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Women in the Royal Marines

The fact that you’re even reading this sets you apart from most men – and even more women. Becoming a Royal Marines Commando makes you part of one of the most elite amphibious forces in the world. And for the first time in over 350 years, women can now earn the coveted Green Beret as a fully-fledged Royal Marines Commando, both as a full time Commando or as a Reservist. However, the constant physical and mental challenge isn’t for everyone. You probably wouldn’t be interested if it were.

Once you have your Green Beret, you’ll start a career taking on the toughest challenges, in some of the most extreme conditions on the planet. Working with your mates to get the job done, all over the world. From landing on remote beaches, to navigating swamps in hostile territory.

This isn’t just a day job, it’s a lifestyle. You’ll need complete commitment to be successful, and in return you’ll enjoy a career like no other, with opportunities to develop both personally and professionally from the minute you start. It’s a state of mind. You may already have it.

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Your pay and benefits

If you’re training to be a Commando you’ll earn a salary of at least £15,600 as soon as you start, rising to £18,000 as soon as you earn your Green Beret
If you’re training to be an Officer, you’ll start on a salary of £25,000
Potential to earn additional pay if you specialise in certain disciplines
Study for GCSEs, A levels, NVQs or a degree, with funding from us
Gain specialist, internationally recognised qualifications
Seven weeks of paid holiday every year
Free medical and dental care
Subsidised travel and accommodation
Excellent pension scheme
Adventurous training
Travel the world

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Frequently asked questions

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Given the nature and rigours of training, and the Green Beret life that follows it, joining the Royal Marines Commandos as a woman naturally brings up certain questions. Hopefully, you’ll find answers to most of them here. If not, get in touch with your local Armed Forces Careers Office.

PHYSICALITY

Will I have to achieve the same tests and physical standards as the men?

All criteria tests (time and distance) share exactly the same standards. This is a gender-free training programme.

MEDICAL

Will I see female doctors?

Female doctors cannot be guaranteed as the manning of Medical Centres changes frequently however a female medical assistant can be present during a consultation, if requested.

SHOWERS

Will I have to shower with the men?

No. Mixed showering is strictly forbidden, in any circumstances. Separate showers with lockable doors are provided.

SLEEPING

Will I have to sleep in the same accommodation as men?

Yes. Maintaining troop cohesion and ensuring women aren’t isolated at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) is paramount. This is an exemption from tri-service (Army, RAF and Navy) rules.

HAIR

Will I have to have my hair cut short?

No. On duty, your hair needs to be neatly groomed and must not extend below the lower edge of the shirt collar. If you have long hair, it needs to be ‘put up’ neatly (preferably in a bun), making every effort to ensure that any grips, hair pins and nets are a similar colour to your hair. Your hair should not be dyed and if it is, it should be a natural colour.

MAKE-UP

Can I wear make-up with uniform?

During training make-up should not be worn at all. On completion of training discreet make-up is permitted during the working day.

PHYSICAL CONTACT

Will there be physical contact with men during PT?

Yes, but only when the task in hand requires it.

PREGNANCY

What happens if I get pregnant during training?

For the safety and wellbeing of your child, you will be removed from training, but you’ll continue employment in a role at the CTCRM.

WELFARE

Will there be female trainers or a female welfare point of contact?

Yes. You’ll find female-trained ranks across the Corps, who are available to all female recruits for advice, pastoral support and guidance.

CHILDCARE

Will I be entitled to maternity leave?

Yes, in line with current Defence Policy.

SPECIALISATION

Will we be restricted to certain job roles only? Can we specialise?

All job roles, including the full range of Specialist Qualifications, are available.

UNIFORM

Will we wear the same uniform? Will it be fitted for women?

You’ll be issued with the same uniform.

PAY

Do we get paid the same?

Yes.

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Eligibility

Not everyone can be a Royal Marines Commando. It takes extraordinary commitment to make the grade, but before you can even start earning your Green Beret, you need to satisfy this eligibility criteria:

Aged 16 to 32 when you start Basic Training
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
A National of the United Kingdom, a Commonwealth citizen or Dual National.
Commonwealth applicants applying from inside their country of origin must be aged minimum 18. If a resident in the UK Commonwealth applicants are eligible to apply at 16. Current valid passports and visas (where applicable) are a mandatory requirement to be eligible to apply, it is the responsibility of individual applicants to ensure that they have permission to be in the UK and this permission is valid for the entirety of the recruitment process up to the point entry.
Prepared to declare all previous convictions, both spent and unspent
All piercings must be removable, and tattoos must not be offensive or visible on a front-view passport photo

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How to apply

If you think life as a Royal Marines Commando suits your skills, ambitions and attitude, the next step is to submit an application. You’ll need to make sure that you’re eligible, before letting us know you’re interested by giving us a call. You won’t be making a commitment to join, instead we’ll just talk through your options.

speak to an adviser Call 0345 600 1444

Call 0345 600 1444