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Royal Marines Commando

Royal Marines Commando

You’ll become part of the Royal Navy’s elite amphibious force, operating in some of the most extreme environments in the world.

Fast trackAdventureCombat and securityOutdoor jobsApprenticeships
  • £25,200 - £62,000
  • A-Levels / college qualifications
  • Royal Marines
  • Rating level

At a glance

Could you become part of the world’s most elite amphibious 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. All as part of an exceptional team. It's a state of mind.

£62,000

Earn over this amount as you progress

£25,200

What you will get paid from day one

Seven

weeks' paid leave every year

Free

Medical and dental care

Travel

All around the world

Zero

qualifications needed
Royal Marines Commando in water pointing a gun
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.

Jim

Royal Marines Commando

Role details

What you’ll do

Could you become part of the world’s most elite amphibious force and wear the coveted green beret? It’s not for everybody, that’s for sure. Digging deep to aim high, you’ll stop for nothing. In the most hostile environments, and on the most treacherous terrain. There’s no such thing as an average day in the Royal Marines, and there’s no such thing as an average Commando. You’ll need to be exceptional just like the rest of your team, with the same ethos – and the same state of mind.

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 (You can start your application from 15 years and 9 months old however you must be at least 16 years old on day of entry to basic 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 role 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.

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.

Learn more
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.

RM CPC
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.

Career Progression

From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Day One
Start ROP and then Initial Training, spending 32 weeks at CTCRM, Lympstone
Year One
Join a Commando Unit as a General Duties Rifleman, typically for two years
First Promotion
Pass Corporal’s Leadership Development Course, Tactical Commander Level Two Course and specialist course, becoming a Corporal
Second Promotion
Pass Sergeant’s Leadership Development Course, Tactical Commander Level One Course and specialist course, becoming a Sergeant
Third promotion
Pass Warrant Officer Leadership Development Course, becoming a Warrant Officer Class 2
Fourth promotion
Pass Final Selection Board, becoming a Warrant Officer Class One

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