At a glance
As a Bugler in the Royal Marines Band Service, you will be a key part of the Corps of Drums, learn to play the Bugle, and be front and centre at some of our most important ceremonial occasions.
Job Role
Royal Marines Bugler
Lead your band on parade in one of the world’s most renowned military bands, at our most important ceremonial occasions.
- £18,500 - £58,500
- No qualifications
- Royal Marines
- Royal Marines Band Service
- Rating level
£52,836
Potential earnings as your career progresses
£20,000
Earn more than this amount during training
Seven
weeks' paid leave every year
Free
Medical and dental care
Travel
All around the world
Zero
qualifications needed
Since I started my training at the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSoM) I’ve been lucky enough to receive tuition from some of the most respected professors in the world.
Role details
What you’ll do
As a Bugler in the Royal Marines Band Service, you’ll be front and centre at some of our most important ceremonial occasions, and lead your band when on parade. As a key part of the Corps of Drums, you’ll learn to play the Bugle, Herald Fanfare Trumpet, and Military Side Drum. In your distinctive white helmets, you’ll be representing the Royal Marines at all times, wherever you are in the world. It’s an honour that goes beyond music, as you perform vital military duties in support of 3 Commando Brigade.
Your role
- Spend time at the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSoM), learning to play the Bb Bugle and Military Side Drum.
- Perform as an individual, in small groups, as a Corps of Drums or marching in front of a Royal Marines Band whenever on parade.
- Make a vital contribution to our nation’s defence diplomacy strategy, performing at military, ceremonial and corporate events on the world’s biggest stages.
- Play an important role in the Royal Marines Band Service’s vital medical and logistical function, supporting the Royal Navy Medical Services and 3 Commando Brigade all over the world.
Pay & benefits
- Salary of more than £15,900 as soon as you start Initial Military Training
- Earn over £20,000 on completion of military training, potentially rising to over £52,836 as your career progresses
- Professional training at the world-class Royal Marines School of Music (RMSoM)
- 7 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
- Opportunity to gain civilian qualification such as Guildhall/ABRSM grades/Diplomas
- DAO Level 3 Diploma in Military Music
- Professional examinations at key career landmarks often accredited or recognised by civilian industry
Skills you'll develop
- The ability to perform in a team or as an individual, in a variety of musical venues
- An eye for detail in both your musical performance and personal uniform and kit
- A flexible and adaptable mindset
- Pride in yourself and the service
Eligibility
- Aged 16 to 32 when you start Basic Training
- No qualifications are required for this role
- You ideally need to be able to read music, and be either a competent drummer or bugle/brass player
- Your ability and potential will be assessed during your audition
- You must be a United Kingdom national, or Commonwealth citizen, or Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
- Minimum height of 145cm
- A BMI between 18 and 28 (17 and 27 if under 18)
- Be a competent swimmer
Skills & Interests
- Playing a musical instrument
- Performing in public
- Working as part of a team
- A real sense of adventure
Joining Process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
Step 1
Register your interest
The first step is choosing the role that’s right for you. There are lots of rating roles available – from working as a chef to becoming an engineering technician – with each offering the chance to develop different skills and shape the career you want.
Every role has its own specific entry, qualification and eligibility criteria, depending on its skillset. With so many opportunities, there’s no need to be 100% sure of your role at this stage – but you can start looking now.
Step 2
Submit an application
Once you’ve registered your interest and have satisfied the basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form
Step 3
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 4
Interview
A formal interview to talk through your suitability for the role
Step 5
Medical and eye tests
These are quite comprehensive and must be completed by one of our Ministry of Defence-approved doctors
Step 6
Audition and Test
The audition process includes being evaluated by world-class civilian Professors, interviewed by the Director of Music Training and assessed for your level of physical fitness as well as musical potential. Post-audition you may be given the opportunity to learn a new instrument.
Career Progression
From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Day One
Start Initial Naval Training
Year One
Continue to study for Bugler Class 3 qualification
First Promotion
Pass Bugler Class 2 to become Lance Corporal and Corporal’s Leadership and Development Course (CLDC) to become Corporal Bugler
Further promotion
Pass Bugler Class 1 and Sergeant’s Leadership and Development Course (SLDC) to become Sergeant Bugler with progression to Colour Sergeant Bugler
Drum Major
Sergeant Buglers and above can be appointed as Drum Majors
Bugle Major
Bugle Majors are responsible for training and administering Buglers and disciplinary matters
Got a question?
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