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Commando
One of the world’s most versatile military bands, combining a commitment to excellence, discipline and an active life supporting the Naval Service.
Even before the days of Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada, music has played a key role in the military. Keeping units marching in step, boosting morale and performing at ceremonial or state occasions. To this day, Royal Navy musicians still maintain this role, combined with a vital operational function: providing military support to the Royal Marines.
What they do isn’t just for Queen and country. It's for the effectiveness of the Royal Marines in the field, for the morale of the troops, the entertainment of the public – and the development of some of the country’s finest young musicians.
Musicians undergo rigorous musical training at the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSoM) in Portsmouth and their signature precision marching has seen them perform at prestigious venues and events across the UK and around the world. From the Royal Albert Hall and Horse Guards Parade in London, to the military tattoo in Basel, Switzerland, and other engagements across the globe
When called on, instruments are set aside to provide military support on operations. As part of a medical team on board a casualty receiving ship, or supporting 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, their military role is just as vital as the musical one.
Life in the Royal Marines can be tough, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. You need to really push yourself, mentally and physically. It’s more than just a job. It’s a lifestyle.
My day starts at 8am with two hours of intense physical training. Being in top condition is all part of being a Royal Marines Commando.
Being able to navigate in unfamiliar terrain can mean the difference between life and death – so map reading is an important part of what we do. It may a basic skill, but continual improvement is what we’re all about.
Cooking lessons might sound tame – but this is the Royal Marines. We learn crucial survival skills, like skinning an animal you’ve caught or finding safe drinking water in desert conditions.
You get fed well in the Royal Marines. I love my food, so lunchtime is one of the best parts of the day.
Royal Marines are trained in multiple languages. We often act as the public face of the Royal Navy – and Britain – when we’re deployed in foreign nations, so it’s important that we can interact with local people.
Life in the Royal Marines can be gruelling, but that doesn’t mean we don’t find time to relax. That could mean a game of five-a-side, reading in my bunk, or a night out with my fellow green berets.
From divers to chefs, musicians to engineers, there’s a whole world of career options with the Royal Navy. Join us to be part of something special, protecting our nation’s interests, all over the world.
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Performing to the very highest standards. Putting our ships and our people through their paces. Always striving for better. Training is what makes the Royal Navy the best in the world.
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Courage. Determination. Selflessness. These are the qualities that make the Royal Marines the world’s most renowned commando force.
The UK has a responsibility to its citizens and its allies to endeavour to safeguard the high seas. This is why the Royal Navy protects home and international waters.
The UK has to be ready to protect its interests and its allies. This is where the Royal Navy comes in: we train to go where we’re needed, by sea, land or air.
