Royal Marines commando
Be part of the Royal Navy and take part in frontline combat on land and at sea.
Also known as: RM commando
About the job
What it's like
You would be part of the Royal Navy and would take part in frontline combat on land and at sea. You would also deal with emergencies such as natural disasters.
After first training, you would be a general duties marine. You would later move into a specialist role. You could be based in a unit or group such as:
3 Commando Brigade – you would respond to global emergencies as part of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force
Fleet Protection Group – you would support the Navy and protect UK nuclear weapons
Fleet Standby Rifle Troop – you would be trained to board ships at sea
With around two years’ experience, you could train in a specialist area. Specialist roles open to you would depend on your experience and rank.
You might become:
Aircrew – you would work with helicopters, fly reconnaissance missions and get supplies to the frontline
A communication technician – you would use electronic equipment to listen to enemy radioactivity
An assault engineer – you would build bridges, obstacles and train to use explosives
A signaller – you would provide communications between land, sea, and air and commandos in the field
A chef – you would learn to feed commandos in all conditions
With the right skills, attitude and experience you could go on to join the special boat service (SBS). This is the Royal Navy branch of the UK Special Forces. You would then use your skills to perform highly specialised military operations at sea and on land.
Hours
You would usually work shifts and be on call at all times. During exercises and operations, your hours may be long and irregular.
Environment
Your work and training could take place in all conditions, from deserts and mountainous regions to jungle environments. You could be working under conditions which are physically and mentally challenging.
Travel
You must be prepared to go wherever you are needed around the world, and you will probably spend long periods away from home.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- reading
- understanding
- developing a plan
- risk taking
- making decisions
- delegating
- resilience
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
PE (Physical education)
Skills for Work: Uniformed and Emergency Services
There are no minimum qualifications to become a Royal Marines Commando. A good general education is useful.
You'll need to pass the Naval Service Recruitment Test (NRST) covering basic English, maths, problem solving and an understanding of mechanics.
Most Royal Marines Commandos start their career as General Duty Marines, before going on to train for one of the many specialist jobs and gain relevant qualifications.
Qualifications and experience that show teamwork, determination, physical and mental stamina, such as:
Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4)
SQA Leadership Award (SCQF level 5/6)
Cadet Organisation or other Youth Awards
If you show the right commitment, skills and academic ability, you could become a Commissioned Officer at any time during your career.
Before joining the Royal Marines you'll need to pass:
The Naval Service Recruitment Test (NRST)
A formal interview
Medical and eyesight tests
The Royal Marines Pre-Joining Fitness Test
The Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC)
Once you've completed the joining process, you'll begin your basic training which lasts 32 weeks.
The Royal Marines Commandos have strict eligibility criteria. To be successful you'll need to be:
A British, Irish, Commonwealth or dual nationality citizen who has lived in the UK for the last five years
Aged between 16 and 32 years old when you start basic training. If you are under 18 years of age your parent/guardian need to agree with you joining
At least 151.5cm tall and weigh at least 65kg (women do not have to meet this requirement)
Within the healthy range for Body Mass Index (BMI)
You will need to complete a full security check.
Any tattoos which would be visible in parade uniform are not allowed. There are also restrictions on body piercings.
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