Royal Marines Specialisations

Specialist Commandos

During training you will be asked to submit your preferences to join one of four Professions (Warfare, Information Warfare, Engineering Support and Warfare Support) and streamed into one of these on completion of Commando Training, as specialist training course places become available.

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Why Specialist Commandos are needed

Recent global developments have highlighted the rapid evolution of warfare across the mobility, engineering, and electronic domains, increasingly shaping the outcome of modern conflict. The Royal Marines require high-calibre individuals who can endure extreme conditions, both physically and mentally, while also operating battle-winning technology and delivering the engineering support necessary to sustain operational effectiveness.

How to become a Specialist Commando

Becoming a Specialist Commando comes with its share of benefits, including a wider range of career and assignment opportunities. You’ll take on more responsibility with more pay, and get the opportunity to learn a specialist trade with transferable civilian qualifications.

There are two ways to become a qualified Specialist Commando once you’ve completed your Commando training:

Primary Specialist Qualification (PSQ)
Get on a direct track to your chosen specialist role. Join a Primary Specialist Qualification (PSQ) course and become a Commando with deep expertise.

Secondary Specialist Qualification (SSQ)
Remain a Multiskilled Commando while attending Secondary Specialist Qualifications (SSQ) courses. Learn the fundamentals of all four specialist groups and choose a PSQ later in your career.

For some PSQs, you’ll need to be recommended for promotion to Corporal before starting the course.

Choosing a PSQ
PSQ training and qualifications
What is return of service?

Personnel are choosing a Profession and will be streamed into a PSQ.

Select a Profession that really interests you. While a transfer between PSQs is possible, it’s not a guarantee. Transfers are granted based on the needs of the service.

Check the pre-requisites for your PSQ. Plan ahead to meet any eligibility requirements you may need, like education, SSQs, or rank.
Confirm if your PSQ has a Return of Service. Some PSQs have a minimum period of time that you must spend in the specialisation before moving on.
Consider your ambitions for promotion. Each PSQ within individual Professions offer different opportunities for promotion in terms of employment and time.
Consider financial incentives and retention pay. See what your chosen PSQ offers in return for specialising.
Consider transferable qualifications for the future. Most PSQs equip you with civilian accredited qualifications.
Speak to a Specialisation Advisor. Each specialist group has a dedicated advisor who knows the courses, and their requirements, inside and out. They’ll walk you through the opportunities that are available and equip you with everything you need to know to make an informed decision, from wait times
for courses to assignments and career development.

Warfare

Become an expert in close combat. Direct and impactful, you'll focus on weapons systems or surveillance and reconnaissance to track and overpower enemies

Find a warfare psq

Information Warfare

Become an expert in modern intelligence. Innovative and multifaceted, you'll know how to gather, transmit, and exploit information to gain a tactical advantage.

Find an Information Warfare psq

Engineering Support

Become an expert in maintenance and repair. Technical and practical, you'll keep vital equipment in top form, from weapons to vehicles, electrical to metal work.

Find an engineering support psq

Warfare Support

Become an expert in operational preparedness. Versatile and vigilant, you'll maintain our standards and ensure that the force is in peak condition, at all times.

Find a warfare support psq

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