Royal Marines interview preparation:

Question 1

Cap Badge - the Lion

Answer 1

Denotes a Royal Regiment. Awarded by King George III in 1802.

Question 2

Cap Badge - the Globe:

Answer 2

Awarded to the Corps in 1827 by King George IV to show multiple successes around the world.

Question 3

Laurel Wreaths:

Answer 3

Awarded in 1761 during Seven Years’ War.

In recognition of efforts at capture of Belle Isle.

Question 4

The Fouled Anchor:

Answer 4

Awarded by Lord High Admiral in 1747 and indicates Marines are part of Naval Service.

Question 5

‘Per Mare, Per Terram’.

Answer 5

‘By sea, by land’ - the Corps motto believed to be first used at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775.

Question 6

Gibraltar:

Answer 6

The only battle honour on the Royal Marines cap badge and colours.

Represents successful capture of Gibraltar in 1704 by Royal & Dutch Marines as well as following 9-month siege by large French & Spanish forces.

Question 7

Royal Marines colours - blue:

Answer 7

Represents the strong connection between the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy.

Question 8

Royal Marines colours - Old Gold Light:

Answer 8

Colour of the dress & ensigns of the Duke of York & Albany’s ‘Maritime Regiment Of Foot’ from which the Corps originates.

Question 9

Royal Marines colours - Infantry Green:

Answer 9

Worn on the shako by the infantry of the Corps.

Question 10

Royal Marines colours - Drummer Red:

Answer 10

Historically the colour of the British Army. Worn by Corps until 1876.

Question 11

Endurance course:

Answer 11

6 miles.

21 lbs + fighting order & personal weapon.

2 miles of undulating wood then 4 miles back to camp.

73 minutes.

Marksmanship test - 6/10 shots at 200m.

Question 12

9 mile speed march:

Answer 12

90 minutes / 10 minutes per mile average.

In formation.

Question 13

Tarzan assault course:

Answer 13

13 minutes.

1 mile total.

High obstacle course.

Recruits start at 1-minute intervals.

Followed by bottom field.

30 ft wall climb.

Carrying fighting order & personal weapon.

Question 14

30-miler:

Answer 14

8 hours.

Carrying 40 lbs of equipment + personal weapon.

Tactical navigation exercise.

Load carry equipment.

Personal weapon.

Fighting order.

Spare clothing.

Rations.

Question 15

Commando test retests:

Answer 15

Must retake in 4 day window.

If fail 2 or more, unlikely to be able to re-attempt.

Question 16

Training exercises:

Answer 16

10 training exercises total + Commando Tests.

First 2; First Step & Quick Cover.

First Step is introduction to life in the field, fieldcraft & day/night navigation.

Quick cover is basic fieldcraft & soldiering.

Both conducted at WCTA (Woodbury Common Training Area).

Question 17

Other ranks ranking:

Answer 17

1. Recruit.
2. Marine.
3. Lance Corporal.
4. Corporal.
5. Sergeant.
6. Colour Sergeant.
7. Warrant Officer 2.
8. Warrant Officer 1.

Promotions based on merit but average 2-3 years for promotion after specializing.

Question 18

Commando Officer ranks:

Answer 18

1. Officer Cadet.
2. Second Lieutenant.
3. Lieutenant.
4. Captain.
5. Major.
6. Lieutenant Colonel.
7. Colonel.
8. Brigadier.
9. Major-General.
10. Lieutenant-General.
11. General.
12. Captain General Royal Marines.

Question 19

Who is the head of the Royal Marines?

Answer 19

The Commandant General Royal Marines - General Gwyn Jenkins.

Role is General assisted by Deputy Commandant General with rank of Brigadier.

Not to be confused with Captain General Royal Marines which is ceremonial head. Currently is King Charles III.

Question 20

Key dates:

Answer 20

10 key dates that Recruits learn & memorize throughout training.

These display the values & ethos of the Royal Marines throughout history.

17th June 1775 - Battle Of Bunker Hill during War Of Independence. After 2 unsuccessful attempts to take a bunker, Marines were committed to the battle and took the position.

Recapture of Falklands Islands 1982. Marines involved in every significant aspect of the campaign. Royal Marines manned all landing craft and 3 Commando Brigade was responsible for planning and execution of main landing.

Battle Of Trafalgar 1805. Most decisive sea battle in British history. 2867 Marines involved. Important part of Lord Nelson’s success.

Question 21

Swimming requirements:

Answer 21

• Jump off 3 meter platform.
• 2x laps of pool (approx 150m) using breaststroke.
• Tread water for 2 minutes.
• Climb out of pool.

Question 22

Commando values:

Answer 22

• Excellence.
• Integrity.
• Self-discipline.
• Humility.

Question 23

Commando Spirit:

Answer 23

• Courage.
• Determination.
• Unselfishness.
• Cheerfulness in the face of adversity.

Question 24

Commando Mindset:

Answer 24

First to understand, first to adapt & respond, first to overcome.

Question 25

Why do you want to join the Marines?

Answer 25

- Always attracted to military. - Friend introduced me to Royal Marines. - Structure; routine, conformity, everyone following same procedures. - Challenge; one of hardest military units to join, I want to develop the virtues that are required to be a Marine, ethos. - Travel & opportunities; see the world, learn amazing things.

Question 26

Why have you taken so long to join?

Answer 26

- Cannot blame injuries or COVID. - I became complacent; I always expected to join but let things get in my way. - The last 18 months I have had a wake-up call.

Question 27

Have you ever taken drugs?

Answer 27

I experimented with drugs as a teenager but I have no interest in that. Zero-tolerance policy. CDT’s. Welcome drug-free work environment.

Question 28

Do you have any debts?

Answer 28

I have an overdraft but I aim to spend within my means.

Question 29

Training phases:

Answer 29

ROP: 4 weeks. Phase 1 - individual skills: 10 weeks. Phase 2 - Team & Section skills: week 11-15. Phase 3 - Troop & urban skills: week 16-23. Commando Phase. Kings Squad.

Question 30

What are the terms of service?

Answer 30

Initial length of service is 12 years. All Recruits have right of discharge by submitting 14 days’ notice after 4 weeks & within first 6 months. Minimum 2.5 years after training. 12 months notice.

Question 31

What ships could you serve on?

Answer 31

Technically any. HMS Albion. HMS Bulwark.

Question 32

What are the Commando Units:

Answer 32

Could join any of the Commando Units within 3 Commando Brigade. 40 Commando in Taunton. 42 Commando in Plymouth. 45 Commando in Arbroath.

Question 33

What specialization options are there?

Answer 33

Just under 30 options. These include PTI, Scout Sniper, Mountain Leader, Medical Assistant and Aircrewman.

Question 34

Royal Marines birthday?

Answer 34

28th October 1664.

Question 35

Victoria Cross recipients:

Answer 35

Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter. Operation Roast - Spring Offensive in Italy. April 1945. Charged multiple machine gun positions as he noticed his Troop was exposed.