General Naval and Military Chat >> Royal Marines >> Planning on joining....
Planning on joining....
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Posted about 1 year ago Hey all, I'm new here and I have a few questions - all about the RM :) (This is also, in a way, my intro thread). I'm 15 at the moment (16 on Wednesday), however, I am extremely 'scrawny' for my age. However, I am planning on getting 'bigger' (and no this isn't a joke). So yeah, after I take my GCSE's and then A Levels (from what I gather you need 2 A-levels for the marines??), and then I'm thinking of going on a gap year (will this put my back i.e. lower my chances?) and then onto uni (incase I don't get in, and to tell help me after my career). Does this seem like a 'good' plan? Anyway here are my list of questions (please don't say go and research, I have done some but I have a few questions which I can't find answers for OR what I would like answers from actual marines or ex marines...) 1. This is a very bland question but is it better to join as an officer or a private? I would prefer to join as an officer, as would my parents, but are the tests a lot harder? I know they do the same 32 week course and then some extra tests after - what are they like? 2. I currently live in Sheffield, however, I'm still not sure on which 'unit' I would join? I.E. Which is the closest marine base to Sheffield? 3. Do the Marines offer scholarships? I Know the RAF does but I was wondering do the marines? If so do I apply after my GCSE's? 4. I know the armed forces are a bit 'iffy' about exzcma, I had twice at around 10 - 12 (I sometimes get the marks but it never itches) would that matter? I used to have it REALLY badly, but it has now calmed down - and I haven't had it at all since then really). 5. This may seem a very strange question, but does it matter that I go to private school? Would it 'ruin' my chances of getting high in the ranking system? I don't care about the banter - it's my parents choice that I go to and I don't have a choice. Thanks for managing to read thread my longish thread :) I appreciate all help that you give me. Thanks again, Josh |
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| Posted about 1 year ago Hi Josh! Welcome to the forums! I'm a blue job so I can;t answer specifics on the marines, there are others on the site better placed than me but I'll answer what I can. In my opinion taking a gap year, providing you do something productive and don't get into any bother, will help your chances. I took one when I was 18 and it was one of the best thigns I ever did. It gives you valuable life experience and helps you mature. In terms of a scholorship, I know the RM offer than to officer candidates as my mate is doing it at the moment. I'm not sure for non-commissioned ranks. In terms of where you will be based, I imagine it's the same in the RM as RAF where you say where you would like to be posted but its not gauranteed. You will move around a lot in your career. Going to private school won't affect your chances of joining or promotion. Yes you will get the p*** ripped out of you by the lads and it's good you're prepared for that but it will not effect your career chances. In terms of being 'scrawny' as you put it, start training for your fitness now, its never too early. The marines have a fitness training programme on their website, im sure you can find it in your research, if not let me know and I can sort you out. I also have RM training programmes and instructional video's on motivation, stretching and bodyweight excercises. If you need them feel free to ask but they;re all on the website. Hope this helps! All the best and remember nothing worth having ever comes easy. You'll soon realize how true that is! Never give up, never quit, if you havent bled you haven't earnt it. |
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| Posted about 1 year ago Thanks whitey for your quick reply :) It certainly helps :D. On my gap year I do plan on going travelling, I will probably do what my brother did - work until January/Febuary, then go on it - it made it, for him, so much more enjoyable. Ahh okay well I do plan on becoming on officer (if possible) should I ask at my local office? (I have been a fair few times but the naval recruitment officer is never there :( ). Oh right - well I didn't actually now that, however, that is very helpful - do you know if you get a choice on where you are stationed or not? i.e. near your family. Well I have had a LOT of abuse in the past, probably nowhere near as bad, but I'm fine with it. I am, once I have enough money for a few months membership, planning on joining Virgin gym (no I don't get the money fed to me, I do work, just saying that incase people think I'm the spoon feed spoilt brat :) ), and I do see those programmes - which I found very helpful. I also found the army iPod app helpful as well - its a GREAT motivator!! But thanks again for your long and quick reply, it answered a lot of more questions, out of interest do you know the 'rule' about eczema? Thanks Josh |
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| Posted about 1 year ago Dear Josh, I served with The Corps, as a member of the Army, and they are an organisation that is very close to my heart. I have read your thread and have to be honest with you most of your questions can be answered by going along to your nearest RN/RM Careers Office. These people are the professionals in the recruiting field and are up to date on the myriad of changes affecting those who wish to join the Royal Marines. Should you choose to take this course of action do not be put off by the person you initially meet as you walk through the door of the Careers Office. Ask to speak with the RM Careers Advisor and impress on him your reasons for wanting advice at an early stage - planning and preparation come to mind. They will advise you on the required education standard for joining as an officer and Marine. I personally see no advantage in a 'Gap' year. What does it achieve? I have seen youngsters on 'Gap' years and I wonder who they are trying to convince it is a good idea. That is my view - sorry! That you are 'scrawny' is of little importance. I have known some 'scrawny' fit Marines and Paratroopers. Fitness is a frame of mind but make no bones about it - there is no replacement for road and gym work. Go to your local sports centre, where it is possible there may be a former military PTI, let them know what you have in mind and ask if they would put a fitness programme together for you. Only you will get yourself fit for service with The Royal Marines. It will take dedication and perseverance. If you are attending private school then seek advice from your Sports Teacher. Mum and Dad pay good money for you to be equipped to face your future working life - you want to join the Royal Marines and you need to be fit to achieve that aim!! Always aim high. If you have the education qualifications to join as an officer - and you pass the selection phase - then go for it. It is not easy and you will need to be fit, disciplined and mature. If you don't make officer selection then join as a Marine. There is no disgrace in learning your 'craft' as a Marine and if possible seeking a commission later in your career. All recruits, officer and Marine, go to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) at Lympstone, which is between Exeter and Exmouth, Devon. CTCRM is located on the banks of the muddy River Exe - which you will come to love and adore - and wonder how you didn't visit earlier!! I believe scholarships are available but competition is hard. RN & RM Careers should be able to advise you on this. Your current Schools Careers Officer should be able to help you as well - that's what they are there for! Exzcma is a medical condition. You should seek further advice when you visit the Careers Office - or - wait until you attend for induction and let them know then. Private school should not be a bar to entering The Corps. With regard to promotion, how far you rise in the rank structure will depend entirely on your capabilities. As a young officer you will be reported on annually and watched by those in authority over you. Believe me when I say that only the best go a long way in The Corps. Let me say one thing with regard to your comment "I don't care about the banter - it's my parents choice that I go to and I don't have a choice". Prince Edward joined The Royal Marines as an officer because his father said he would. He hated every minute of it and left. If you are going to join The Corps do it because it is what you want to do. You are the one who is going to be dirty, tired and totally fed up in the freezing cold wastes of Dartmoor, on the Endurance Course etc - not your parents. Be honest with yourself. I enjoyed my time with The Corps but I was already a professional soldier and attuned to the rigours of selection. You will be in a different situation. Banter is something you will have to 'put up with' because it is a way of life in the military so it is as well that you won't care about it! I hope what I have said will help you Josh. If you want to get back to me then please do. Best Wishes - and go safely, Peter |
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| Posted about 1 year ago im 15 and a girl...and i think its so unfair that there are still things that boys are allowed to do that us girls cant, like the RM!. what is the most similar job available for women, and could there be any chance that the rules could change to stop this sexism??? |
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| Posted about 1 year ago Hi Zoe and welcome. This might interest you! http://www.hmforces.co.uk/topics/1399-women-to-join-marines/posts
Women should be obscene and not heard! Never regret what you have done, only what you havent!!!! |
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| Posted about 1 year ago Dear Zoe, This is not about sexism - this is about fact. As a 40 year soldier having done the Commando Course and served with the Royal Marines etc for many years AND having served in senior middle management appointments in the Army I have witnessed what happens when young ladies are introduced into an environment to which they are not suited. They hate it and it is not pretty. Granted, there are some young ladies, not a lot, who have stamina and can meet the high standard of military training but these are few and far between - not because they are women but because they are 'built' differently. The good Lord made us differently and we have to contend with this fact. In their own way women are very strong and capable of doing many things a man can not - and probably would not - do. Being raised in a house full of women, with a professional father who revered women, probably makes me realise this more than a lot of men. There are very good reasons why women are not allowed to serve in the Royal Marines, Parachute Regiment and other teeth arms and believe me when I say that these decisions have not been made lightly - they are made on sound judgement. The jobs in which women are employed in the Armed Services are done well and to a very high standard and the lasses are to be applauded - but leave it at that and please - no more talk about sexism. Go Safely, Peter
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| Posted about 1 year ago facup says ...
Just to point out here mate, you say the officer course is 32 weeks. Here you are completely wrong, it is a 15 month course. Whether you join as an officer or a marine can only really be your personal choice, other people can make recommendations but it has to be suited to you. Officers carry alot more responsibility and the selection process is very tough. Definitely start working on your fitness straight away, start running at least 3 times a week and get doing body weight excercises. Correct your diet (if it's bad) so that you are getting the required proteins and vitamins etc. I recommend not to use any supplements because during training these are confiscated so there would be no point getting your body used to something. Overall, just stick at it! If you want it bad enough, you'll have it! When training gets tough just push through the pain barriers. I recommend going on the PRMC Forum on the Royal Navy Website, there are alot of lads on there that have the same ambitions as you do.
Cheers, Morts |
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