"Two 2.4 kilometre runs at a 2% incline. First run in less than 12 minutes, 30 seconds, second run in less than 10 minutes, 30 seconds. The last 'test' before you start officially training is the Potential Royal Marines Course, or PRMC. Four days of physically challenging tests where you'll learn what it takes to be a Royal Marine. If you pass that, then after a security check, you'll be given a date to commence basic training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines at Lympstone, Devon."

"How long between now and then?" I asked.

He checked his calendar. "Applying now, with everyone you need to do, you're looking at five...