Royal Marines Reserve (Ex-regular Forces)

Service:Royal Marines
Branch:Royal Marines Reserve
Level:Rating,Apprenticeship
Adventure
Civilians
Combat and security
A Royal Marine Commando officer training Royal Marine Commandos.
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The role at a glance

What you’ll do

Having spent time in the regular Royal Marines, you’ll know something of the challenges you’ll face and the dedication required. Joining the Royal Marines Reserve would put that knowledge to good use. As a fully-trained Royal Marine if you left service within two years, you would be eligible for the Firefly Scheme, a fast track process that takes into consideration your rank and valuable experience.

If you have questions, talk to us

Your role

  • Use your service background to join the 600-strong elite amphibious arm of the Maritime Reserve. Once you’ve earned your green beret, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue specialisations and go on deployment.
  • Use your existing discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills to get the most out of civilian and military life.
  • Travel the world, experiencing a wide range of new environments. You’ll be making a vital contribution to the essential operations that help us protect our nation’s interests.

What you’ll get

Skills for life

Qualifications you'll gain

  • Individual qualifications, recognised by the civilian employment sector, commensurate with your trade qualification or specialist qualification

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

What you'll need

Eligibility

  • You must be aged 16 to 51 when you start training
  • The upper age limit may be waived for applicants with previous Royal Marines experience
  • Qualification requirements vary depending on the role
  • You must be a British or Irish national, a Commonwealth citizen, or a Dual National
  • 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
  • Minimum height of 145cm
  • Must pass Royal Marines Selection Weekend
  • Pass the Naval Swimming Test
     

Skills and interests

  • Motivated to continue service
  • A desire to be part of a team and the ability to commit
  • A need for adventure
  • Maintained physical and mental fitness
     
Check Eligibility

Continuing your career

Joining process

  • Contact your nearest Armed Forces Careers Office

    To confirm your eligibility, find your nearest AFCO. Your AFCO staff will establish the terms and conditions under which you may join the Royal Marines Reserves and which selection elements must be completed prior to entry into the service

  • Submit an application

    Your first step is to fill in an online application form. If you have any questions beforehand, you can phone us on 0345 600 3222

  • Presentation

    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

  • Join your local Unit

    You will then be invited to join your Unit for Attestation. This involves swearing allegiance to Her Majesty The Queen and signing the Official Secrets Act


Professional training

Typically, after serving as a General Duties Rifleman, you can choose an area of specialisation and train for roles such as Assault Engineer, Heavy Weapons specialist, Landing Craft Coxswain and Swimmer Canoeist.