The Royal Marine Commandos were formed by Churchill during World War II and have earned a reputation as the most feared amphibious infantry in the world. They are highly trained, disciplined, tough, determined and efficient, always basing their operations on speed, mobility, surprise and fire-power. There are two ways to join the Commandos - through a Recruit Troop Course for teenagers, or through the All Arms Course for volunteeers from the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Both involve intensive training, physical hardship and mental pressure, ending with the gruelling Commando tests. This book follows two such courses and presents a human story which finds the reality a far cry from the popular idea of Commandos as gung-ho Captain Hurricanes. The author, who himself successfully complete the All Arms Course, takes the reader through the agony and ecstasy of the Commando training programme in an effort to understand why these men endure this self-inflicted punishment, and to explain the pride and honour felt on winning the green beret.