Royal Marines (RM) officers lead teams of commando-trained soldiers in combat situations, at sea or on shore. Today, RM officers are more and more involved in leading peace-keeping and humanitarian missions.

RM officers are responsible for the day-to-day welfare and discipline of the marines under their command. The first appointment would normally be as a troop officer in charge of 28 men. Daily responsibilities would involve running the troop and making decisions about their training and deployment.

After training as an officer, you can specialise in one of ten roles:

• landing craft officers - plan and lead beach assaults
• signals officers - plan and oversee all radio communications
• heavy weapons officers - decide on the tactics and deployment of weapons such as anti-tank missiles and mortars
• weapons training officers - advise on the use of small arms and train snipers
• Special Boat Service (SBS) officers - carry out special missions from both ships and aircraft as part of the special forces unit
• mountain leaders - lead and instruct commando troops in mountain exercises, and are experts in Arctic survival (you would serve in a special forces unit)
• intelligence officers - collect, co-ordinate and interpret intelligence reports
• helicopter or harrier pilots - fly the full range of aircraft used by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines
• physical training and sports officers - develop and supervise all types of physical training in commando units and training centres
• staff duty officers - deal with administration, training, planning and logistics.

Hours and Environment

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

Royal Marines must be prepared to go wherever they are needed around the world, and may spend 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 officer, you should:

• be a resilient, resourceful leader, able to inspire and motivate your troops
• be self-disciplined, confident and determined
• be able to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the men in your command
• think and react quickly
• accept responsibility and make decisions
• be able to communicate with people at all levels
• be physically very fit with a good level of stamina
• be prepared to operate in dangerous combat situations.

Entry

The minimum entry requirements are three GCSEs (A-C)/five S grades (1-3) including English language and mathematics and two A levels/three H grades. Applicants with alternative qualifications are considered on their individual merits.

The minimum height requirement is 1.65 metres. Weight must be in proportion to height.

You must be of British or dual British nationality, and have resided in the UK for five years.

Direct entrants should be between 17 and 26 on the first day of the month of entry. Maximum age limits vary depending on the specialism but late entry is rare.

Direct graduate entrants must have a UK degree and English and maths at GCSE (A-C)/S grades (1-3), or equivalent qualifications. They should be under 26 on 1st September of the year of entry.

All entrants must pass the three day Potential Officers Course which tests physical ability and endurance, mental aptitude and leadership skills. The course is followed by an interview. Applicants must also pass a medical assessment.

A-level/H grade scholarships or reserved places and university cadetships or bursaries are available to some students. Exact details are available from armed forces careers officers, as are full nationality and residence requirements.

Officers join the Service on an Initial Commission for 12 years. A minimum service of 3 to 5 years is required.

Training

There are five phases of training:

• Initial training - nine weeks covering general fitness, drill and weapon handling, and the role and history of the Royal Marines
• Military training - 13 weeks covering gym and assault course work and advanced weapon training, military law, current affairs, IT, and nuclear, biological and chemical defence. During this part of training team work becomes essential as trainees work in sections of eight or troops of 28, situations become increasingly realistic and tactical
• Amphibious training - one week of practical exercises on raiding and landing craft and a day’s familiarisation with the Special Boat Service
• Commando course - four weeks' increased physical training, amphibious and patrolling exercises and education in survival techniques, leads to Commando Test Week. On completion, trainees are awarded the commando Green Beret
• Advanced military training - includes instructional and supervisory techniques, live firing and a ten-day final exercise testing management technique and leadership skills.

After passing out you then go on to command a troop or other sub-unit consisting of up to 28 men.

Education continues throughout an officers career with opportunities to gain qualifications such as NVQs/SVQs in specialisms and even study for degrees whilst in-service.

Opportunities

The Royal Marines recruit new officers each year. However, competition is fierce and you will be expected to prove a good level of physical fitness.

After three years' development as a lieutenant, you can expect promotion to captain. Subsequent promotion is by selection based on your performance record, qualifications and aptitude. It is possible to become a major by the age of 30, a lieutenant colonel by your late 30s, and there are opportunities to achieve the rank of colonel and general.

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.

Lieutenants earn between £14,727 and £21,301 a year.
A captain earns between £32,809 and £39,018 a year.
Colonels can earn up to £74,244 a year.

Extra allowances are paid for family separation, special service and flying duties. Where accommodation is provided, deductions may be made from the annual income.

Further information

Careers Enquiries: 0845 607 5555 Royal Navy and Royal Marines
Palace Barracks
Holywood
Co Down
BT18 9RA
Tel: 028 9042 7040