Somerset College

 

Somerset College Students on the BTEC Uniformed Public Services National Diploma Course were recently given the opportunity to get to know more about one of the services finest fighting forces, the Royal Marines.

As part of the Meet the Marines programme the students were given unrestricted access to all facets of life in the Navy and, in particular, the Royal Marines based at 40 Commando, Norton Manor Camp.

Activities on offer included the 40ft death slide, mobile climbing wall, leadership challenges, paint balling, unarmed combat and weapons talk.  The day was finished off with a display by the Royal Marine Unarmed Combat Display Team who dropped in by helicopter to show off their skills. Whilst the aim of the day was to educate the students on the opportunities available for anyone considering a career in the services, a huge amount of fun was had by everyone, including the lecturers. All the Marines on the team are under 25 and have all seen active service.   They were great with the students and no question went unanswered. 

Marcus Hamley, a first year student, was particularly impressed, “It’s been a brilliant day, and in fact I would say it has been the best trip we have been on so far this year”.

Lecturer, Jim Bee, was equally impressed, “Paintballing was a bit painful as I appeared to be a walking target! However, days like this are invaluable for the students as they get to speak to serving personnel and get a real feel for what it must be like on the front line, a priceless experience that can’t be replicated in the classroom.”