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Royal Marines commando

Alternative titles for this job include Green beret

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

Average salary (a year)

£15,600 Starter

to

£51,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

Variable variable

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Depending on your specialism, you could:

  • plan and lead beach assaults
  • oversee radio communications
  • be in charge of weapons deployment and tactics
  • advise on the use of small arms and train snipers
  • carry out special missions
  • lead and instruct commando troops in mountain exercises
  • collect, co-ordinate and interpret intelligence reports
  • fly aircraft and helicopters
  • develop and supervise training
  • deal with administration, planning and logistics

Working environment

You could work in a warzone, at a military base or on a ship.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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

You could go into a wide range of careers after leaving the marines. The Career Transition Partnership, Quest and Troops to Teachers have more information on careers outside the armed forces.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

The Royal Navy - Royal Marines Commando - HM Forces Serviceperson (Public Services) Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £20,400.00 Annually
  • Location: The Admiral Sir Henry Leach Building, Portsmouth, Hampshire
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

BTEC Public Services

  • Provider: TOR BRIDGE HIGH
  • Start date: 05 September 2023
  • Location: Plymouth

BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Public Services

  • Provider: EAST SUSSEX COLLEGE GROUP
  • Start date: 01 November 2022
  • Location: Hastings
Find courses near you

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