Who are the Royal Marines?
When were the Royal Marines formed?
Are the Royal Marines part of the Army?
Do the Royal Marines go on ships?
How do I become a Royal Marine Commando?
What is 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines?
What weapons do the Royal Marines use?
What is the training to be a Royal Marines Commando?

Question: Who are the Royal Marines?

Answer: The Royal Marines are the Royal Navy's amphibious infantry and are key component of the government's Rapid Reaction Force. As such, they are required to be trained to work in different terrains and environments, from the cold, mountainous conditions in Northern Europe, to the hot arid regions of the Middle East and Africa and to the dense tropical jungles of the Far East.

All Royal Marines, except those in the Royal Marines Band Service, are first and foremost, commando soldiers. They are required to undergo what is recognised as one of the longest and most demanding infantry training regimes in the world.

Question: When were the Royal Marines formed?

Answer: The Royal Marines can trace their origins back to 1664, when an "Order-in-Council" was issued calling for 1200 soldiers to be recruited for service in the Fleet. A short history can be found here.

Question: Are the Royal Marines part of the Army?

Answer: No. The Royal Marines are part of the Royal Navy.

Question: Do the Royal Marines go on ships?

Answer: Yes when operations require them to. Royal Marines might find themselves part of a massive amphibious task group onboard HMS Ocean, or on a small detachment on a fishery patrol vessel as a boarding party.

Question: How do I become a Royal Marine Commando?

Answer: Information on joining the Royal Marines can be found here.

Question: What is 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines?

Answer: 539 Assault Squadron provide the landing and raiding craft for 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. The squadron has been based at RM Turnchapel in Plymouth since 1993, from which it deploys boat groups for operations and exercises worldwide. The squadron was formed in 1984 as a result of lessons learnt during the Falklands conflict. Its number was derived from the most distinguished LC Flotilla to take part in the D Day Landings.

Question: What weapons do the Royal Marines use?

Answer: The Royal Marines are light infantry and use a variety of light support weapons, a full list can be found here.

Question: What is the training to be a Royal Marines Commando?

Answer: The Royal Marines Commando course takes place at the Commando Training Centre, (CTCRM), Lympstone, Devon and lasts 32 weeks. Full details can be found here.