Commando Training Centre RM
The Pursuit of Excellence The King’s Badge and the King’s Sword
by Maj M Snook, OC RMIOT
Since 1918 and on the authority of King George V himself, the Royal Marines have awarded the King’s Badge to the best all round recruit, so long as they are deemed worthy, of each troop on Passing Out from training. The Royal Marines Sword of Honour has similarly been awarded to the top individual in each Royal Marines Young Officer (RMYO) Batch and Senior Corps Commission Course. There can be no greater honour or accolade in Commando training.
Despite the prestige however, there is no formal statement of requirement for such awards, nor is there fame, fortune or promise of personal gain that come with either. Public records of recipients past simply do not exist and military records are not readily accessible1 . Furthermore, neither award offers any guarantee of promotion or professional success.