Dutch marines get coveted green berets after finishing gruelling 30-miler

Six Dutch marines have been presented with coveted green berets after completing the infamous yomp across Dartmoor.

Known as the '30 miler', they had to march across Dartmoor, Devon, in eight hours or under in full fighting order while carrying kit in their bergens.

The challenge is the final test of the All-Arms Commando Course (AACC).

• Watch: Royal Marines recruits tackle the infamous 30-miler
• 91-year-old Royal Marines veteran completes final Dartmoor challenge
• Royal Marines train to become 'mountain ghosts' in punishing Arctic terrain

The AACC is the course that UK service personnel outside of the Royal Marines must undergo to earn the green beret. Overseas personnel can also undergo the gruelling course.

As part of 50th anniversary celebrations of the UK and Netherlands Amphibious Force (UKNLAF), Lieutenant Colonel Oscar van der Veen of the Netherlands Marines Corps presented his countrymen and their fellow newly-qualified commandos with their green berets. 

The two marine corps have deep ties which are embodied by the joint amphibious force, the Navy said.

Formed in 1973, the UKNLAF is Europe's oldest integrated force and there is a long history of Dutch marines taking on the 13-week AACC.

"It was 23 years ago when I was awarded my green beret," said Lt Col van der Veen.

"But the moment is the same for these young Marines, you can see it in their eyes, you can see the pain but also the pride they have for their achievements.

"It is humbling to look back on some of the images of what it was like 50 years ago when the UKNLAF was created."

Lieutenant Colonel Karl Johnston, Commanding Officer of the Commando Training Wing, welcomed those who had just completed the final test, saying: "It is a real privilege to welcome you all to a special club – arguably the most exclusive and yet inclusive club in defence.

"Exclusive because the only entry point is passing those standards that you have all achieved, nobody gets the green beret without completing the professional and physical standards that we demand. But Inclusive because clearly, we will welcome anyone with open arms if they can pass the Commando Tests.”