TWO friends that grew up together have both completed their Royal Marine Commando training and received their Green Berets within six months of each other.

Former Rednock pupils Robert Moss and Jason Probert, both 19, played at Everside Football Club together when they were eight-years-old.

Robert’s father and former coach for both men at the football club said it was a fantastic achievement for them both.

“It's unbelievable what they go through. It's very tough to even get accepted for the training. They are pushed to the limit,” he said.

“Matt’s always been very sporty, very physical. He was a regular down the gym from 13-years-old. When he said he wanted to give it a go I fully supported him. ”

Their admission into the special commando unit follows 32 weeks of what is thought to be one of the toughest training regimes in the world.

Robert, from Cam High Street, passed out in July and has gone on to join 45 Commando Royal Marines which are based in Arbroath, Scotland.

He recalls that he had the biggest smile on his face when he crossed the bridge after finishing the infamous “30 miler”, a gruelling speed march across the Dartmoor wilderness which must be completed in eight hours.

“I knew that all the pain, hard work and freezing cold nights had been worth it because I was about to get my green beret,” he said.

Jason, from Rednock Drive, follows his friend into his dream career after completing a public service’s course five months early at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College.

He was due to finish the course in July 2013 but was fast tracked to ensure he could join the training programme and despite the rush completed his course with a distinction.

After passing out in October, Jason has now been attached to 42 Commando in Plymouth and we will be going to Norway next year for Arctic warfare training.

"These 32 weeks have been the hardest times of my life, but it has prepared me for things to come,” he said.

“To receive the Royal Marine Green Beret after the 30-mile speed march was the highlight. It was great to see my family at the passing out parade they were so proud.”

During Royal Marines training, recruits learn how to escape underwater from sinking helicopters and about survival on the sea.

They also learn how to abseil out of helicopters and how to assault cliff top positions at night time after conducting beach landings from raiding craft.