What can I do in the Royal Marines?

Even thinking about joining the Royal Marines makes you different. It sets you apart. To get a step further, you’ll need to be truly special. To be able to dig deeper than most, and go further than others can even imagine. Do that and you’ll be able to take your place in the world’s most elite amphibious fighting force.

There’s something all Royal Marines have in common – the state of mind. Where you use it, and how, will depend on the level you join at and the specialisations you choose. But wherever your career takes you, you’ll always have your green beret, and the pride that comes with wearing it.

Royal Marines Commando

To be a Commando, you don’t need any qualifications. You still need to be exceptional, but this kind of special isn’t found on paper. You need the unique personal qualities, exceptional physical fitness and drive to get the job done, every time.

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Royal Marines Commando Officer

If you did well at school, or have a degree, you could join as a Commando Officer. To do that you’ll need all the skills of a Commando, as well as the first-class leadership potential that will see our most elite soldiers follow you, whatever the danger.

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Royal Marines Band Service

You have to be an exceptional individual to join the Royal Marines, and it’s no different for our band. Whether you join as a Bugler or a Musician, you’ll play an important role in defence diplomacy. That means combining an operational support role with playing music on the world stage at some historic events.

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Royal Marines Reserves

Take your place within a 600-strong team of part-time amphibious soldiers. You’ll be just as elite as your regular colleagues, wearing the same green beret, and undertaking the same operations. If you’re an ex-Regular Royal Marine you may be eligible for seamless transition without the need for basic training.

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Specialisations

Life in the Royal Marines comes with a number of specialisations to help you shape your career.

After your highly rigorous 36-week training course at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) at Lympstone in Devon, you’ll attend your Passing-out parade and gain your exclusive green beret. You can then choose to specialise and will be encouraged to take City and Guilds, NVQs and other related qualifications.

  • Physical Training Instructor (PTI)
  • Platoon Weapons Instructor (PW)
  • Royal Marines Logistics (Supply Chain) LOG (SC)
  • Royal Marines Aircrewman (RMAC)
  • Royal Marines Communications Exploitation (RMCX)
  • Royal Marines Information Systems (RMIS)
  • Royal Marines Medical Assistant (RMMA)
  • Royal Marines Police (RMP)
  • Scout Sniper (ScS)
  • Special Forces Communicator (SFC)
  • Technician Electronic Systems (TES)
  • Vehicle Technician (VT)
  • Weapons Technician (WT)
  • Yeoman of Signals (YOFS)

What's it like?

Tough. That's what being a Royal Marine is, and what you'll need to be to earn your green beret in the first place.

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