Musician or Bugler

Corporal:

You’ll prepare for promotion to Corporal with the Junior Command Course. You’ll also need to pass the Musician Class-2 course (M2).

Sergeant:

After the Senior Command Course at CTCRM (Commando Training Centre Royal Marines), you’ll complete a further 12 weeks at the Royal Marines School of Music before becoming a Band Sergeant.

Colour Sergeant:

You’re now a senior NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer), and with that comes more responsibility for training and administration.

Warrant Officer 2:

Promotion to Warrant Officer 2 comes after completing the 12-month Bandmaster’s course and may see you serving as a Bandmaster in one of the bands or as chief instructor at the RMSoM.

Warrant Officer 1:

Now that you’ve reached the most senior NCO rank, you could become the Corps Bandmaster.

Appointment ranks:

These aren’t part of the rank structure but are essential to the Royal Marines Band. Both Drum Major and Bugle Major will be appointments given to a Sergeant or Colour Sergeant, but they will be referred to as Drum Major or Bugle Major respectively.

Drum Major:

You’ll march at the head of the band on parade. You’ll also be responsible for administrative and disciplinary matters.

Bugle Major:

You’ll be responsible for training buglers and drummers at the RMSoM. You’ll also be responsible for administrative and disciplinary matters within the band.

Does this career path appeal to you?