Royal marines officer Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

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

As an RM officer, you would be responsible for the day-to-day welfare and discipline of the marines under your command. You would usually start out as a troop officer in charge of 28 men. Your duties would involve leading the troop and making decisions about their training and deployment.

You could also have a specialist role such as:

• landing craft officer – planning and leading beach assaults
• signals officer – planning and overseeing all radio communications
• heavy weapons officer – deciding on the tactics and deployment of weapons such as anti-tank missiles
• weapons training officer – advising on the use of small arms and train snipers
• Special Boat Service (SBS) officer – carrying out special missions from ships and aircraft as part of the special forces unit
• mountain leaders – leading and instructing commando troops in mountain exercises, with expertise in Arctic survival
• intelligence officer – collecting, co-ordinating and interpreting intelligence reports
• helicopter or harrier pilot – flying the full range of aircraft used by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines
• physical training and sports officer – developing and supervising physical training in commando units and training centres
• staff duty officer – dealing with administration, training, planning and logistics.

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, and you may spend long periods away from home.

You would face a wide variety of conditions including extremes in weather and terrain, as well as mental, physical and emotional challenges.

Income

• Trainees can earn between £15,300 and £24,150 a year.
• Captains earn between £36,160 and £43,000.
• Colonels can earn up to £85,300.

Extra allowances may be paid, for example when overseas or on flying duties. Deductions may be made where accommodation is provided.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

To apply for Royal Marine officer training, you will need:

• a minimum height of 1.51 metres and weight in proportion to your height
• to pass a medical assessment
• to meet the Royal Marines nationality and residence requirement
• to be at least age 17 (upper age limits vary depending on your specialism)
• a minimum of five GCSEs (A-C) including English and maths, plus two A levels (alternative qualifications may also be accepted).

If you have a UK degree you can apply for marine officer training through direct graduate entry.

Financial support through scholarships, sponsorships and bursaries is sometimes available to help with sixth-form and degree-level study.

Check with your Armed Forces Careers Office for full details of all criteria.

• Armed Forces Careers Office

You must also pass a three-day Potential Officers Course, which will test your physical ability, endurance, mental aptitude and leadership skills. This is followed by an interview.

You will join the service as an officer on a 12-year Initial Commission. You would usually need to serve a minimum of between three and five years.

Training and development

Your training as a Royal Marines officer will take around 16 months and include five stages:

• Initial training – nine weeks, covering general fitness, drill and weapons handling
• Military training – 13 weeks doing increasing tactical and realistic assault course work, teamwork, advanced weapon training, military law, IT, and nuclear, biological and chemical defence
• Amphibious training – one week of practical exercises on raiding and landing craft and familiarisation with the Special Boat Service
• Commando course – four weeks' increased physical training, amphibious and patrolling exercises, and survival techniques leading to Commando Test Week (success here leads to the award of a commando Green Beret)
• Advanced military training – includes instructional and supervisory techniques, live firing and a 10-day final exercise testing management and leadership skills.

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

You would be expected to continue your education throughout your career. You would also get the chance to work towards qualifications, such as NVQs in particular specialisms or study for a degree whilst in-service.

Skills and knowledge

• resilience and resourcefulness
• leadership skills
• the ability to inspire and motivate your troops
• self-discipline, confidence and determination
• the ability to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the soldiers in your command
• the ability to think, react and make decisions quickly
• strong communication skills
• a high level of physical fitness and stamina
• the ability to work effectively under pressure.

More information

Royal Navy
Careers Enquiries: 0845 607 5555
www.royal-navy.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 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 could progress to captain. After this, promotion is by selection and 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.

You can get further advice from the Royal Navy website and enquiry line, as well as on the Royal Marines web pages.

• Royal Marines