The Corps of Royal Marines, founded in 1664, are the Royal Navy’s elite amphibious special operations force. They are a highly versatile and self-sufficient commando force known for their ability to operate in any environment, whether on land or at sea. They are considered one of Britain’s primary fighting arms and form the core of the UK’s Commando Force. They are known as “The Green Berets” after the headgear those who successfully complete the All-Arms Commando Course are authorised to wear. Their training involves one of the world’s most arduous training regimes.

The Royal Marines magazine, The Globe and Laurel, has reported that Royal Marine recruits are increasingly turning to Christianity – and are even using their assault course’s water tank to perform baptisms. Commando fledglings attempting to earn the coveted green beret are now regularly attending Sunday services at the training centre in Lympstone, Devon. In the past 18 months church attendance at the base has risen rapidly from a handful of regulars to more than 150, often exceeding the on-site chapel’s capacity. Opportunities to be baptised are given every few months. In April 26 recruits were baptised by full immersion in the training centre’s Regain Tank – a 4 ft deep tank with ropes suspended above which candidates must traverse.

Rev. Paul Andrew, Chaplaincy Team Leader at Lympstone, says the interest in Christianity is not prompted by fears of deploying to a combat zone or a future war with Russia. He says the young men are looking for meaning and direction in their lives: “It’s the perceived relevance and authenticity of Christianity in addressing the deeper questions and struggles of modern life. They are looking for a lived experience and a moral code that is both coherent and can stand up under pressure. Many have had little or no opportunity to explore the teaching of Jesus Christ and, when introduced to it, find a bedrock they feel they can build a strong life upon. Being baptised is a declaration they have started a new life.”

One Royal Marine recruit who has been baptised said, “Before coming here I was a bad person. I’ve done a lot of bad things that I regret. I feel ashamed and embarrassed to tell people what I’ve done. But then I found God and I was found. He is someone I can vent to. He called me by my name; He forgave my sin.” Another said, “I’ve done a lot of stuff that I’m not proud of and that I don’t like talking about. Being baptised is me saying ‘that’s not who I am anymore, I’m moving forward, and it’s a privilege to share it with all of you.’”