Royal Marines act as the emergency strike force of the Royal Navy. They are trained to very high standards for front-line combat on land and at sea, and are sent at short notice to deal with emergency situations. These may include military operations or natural disasters.

Those who join as musicians or buglers are not commando-trained and serve only with the Royal Marines Band Service.

When training is completed, most Royal Marines join a commando unit of around 700 men, where they serve as a rifleman in a troop. Some may join a ship’s detachment. Newly trained recruits join the General Duties specialism. Later, they can specialise in one of 26 trades, a full list is available on the Royal Navy website (see Further Information). It is possible to specialise in some roles directly after commando training through the Direct Specialisation Scheme (DSS), for example:

• drivers
• heavy weapons specialists
• vehicle mechanics
• signals.

Hours and Environment

Royal Marines commandos usually work shifts and are on call at all times. During exercises and operations, hours may be long and irregular.

Marines must be prepared to go wherever they are needed around the world, which may mean long periods away from home.

Marines will work in a very wide variety of conditions and weather extremes.

Skills and Interests

As a Royal Marines commando, you should:

• be resilient, resourceful and determined to succeed
• be able to work as part of a team, living and working closely with other people
• be self-disciplined and confident
• be able to follow orders
• think and react quickly under pressure
• use your own initiative, accept responsibility, make decisions and manage people well
• be good at practical tasks
• be physically very fit, with high energy levels and stamina
• be prepared to work in dangerous combat situations.

Entry

There are no minimum academic requirements but all candidates must pass the Royal Navy selection test involving reasoning, English language, numeracy and mechanical comprehension.

An interview and medical check are also given.

The minimum height requirement is 151.5 centimetres (approximately four feet eleven and three quarters), and the minimum weight requirement is 60 kilos (approximately nine stones six pounds). Weight must be in proportion to height.

You must also be a British or Commonwealth citizen.

Only men can join the Royal Marines commandos. If you apply to enter as a musician or bugler (open to males and females) you will have to take a five day audition and musical aptitude test. You will also have to pass a medical including a dental and fitness check.

Marines, musicians and buglers must be aged between 16 and 32.

Apart from musicians and buglers, all entrants must pass the Potential Royal Marine Course (PRMC), which consists of two and a half days of physical exercises and a personal interview.

Leadership skills are valued, and a high level of physical fitness is essential.

Royal marines serve an open engagement which last for 22 years, this can be extended up to the age of 55. They can usually hand in 12 months notice if they wish to leave after serving a minimum term of approximately three years.

Training

Initial training for Royal Marines Commandos lasts for 32 weeks and is based at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone, Devon. The course incorporates NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Public Services.

Training starts with care of equipment, drill, assault courses, survival training, weapons training, and amphibious warfare skills.

After the basics, marines work in small groups consolidating teamwork, including endurance tests, heavy weapons training and the use of live ammunition. Study also includes modern warfare strategies.

All aspects of training are used in the final exercise on Dartmoor designed to replicate warfare conditions. After this, recruits become full commandos and are entitled to wear the famous Green Beret and take part in the passing out parade.

On completion of training, Royal Marines can choose to train for one of the specialist trades and are encouraged to take City & Guilds, NVQ/SVQ or BTEC qualifications appropriate to their chosen specialism.

Musicians and buglers train at the Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth. The first 12 weeks of service involves military training. Thereafter, musicians go on to professional musician training lasting two years eight months.

Opportunities

The Royal Marines recruit new commandos and band members each year. Suitable applicants are always in demand, but entry is very competitive.

Marines typically advance to the rank of corporal after a few years of service and then on to sergeant. It is possible to gain a commission to become an officer from the ranks (see Royal Marines Officer profile).

Marines usually obtain qualifications as part of their work which are acceptable to civilian employers.

Free leaflets and advice are available from all local armed forces careers offices (AFCOs). The addresses of these can be found in telephone directories listed under Naval Establishment.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

On entry Royal Marines earn £11,774 a year.
This can rise to between £13,866 and £25,042 a year.
Non-Commissioned Officers (corporals and sergeants) can earn between £22,849 and £31,955.
Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (colour sergeants and warrant officers) can earn between £28,751 and £40,456.

Extra allowances may be paid for family separation and special service. All medical and dental care is free. Where housing is provided, deductions may be made from the monthly income.

Further information