Royal Marines officer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Find out which qualifications or skills you need to become a Royal Marines officer.

You can get into this job by applying directly for marines officer training.

You'll usually need a minimum of:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
• 2 A levels or equivalent

If your initial application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. This is followed by assessments, which include medical and fitness checks.

If you get through the first stages, you may be offered a place on a 4-day Potential Officers Course that includes basic training and further assessments. If successful, you'll go onto a full officer training programme.

You'll need:

• leadership skills to manage and motivate commandos
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements. You'll need to:

• meet the Royal Marines officer nationality and residency rules
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass enhanced background checks
• pass security checks