Royal Marines Commando

The Royal Marines are part of the Royal Navy. They are a highly trained, specialised fighting force deployed from Royal Navy ships. They are capable of operating at short notice anywhere in the world, on land, from the sea or from the air. As well as operating in combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian situations, the Royal Marines also help to enforce the law at sea. This includes preventing drug smuggling and the illegal transportation of arms.

Most commandos begin as general duties marines and become riflemen who serve within an operational commando unit for their first tour. Commando units are on standby to attend any emergencies around the world. After their first tour, they are then encouraged to train for another specialisation, ranging from aircrewman to mountain leader and assault engineer to driver.

Commandos generally work an eight-hour day when not on operations or operational training. They are, however, on call 24 hours a day. They may be required to work long hours when on operations or operational training. Commandos work either on a shore base or at sea on board a ship. They can be deployed all over the world, sometimes in dangerous situations.

Royal Marines Commandos earn £13,377 a year on entry and can earn up to £45,836 a year as a Warrant Officer 1.

A Royal Marines Commando should:

• have courage and determination
• work well as part of a team and be able to live and work closely with other people
• have self-discipline and the ability to react quickly under pressure
• be decisive and ready for responsibility
• have a high level of physical fitness
• be prepared for combat and to work anywhere in the world
• enjoy the armed forces' lifestyle.

The Royal Marines number approximately 7,200 men. Commando units are based in south-west England and on the east coast of Scotland.

There are no formal entry qualifications, but only men can serve as commandos. There are age, height and nationality restrictions. Applicants take entry tests, an interview, a medical check and a pre-joining fitness test. They must be successful on the three-day Potential Royal Marines Course at Lympstone, near Exeter in Devon.

Basic Royal Marines Commando training takes place at the Commando Training Centre at Lympstone and lasts 32 weeks. It includes training in such skills as map reading, weapon training and combat and survival. It also includes physical training, training on assault courses and military exercises.

Training for a specialisation may involve working towards nationally recognised qualifications. There is a clearly defined rank promotion structure.

Further details