What is Meant by Royal Marines Sick on Shore?

Introduction

Those aspiring to become Royal Marines(RM) must go though one of the toughest infantry training courses in the world.

Unfortunately, due to the arduous nature of the training some recruits will suffer physical injuries as a result.

With this in mind, RM recruits may be Sick on Shore (SoS) as they are awaiting a Medical Board of Service for medical discharge from the military due to injuries that preclude them from continuing training and entering the Royal Marines.

Recruits may also be SoS when they experience overuse and overtraining injuries. With these types of injuries, the recruit will require a period away from the rigours of training to enable them to recuperate and recover, and this will enable them to re-enter recruit training at a later date.