Commando Joe (From Cotswold Journal)

Commando Joe

5:00pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in Cotswolds

AN Evesham man has just received his coveted green beret after completing 32 weeks of the hardest military training in the world.

Former Evesham High School pupil Joe Nightingale, aged 18, is now a British Royal Marines Commando.

He passed out at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon, with 135 Troop on May 11.

Joe has now joined 42 Commando Royal Marines based in Plymouth.

The distinctive hallmark of a Royal Marines Commando is the green beret.

It indicates to others that the wearer has undergone gruelling and physically demanding tests of endurance, by displaying the commando qualities of, unselfishness, cheerfulness under adversity, courage, determination and high professional standards.

The Royal Marines form 3 Commando Brigade, which is a core component of the United Kingdoms Joint Rapid Reaction Force.

This combined with the fleet of Amphibious Ships ensures that the Royal Marines play a major part in safeguarding the United Kingdom’s interests at home and abroad.

He said: “Anything is achievable if you are mentally strong.”