Entry Requirements for joining the RMR

You must be reasonably fit and have a strong desire to spend your leisure time developing your skills and personality in a highly professional and committed environment. Whatever your qualifications, you will still need to pass the Royal Marines Reserve own selection process.

Equal Opportunities

The Naval Service to which the RMR belongs, is fully committed to the application of equality of opportunity for all its employees within the framework of the law, irrespective of gender, race, ethnic origin, religion or social background. All serving personnel have equality of opportunity for employment and advancement based upon ability. The Naval Service makes every effort to Accommodate religious and cultural requirements (including dietary needs) within the constraints imposed by operations, health and safety and duty of care. The only areas currently closed to females are Royal Marines Commandos (including RMR), Mine Clearance Divers and the seagoing Submarine Service.

i(Enlistment in the Royal Marines Reserve is only open to men.)

Age Requirements

You may only apply to join the Royal Marines Reserve once you have reached 17 years of age.

• Volunteers for Recruits: 17 - 30 Years of Age

• Volunteers for Officers: 18 - 26 Years of Age

• Other Ranks or Officers who have served in the Regular Forces: are considered at the Commanding Officer's discretion, for entry beyond the normal entry age.

Nationality and Residence Requirements

To be eligible for entry into the Naval Service to which the RMR belongs:

• (a) At all times since birth have been a British or Commonwealth citizen or a Republic of Ireland national.

• (b) The candidate must have been born in the UK, or a country or territory which is (or was then) within the Commonwealth or a Republic of Ireland.

• (c) A waiver of the above requirements may be granted by the Secretary of State for Defence for candidates who are British citizens at the time of application regardless of place of birth or former nationality.

• (d) In exceptional circumstances a waiver of the above requirements may be granted by the Secretary of State for Defence to persons who are Commonwealth citizens or a Republic of Ireland national at the time of their application regardless of place of birth or former nationality. Any person who seeks such dispensation will have their case considered on its individual merits.

In addition, whether or not you are of UK origin, you should normally have resided in the UK for a minimum of 5 years immediately prior to making an application. In certain circumstances,particularly when an applicant is of UK origin or the country of residence is one where security checks can be carried out, a shorter period of residence maybe accepted. If you are not a British citizen, you will be required to produce either a United Kingdom and Colonies passport, stamped with the unrestricted right to take up employment in the UK, or a Certificate of Entitlement certifying that you have this right.