Entry into RM

METHODS OF ENTRY AND SELECTION

For those who wish to sample the type of life they might expect in the Royal Marines, Potential Officers and Recruits Courses are held at Commando Training Centre at Lympstone. As one of the elite's force, it takes a very special kind of person to join them. Not only someone who is fit and intelligent , but also someone who has extra qualities needed to command or take their place in a troop of 30 men some 45 young officers and 800 young recruits are selected for Royal Marines training . However, in order to be selected, individuals must prove themselves on the Potential officers course (POC) or the Potential Recruits Course (PRC).
The educational qualifications for officers vary with type of entry, but all must be recommended to attend, in the case of officers by their Liaisons Officer and recruits by their Carers Adviser at the local RN & RM Careers Office, after an interview and medical examination.

The POC covers three days in which time the Corps has a chance to measure a man's suitability and he has a close opportunity to find out more about the Royal Marines. The potential officer will live and feed in the officers mess, meet those YOs already under training and be given an insight into the life which lies ahead. After films on the evolution of the Corps an its roles today, a rigorous fitness test is undertaken in the gymnasium. He will be invited to write a short essay followed by an interview. At a drinks party in the Mess he will have the chance to talk to officers who will tell him of the joys and challenges that he will meet, the rigours and hardships he might undergo. On the second morning, more physical training is carries out including rope climbing and fireman's lift, this to be followed by an introduction to the Tarzan and Assault Courses.
To test his ability to communicate and express himself, lecturettes are held, before a move into the field for an introduction to the Endurance Course with a six mile run over rough Devon countryside. Later, discussion groups held in which potential officer is expected to play a full part.

A potential recruit does a very similar three days course to the officer. Talks on pay scales, gym tests and a few basic drill movements are followed by a short written test. After lunch an introduction to the Endurance Course, about six miles of rough terrain, bogs and water hazards, gives the instructor a chance to assess an individual's physical and mental condition. He will be given a tour of the barracks and show where he would live and feed. Here there is a chance to talk to recruits who are under training as well as some more experienced marines.
On the second day there is an introduction to some of the many weapons a marine is likely to handle, a dental inspection and an interview with the Personnel Selection Officer. More outdoor test continue on the Tarzan and Assault courses, before talks and videos on many aspects of Royal Marines life.
The final day, after reveille at 0530, was, shave and making his own bed, sees some more physical tests before a final interview.

The time spent at Lympstone will have given the potential officers and recruits alike a chance to decide whether the Royal Marines are the careers they are seeking. It will also have given them an opportunity to find out and correct any shortcomings they may have had. Promotion and pay are good for those who earn it. The exhilarating and exacting life that could be theirs is ahead.