Introduction

Since the Second World War, the Royal Marines have developed a specific function as a commando and amphibious force, undertaking operations in harsh environments from mountain to jungle, cold weather to desert.

The Royal Marines is an elite fighting force and is well-known and respected around the world. It is considered to have one of the hardest infantry training programmes and earning the coveted green beret is no easy feat and it demands a transformation that will push an individual to their limits both mentally and physically. It will probably be the hardest thing an individual will ever do but also the most rewarding.

This article will provide an overview of the structure of the Royal Marines and organisational changes in terms of manpower. The article will then provide a general outline of the recruitment and selection process (i.e. how to join the Royal Marines) by looking at areas such as eligibility, fitness standards, minimum qualifications, and tests and interviews. Finally, the article will look at funding streams and provide some useful links.

On 08 July 2016, the MOD announced that all Ground Close Combat Roles (RAC, Infantry, Royal Marines and the RAF Regiment) would be opened to women by 2018 (British Army, 2016).

Structure of the Royal Marines

The Royal Marines is made up of a number of units and establishments which are highlighted in figure 1 below.

Figure 1: Structure of the Royal Marines

The Royal Marines with the Royal Navy combine to form the Royal Naval Service.

The Royal Marines is made up of both Commissioned Officers and Other Ranks (known as Marines).

The MoD calculates the numbers that need to be enlisted to maintain the Royal Marines manning levels. The MoD takes account of changing unit establishments, wastage caused by servicemen and women leaving the Royal Marines at the end of their engagements, and those who might choose to leave before their engagements come to an end (PVR or Premature Voluntary Release). The number required in each trade in the Royal Marines is assessed and figures are published at six monthly intervals so that adjustments may be made during the year.

Traditionally, the Royal Marines has met these recruiting targets. With this in mind, the full time trained strength of the Royal Marines was 6,890 at 01 November 2013, divided as 730 Officers and 6,040 Marines (DASA, 2013a).

The latest figures suggest that the Royal Marines require approximately 500-550 new personnel each year (DASA, 2013a).

Key Points

Key points to note regarding Royal Marines manpower include (DASA, 2013b):

• Initial training intake during the 12 months ending 30 September 2013 included 70 Officers and 1,060 Marines;
• Trained regular outflows to civil life during the 12 months ending 30 September 2013 included 70 Officers and 620 Other Ranks (3% and 6% of trained regular strength respectively).

A General Outline of the Recruitment and Selection Process

Within the UK individuals tend to be attracted to individual service branches rather than the military per se. Each Service has their own identity, ethos, core values and standards and people tend to join the Army, Navy or Air Force. This is reflected in the way that each service branch conducts separate recruitment and marketing campaigns. Each has its own strap-line (e.g., the Royal Marines is “It’s A State of Mind”).

Selection is conducted separately for each of the Services, but the selection processes are similar in nature. All three Services have different selection procedures for Officers and Other Ranks. However, all include interviews, aptitude and ability testing and some personality measures. There is a filtering system that will select people at the initial application stage, while others will be invited to attend an assessment centre which can last up to three days. As well as technical ability, individuals will be assessed on their general qualities to be a member of the UK military. In addition, preliminary medical examinations will also be carried out including checks on weight, eyesight and hearing, and individuals will need to pass a physical fitness assessment.

Tables 1 and 2, below, provide an outline of the current Royal Marines and officers recruitment and selection process.

Table 1: Outline of Royal Marines Other Ranks Recruitment and Selection Process

The recruitment and selection process has changed, with the PRMC being replaced by the Candidate Preparation Course:

• Step 6: Royal Marine Candidate Preparation Course (CPC), a three day course (outlined below).
• Step 7: Recruit Orientation Phase (ROC), a four week course (outlined below).
• Step 8: Initial Training.

Table 2: Outline of Royal Marines Officer Recruitment and Selection Process

Recruit Attraction Methods

The Royal Marines utilises a number of marketing channels in order to engage with domestic and international populations and these include:

• High street stalls;
• Trade shows and other events;
• School and university visits;
• Commercial recruitment fairs;
• Own websites;
• Social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, WordPress);
• Newspapers;
• Television;
• Billboards and posters;
• Cadet and other youth organisations; and
• Friends and family of current and ex-military personnel.

General Eligibility

There are a number of eligibility criteria that must be considered before making an application to join the Royal Marines and these vary across the trades due to the nature of the job/role an individual may wish to undertake. The general principles are outlined below:

• Aged 16 to 32 when you start Basic Training.
• No qualifications are required for this role.
• A National of the United Kingdom, a Commonwealth Citizen or Dual National.
• Minimum height of 151.5cm.
• A maximum BMI of 28 (there may be some exceptions to this maximum if your waist measures less than 94cm).
• A minimum weight of 65kg or a minimum BMI of 23.
• Pass the Naval Swimming Test (see below for description).

When Can an Individual Join?

Marines

Individuals must be a minimum of 16 years old on entry to initial training, although individuals can apply from 15 years and 9 months. Older individuals must be in initial training before their 33^rd birthday.

If an individual is under 18 years of age, they will need consent from their parent or guardian before they can progress their application at the Careers Office.

If an individual is currently under a care order then the Royal Marines will have to seek permission of the local authority in order for an individual to join.

Officers

The age range for joining the Royal Marines as a Direct Entry Officer is 18 to 25. You must be within this age range at the time of entry, which is always during the first week of September.

Those under the age of 18 can apply for sixth form sponsorships and bursaries, however they will still be required to pass the Potential Officer Course and the Admiralty Interview Board (see below).

Fitness Standards

Due to the nature of military training and operations it is critical that individuals get in the best possible shape in order to help them excel during pre-joining fitness tests, initial training and throughout their military career.

The Royal Marines has put together training programmes designed to help individuals get their fitness levels to what they should be and increase their chance of success.

Royal Marines Pre Joining Fitness Test

For the Royal Marines Pre Joining Fitness Test, an individual will have to complete two 2.4km runs (1.5 miles) each with the treadmill set at a 2% incline.

To pass an individual will need to do the first run in less than 12 minutes 30 seconds. Then complete the second 2.4km run immediately afterwards in less than 10 minutes; regardless of the individual’s age.

Minimum Qualifications

Marines

There are no minimum qualifications needed.

Officers

• Officer require 180 UCAS points and five GCSEs (A* to C) or Scottish Standard grades or the equivalent, which must include English and maths.
• The Royal Marines consider people with other qualifications on an individual basis.
• If individuals start as a direct entry officer, they will need a degree or equivalent, 180 UCAS points and five GCSEs (A* to C), or Scottish Standard grades or equivalent, which must include English and maths.

Medical Assessment

Life in the Royal Marines can be mentally and physically challenging. This is the reason why some medical conditions and ongoing illnesses can stop an individual from joining. As such a full medical examination is part of the application process. It is worth checking the list on the Royal Marines website.

• Medical Standards:
  • These include everything from respiratory problems such as asthma to musculoskeletal conditions such as joint operations or recurrent back pain, heart and cardiovascular disorders (i.e. high blood pressure).
  • Skin disorders such as eczema or active acne may also be a barrier to service with the Royal Marines.
• Eyesight Standards:
  • The minimum standards for uncorrected and corrected vision vary for different jobs in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines and are determined by Royal Navy medical staff.
  • If an individual has impaired colour perception (colour blindness) this may restrict the branches that are available.
• Weight Standard:
  • The minimum weight for RM applicants is currently set at 65 kg.
  • Initially, in 2006, a lower limit of 60 kg was established following a review of the Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC) and Potential Officers Course (POC) by the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM).
  • It was found that the pass rates for these courses showed a correlation with a body weight of 60 kg or more, therefore it was recommended and subsequently adopted that a minimum body weight of 60 kg be introduced at the selection phase.
  • Subsequently, studies by the Surgeon General’s office identified low body mass and poor aerobic fitness at the start of training, and low energy intake during training as being associated with a reduced chance of successfully completing training, as well as an increased risk of injury during training.
  • These studies identified that a body weight of less than 65 kg at the commencement of training was associated with an increased risk of stress fracture during training, as a result of which the minimum body weight of recruits was raised from 60 kg to 65 kg in September 2011.
• Height Standard:
  • There is no ‘maximum’ height specified for entry into the RM, although the minimum is 1.51 cm (4 ft 11 in).
• Body Mass Index (BMI):
  • Height and weight are measured independently of an individual’s BMI and the 65 kg minimum weight for applicants must be achieved irrespective of calculated BMI, which has to fall within the permitted range of 18 and 28 inclusive for applicants over the age of 18 years. http://www.freebmicalculator.net/.
  • BMI Categories: Underweight = <18.5; Normal weight = 18.5–24.9; Overweight = 25–29.9; and Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater.
• The Armed Forces Weight Management Policy, ‘DIN 2009DIN01-181‘:
  • Remains the extant policy document governing UK armed forces weight management policy.
  • The Armed Forces Weight Management Policy, 2009DIN01-181, which came into force on 01 October 2009, provides the policy for the measurement of body composition and the management of Service personnel who demonstrate increased risk of ill health and inadequate physical fitness owing to their weight.
  • The policy requires each Service to provide annual body composition measurement (BCM) for all personnel, in order to identify an individual’s level of health risk and encourage maintenance of a healthy body weight.
  • However, it is concerned with managing the weight and fitness of personnel already serving in the UK military, and does not establish the height and weight criteria for entry into the Royal Marines or the other Services.

Nationality and Residency

Candidates must be categorised as one of the following:

• British citizen.
• British Subject under the Nationality Act 1981.
• British Protected Person.
• Citizen of the Irish Republic.
• Citizen of a Commonwealth country or holding British Overseas Territories Citizenship.
  • Previously, individuals must have had Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK or have resided in the UK for five years before they could start an application to join the British Army. Individuals must not have been out of the UK for a continuous period of more than 180 days (6 months) during this five year period.
  • The MOD has reduced the residency requirement to zero from five years, meaning applicants are not required to have lived in the UK prior to applying for a role in the military.

Tests and Interviews

The Royal Marines has a number of techniques designed to check the suitability of individuals for life in the military. These techniques are outlined below:

Naval Swimming Test

To join the Royal Marines you must be able to swim. The Naval Swimming Test is conducted in a swimming pool, where you will need to display your ability to operate in water. To pass the Naval Swimming Test you must:

• Be able to jump into deep water wearing overalls and tread water for 2 minutes.
• On completion, you must be able to swim 50 metres (2 lengths) in a further 4 minutes – again in overalls – without touching the side or bottom, before climbing out unaided from the deep-end.
• In addition, you are expected to jump off a 3 metre diving board to simulate falling overboard.
• This is a pass or fail assessment.
• Non-swimmers will not be eligible to progress forward in to basic training.

Defence Aptitude Assessment

All potential recruits (both officers and other ranks) have to sit the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA); formerly the Naval Service Recruitment Test (NSRT). The DAA tests a candidate’s general intellectual ability, and how well you do shows your capacity to cope with the technical and academic aspects of Royal Marines training. Your score determines which jobs you can go for.

Your score is calculated solely on the number of correct answers you achieve, so if you get stuck move onto the next one and revisit if you have time.

The Interview

Successfully passing the DAA means you can move on to the formal interview.

• The interview is scheduled to last for about 45 minutes.
• This is the Navy’s opportunity to meet you, so you can expect your interviewer, who will be a member of the Naval Careers Service or a Liaison Officer, to ask you about the information you put on your recruiting application form.
• This includes talking about your education, family and work experience.
• Crucially, you will also be asked about your understanding of the role the Naval Service plays and why you want to join.

The Medical and Eye Tests

The medical and eye exam are quite comprehensive, because life in the Royal Marines is very physically demanding.

Your tests must be completed by a Ministry of Defence-approved doctor, who are based all around the country. Your local careers office will arrange an appointment for you at a convenient time and location.

The Fitness Test

Before you can join you will have to pass the Royal Marines’ Pre-Joining Fitness Test, which involves:

• Completing two 2.4km runs on a treadmill that is set to a 2% incline.
• The first run must be completed in less than 12 minutes 30 seconds.
• You will then have a one-minute break before completing the second run in under 10 minutes and 30 seconds.
• This time is the absolute minimum requirement, and the expectation is that you will record the best time possible.

The Potential Royal Marines Course

The Potential Royal Marines Course (PRMC), replaced by the Candidate Preparation Course (see below), is your introduction to life in the Royal Marines and indicates your potential to begin Royal Marines Basic Training.

Over the course of four days you will complete a number of physical tests in a range of challenging environments, and learn all about the Royal Marines ethos.

Train efficiently and keep a positive state of mind, and you will stand a good chance of passing.

Officers attend the Potential Officers Course (see below) not the PRMC/CPC.

Candidate Preparation Course

The Candidate Preparation Course (CPC), which replaced the PRMC, is a three-day course at CTCRM and includes the following:

• VO2 Max/Bleep Test assessment
• Press Up, sit up and pull up assessments
• Swimming assessment:
  • You will be expected to:
    • Step off a three metre platform;
    • Complete two laps of the pool, approximately 150m, using the breaststroke and without touching the sides or floor of the pool. There is no time limit;
    • Tread water for two minutes; and
    • Climb out of the pool without using the steps.
  • The test is conducted in swimming trunks or shorts without equipment and no goggles are to be worn unless for a medical reason.
• Confidence and Determination assessments are also part of the course, which are conducted on the:
  • Endurance course
  • High obstacle course
  • Bottom field

Completion of CPC means candidates can attend the Recruit Orientation Phase.

Recruit Orientation Phase

The Recruit Orientation Phase (ROP) is a four-week phase based out of CTCRM and culminates in a three-day field exercise, known as Exercise First Step, (or Ex First Step) and Royal Marines Fitness Assessment (RMFA). The phase includes:

• Drill and personal administration;
• Weapon handling;
• Basic fieldcraft;
• Lectures including: thinking strategies, nutrition, Royal Marines Corps history and health and hygiene; and
• A confidence at height assessment on the high obstacle course is also conducted, along with physical conditioning through:
  • Sub-maximal training to achieve level 11 on Multi-Stage Fitness Test (MSFT)/Bleep Test
  • Five overhang pull-ups
  • 40 press ups
  • 50 sit ups (the RMFA)

The Potential Officers Course

The Potential Officers Course (POC) is your introduction to life in the Royal Marines and indicates your potential to begin Royal Marines Officer Training.

Over the course of four days you will complete a number of physical tests in a range of challenging environments, and learn all about the Royal Marines ethos.

Train efficiently and keep a positive state of mind, and you will stand a good chance of passing. If you can prove that you are able to think clearly under pressure and operate to high levels when fatigued, you will be invited to meet with the Admiralty Interview Board.

The Admiralty Interview Board

The Admiralty Interview Board (AIB), which is unique to officers, is a 2-day competency-based assess ment to find out if you have what it takes, mentally and physically, to succeed as a Royal Marines Commando Officer. Elements of the AIB include:

• An essay, to assess written communication skills.
• A Practical Leadership Task, to assess teamwork and leadership.
• A planning exercise and presentation.
• An interview.
• Psychometric testing (verbal, non-verbal, numeracy).
• A Fitness test (an outdoor 2.4km run that is timed).

Table 4: Outline of the AIB

You will find out at the AIB whether you have been forwarded for selection, though being forwarded does not guarantee your entry into training. You will be placed in order of merit, and the final selection depends on the number of vacancies available at the time, the number of successful candidates who reach the required fitness, medical and educational standards and your performance on the POC.

Start Basic Training

Once you have successfully passed all of the required aspects of the above recruiting process, including a security check, you will then be given a date to commence Basic Training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone.

Your careers office will buy your train ticket to help you get there, provide some joining instructions and tell you what kit you need. You will spend 32 weeks there (Other Ranks) or 16 months (Officers) and learn the skills you need to become an elite amphibious soldier.

Sixth Form Scholarship Scheme

If an individual is currently in year 11 or 12, they can apply for a sixth form scholarship. This, currently, provides £1050 a year, plus a chance to experience life as a Royal Marine, for example, as the guest of officers in the wardroom.

Bursary Schemes

Whether an individual is hoping to go to university, or if they are there already, they can apply for a standard bursary, currently, worth £1500 a year. Individuals stay a civilian while studying, but spend part of their holiday getting to know the Royal Marines and preparing for their future career.

The Royal Marines Vision

In October 2011 the Royal Marines (2011) published ‘The Royal Marines Vision: Think Commando’ in response to the Strategic Defence and Security Review published in 2010. The document mainly reiterates the prominent role of the Royal Marines and does not mention any minor or major restructuring other than continued geographical consolidation of forces in the South West of England.

Useful Links

Listed are some links which the reader may find useful:

1. Official MoD website: http://www.gov.uk/organisations/ministry-of-defence
2. Official Royal Marines website: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Careers/Royal-Marines
3. Official Royal Marines Facebook website: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalMarinesRecruitment
4. Official Royal Marines WordPress website: http://ctcrm.wordpress.com/
5. Royal Marines: Your Career Guide available from: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Careers/Royal-Marines/~/media/86599F444CF04C8FBDCBCF0ACBA7D356.ashx
6. A very thorough document ‘Informed Choice? Armed Forces Recruitment Practice in the United Kingdom’ written by David Gee in 2007 and available from: http://www.informedchoice.org.uk/informedchoice/informedchoiceweb.pdf.

Useful Documents

1. Functional Interpretation of Joint Medical Employment Standard (JMES)-PULHEEMS Grades (2014-07-10)
2. Policy of Recruiting Under-18s (2013-05-14)
3. Thomas TST (2010-05, p.2)
4. Recruiting & Retention of Military Personnel (NATO, 2007)
5. Personnel Selection in the Army (Line & Griffin, 1943)
6. Occupational Stress & the Outcome of Basic Military Training (Jackson et al., 2011)
7. Identifying & Understanding Factors Associated with Failure to Complete Infantry Training among British Army Recruits (Kiernan, 2011)
8. Royal Marines Applications, Interviews & Passing Out (2014-09-03)
9. Royal Marines Costs per Individual (2014-05-29)
10. Royal Marines Officer R&S & Training (2014-06-12)
11. Royal Marines Pass Rates (2014-11-14)
12. Chances of Promotion & Retention, Royal Marines Officers (2015-02-17)

References

British Army (2016) Ground Close Combat Roles Open To Women. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.army.mod.uk/news/28632.aspx. [Accessed: 08 August, 2016].

DASA (Defence Analytical and Statistics Agency) (2013a) Naval Service Monthly Personnel Situation Report: 1 November 2013. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.dasa.mod.uk/publications/personnel/military/navy-monthly-situation-report/2013-11-01/1-november-2013.pdf. [Accessed: 07 January, 2014].

DASA (Defence Analytical and Statistics Agency) (2013b) Naval Service Quarterly Pocket Brief: October 2013. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.dasa.mod.uk/publications/personnel/military/navy-quarterly-pocket-brief/2013-10-01/1-october-2013-revised.pdf. [Accessed: 04 January, 2014].

Gee, D. (2007) Informed Choice? Armed Forces Recruitment Practice in the United Kingdom. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.informedchoice.org.uk/informedchoice/informedchoiceweb.pdf. [Accessed: 04 January, 2014].

Royal Marines (2011) The Royal Marines Vision: Think Commando. Available from World Wide Web: http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/About-the-Royal-Navy/~/media/Files/Navy-PDFs/About-the-Royal-Navy/Royal%20Marines%20Vision.pdf. [Accessed: 07 January, 2014].