The Royal Marines Commandos aren't just about battle training and running up hills with bags on, there is a whole lifestyle that becomes available to you when you sign up. 

Sport

The Royal Marines currently support thirty nationally recognised sports at national and international levels in major sports.

Additionally, the Royal Marines have international honours in triathlon, biathlon, duathalon, ultra distance running and swimming. 

There is a growing interest in the minor sport categories such as Zap Cat boat racing and motor sports and though you might not find a skatepark on every base, keeping active is certainly something that they believe in and all serving members are welcome to either join in or participate.

Sport and competition are a big part of life in the Corps and that inevitably leads to travelling all around the country and possibly abroad to such places as South Africa, Australia or America.  Even if they do not compete at a high level, Royal Marines will still enjoy a whole host of sporting facilities and plenty of time to enjoy them.

Find out more about sports in the Marines and the Royal Navy HERE

Education

Not only is there the opportunity to get active with the Marines, but also the chance to flex the old brain muscle. There is an extensive education programme within the Corps that enables Marines to gain academic and vocational qualifications whilst serving i.e. when you're getting paid!

Once you're through their LANTERN (Literacy and Numeracy Testing and Education in the Royal Navy) standard, recruits have the chance to gain all sorts qualifications not only through the LANTERN system and but also other qualifications from Education Officers, both at home and when on deployment, and from Royal Navy Learning Centres within Units and their dedicated Basic Skills Tutors.

Not only this, but you also get financial support so you can keep on learning. The first is the Standard Learning Credit, which can be used to gain GCSEs , language training and computing qualifications, while the second is The Enhanced Learning Credit Scheme, which gives recruits a chance to take on educational and vocational courses at higher levels.

All Marines complete a programme of Key Skills leading to a Public Services Apprenticeship and are encouraged to achieve recognised Skills for Life qualifications, and Royal Marine Training is accredited by civilian institutions.

University Short Courses covering subjects like Management, Politics and International Relations are also available free of charge. Marines can call on specialist help with Specific Learning Difficulties if necessary, and the recently established Defence Learning Portal provides access to Europe's largest e-learning programme, with courses continually being added.

Joining the Royal Marines means becoming part of a service that values education and engerders a culture of life long learning as part of the Corps ethos.

To find out more about becoming a Royal Marine, visit www.royalmarines.mod.uk, phone a Careers Advisor on 08456 07 55 55, or request more information HERE.