It's the Army life for Lee (From Barry And District News)

It's the Army life for Lee

A FORMER Barry College student has made the grade as a Royal Marine after many years as a computer programmer.

*ee Davies, of Kenilworth Road, spent most of his working life up to now at Dow Corning as a computer programmer - but he decided he had to fulfil his ambition to be a Royal Marine.

Two days before his 29th birthday, which is the cut-off point to join - he was accepted onto the training course.

The father-of-one had to sacrifice a lot to even join the Marines. He had to free himself from any financial constraints - a requirement on joining - and that meant selling his house.

He said: "I had two ambitions when I was in school; one - was to become a computer programmer and the other was to join the Marines.

"I managed to train as a programmer, but I had one ambition left. I knew if I didn't join then, I would be too old.

"My parents are proud of what I have achieved.

"My three-year-old son, who lives with his mum, knows what I am doing. He keeps asking to see the gun I use.

"My mum is a bit worried about my job now, but she knows I have had the best training possible."

His father, David Davies, said: "We are very proud of his achievements. Both I and his mum understand the danger of his job, but we accept what he wants to do.

"He wanted to prove to himself that he could become a Marine. It was a big step to leave his job, but he felt he wanted to do something else with his life."

The training lasted 32 weeks and is the longest and hardest scheme in the armed forces.

After the training, Lee was awarded a Diamond for his leadership qualities.

Only two out of the 30 or so men in his training camp were awarded a Diamond mark.

Recruits are said to be the most physically fit in the forces. They are the front line attack in any war zone.