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Home , 3 Commando Brigade, Brunswick Dock, RM Poole, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Marines, Royal Marines Reserve

YOUR ROLE THE PEOPLE YOU’LL MEET THE PLACES YOU’LL GO RESERVE CAREERSMARINES R OYAL WELCOME

For most people, the demands of one job are enough. However, some of you need more of a challenge, and they don’t come much bigger than joining the Royal Reserve.

The Reserve is a part-time force of civilian volunteers, who give the Royal Marines extra manpower in times of peace and humanitarian crisis or war. You’ll be trained to the same standards as the regular Royal Marines, have to pass the same tests and, of course, wear the same coveted green .

The obvious difference is that, as a Reservist, you combine service as a fully-trained Commando with your civilian career. It’s a unique way of life that attracts people from all backgrounds. But, the nature of commando training and service means we can’t just take anybody who fancies a challenge. We, and you, have to be absolutely sure it’s the right thing for you and that you’re physically and mentally up to the job.

It’s a long, tough road to the . But if you like the idea of travel, sport, adventure and, most importantly, the satisfaction of completing the world’s toughest military training and getting paid for it, this is where it begins.

We wish you every success and look forward to welcoming you to the .

Visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr or call 08456 00 14 14

CONTENTS

Welcome 2

Who we are and what we do 4

What it means to be a Reservist 8

Joining, training and 10 specialisations Duties Marines and Officers How to join Commando training Commando specialisations Commando specialisations

Royal Marines Reserve life 24 Your commitment What we can offer you Sports and recreation

And finally... 32 Your questions answered Equal opportunities The Naval Service Royal Marines Reserve unit contact details

2 3 PART OF THE ELITE As a Reservist, you’ll complete exactly The Royal Marines provide the flexible, the same rigorous commando course hard-hitting and highly mobile military as the regular Royal Marines. We do response Britain needs in the modern not make allowances, and there are no world. Using Royal ships as favours given. As a result, though, you’ll floating bases, we launch a huge range be able to do the same job to the same of operations, from humanitarian aid standard. The proof is that roughly 10% missions to tackling enemy positions, of the Royal Marines Reserve are currently rescuing civilians or prisoners, and serving on long-term attachments in securing positions for other units. regular Royal Marines units.

As a Royal Marines Reservist, you’ll be Once you have some experience, one of about 600 people who combine you’ll have the chance to specialise in their civilian day jobs with serving assault engineering, anti-tank warfare, part-time as fully-trained . signals and the other skills that make Some are former regular Royal Marines, us a self-contained fighting force able or have served with other armed forces, to deal with any situation we come but most have no previous military across, without having to wait for experience. What we have in common reinforcements. is that we’re all volunteers. Ever since the Second World War, Like the regular Royal Marines when today’s commando training was Commandos, you’ll be trained to operate developed to allow seaborne attacks in any location, environment and terrain. on occupied Europe, we’ve been among We’re specialists in mountain and the first to be sent into an international “Green are extreme cold-weather warfare, trained crisis. This was the case in and in climbing, skiing, and mountaineering. . not handed out like We’ve developed expertise in jungle sweets. They have to and desert warfare and we can live and fight in the most hostile conditions be earned.” on Earth. We’re also trained in close- quarter combat in built-up areas, where David, Marine and Teacher lives depend on teamwork, discipline, weapon-handling skills and the ability to think on your feet.

MORE THAN WORDS The Royal Marines’ motto is Per Mare Per Terram – ‘By sea, by land’. It first appeared on our caps at the , during the American Revolutionary War, in 1775. More than 200 years later, it still very much applies, but you could also add ‘by air’, as we often use Sea King or WHO WE ARE Chinook helicopters, deployed from ships or land, AND WHAT WE DO to reach our area of operations. As a Reservist, you’ll join the ‘trained strength’ of one of the world’s elite fighting forces. Here’s what you could be part of.

4 5 WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

“Be patient, be motivated and the rewards are there.”

Gareth, Marine and Automotive Technician

EQUIPPED FOR THE MODERN WORLD By joining us as a Reservist, you’ll be WORDS OF WISDOM 3 Commando is at the heart of part of the ‘trained strength’ of the today’s Royal Marines. It’s made up of Royal Marines and a central part of Like all elite units, we have our three operational commando units – 40, the . It’s a unique challenge, own language that reflects our 42 and 45 Commando – each of about demanding levels of fitness, discipline unique culture and identity. It may 650 to 700 men. It’s supported by other and determination second to none. sound confusing at first, but by Royal Marines units, including raiding It’s not for everyone. But if you have the time you get your “green lid, and , helicopters, air what it takes to wear the green beret, spinning dits with your bezzy oppo defence, electronic warfare, logistics there’s literally no other job like it. Really? about being in the sticks, working and communications specialists. in the ulu on ops or how pusser has Only 40 Commando is given you the latest Gucci kit to try As a light amphibious brigade, we have referred to as ‘Forty’: out”, it will be second nature. 42 and 45 are always a range of vehicles and weapons, from called ‘Four-Two’ and “Then when the Boss calls endex armoured vehicles and snowmobiles ‘Four-Five’ Commando. on a yomp, you may be on your to heavy machine guns, mortars and chinstrap, but after digging out anti-tank weapons. Together, these give blind the scran will be hoofing us the flexibility and versatility we need (even if it’s only a bag-rat or an to respond to any situation, anywhere oggy) and you’ll have earned a few in the world. zeds in your gonk bag. Gen dit. BZ.”

6 7 Really? WHAT IT MEANS

‘Bootneck’ – A Royal Marines Commando. TO BE A RESERVIST The name comes from Serving with the Royal Marines the piece of leather that they used to have Reserve offers opportunities, on the collar of their uniform. experiences and friendships you’ll rarely find in civilian life.

YOUR PLACE IN THE TEAM The Royal Marines Reserve offers a In return, we promise you opportunities When did you first consider becoming a Reservist? Although you’ll be serving part-time, fantastic way of life, but the training to see places and do things most people “I’d always been interested in a Royal Marines career, but while at you and your fellow Reservists are very and exercises you’ll do are more than only dream of, with some of the best university in I found out about the Royal Marines Reserve unit based much part of the Royal Marines’ overall just a fun way to spend your evenings friends you’ll ever make. locally. I was attracted by the flexibility a Reservist career offered, allowing strength. The whole point of putting and weekends. One day, you’ll almost me to balance my military aspirations with a civilian career.” you through the same training as the certainly get to do it for real. Maybe GOING FURTHER regular Royal Marines is so you can slot not tomorrow, but sometime during As well as your ongoing commando What does being a Reservist mean to you? in alongside them whenever the need your period of service. training in your own “Making great friends! The shared experiences make you pull each other arises, anywhere in the world. You won’t Royal Marines Reserve unit, you’ll along through training. Every time I thought I couldn’t go on, I’d just look be treated any differently and no one Being a Royal Marines Commando have opportunities to go on specialist at the other lads and think what a waste it would be to give up after all will be able to tell the difference. isn’t something you simply put aside training in areas like combat first aid we’d been through.” along with your green beret when and reconnaissance (missions to gather What’s more, being part of a Reserve you get home on a Sunday evening. information) run by both Royal Marines force doesn’t mean you’re being kept ‘in The physical demands of the service Reserve and regular Royal Marines JON storage’. In fact, today’s huge demands mean that, even if you’re only with units. You may also be able to apply MARINE AND on Britain’s armed forces means that us one weekend in four, you need to to serve for longer periods with the SOFTWARE DEVELOPER Reservists are more likely than ever to keep your fitness levels up in between. Regular Corps anywhere in the world be called out for active service, with over Sometimes, you’ll also need the kind of through the Full-Time Reservist Service 70% of Royal Marines Reservists having determination and motivation that gets (FTRS) contract. been called into action since 2003. you round our assault course to balance your home, work and Royal Marines Reserve commitments.

8 9 JOINING, You’ve seen who we are, what we do and how TRAINING AND we do it. Here’s how we go about turning your SPECIALISATIONS ambition into a reality. In this section: General Duties Marines and Officers - Page 12 How to join - Page 14 Commando training - Page 16 Commando specialisations - Page 22 Commando Officer specialisations - Page 22

Visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr or call 08456 00 14 44 10 11 GENERAL DUTIES MARINES AND OFFICERS Really?

‘Run ashore’ – the term used by Royal Marines to describe a night out GENERAL DUTIES MARINE ROYAL MARINES RESERVE OFFICER on land. Just like the regular Corps, you’ll be As a Royal Marines Reserve Officer you known as a Royal Marines Reserve will be part of our senior management Recruit throughout your training, team. On operations, you’ll need skills in and you will become a General Duties leadership, planning, tactics and making Marine when you finish your training. decisions. And, at all times, you’ll be You could be called out or ‘mobilised’ to responsible for the morale, training, serve with the regular Corps, wherever effectiveness and the well-being of the they are in the world, almost as soon as men under your command. you’ve finished your training. If you want to become an Officer in the You’ll spend time as a General Duties Royal Marines Reserve, you must first Marine developing a range of commando qualify as a Royal Marines Commando skills. You’ll then be given the chance to before we will consider you. train for one of the specialist jobs such as Assault Engineer or .

GENERAL DUTIES MARINE ROYAL MARINES OFFICER Age: 16 to 32. Age: 17 to 26.

Nationality: British, Irish, Commonwealth or Nationality: British or British dual citizenship. British dual citizenship. Nationality restrictions may apply for certain specialist jobs. Qualifications: No specific qualifications are needed for this job. Qualifications: 180 UCAS points and five GCSEs (A* to C) or Scottish Standard Sex: This job is open to men only. grades or the equivalent, which must include English and maths. If you have other qualifications, we will consider your application individually.

Sex: This job is open to men only.

12 13 HOW TO JOIN Don’t forget We’re here to help. Once you’ve decided that you’re interested in a career in If you have questions or concerns at any the Royal Marines Reserve, it’s time to begin the formal stage in the process, recruitment process. please ask your Careers Adviser or local Royal Marines Reserve unit. HELPING YOU SUCCEED and personal qualities to take on the It’s what they’re there for. The recruitment process might seem a responsibilities of life in an armed bit involved, but that’s because we want service. During the process, you’ll have you to be absolutely sure it’s the right plenty of opportunities to show us what decision for you. We also have a duty to you’re made of and we’ll help you make choose people with the right attitudes the most of your potential.

GET IN TOUCH MEET US FIND OUT MORE SHOW US WHAT YOUR WAY AHEAD FIT TO JOIN PUT IT TO THE TEST WELCOME ABOARD Call 08456 001 14 44. We’ll book2 you a place at After the recruiting3 YOU’VE4 GOT 5After the RT, you’ll You’ll6 need to take a Your7 final challenge is When8 you’ve passed the You’ll be asked a few basic a recruiting presentation presentation you’ll have We’ll arrange for you have a formal interview medical, an eye test the ‘selection weekend’, various tests, you’ll be ready questions to check you’re at your local Royal Marines a chance to ask questions to take the recruit with a Careers Adviser. and the pre-joining held at your local to begin phase one of your eligible to apply. Or you Reserve unit or detachment, and to meet current test (RT), which covers As well as discussing fitness test. You Royal Marines Reserve training course. can fill in a short form online where you’ll learn more recruits and serving basic English and your education, work can find current unit. You’ll take part in at royalmarines.mod.uk about us and the job Reservists. You’ll then maths, problem-solving experience, background test details at a series of physical tests You can also visit your local options open to you. fill in a short application and understanding and interests, it’s your royalmarines.mod. and teamwork exercises Royal Marines Reserve unit. form. While you wait for of mechanics. We’d chance to show us how uk You will also need designed to show us (Their details are at the back your application to be recommend you work much you know about to receive security that you have the fitness, of this publication and on processed, you’ll be given through the examples the Royal Marines clearance before determination and the website.) a place in your local Royal at royalnavy.mod.uk/ Commandos and your you move on to the positive attitude we’re Marines Reserve unit’s careers before you sit role as a Reservist, next stage in the looking for in the Holding . This will the real thing. If you and show us your recruitment process. Royal Marines Reserve. allow you to join in basic don’t pass the RT first commitment to being fitness training and get time, don’t worry, as part of the elite. MAKE SURE YOU’RE READY to know some of your you can take it again. prospective ‘oppos’. You will be advised The recruitment what the timescales process and then commando training are likely to be. involves fitness tests and plenty of strenuous physical activity. You’ll have a much better chance of being successful if you’re already in good shape. To help you, we’ve put together an online training programme called ‘Get Fit to Apply’, which you can see at Visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr or call 08456 00 14 14 royalmarines.mod.uk

14 15 COMMANDO TRAINING To earn the green beret, Royal Marines Commandos complete one of the world’s longest, toughest military training courses. You’ll be doing exactly the same. The only difference is, you’ll be combining it with your day job.

You may be a civilian volunteer, but PHASE TWO: as a Reservist, you’ll go through exactly TACTICAL TRAINING AND THE the same training as the regular Royal COMMANDO COURSE Marines. That’s because you’re working Like phase one, this lasts six to eight towards the same green beret. And, one months, during which time you’ll day, you’ll be serving alongside them be asked to complete eight training as an equal. We divide the basic recruit weekends and one training evening training into three phases. a week. Phase-two training ends with the two-week commando course at PHASE ONE: CTCRM, when you’ll carry out the four INDIVIDUAL SKILLS TRAINING commando tests. If you successfully Your initial training will usually last six complete these tests, you earn the to eight months. During this time, you’ll right to wear the green beret of a need to put in seven training weekends, Royal Marines Commando. plus one training evening a week. At the end of it, you’ll bring together everything PHASE THREE: “It takes a lot of dedication, you’ve learned so far on a two-week FIELD FIRING AND AMPHIBIOUS time and commitment, but course at the Commando Training TRAINING Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in This consists of a two-week live firing the idea of passing your , Devon. course, which ends in a live firing troop commando course, getting attack on , and a weekend of amphibious training. that green beret and being part of that elite group of men just keeps you going.” Really?

‘Green beret’ – Awarded to those who Rob, Marine and successfully pass the Staff Nurse gruelling Royal Marines commando course.

16 17 COMMANDO TRAINING Commando training isn’t just about physical fitness. It also covers the huge range of practical military skills you’ll need to operate effectively in the field.

PHASE ONE: INDIVIDUAL SKILLS During phase two, you’ll do all your Once you’ve passed the BPT, there’s TRAINING phys carrying your rifle and wearing another important test. As the name Phase one covers your individual skills your personal load-carrying equipment. suggests, the ‘12-mile load carry’ is a training, when you’ll learn the basics of Gradually, we’ll up the weight until 12-mile march along roads and across being a Royal Marines Commando. Over you reach the full 10kg of kit, plus your country, with 31kg of personal kit, your first six to eight months with us, 4.6kg rifle, you’ll be expected to carry plus your rifle. your training will cover the following. during the commando course. You will then have to complete the BASIC FIELDCRAFT BATTLE PREPARATION four-day field exercise. Everything As a Royal Marines Commando, you’ll Now you’ll find out just how tough you’ve learned about fieldcraft, need to stay healthy and fit to fight commando training can really get. weapons and tactics, plus your physical while living in the field, often far from You’ll be pushed to the very limits of condition, will be put to the toughest outside support. You’ll learn to construct your skills, strength and endurance. test yet. It’s a hard four days, but you’ll different types of shelters, or ‘bivvies’, learn a lot about yourself and come out prepare different types of ration pack FIELDCRAFT AND TACTICS of it stronger and more determined than and master the arts of camouflage and As well as more advanced fieldcraft ever to make it over the final hurdle. concealment. skills, you’ll start learning basic patrolling techniques. By the end COMMANDO TESTS NAVIGATION of the course, you’ll be confident on Final hurdles don’t come much bigger By the end of the course, you’ll be able reconnaissance and fighting patrols, than this one. The four legendary to find your way across all types of mounting observation posts and commando tests are the ultimate proof terrain using nothing more than a map setting ambushes. that you’re ready for your green beret. “Research what’s involved before you and compass, in all weathers and by turn up. Plenty of fit people come to the day or night. THE COMMANDO COURSE 1 The endurance course All your training in phases one and You will work your way through two Royal Marines Reserve but don’t make WEAPON TRAINING two has been leading up to this miles of tunnels, pools, streams, bogs it through training because they aren’t Even if you’ve never handled firearms point. The two-week Reserve Forces and woods, then run four miles back before, using the 5.56mm rifle will Commando Course (RFCC) at CTCRM to camp, all while you’re in combat prepared for the mental aspect and the soon become second nature. You’ll learn is where you put your basic training equipment and carrying a weapon, and how to maintain it and complete a live into practice and show us you meet the all in less than 72 minutes. When you different types of fitness involved.” firing test. physical and professional standards we get back, you’ll have to get six out of look for in a Royal Marines Commando. 10 shots on target in a shooting test. Jon, Marine and Software Developer PHYSICAL TRAINING Physical training, or ‘phys’ as it’s Your first challenge is the battle 2 The nine mile speed march known in the Royal Marines, forms the physical training (BPT) pass out. This is a You need to complete this in 90 backbone of everything you’ll do in the series of four physical tests you’ll need minutes, while carrying your equipment Royal Marines Reserve. We’ll help you to pass to continue on the commando and a rifle. build your fitness before the commando course. Carrying a full 10kg of kit, plus Really? tests, but you’ll have to put in a lot of your rifle, you’ll have to complete: 3 The Tarzan assault course ‘Speed march’ – effort in your own time, too. Consisting of an aerial slide, ropes Royal Marines term for a 30-foot rope climb; course, assault course and 30-foot wall, running in formation, COURSE AT CTCRM a 20-metre fireman’s lift; which you will need to complete in 13 at an average speed of 6mph, while Phase one ends in a two-week course an assault course; and minutes, while carrying your equipment carrying your weapon, at CTCRM. We’ll assess you on your a full regain (this is when, while and a rifle. webbing and survival progress so far on weapon training, wearing 21 pounds of webbing and equipment, at the end of which you will have camouflage and concealment and make carrying your rifle, you will crawl across 4 The 30-mile march to be fit to fight. a timed run over the assault course. a rope which is 10 foot above water. A 30-mile march across Dartmoor, which We’ll also introduce you to phase two When you are halfway across you will you will need to complete in under eight and the commando tests yet to come. drop down, but stay hanging to the hours with your equipment and a rifle. rope using your hands. Using a specific PHASE TWO: TACTICAL TRAINING technique, you will need to pull yourself AND THE COMMANDO COURSE back up and continue along the rope Your next six months’ training builds until you have passed over the water). on phase one and develops the skills and knowledge you’ll need to serve effectively in a commando unit.

18 19 “We’re the world’s only Reserve force trained to COMBAT & OPERATIONS survive and fight across COMMANDO TRAINING all environments − arctic, Once you complete the final phase of your training, jungle and mountain.” you’ll be ready to serve alongside regular Royal Marines as a full member of . Tim, Marine and Graphic Designer

PHASE THREE: FIELD FIRING AND FURTHER TRAINING AND TRAINING AMPHIBIOUS TRAINING IN SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS Following on from the commando Once you’ve completed your phase-three course, phase-three training gives you training, you’ll be a Royal Marines the extra skills you’ll need to serve Commando, ready to serve with regular alongside regular Royal Marines on Royal Marines on operations. From here, Really? exercise or operations. You’ll be back all kinds of further training options are ‘Bergen’ or ‘small child’ at CTCRM, this time with your green open to you, such as jungle, mountain – The Royal Marines beret, for a two-week course designed and cold-weather warfare. Once you’ve name for their largest pack or rucksack. to hone your tactical, technical and gained some experience, you’ll have The pack can weigh teamwork skills. You’ll take part in troop the opportunity to train for one of the over 100 pounds fully attack exercises using live ammunition specialist jobs outlined over the page. loaded, depending on your task or role. and grenades, machine guns and grenade launchers. For most, though, Just like in the regular Corps, promotion the highlight is the chance to take part within the Royal Marines Reserve is in an amphibious assault. entirely on merit. When you’re picked for promotion, you’ll go on a command Attacking from the sea using rigid course at CTCRM, specifically designed raiding boats and landing craft is to prepare you for the new tasks and the Royal Marines’ unique speciality. responsibilities that will go with your Now, you’ll have all the skills you need new rank. to be part of it.

What inspired you to join the Royal Marines Reserve? “I’ve always wanted to be involved in the armed forces; my grandfather served with the Royal Marines in landing craft during the Second World War. I didn’t want to be a just a ‘TA soldier’ though. I wanted the training to be as close as possible to what the regulars do.”

And was it? “If anyone says the training’s easy, they’re not telling the truth. It takes a lot of dedication, time and commitment. You need to be fit, prepared to get cold, wet and exhausted, and to listen to your training team. Above all, keep smiling; that’s what ‘cheerfulness in the face of adversity’ means.”

ROBERT MaRINE AND STAFF NURSE

20 21 COMMANDO SPECIALISATIONS Visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr to see full details of each specialist job.

Just like the regular ASSAULT ENGINEER CIVIL MILITARY CO-OPERATION DRILL LEADER DRIVER

Corps, everyone starts Assault Engineers are trained to build bridges, field (CIMIC) You’ll be a central figure in the lives of raw recruits, As a Driver, you’ll be trained on a range of vehicles, out as a General defences, obstacles and other structures used in As a trained member of the Civil Military with a crucial role in turning them into fully-trained such as customised Land Rovers, heavy support commando operations. You’ll also be trained in Co-ordination (CIMIC) team you will deploy with Royal Marines Commandos. You’ll also uphold our vehicles and the fast, agile Viking armoured vehicle, Duties Marine. mine warfare, demolition and using explosives. the Royal Marines to areas of conflict. Here you’ll worldwide reputation for parade-ground precision, developed specifically for the Royal Marines. Once you’ve built up be responsible for working with the civil community taking overall responsibility for ceremonial drill on to gain their trust and understanding to promote state and other occasions. some experience and regeneration and help return the area to stability. skills, you’ll be given the chance to train for one of the Commando specialist jobs. Your GENERAL PURPOSE MACHINE HEAVY WEAPONS ANTI-TANK HEAVY MACHINE GUN (HMG) HEAVY WEAPONS MORTAR

particular career path GUN SUSTAINED FIRE As an Anti-Tank Specialist, you’ll be trained to As a member of an HMG crew, you’ll be trained to Mortars are an important part of the Royal Marines’ will depend on the (GPMG SF) identify enemy tanks and other armoured vehicles, handle and fire this formidable weapon, which can range of weapons. You’ll learn how to operate then use the Javelin anti-tank missile system to put be carried by hand or mounted on a vehicle. You’ll these vital weapons and accurately direct fire onto You’ll be one of a two-man team, controlled by them out of action. The Javelin can also be used as a also learn the tactical skills needed to hit targets targets up to 6 kilometres away. needs of the service, a Gun Line , operating one of our ‘bunker buster’ to clear heavily fortified buildings. effectively at a distance of up to 4.5 kilometres. plus any previous most potent long-range weapons. The GPMG is a portable, fully-automatic machine gun, mounted on military experience a tripod, which you’ll use to protect your oppos in and existing specialist defensive positions and support them during attacks with sustained, rapid fire. skills you may have.

LANDING CRAFT PHYSICAL TRAINING (PT) Reconnaissance Operator

Landing Craft Specialists are responsible for INSTRUCTOR The success of the mission depends on knowing transporting Royal Marines Commandos from ship As a PT Instructor, you’ll be responsible for where and how strong the enemy is. As a to shore. To carry out your tasks, we will train you developing and maintaining military physical fitness Reconnaissance Operator, it’ll be your job to find to drive small, high-speed raiding craft such as among recruits and trained personnel. out. You’ll be trained in climbing and cliff-assault rigid raiders, inflatable raiding craft and the new techniques, allowing you to gather vital intelligence offshore raiding craft. and get it back to your unit in total secrecy.

SKILLS AT ARMS INSTRUCTOR SNIPER SWIMMER CANOEIST

Every Royal Marine is expected to become an This is a specialist job demanding teamwork, Swimmer Canoeists are members of the Special expert marksman, who can handle the wide range concentration and self-reliance of the very highest Boat Service (SBS). Once you’ve passed the UK of weapons we use in the Corps. As a Skills At order. You’ll be one of a two-man team operating Selection Course (a big achievement Arms (SAA) Instructor, it’ll be your job to train from concealed positions, often separated from the in itself) you’ll be trained to the highest standards new recruits and more experienced Royal Marines rest of your unit for long periods. That you need in surveillance, reconnaissance, parachuting and Commandos in using small arms safely to be an outstanding long-range marksman with survival skills. and efficiently on the range and in the field. excellent eyesight goes without saying. You’ll also need to work well under pressure.

COMMANDO OFFICER SPECIALISATIONS

As a Royal Marines Reserve Officer, certain other specialist Civil Military Co-operation LANDING CRAFT officer MEDIA OPS jobs are open to you. These specialisations need military, (CIMIC) officer Landing Craft Officers are specialists in amphibious The media rightly take a keen interest in our Civil Military Co-ordination (CIMIC) Officers are operations. You’ll be trained to plan and oversee activities, whether we’re on exercise or operations. technical and leadership skills of the very highest order, so trained to build relationships between communities beach assaults and raiding operations, command Making sure they get accurate information when the selection process is extremely rigorous. However, by the in areas of conflict and the military. You’ll be landing craft and supervise maintenance. they need it is the job of our specialist Media responsible for commanding a small team of Operations Officers. In this vital job, you’ll have end of your training, you’ll be ready to take on one of the dedicated CIMIC specialists working among the local the role of upholding and further improving the most challenging and rewarding management jobs in the population or be employed as a Staff Officer in a reputation of not only the Royal Marines but the headquarters co-ordinating CIMIC over a wide area. entire UK armed forces and, ultimately, the nation armed forces, or anywhere else for that matter. as a whole.

22 23 We’re going to ask a lot of you. ROYAL MARINES So in return, you can expect a great RESERVE LIFE deal from us.

In this section: Your commitment - Page 26 What we can offer you - Page 28 Sports and recreation - Page 30

Visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr or call 08456 00 14 44 24 25 YOUR COMMITMENT “An operational tour Being part of the Royal Marines Reserve isn’t just a will always be the most hobby. You’ll be a trained member of the UK’s elite challenging thing you can amphibious forces, with all the responsibilities that do as a Reservist. However, go with this unique military job. I’m driven by the constant varied challenges that the As a Reservist, you’ll serve part- By completing your minimum training EMPLOYER BENEFITS – SABRE Royal Marines Reserve time, unless you’re called out for an commitment satisfactorily, you’ll also Balancing Royal Marines Reserve and operational tour of duty. However, qualify for your yearly tax-free bounty, job commitments can be an issue. In provides in all aspects and you’ll need to keep your skills and on top of the pay you’ll receive for every particular, you may not be sure how fitness at a consistently high level, which hour’s service you give, for more details much support you’ll get from your environments.” means you’ll be expected to put in the turn to page 29. employer. To help, the Ministry of following training throughout the year. Defence has set up Supporting Britain’s Martin, Marine and IT Manager DEPLOYMENTS Reservists and Employers (SaBRE). The NON-CONTINUOUS TRAINING (NCT) – You’ll almost certainly go on at least one website (sabre.mod.uk) will give your 12 DAYS EACH YEAR operational tour of duty during your boss full details of your rights and This is made up of midweek drill nights service. As a part of the Royal Marines’ responsibilities as a Reservist and how and weekends. Each two-hour drill night trained strength, you can be called out, they’ll benefit from your service and is equivalent to a quarter day’s training, or mobilised, to serve anywhere in the training with us. It also sets out the so doing four will give you one day’s world in response to a military threat, compensation they’re entitled to if NCT. Weekend training, which normally or a natural or humanitarian disaster. you’re mobilised. runs from 20.00 hours on Friday to Sunday afternoon, counts as 2.5 days. You can be mobilised once you’ve Most Reservists are with us for at least completed all three phases of your one weekend a month. training. During your mobilisation, which can last anywhere from a CONTINUOUS TRAINING (CT) – few weeks to 12 months, you’ll serve 14 DAYS EACH YEAR alongside regular Royal Marines, doing Wherever possible, we like you to exactly the same work in identical complete your CT each year as a single conditions. You may also have the 14-day block. We understand, though, opportunity for longer-term service that your work or other circumstances with the regular Corps under a may sometimes make this difficult. If you Full-Time Reserve Service (FTRS) contract. have valid reasons, your Commanding This will normally be for up to two Officer may allow you to put in several years, during which time you’ll be shorter periods (each no less than 72 paid the same as your equivalents in hours) to make up your 14 days. the regular Royal Marines.

In recent times, Reservists have seen active service in Bosnia, Kosovo, , the Caribbean, Georgia, the Congo, Iraq and Afghanistan.

What kind of commitment does serving with the Royal Marines Reserve involve? “Royal Marines Reserve training needs great commitment and dedication, so you should not take the decision to join lightly. Achieving a balance between work, family and the Royal Marines Reserve is difficult, as they all involve commitment. I believe the key is being flexible and honest with all three to achieve the best balance.”

What do you feel you get in return? “The rewards at the end of training are well worth the time, effort and pain. Joining the Royal Marines Reserve is not like joining a club, or taking part in a hobby, but being part of something very special that anyone outside the Royal Marines family will struggle to understand.“

ANDREW MARINE and OPERATIONS MANAGER AT A NEWSPAPER 26 27 Really?

‘Blueys‘ – Armed Forces’ slang for letters WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU home – from the colour of lightmail airmail Serving with the Royal Marines Reserve brings a huge range envelopes. E-mails are therefore ‘e-blueys’. of personal and professional rewards. But as well as unique experiences, long-term friendships and a huge sense of satisfaction, you’ll enjoy plenty of practical, real benefits, too.

“The best aspect of the Royal Marines Reserve is the friends and colleagues that I have met during my time.”

Andrew, Marine and Operations Manager

You have a PhD in chemistry; why the PAY TRANSFERABLE SKILLS BOUNTY Royal Marines Reserve? Although, as a Reservist, you’re a As well as qualifications and specific If you complete your minimum training “I missed my chance to join full-time earlier in my life. volunteer, that doesn’t mean we expect military training, serving with the commitment for the year satisfactorily, The Royal Marines Reserve offers a way to pursue the same you to do all this for nothing. Quite Royal Marines Reserve will help you you’ll also be paid a lump sum each year, challenges and opportunities while having a civilian career and the opposite, in fact. You’ll be paid at develop other skills and personal which we call a ‘bounty’. You’ll currently being paid for something I enjoy doing!” the same rate as your equivalent in the qualities that will prove invaluable in receive £395 in your first year, rising to regular Royal Marines for every drill any civilian line of work. The leadership £1556 a year after five years’ service. What have been your personal highlights during night and training weekend as well as potential, self-discipline, self-motivation Remember, this is on top of your pay for your 10 years’ service? when you are deployed for longer. and ability to work in a team you’ll going on any training. Better still, the “Two things really stand out. The first was being chosen for the gain through the Royal Marines bounty is tax-free, so you get to keep Cenotaph guard on . The focus of the city of Reserve will be of enormous benefit every penny. Bristol was on me and the Royal Marines Reserve. The second was to your employer and co-workers and the Special Forces selection course for the SBS Reserve; walking 64 greatly improve your employment and kilometres in 18 hours and passing Escape and Evasion and Interrogation promotion prospects. was and will always be the hardest thing I’ve ever done!”

DAVID MARINE and CHEMISTRY TEACHER 28 29 “If you can commit the time, you have the chance SPORTS AND RECREATION to get involved in almost everything the regular As a member of the Royal Marines Reserve, you’re as much a part of the Corps as the regular Corps does, be it deploying Royal Marines. That means you have access to many to the front line on of the same opportunities for sport, recreation, operations, or carrying out travel and adventurous training, too. adventurous training all over the world.”

Chris, Marine and Retail Manager

SEE THE WORLD These courses offer a real taste of AND TO WIN For centuries, people have joined us adventure, whether you’re diving in It’s not just on exercise and operations to see the world and visit places they the Red Sea, snowboarding in the Alps, that Reservists and regular Royal Marines might otherwise never get to go to. caving, hang-gliding, mountaineering, get to work together. There are also The opportunity to travel is still one parachuting or sailing. For some people, opportunities for members of the of the attractions of serving with the it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. For Royal Marines Reserve to represent the Royal Marines Reserve. In recent times, others, it’s the start of an interest that Royal Marines in a variety of sports such Reservists have served on operations in stays with them long after they leave as boxing, football, rugby and fencing. Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan the service. and joined humanitarian relief missions in many other countries. PLAYING FOR FUN Keeping yourself in peak physical Have you been on exercise or operations A SENSE OF ADVENTURE condition is an important part of life during your service? Being able to dig deep and find in the Royal Marines Reserve. We “In 2007, I took part in Exercise ‘Commando Strike’ in the something extra within yourself is at encourage you to take part in sport, . A year later, I went to on the annual the heart of the Royal Marines Reserve both for the fitness benefits and the multinational exercise ‘Tradewinds’. I’ve also been deployed ethos. It’s the kind of fighting spirit, grit fantastic social life that goes with it. As to Iraq on as part of the Royal Navy training and positive attitude we like and which a member of the Royal Marines Reserve, team mentoring the Iraqi Riverine Patrol Service on our adventurous training courses are you have access to the Royal Navy’s counter-smuggling operations in southern Iraq.” designed to encourage. You don’t have superb sporting facilities and activities, to pick activities related to your job; ranging from ‘traditional’ sports like What about specialist training for yourself? this is a chance to try something you’ve football, rugby, hockey and cricket to “I’ve made two trips to Pickel Meadows (the US Marine Corps always wanted to do, or maybe done archery, bobsleigh and fencing. Mountain Warfare Training Center in California) where I before and want to take further. completed the novice ski survival course and the infantry winter warfare course. I’ve always found everyone gets Really? on with each other, and the training and teamwork make working together in tough, stressful environments successful.” ‘Commando’– All Royal Marines, except those in the Royal Marines Band Service, are LEON first and foremost marine and STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Commandos.

30 31 AND FINALLY... In this section: Your questions answered - Page 34 Equal opportunities - Page 36 The Naval Service - Page 38 Royal Marines Reserve unit contact details - Page 40

Visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr or call 08456 00 14 44 32 33 YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Even when you’ve decided to join us, you’re bound to have questions. These are some of the questions we get asked most often by people thinking of becoming Royal Marines Reservists, and their families. You can find others on our website or the team at your local Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) or Royal Marines Reserve unit will be happy to answer those we didn’t cover here.

Q: HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO Q: CAN I SEE IF I LIKE IT BEFORE When you join the Royal Marines Q: WILL I ALWAYS BE PART-TIME? Q: WILL A CRIMINAL RECORD STOP Q: IF I FIND IT’S ALL GETTING SIGN UP FOR? I APPLY? Reserve, you must give the Ministry ME FROM JOINING? ON TOP OF ME, IS THERE SOMEONE of Defence (MOD) permission to A: Yes, unless you’re either called out I CAN TALK TO? A: Like the regular Royal Marines, A: Yes, you can. We run familiarisation tell your employer, so they can for permanent service, or you’re A: Not necessarily. Under the you will join the Royal Marines courses throughout the year and know about the benefits, rights and accepted on a Full-Time Reserve Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, A: We know that commando Reserve on an open engagement each of our units holds a number obligations that go with having a Service Contract (see next question). convictions are said to be ‘spent’ training can be very tough on which will take you to age 45. You of ‘Meet The Marines’ events each Reservist on the team. The MOD after a period of time, which varies people psychologically and can join when you’re 16. You can year. These are very popular and give will wait for four weeks after you’ve according to the offence. As long as emotionally, as well as physically. give us one month’s notice to leave you a chance to talk to serving Royal given this permission, so you can Q: AS A RESERVIST, CAN I you have no ‘unspent’ convictions, a If you’re struggling, please talk to a at any time, except of course if you Marines Reservists face-to-face about talk to your employer if you prefer. SERVE FULL-TIME? criminal record should not prevent member of the training team. You are mobilised. life in the Royal Marines Reserve. If you change jobs, the MOD will tell you from entering the Royal Marines can also speak to one of the welfare These events are free and open to your new boss, but again you’ll have A: Once you’ve completed your Reserve. Your local AFCO or Royal advisers or a . When you everyone. For more details, visit a four-week ‘window’ to tell them phase-three training, you can apply Marines Reserve unit will be able to speak to any of these people, they Q: WHAT IF I CHANGE MY MIND? royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr or yourself if you’d rather. for one of the Full-Time Reserve give you advice. will keep any information you give ask the team at your local AFCO Service (FTRS) contract opportunities them confidential, except if you tell A: As a civilian volunteer, you’re not or Royal Marines Reserve unit. you’ll often see advertised at your them about something illegal or bound by the same conditions as Q: WHEN COULD I BE CALLED OUT ON Royal Marines Reserve unit. When Q: WHAT’S THE POLICY ON possibly life-threatening. If this is regular Royal Marines. You can OPERATIONS OR ACTIVE SERVICE? you’re accepted, you’ll serve with DRUG USE? the case, they have a duty to tell ask to be discharged at any time Q: ARE THERE AGE LIMITS the regular Corps on exercise or the . before your period of service is up TO JOINING? A: Having successfully completed operations, wherever they are in the A: We do not tolerate drugs in the by giving a month’s notice in writing phase-three training, you may be world, on the same terms and pay, Royal Marines Reserve or any area and returning any kit you’ve been A: You can join the Royal Marines Reserve called out if the UK is threatened for between three months and two of the Naval Service. If you’re found Q: HOW LONG WILL I BE AWAY issued. The only exceptions are if from age 16. As a general rule, you with or actually under attack, or years, depending on your availability guilty of drug use, you will usually be ON DEPLOYMENT? you’ve been called out on permanent must begin your training before there’s a similar national emergency. and the needs of the service. discharged from the Royal Marines service, or you’re on a Full-Time your 33rd birthday. If you’re older You may also need to serve if the Reserve and may be prosecuted. A: It depends, but generally between Reserve Service (FTRS) contract. Please than this but have previous military Government decides to send UK two weeks if training with the go to royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr experience, we’ll consider your forces to protect life and property Q: HOW CAN I KEEP IN TOUCH WHILE Royal Marines Reserve, and 12 for more details or ask the team at application on an individual basis. in another country, or to help I’M AWAY? Q: I LIVE OVERSEAS. CAN I JOIN? months if mobilised. your local AFCO or Royal Marines people caught up in a man-made Reserve unit. or natural disaster. A: All our ships and shore units have A: When you apply, you must be a Q: DO I HAVE TO TELL MY satellite phones for emergencies. British, Irish or Commonwealth citizen. EMPLOYER I’M JOINING THE We also give everyone serving We do not accept asylum seekers into Royal Marines Reserve? Q: DO I HAVE TO GO? abroad 20 minutes’ worth of free the Royal Marines Reserve. satellite calls a week (this increases A: The skills and personal qualities A: As a Reservist, you are part of Her to 30 minutes if you are serving in Q: if i have any more you’ll develop in the Royal Marines Majesty’s armed forces. Your call-out Afghanistan). All Royal Navy ships Q: I’M DISABLED. CAN I JOIN? questions, where Reserve can be a great benefit to any notice will tell you exactly where to have email access and mobile phones should I look? organisation and most employers are report and when; if you don’t turn are also allowed on board. However, A: If we accept your application, extremely supportive. However, there up, you could be charged with being there may be some restrictions about you’ll have to pass a full medical A: You’ll find the answers to will be times where your Royal Marines absent without leave (AWOL) or when they can be used. examination. If you fail to meet any of your questions at Reserve commitments will affect their even desertion. If there are genuine the minimum standard for entry royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr business, especially if you’re called reasons why you can’t be called out, because of an illness, injury or or by talking to the team out on permanent service. you or your employer may apply for other condition, we won’t be able at your local Royal Marines an official leave of absence. to offer you a career with the Reserve unit. Royal Marines Reserve.

34 35 “It’s great to be part of the Royal Marines family, and knowing that our Reservist training will allow us to fit seamlessly into the regular Corps.”

Duncan, Marine and Student

We believe in equal opportunities. This We’ll make every effort to take specific Those found guilty of bullying, means we’ll treat all applications equally. religious and cultural requirements, such harassment or other unacceptable EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES as diet, into account where possible. behaviour will be dealt with swiftly In the Royal Marines Reserve, we look for people with The UK Government has a policy of Please remember though, that we have and appropriately. If you have any other the commando ‘state of mind’. Show us you’ve got it not allowing women to serve in front- to consider factors such as operational questions on our equal opportunities and you’re in – whatever your background. line combat roles. This means that needs, health and safety and our duty policy, visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr women cannot become Royal Marines of care to all our personnel. or consult the team at your local AFCO Commandos. However, women can join or Royal Marines Reserve unit. the Royal Marines Band Service. We offer everyone employment and promotion in the Royal Marines Reserve We also accept women serving in other on the basis of their ability and merit, parts of the Naval Service or from other nothing else. Really? armed forces on the All Arms Commando Course. Those who finish the training We do not accept bullying or harassment ‘Company’ – All the personnel in a may be posted to support roles in 3 of any kind within the Royal Marines fighting sub-unit Commando Brigade. Reserve. We encourage anyone suffering within a Royal Marines any form of abuse to report it. We Commando or Royal Marines Reserve unit. always treat any complaints seriously, sensitively and in absolute confidence.

36 37 THE NAVAL SERVICE We hope this publication has given you an insight into life ROYAL NAVY (RN) in the Royal Marines Reserve and the career opportunities The Royal Navy you’re probably available to you. But, the Royal Marines Reserve is just one most familiar with is made up of the Surface Fleet – aircraft carriers, , part of the Naval Service. and other vessels – and the Service. All of which, except To see what other career opportunities there are, visit the ballistic , are armed with websites shown below. conventional weapons. The delivers air power and air support, operating fast jets and helicopters from warships and bases on land.

royalnavy.mod.uk/careers

ROYAL MARINES (RM) (RNR) The Royal Marines are an elite unit – The Royal Naval Reserve are an they have to be physically tough, important part of the Naval Service, and mentally strong and totally dedicated are made up of more than 2000 men to wear the coveted green beret. They and women (about a quarter of them work in harsh environments, including are former Royal Navy personnel) who mountains, jungles and deserts, and combine military and civilian life. As show ‘courage, determination, fully-trained members of the team, they unselfishness and cheerfulness in the help the Royal Navy meet its operational face of adversity.’ needs in times of crisis, tension and war. And although they’re volunteers, royalmarines.mod.uk Reservists get paid for any training and work they do.

royalnavy.mod.uk/rnr

ROYAL MARINES BAND SERVICE (RMBS) (RFA) Historically, drums and bands have The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) supplies been central to the Naval Service. Today, Royal Navy ships with the fuel, food, the Royal Marines Band Service are stores and ammunition they need to thought of as some of the world’s most stay operational while at sea. It’s talented and versatile military musicians. a civilian service, made up of over 2000 But as well as making music, they’re also officers and ratings trained to Merchant Royal Marines, trained for medical Navy standards, with military skills that support and other operational roles. allow them to provide close support in combat operations. royalnavy.mod.uk/careers rfa.mod.uk

38 39 Royal Marines Reserve Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside has detachments Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside has detachments Royal Marines Reserve Scotland Royal Marines Reserve Scotland in the following places. (Manchester Detachment) in the following places. (Dundee Detachment) (Belfast Detachment) TA Centre TA Centre Palace 215 Upper Chorlton Road Strathmore Avenue Holywood Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside Manchester Royal Marines Reserve Scotland Dundee County Down (HQ and Liverpool Detachment) M16 0BH (Glasgow Detachment) DD3 6SQ BT18 9RA Naval Regional HQ Freephone: 0800 783 9529 37–51 Birkmyre Road Freephone: 0800 085 7179 Freephone: 0800 085 7179 East Brunswick Govan Liverpool Glasgow L3 4DZ Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside G51 3JH Royal Marines Reserve Scotland Freephone: 0800 783 9529 (Nottingham Detachment) Freephone: 0800 085 7179 (Aberdeen Detachment) HMS Sherwood Gordon Barracks Calfont Drive Bridge of Don Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside Nottingham Royal Marines Reserve Scotland Aberdeen (Birmingham Detachment) NG8 3LT (Edinburgh Detachment) AB23 8DB c/o HMS Forward Freephone: 0800 783 9529 HMS Caledonia Freephone: 0800 085 7179 42 Tilton Road Birmingham Fife Inverness B9 4PP KY11 2XH Royal Marines Reserve Scotland Freephone: 0800 783 9529 Freephone: 0800 085 7179 (Inverness Detachment) Cameron Barracks Inverness Royal Marines Reserve Royal Marines Reserve Scotland IV2 3XD has detachments Royal Marines Reserve London (Greenock Detachment) Freephone: 0800 085 7179 in the following places. (Portsmouth Detachment) Navy Buildings Building 185 Eldon Street London HMS Excellent Greenock Royal Marines Reserve London Whale Island PA16 7SL (HQ and London Detachment) Portsmouth Freephone: 0800 085 7179 2 Old Jamaica Road Hampshire Bermondsey PO2 8ER London Phone: 020 7237 4331 Royal Marines Reserve Hartlepool SE16 4AN Tyne has detachments Royal Marines Reserve Tyne Royal Marines Reserve Tyne Phone: 020 7237 4331 in the following places. (Leeds Detachment) (Hartlepool Detachment) Royal Marines Reserve London Ceres Division Easington Road TA Centre Chatham (Cambridge Detachment) Newcastle Carlton Barracks Hartlepool If you are up for Royal Marines Reserve London TA Centre Royal Marines Reserve Tyne Carlton Gate Cleveland the challenge of (Chatham Detachment) 450 Cherry Hinton Road (Newcastle Detachment) Leeds TS24 8JY becoming a Royal Collingwood Block Cambridge Anzio House LS7 1HE Freephone: 0800 032 5094 Khyber Road CB1 4HQ Quay Side Freephone: 0800 032 5094 Marines Reservist, or if Chatham Phone: 020 7237 4331 you just want to find Kent NE6 1BU out more about us and ME4 4TT Freephone: 0800 032 5094 meet some serving Phone: 020 7237 4331

Reservists, come along Henley-on-Thames Royal Marines Reserve to your local unit. Royal Marines Reserve London Bristol has detachments Royal Marines Reserve Bristol Royal Marines Reserve Bristol (Henley Detachment) in the following places. (Cardiff Detachment) (Plymouth Detachment) RFCA Centre TA Centre Millbay TA Centre Friday Street Bristol Morgan Street Citadel Road Henley-on-Thames Royal Marines Reserve Bristol Cardiff Plymouth Oxfordshire (HQ and Bristol Detachment) CF10 4FG PL1 3BQ RG9 1AM House Phone: 01179 733 523 Phone: 01179 733 523 Phone: 020 7237 4331 Littlefield Place Clifton Lympstone Bristol Royal Marines Reserve Bristol Royal Marines Reserve Bristol BS8 3NA (Lympstone Detachment) (Poole Detachment) Phone: 01179 733 523 Commando Training Centre RM Poole Lympstone Hamworthy Devon Poole EX8 5AR Dorset Phone: 01179 733 523 BH15 4NQ Phone: 01179 733 523

Visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr 40 41 CONTACTING US L2/RMR/V2

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This publication is for guidance only. The facts in it may change without notice and it is no form of legal contract.

We can change daily rates of pay, travelling expenses, tax free bounty rates and job opportunities, with or without notice. Major as well as minor changes may be involved. However, we make every effort to make sure the details in this publication are correct. This publication is not an offer by the Royal Marines Reserve to any person. Publications are prepared and printed several months before being distributed so cannot always immediately reflect changes in details or in some cases a particular offer.

Visit royalmarines.mod.uk/rmr or call 08456 00 14 44