Commando Green Beret and Cdo Dagger flash, and to serve within 3 Cdo Bde RM and other RM units.
No more than 3 attempts will be allowed to pass this demanding course.
