How do I get selected?
The selection process consists of five stages. These stages usually take place over the course of two months. The majority of RMR Units have one to two intake periods for new recruits per year. Therefore, selection will usually be conducted once or twice a year in order to select suitable potential RMR recruits for Commando training.
However, if you miss the Selection Process, do not wait until the next selection period before contacting your local RMR Unit. If you are interested in joining the RMR, feel free to contact the Recruiting Officer at your local RMR Unit at any time. The Recruiting Officer may then be able to arrange for you to attend your local RMR Detachment. Here you will be given an insight into the RMR and may be able to take part in Physical Training which will help prepare you for the next period of Selection.
Stages of the Selection Process
- Contact your local RMR Unit
- Presentation Day
- Medical & Documentation Day
- Selection Weekend
- Induction & Orientation Weekend
Contact RMR Unit
Find which RMR Unit covers your area. Use the Contact Information to find out how to contact your local RMR Unit. You will then be able to contact the Recruiting Officer who will inform you of the dates for the upcoming Recruiting Period. The Recruiting Officer will also be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the RMR.
Presentation Day
The first step in the Selection Process is to attend the RMR Presentation Day at your local RMR Detachment. The purpose of the presentation is to give you an insight into what the RMR has to offer those people who wish to join. The presentation is designed to illustrate what is involved in Basic Training along with the commitment and determination that is required by volunteers wishing to undergo training within the RMR.
The presentation
usually takes place over three hours in a morning, after which a lunch is usually laid on. Having been made aware of the challenge and rewards of RMR Training it is now up to you to decide whether you wish to proceed further with the selection process. After lunch those who wish to proceed, ask to go onto the next stage, which is the Medical and Documentation Day. They will be given a card with a date and travel arrangements for the day on which they are required to attend for their Medical and Documentation.
However, if you are unsure about proceeding further and want more time to consider or wish to ask more questions, this is no problem, as there is no pressure for you to join - after all it's in both our interests that you make the right choice. If you wish, you may delay your decision for a week or two, it is an option that is open to you.
Outline of a Presentation Day
- Opening Address
- Role of the RMR
- Basic and Commando Training
- Weapons & Equipment Presentation
- Commitments & Physical Preparation
- Meet RMR Marines
- Pay & Conditions
- The Selection Process
- Lunch
- Questions
The Medical and Documentation Days will usually be centralised and conducted at the HQ of the RMR Unit. Transport will normally be provided from the outlying detachments or you will have your travel paid for, if you have to make your own way there. The overall process usually lasts a day with lunch being provided. The day is broken up into four main parts:
- Medical Examination
- Documentation
- Standard Naval Entrance Test
- Interview
Medical Examination
This is a normal Naval Medical Examination to ensure that you are physically capable of undergoing the rigours of RMR Basic Training.
- You will be asked to supply two ID photographs and a Character Reference
- Ex Regulars must provide discharge documentation or Service Certificate
- Supply your Bank Details - for your pay
- Complete an Initial Entry Form
- Complete the Security Questionnaire - to enable security vetting to take place
- Sign the Official Secrets Act
You will be required to complete two basic tests that are used by the Royal Navy for all potential entrants. These are a basic test of your English, Maths and Technical Aptitude; the tests are a mixture of multiple choice and simple written answers. Interview You will be asked the kind of questions you would be asked in any job interview, about schooling, family, hobbies, interests and your knowledge of the RMR and recruit training. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of your own about the RMR. Conduct of the Selection Weekend The conduct of the Selection Weekend may vary between RMR Units but the content and tests are standard throughout.
The weekend begins on a Friday evening and is usually conducted at the HQ of the RMR Unit. However, transport will be provided to get you from your local RMR Detachment to the HQ. At the HQ you will meet the other Potential Recruits from all the RMR Detachments who have made to this stage of the Selection Process.
Outline of a Selection Weekend
Friday Evening - After a number of Introductory Briefings you will be bedded down, ready for an early start on Saturday.
Saturday - This is where the hard work really starts !
| ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Address | Lecture | - |
| Gym Tests | VO2 Max - Bleep Test | 20m Shuttle Runs |
| * | Press-Ups | 20 min - 60 max ( 2 Minutes ) |
| * | Sit-Ups | 30 min - 80 max ( 2 Minutes ) |
| * | Pull-Ups | 3 min - 6 max |
| Swimming | Breast Stroke | At least 50m |
| Pay & Conditions Lecture | Lecture | - |
| High Obstacle Test | Taking part in an Abseil for example | Designed to test your confidence in dealing with heights |
| Weapons Acquaint | Lecture | An opportunity to see more of the weapons used by the RMR |
| Social | Detachment Bar | A chance to socialise with the other recruits and members of the RMR. |
Sunday - The second day will test your determination, as you will be feeling the effects of your first day's activities.
| ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION | REMARKS |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Address | Lecture | - |
| Three Mile Run | Run wearing Training Shoes | Complete the run within 22 and a half minutes |
| Video about RMR Training | Lecture |
- |
| Obstacle Course |
Conducted either using Gym equipment or an actual Assault Course |
Designed to test your stamina and agility |
| RESULTS | Results of the Selection Weekend |
Only those who have shown the required potential will be able to progress further with RMR training |
Induction and Orientation Weekend
Congratulations! You have cleared the first hurdle on the way to earning your Green Beret and becoming a Royal Marines Commando.
The Induction and Orientation Weekend begins on a Friday evening and continues through to Sunday afternoon. It is the first official weekend of your Basic Training and normally takes place a few weeks after the Selection Weekend. It is the beginning of months of arduous training that will culminate with the Commando Course. It is tough and demanding training, both mentally and physically, but will be progressive throughout.
You are not alone though. There will be many other Recruits with you, who will all be feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect. You will make good and lasting friends during training and learn to support each other.
On Friday evening you will sign certain preliminary documents - these make your engagement within the RMR legal and make you subject to military law. You also swear an oath of allegiance to the Sovereign. From that moment on, you are one of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Reserve.
On Saturday morning you will be issued your kit - everything you need except your rifle. The rest of the weekend is taken up with lectures and practical demonstrations aimed at teaching you how to clean, press and wear your uniform. You will learn the importance of good personal organisation and preparedness with relation to living in the field. In addition there will be periods of Physical Training and basic Drill.