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(Going Commando) [By: Mark Time] [Aug, 2015]
"Like my time in 'The Corps', this account is full of fun, exposing the calamity as well as recognising the great. But please, don't expect tales of derring-do. I will leave that to the heroes." At 16, Mark Time wants to become either a geologist or a Royal Marines Commando. Despite his love of basalt, he chooses the career that teaches him how to kill... and shit in plastic bags. Knowing his weak body will have to shape up to complete 30 weeks of commando training, Mark prepares for the Royal Marines by sleeping in his shed wearing only plastic bags. He braves pain by ordering his mate to attack him while trapped in a sleeping bag. He even starves himself in a stupid urban survival exercise, turning down the offer of his favourite crispy pancakes from his mother. He knows about cold, he can endure pain, and he can resist crispy pancakes. He is ready. Some, might say, for the nut house... Often hilarious and yet shockingly sobering, Going Commando is the true story of a boy who joins one of the world's most elite military units with only naivety and incompetence equalling his will to succeed. As the first book in the 'Bootneck Threesome' series, it will appeal mainly to military enthusiasts, and any former/current/future military personnel. Humorous in tone, the book will also be enjoyed by lads' mag readers, and audiences worldwide will be able to relate to Mark Time's story, for whilst the military is the book's subtext, it is really a motivational tale of spirit; of a young man who will go through anything to reach his dreams.
Paperback
First published February 9, 2014
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About the author
Mark Time
20 books12 followersMark Time has made overcoming adversity an art form.
The Royal Marines was his first metaphorical Goliath, but with fortitude and resilience as his sidekick he became a commando by the age of 17. Camaraderie, adventure and the occasional bout of idiocy have since become personal watchwords, creating his unique style that celebrates the many faces of society.
In battling his own mental health issues, Mark is keen to provide humour in all his work, and is passionate about painting the world with colour.
After the success of his 'Bootneck Threesome' trilogy, Mark is involved with a number of ghostwriting and co-author projects with clients across the globe. In addition to books, Mark contributes to a number of satirical websites, is a feature writer for the national press and a bumbling tech biff trying to maintain a travel blog.
Mark spends his spare time travelling, failing miserably to retain his six-pack and retrieving his hyperactive Jack Russell from rabbit burrows. Having grown up in Yorkshire, Mark now divides his time between the UK and anywhere cheap.
Follow Mark:
www.marktimedia.com
Twitter: @MarkTimeAuthor
facebook: Mark Time Author
The Royal Marines was his first metaphorical Goliath, but with fortitude and resilience as his sidekick he became a commando by the age of 17. Camaraderie, adventure and the occasional bout of idiocy have since become personal watchwords, creating his unique style that celebrates the many faces of society.
In battling his own mental health issues, Mark is keen to provide humour in all his work, and is passionate about painting the world with colour.
After the success of his 'Bootneck Threesome' trilogy, Mark is involved with a number of ghostwriting and co-author projects with clients across the globe. In addition to books, Mark contributes to a number of satirical websites, is a feature writer for the national press and a bumbling tech biff trying to maintain a travel blog.
Mark spends his spare time travelling, failing miserably to retain his six-pack and retrieving his hyperactive Jack Russell from rabbit burrows. Having grown up in Yorkshire, Mark now divides his time between the UK and anywhere cheap.
Follow Mark:
www.marktimedia.com
Twitter: @MarkTimeAuthor
facebook: Mark Time Author
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 24, 2019
The book was very interesting for my curious self. I also appreciate the author's sense of humour.
August 30, 2014
The Real Making of a Royal Marines Commando ...
Mark Time has written a long-awaited account of what it takes to become a Royal Marines Commando, further enlightening as he tells it through the eyes of the sixteen-year-old he was in training. Mark writes with such an accomplished, easy-flowing style, employing insight and an ever-present self-effacing sense of humour, that `Going Commando' will appeal to discerning readers whether they have ties to the forces or not. With page-turning prose, Mark puts us in his shoes, telling us what it's like for a kid with no education, an unstable family life, ten quid in his pocket and the clothes he stands up in, to alight from the train at Lympstone Commando to join an elite fighting force ...
... to run the endurance course on Woodbury Common, utterly physically and mentally exhausted from thirty weeks of intensely demanding training; to wade across Peter's Pool up to your neck in freezing-cold water carrying a weapon and ten kilos of equipment; to crawl through hundreds of metres of claustrophobic underground tunnels full of knee-shredding stones, animal muck and so much water you have to scrape your nose against the corrugated-iron roof so as not to drown. Then, lungs bursting, wet kit doubled in weight and carrying injuries such as fractured shin bones, tendonitis, busted knees, hideous blisters and red-raw webbing burns that scream above the effects of the strongest painkillers, you look at your watch and realize if you don't run the four miles back to the camp's rifle range in under forty minutes you're going to get binned from the Corps and go home a failure ...
In `Going Commando', Mark Time captures the supreme personal effort required to become a Royal Marine and the attributes an individual needs to join this elite band of brothers. When I read his book it all came flooding back - the fear of not making the grade, the corporals `beasting' the living daylights out of you while screaming blue murder, the fieldcraft, weapons drill, speed marches, grueling outdoor exercises - mostly uphill, cold and wet - the smell of Brasso, boot polish, rifle oil, hexamine and the infamous `Dutchy's' burger van, the highs and lows of recruit life, the camaraderie, the unique bootneck humour and at times downright sick behavior, the fights with local heroes, and most pertinent of all ...
... when the adjutant bellows the order across the parade square: `Royal Marines, to your duties, quick march!'
Well done, Mark. Superb effort.
Chris Thrall is a former Royal Marines Commando and the author of the bestselling memoir `Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Crystal Meth Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland.'
Mark Time has written a long-awaited account of what it takes to become a Royal Marines Commando, further enlightening as he tells it through the eyes of the sixteen-year-old he was in training. Mark writes with such an accomplished, easy-flowing style, employing insight and an ever-present self-effacing sense of humour, that `Going Commando' will appeal to discerning readers whether they have ties to the forces or not. With page-turning prose, Mark puts us in his shoes, telling us what it's like for a kid with no education, an unstable family life, ten quid in his pocket and the clothes he stands up in, to alight from the train at Lympstone Commando to join an elite fighting force ...
... to run the endurance course on Woodbury Common, utterly physically and mentally exhausted from thirty weeks of intensely demanding training; to wade across Peter's Pool up to your neck in freezing-cold water carrying a weapon and ten kilos of equipment; to crawl through hundreds of metres of claustrophobic underground tunnels full of knee-shredding stones, animal muck and so much water you have to scrape your nose against the corrugated-iron roof so as not to drown. Then, lungs bursting, wet kit doubled in weight and carrying injuries such as fractured shin bones, tendonitis, busted knees, hideous blisters and red-raw webbing burns that scream above the effects of the strongest painkillers, you look at your watch and realize if you don't run the four miles back to the camp's rifle range in under forty minutes you're going to get binned from the Corps and go home a failure ...
In `Going Commando', Mark Time captures the supreme personal effort required to become a Royal Marine and the attributes an individual needs to join this elite band of brothers. When I read his book it all came flooding back - the fear of not making the grade, the corporals `beasting' the living daylights out of you while screaming blue murder, the fieldcraft, weapons drill, speed marches, grueling outdoor exercises - mostly uphill, cold and wet - the smell of Brasso, boot polish, rifle oil, hexamine and the infamous `Dutchy's' burger van, the highs and lows of recruit life, the camaraderie, the unique bootneck humour and at times downright sick behavior, the fights with local heroes, and most pertinent of all ...
... when the adjutant bellows the order across the parade square: `Royal Marines, to your duties, quick march!'
Well done, Mark. Superb effort.
Chris Thrall is a former Royal Marines Commando and the author of the bestselling memoir `Eating Smoke: One Man's Descent into Crystal Meth Psychosis in Hong Kong's Triad Heartland.'
August 4, 2017
I love how even the author's name is an inside joke for people in the military...
'Going Commando' is a young Royal Marine's account of how he survived basic training - and I use that word survived quite literally as he regales us with stories from the longest infantry training programme in the world. The title of Royal Marine is held in the highest regard across the world - and after reading this book I have no doubts as to why.
I won't give this book a full review as I think nostalgia goggles clouded my read of it somewhat - I was surprised with how similar some things were for the author going through his basic training in the eighties, compared to what I experienced in the modern day... His may have been a touch harder perhaps compared to my Army experience... But the similarities were there none the less.
This will be a massive nostalgia trip for anyone reading it who also 'survived' their military basic training, but even those without will still find enjoyment from reading this book.
'Going Commando' is a young Royal Marine's account of how he survived basic training - and I use that word survived quite literally as he regales us with stories from the longest infantry training programme in the world. The title of Royal Marine is held in the highest regard across the world - and after reading this book I have no doubts as to why.
I won't give this book a full review as I think nostalgia goggles clouded my read of it somewhat - I was surprised with how similar some things were for the author going through his basic training in the eighties, compared to what I experienced in the modern day... His may have been a touch harder perhaps compared to my Army experience... But the similarities were there none the less.
This will be a massive nostalgia trip for anyone reading it who also 'survived' their military basic training, but even those without will still find enjoyment from reading this book.
October 8, 2020
Going Commando by Mark Time is a memoir of one man’s time in one of the most respected military organizations in the world: The Royal Marines. Even as a United States Marine in boot camp, we learned that we were related to the Royal Marines. We are sort of younger brother following in the same footsteps. This book did bring back memories boot camp for me. Drill Instructors never ending pleasure of making one suffer, inspections after inspection, and the beat down of physical training, all came back to me, and of course some smiles.
I was also caught up, like Time, in doing something that I was told I couldn’t do. I waited until the end of high school before joining; Time was 16 when he joined. Likewise, we were both readers and loved maps. Time describes boot camp or Commando training which is essentially Marine Corps boot camp, Marine Combat training, and Advanced Infantry Training. I was also surprised that the Royal Marines used the USMC physical test as part of their training.
Time also brings back memories I have of combat boots with the plastic “cheese grater” inserts, yells of “Pain is weakness leaving your body” and “It doesn’t hurt once the pain is gone.” Marines are tight knit group on both sides of the Atlantic. In America the Marines have the lowest ratio of officers to enlisted men of any of the services. In the UK it goes a bit further. Royal Marine officers have no special academy and routinely are in the same classes as recruits. We both share that elite service aloofness. It seems that we both enjoy picking on our air forces and in the 1980s the Royal Marines stepped it up. One of the more popular t-shirts “You can turn a frog into a prince, but you can’t turn a prince into a Royal Marine.” commemorated Prince Edward washing out of Royal Marine training.
This book was a rare pleasure. It let me learn about the Royal Marine's training and at the same time, remember my experiences. This book is a great read for those with military experience and even those with some interest in the military will enjoy this book. Time tells his story, and with some humor, about facing a very difficult task and succeeding -- Blood, sweat, toil, and tears. One thing that that caught my attention is the author’s name: Mark Time. In Marine Corps close order drill, the command “Mark time, march” means marching in place. The term carries a meaning off the parade deck too. It means doing nothing or waiting, staying in one place. Clearly this Mark Time, was not making time in the Royal Marines. Semper Fi.
I was also caught up, like Time, in doing something that I was told I couldn’t do. I waited until the end of high school before joining; Time was 16 when he joined. Likewise, we were both readers and loved maps. Time describes boot camp or Commando training which is essentially Marine Corps boot camp, Marine Combat training, and Advanced Infantry Training. I was also surprised that the Royal Marines used the USMC physical test as part of their training.
Time also brings back memories I have of combat boots with the plastic “cheese grater” inserts, yells of “Pain is weakness leaving your body” and “It doesn’t hurt once the pain is gone.” Marines are tight knit group on both sides of the Atlantic. In America the Marines have the lowest ratio of officers to enlisted men of any of the services. In the UK it goes a bit further. Royal Marine officers have no special academy and routinely are in the same classes as recruits. We both share that elite service aloofness. It seems that we both enjoy picking on our air forces and in the 1980s the Royal Marines stepped it up. One of the more popular t-shirts “You can turn a frog into a prince, but you can’t turn a prince into a Royal Marine.” commemorated Prince Edward washing out of Royal Marine training.
This book was a rare pleasure. It let me learn about the Royal Marine's training and at the same time, remember my experiences. This book is a great read for those with military experience and even those with some interest in the military will enjoy this book. Time tells his story, and with some humor, about facing a very difficult task and succeeding -- Blood, sweat, toil, and tears. One thing that that caught my attention is the author’s name: Mark Time. In Marine Corps close order drill, the command “Mark time, march” means marching in place. The term carries a meaning off the parade deck too. It means doing nothing or waiting, staying in one place. Clearly this Mark Time, was not making time in the Royal Marines. Semper Fi.
January 19, 2020
Im the mother of a 17yr old recruit marine who is about to do the 30 miler, for me reading this book allowed me to share a little in what happens behind the gates of Lympstone CTC
February 19, 2021
First few months of training work the Royal commandos.... Self deprecating account
September 7, 2025
Sorry, I really wanted to like it but the swearing was excessive
July 7, 2014
While I may be biased being a former Royal Marine and still living within earshot of COmmando Training Centre, I write this from purely a literary point of view.
Quite simply a tour de force in the military genre, I found this book gave the personal touch that so many of this genre lack. It is certainly the truest account of military training out there, a true warts and all account and shows that it is not all about being a 'Rambo' or Andy McNab of this world that make our Forces what they are.
While it is a military book it is written in a manner that crosses many genres and encompasses many ethics of modern society and shows rewards are rarely won easily.
My wife took a motherly approach to the author's trials and my teenage son found him inspiring.
Well done Royal cant wait for book 2!
Quite simply a tour de force in the military genre, I found this book gave the personal touch that so many of this genre lack. It is certainly the truest account of military training out there, a true warts and all account and shows that it is not all about being a 'Rambo' or Andy McNab of this world that make our Forces what they are.
While it is a military book it is written in a manner that crosses many genres and encompasses many ethics of modern society and shows rewards are rarely won easily.
My wife took a motherly approach to the author's trials and my teenage son found him inspiring.
Well done Royal cant wait for book 2!
July 6, 2014
Read this based upon its Amazon reviews. All I can say is that it is the funniest book I have ever read.
OK, So I am a former Royal Marines Commando, and I still live within earshot of Commando Training Centre so slightly biased, but this reads like no other military book out there.
Witty, thoughtful, full of contrast and emotion it is a book that should be on the shelf of anyone with links to the military and anyone who has never read such a genre could do worse than read this as a well written conduit into life in the military.
It is the antithesis of Andy McNAb et al and therefore the truest account of a military man you will ever read. No BS, it tells it like it is and I shuddered as his writing brought back all those memories
Quite simply brilliant.
OK, So I am a former Royal Marines Commando, and I still live within earshot of Commando Training Centre so slightly biased, but this reads like no other military book out there.
Witty, thoughtful, full of contrast and emotion it is a book that should be on the shelf of anyone with links to the military and anyone who has never read such a genre could do worse than read this as a well written conduit into life in the military.
It is the antithesis of Andy McNAb et al and therefore the truest account of a military man you will ever read. No BS, it tells it like it is and I shuddered as his writing brought back all those memories
Quite simply brilliant.
April 19, 2022
Can't believe I haven't written a review for this! A re-read. This is a great book, engaging, entertaining and the closest (I guess) you can get to undertaking the training to become an RM Commando without actually having to get out of your chair.
It's fair to say that the author must have been one of the youngest recruits to undertake training at CTC at just 16 years of age. Mark describes his trials / adventures (?) at CTC with self-effacement and good humour, despite the fact that training was (and is) obviously a brutal process to win the right to wear the coveted green beret.
It's fair to say that the author must have been one of the youngest recruits to undertake training at CTC at just 16 years of age. Mark describes his trials / adventures (?) at CTC with self-effacement and good humour, despite the fact that training was (and is) obviously a brutal process to win the right to wear the coveted green beret.
November 15, 2015
Eye opener!!
I've always loved reading and watching everything that the Royal Marines do and being what I would never be able to be and reading this book with wonder how on earth they got through more than a week!!! I finished reading it with envy and a word of good luck to any one heading down this lane still
I've always loved reading and watching everything that the Royal Marines do and being what I would never be able to be and reading this book with wonder how on earth they got through more than a week!!! I finished reading it with envy and a word of good luck to any one heading down this lane still
March 12, 2016
I served in the Royal Marines and know what it takes to become a member of a very exclusive club. This book is the best I have read regarding the training that you do. You will laugh until you are crying and can't see to read but you will also feel the pain and believe me there is a lot of it. I am looking forward with great anticipation to Marks next books.
November 26, 2016
I had tears in my eyes with this book. It is hilarious and typical of armed forces humour.
If you are not broad-minded, I would avoid, as it is coarse in places but if you are, you must buy this. You'll love it.
If you are not broad-minded, I would avoid, as it is coarse in places but if you are, you must buy this. You'll love it.
April 14, 2014
Quite a fun read for all of those who like to read about other people going through a harsh training.
May 31, 2014
Something for anyone who has trained to be a soldier and I guess a reminder for those who became a Royal Marine. Total respect to you boys.
Huge insight for those who didn't bother doing either ;)
Huge insight for those who didn't bother doing either ;)
July 7, 2014
A modern classic in the making?
March 15, 2015
Hilarious, absurd, and impossible to put down!
October 12, 2016
3.5*
A really enjoyable account of what it is like going through boot camp to be a Royal Marine.
A really enjoyable account of what it is like going through boot camp to be a Royal Marine.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews