How to become a Royal Marines commando
You can get into this job through:
- applying directly to the Royal Navy
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.
Direct Application
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 151.5cm tall (no limit for women)
- 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'll then attend an interview and assessment.
You will complete an HM Forces Apprenticeship during recruit training.
You may take other qualifications depending on which specialism you choose to follow.
More Information
Career tips
You will need to pass physical fitness assessment, including swimming, to be accepted into the Royal Navy. Get fit to Join has information on how to assess your current fitness and how to improve to the right level if you need to.
Further information
You'll find more details about how to become a commando from the Royal Navy.