Royal marines commando Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

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.

Hours

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.

Income

On entry, Royal Marines earn around £13,337 a year. This can rise to between £16,681 and £28,372 a year. Non-Commissioned Officers (corporals and sergeants) can earn around £32,000 to £36,200. Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (colour sergeants and warrant officers) can earn up to £45,800.

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.

Entry requirements

As a first step to joining the Royal Marines you should visit your local armed forces careers office (AFCO), where you will be able to pick up free leaflets and have an informal chat about your career options. You can search for your local AFCO on the Army Jobs website.

• Army Jobs

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 pre-joining fitness test, including two 2.4km runs on a treadmill, to be completed within 12 minutes 30 seconds and 10 minutes 30 seconds respectively
• the Potential Royal Marine Course (PRMC), which lasts three days and includes physical tests, classroom-based work and an interview.

As a commando you will serve an open engagement which lasts for 18 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.

• Royal Navy

Training and development

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. 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 also complete a Public Services Apprenticeship. 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 train for a specialist post (such as communication technician or vehicle mechanic) and you will be encouraged to take relevant City & Guilds, NVQ or BTEC qualifications appropriate to your chosen field.

Throughout your career, you will have access to Royal Naval Educational Officers who can give you further advice on learning opportunities and funding (see the Royal Navy website for details).

Skills and knowledge

To be a Royal Marines commando you should have:

• resilience, resourcefulness and a determination to succeed
• the ability to work and live in close proximity to others
• self-discipline and confidence
• the ability to follow orders
• the ability to think and react quickly under pressure
• practical skills
• good communication skills
• a high level of physical fitness, with high energy levels and stamina
• willingness to work in dangerous combat situations.

More information

Royal Navy
Careers Enquiries: 0845 607 5555
www.royalnavy.mod.uk

Armed Forces Careers Office (NI)
Royal Navy and Royal Marines
Palace Barracks
Holywood
Co Down
BT18 9RA
Tel: 028 9042 7040

Opportunities

The Royal Marines recruit new commandos each year, but entry is very competitive. Visit the Royal Navy website or your local AFCO (listed on the Army Jobs website) for full details of opportunities in the Royal Marines.

• Army Jobs

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 the Royal Marines officer job profile.

• Royal Marines officer

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.

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

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