Royal Marines Commando
What is the work like?
Royal Marines are part of the Royal Navy. They take part in front-line combat (on land and at sea) and are sent at short notice to deal with emergency situations, which may include military operations or natural disasters.
As a newly-trained recruit, you would usually start as a rifleman. You could be based in a unit or group such as:
- a Commando Unit, responding to emergencies around the world as part of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force
- the Fleet Protection Group, guarding UK nuclear weapons
- a Fleet Standby Rifle Troop, trained to board ships at sea.
With around 18 months' experience you could train in a specialist area. These range from aircrew to chef, assault engineer to clerk.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
As a first step to joining the Royal Marines you should visit your local armed forces careers office (AFCOs), where you will be able to pick up free leaflets and have an informal chat about your career options. You can find the address in telephone directories listed under Naval Establishment.
To become a Royal Marines commando you must be male and a British citizen. You do not need any formal qualifications, however, you must pass the Royal Navy selection process. This involves:
- aptitude tests for reasoning, English language, numeracy and mechanical comprehension
- an interview and medical check
- a fitness test – a 2.4km (1.5-mile) run on a treadmill that you have to finish in 10 minutes and 45 seconds
- the Potential Royal Marine Course (PRMC), which includes two and a half days of physical exercises and a personal interview.
As a Royal Marines commando you will serve an open engagement which lasts for 22 years (this can be extended up to the age of 55). You will usually be able to hand in 12 months' notice if you wish to leave after serving a minimum of three years.
See the Royal Navy website for more information and a list of specialist areas of work.
What further training and development can I do?
Your initial training as a Royal Marines Commando will last for 32 weeks and will be based at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone, Devon. The course includes working towards NVQ Level 2 in Public Services.
Your training will cover areas such as:
- teamwork
- caring for equipment
- assault courses and endurance tests
- survival training
- weapons training and using live ammunition
- amphibious warfare skills
- modern warfare strategies.
You will use all aspects of your training in a final exercise on Dartmoor designed to replicate warfare conditions. After this, you will become a full commando and be entitled to wear the famous Green Beret and take part in the passing out parade.
After gaining experience, you can choose to train for one of the specialist areas and you will be encouraged to take City & Guilds, NVQ or BTEC qualifications appropriate to your chosen field. See the Royal Navy website for details.
Where can I go for more information?
Royal Navy and Royal MarinesPalace Barracks
Holywood
Co Down
BT18 9RA
Tel: 028 9042 7040 Careers Enquiries: 0845 607 5555
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- On entry, Royal Marines earn around £12,500 a year.
- This can rise to between £15,600 and £26,600 a year.
- Non-Commissioned Officers (corporals and sergeants) can earn between £27,000 and £34,000.
- Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (colour sergeants and warrant officers) can earn between £30,600 and £43,000.
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.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work shifts and be on call at all times. During exercises and operations, your hours may be long and irregular.
You must be prepared to go wherever you are needed around the world, which may mean long periods away from home.
Your work could take place in a variety of conditions, which are likely to be both physically and mentally challenging.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- resilience, resourcefulness and determination to succeed
- the ability to work as part of a team, living and working closely with other people
- self-discipline and confidence
- the ability to follow orders
- the ability to think and react quickly under pressure
- practical skills
- a high level of physical fitness, with high energy levels and stamina
- willingness to work in dangerous combat situations.
What opportunities are there?
The Royal Marines recruit new commandos each year, but entry is very competitive. Visit the Royal Navy website or your local armed forces careers office for full details of opportunities in the Royal Marines.
If you serve with a Commando Unit you will be based in Plymouth or Taunton in south-west England or in Arbroath on the east coast of Scotland. With the Fleet Protection Group you will be based at HM Naval Base, Clyde on the west coast of Scotland. From these bases you will go where you are needed, which may be anywhere in the world.
After a few years of service as a commando, you could advance to the rank of corporal and then on to sergeant. You may be able to gain a commission to become an officer – see Royal Marines Officer profile.
The qualifications you achieve as part of your work will be acceptable to civilian employers, so they will be useful when you leave the Royal Marines.
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