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Royal Marines commando

Royal Marines commandos take part in frontline combat, and are sent at short notice to deal with emergency situations.

Average annual salary

£19,000 to £42,000

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could apply to join the marines through an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You'll apply directly to the marines to find the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in.

Entry requirements:

  • entry requirements vary

Volunteering

You can join the Royal Marines Reserve to get some experience of what life is like in the service and to learn new skills at the same time. You'll do the same commando training as the regulars, but over a longer period.

If you're between 13 and 18 years old, you can join the Royal Marines Cadets .

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to join the Royal Navy as a commando. You don't need any specific qualifications, but you will need to meet the navy's eligibility requirements. For example, you must:

  • be aged between 16 and 32
  • be at least 145cm tall
  • pass fitness tests

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You will then do the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) followed by an interview.

If you have the right skills, you'll be asked to attend the 3-day Candidate Preparation Course . This includes further interviews, fitness, medical and aptitude tests. If successful, you'll be offered a place at the commando training centre at Lympstone in Devon.

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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:
  • physical fitness and endurance
  • persistence and determination
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • concentration skills and quick reactions
  • active listening skills and the ability to work in a team
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • leadership skills
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of human resources and employment law
  • business management skills
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • knowledge of English language
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
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What you'll do:

Royal Marines commandos take part in frontline combat, and are sent at short notice to deal with emergency situations.

As a Royal Marines commando, you could:

  • carry out special combat missions
  • intercept drug smugglers at sea or deliver humanitarian aid
  • collect, co-ordinate and interpret intelligence reports
  • fly aircraft and helicopters
  • lead training exercises, such as beach assaults and mountain survival

Location : You could work at a military base, on a ship or in a warzone.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.
Uniform : You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

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Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £42,000

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

0 - 0 hours variable

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

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Career Path:

With training and experience you could move up through the ranks and get a commission to become an officer.

Throughout your Royal Marines career, you'll have the opportunity to gain qualifications in your chosen field.

On leaving active service, you could use your skills, qualifications and experience to go into a new career. You can find details about support and opportunities from:

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