The importance we place on the team is driven by our desire for results. The best results are achieved through teamwork. This is why people are urged to look after their compatriots. It's also why, in the Commando Test, the clock only stops when the last man in a group crosses the line.

We expect Royal Marines to use their initiative. In the absence of orders we expect a man to focus on the end goal his superior wants to achieve and do something that contributes to that. Battles are ultimately won by individuals, so we concentrate on the individual and his training. The best results are achieved by thinking, intelligent Royal Marines with the freedom and obligation to use their brains.

Our distinctive culture boasts:

Parallel and combined officer and recruit training to provide a bedrock of mutual understanding and trust.

The Green Beret , our badge of physical ability and tenacity, providing an elite self-image and supporting our combat morale.

The dynamic and expeditionary role of our commandos.

The combination of brain and brawn - we are the thinking man's soldier.

Arguably the hardest basic training in the world, providing an unshakeable foundation and self-belief.

A high standard of commando tests that have remained unchanged over many generations.Personal development

Nearly every course that the Royal Marines offers attracts civilian accreditation, whether NVQs or City and Guilds. Over a 22-year career, an individual can expect to build up a lot of skills and qualifications to draw upon when he leaves the Corps. You will be issued with a Personal Development Record during the early part of your training. It's a simple document designed to provide you with a means to record, review and plan your own career development. It's also a permanent record of your achievements.

Investors in People

The Royal Marines are accredited as Investors in People, which means that we recognise the importance of managing and developing the manpower within the Royal Marines.

Discipline

Orders must be carried out and sometimes, under adverse conditions, we are subject to military discipline under the Armed Forces Discipline Act. The disciplinary system was updated in October 2001 to bring it in line with the Human Rights Act. It provides for a fair hearing and is similar to the system used in civilian courts.

The system also underpins our commitment and compliance with the Race Relations Act, the Equal Pay Act and Sex Discrimination legislation. The Armed Forces Code of Social Conduct enhances this legislation and ensures that an individual's actions do not impact on the operational effectiveness of the Service.