At a glance
Could you become part of the world’s most elite fighting force and wear the coveted green beret? It’s not for everyone – you'll need to dig deep in hostile environments and on treacherous terrain.
Profession
Royal Marines Other Ranks
Become part of the world’s most elite amphibious force, operating in some of the most extreme environments around.
- £25,200 - £65,000
- No qualifications
- Royal Marines
- Warfare
- Rating level
£25,200
What you will get paid from day one
£62,000
Earn over this amount as you progress
Seven
weeks' paid leave every year
Free
Medical and dental care
Travel
All around the world
Zero
qualifications needed
My green beret is very special. It shows that I’m part of a team that always gets the job done, whatever the situation, and whatever obstacles are in our way.
Profession details
What you could do
Joining the Royal Navy as a member of the Royal Marines requires pushing past your limits, to aim high and stop at nothing. You’ll work go to some of the most unpredictable and dangerous environments the world has to offer – and move seamlessly across land, sea, and air. There’s no such thing as an average day in the Royal Marines. You’ll need to be exceptional just like the rest of your team, with the same ethos – and the same state of mind. Earning the green beret is no easy feat, which is why only a few even try.
Your role
- Play a key role in dealing with manmade, humanitarian and naturally occurring crises. Your missions will be varied, ranging from amphibious assaults and humanitarian aid, to large scale combat operations.
- Deploy to where you’re needed most, from the coldest climes and the hottest deserts, to the most hostile jungles and the highest mountains. Whatever challenges you face, you’ll need to adapt to get the job done.
- Develop your military skills, before selecting a specialisation to become anything from an Armourer to a Mountain Leader.
- Travel the world, protecting your nation’s interests as part of a team renowned for its strength of unity. You’ll form ties – special bonds with your comrades – that will never be broken.
Pay & benefits
- Salary of more than £25,200 as soon as you start training
- Earn over £25,200 after receiving your green beret, potentially rising to over £62,000 as your career progresses
- Earn additional pay if you specialise in certain disciplines
- Seven weeks of paid holiday every year
- Free medical and dental care
- Subsidised travel and accommodation
- Excellent pension scheme
- Adventurous training
Skills for life
Qualifications you'll gain
- HM Forces Level 2 Apprenticeship including functional skills Maths and English level 1 gained during recruit training
- There are various civilian qualifications available dependent upon which specialist qualification a Marine goes on to pursue
Skills you'll develop
- First-class leadership, and world-class teamwork
- Essential military skills, as well as a specialisation such as abseiling, assault engineering or combat intelligence
Eligibility
- Aged 16 to 32 when you start training
- No qualifications are required for this role
- You must be a United Kingdom national, or Commonwealth citizen, or Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
- Minimum height of 145cm
- A maximum BMI of 28 (there may be some exceptions to this maximum if your waist measures less than 94cm)
- A minimum weight of 65kg or a minimum BMI of 23
- The ability to pass the swimming assessment during the Royal Marine Candidate Preparation Course
Skills & Interests
- A true team player, self-discipline
- Physical fitness and mental robustness
- Positivity in the face of adversity
- The ability to cope well under pressure
Joining Process
From picking your profession to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
Step 1
Submit your application
Once you’ve registered your interest in the Royal Marines Profession, and have satisfied some basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form.
Step 2
Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
You’ll be tested on: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension.
To prepare, you can practise the DAA.
Step 3
Selection Interview
A formal Selection Interview to assess suitability for the Royal Marines Profession. It will also cover the initial stages of the Security application. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform.
Step 4
Fitness Assessment
Conduct the Pre-Joining Fitness Assessment (PJFA) event which will determine your physical preparedness level to increase success at the Royal Marine Candidate Preparation Course (RM CPC). It is also an opportunity to meet with the Royal Marines In-Reach team and build on your preparation for Royal Marines training. There is also a fitness App available to assist in your preparation, available on the website.
Step 5
Attend the Royal Marine Candidate Preparation Course (RM CPC)
This is a four-day induction to life in the Royal Marines, including assessments of your Fitness ability, Swimming ability and your Medical eligibility, it is a pass or fail course. Train efficiently and keep a positive state of mind, and you’ll stand a good chance of passing.
Step 6
Start training
Once you’ve passed all eligibility criteria, including a Security Check, you’ll be offered a place at Royal Marine Commando Training Centre (CTC) Lympstone to commence your initial training.
Got a question?
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day