Physical fitness is central to everyday life in the Royal Marines. That’s why the joining process is packed with exacting assessments you’ll need to pass to progress. Find out what they are and how you can prepare.
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Your first step on the recruitment journey is to complete your full application form, which you can find in our Recruitment Portal. We have emailed you a link to the Recruitment Portal. If you can't find the link, please check your spam folder or give us a call so we can send it to you again.
You will be invited to attend an Initial Maritime Reserves Presentation (IMRP) at your nearest Unit. This is your chance to have a look around, meet the team, ask any questions and find out about life in the Reserves.
The Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) is a multiple-choice test that all recruits sit. It tests your general intellectual ability, and how well you do shows your capacity to cope with the technical and academic aspects of training for the role you've chosen.
We'll invite you to a formal interview to assess your suitability for a career in the Royal Navy, and specifically the role that you have chosen. This is much like any other job interview, so you should prepare accordingly and ask your AFCO for help if required.
The medical and eye exam are quite comprehensive, because life in the Royal Navy is physically demanding. Your tests must be completed by one of our Ministry of Defence-approved doctors, who are based all around the country.
Your local AFCO will arrange an appointment for you at a convenient time and location.
Join your local unit for Attestation. This involves swearing allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen and signing the Official Secrets Act. At this point you’ll be a Phase 0 recruit, and will attend weekly drill nights, though you won’t be able to start formal training until you pass your medical and fitness test.
The Basic Fitness Test is a three mile outdoor run that should be completed in under 22 minutes 30 seconds.
This two-day introduction to life in the Royal Marines Reserve is your opportunity to show you have what it takes to cope with the rigours of Basic Training. You’ll need to complete a number of physical tests to progress.