Hello, I know this probably sounds like the type of question service members get every day, but if they could, how would they train if they had to redo basic training or PTFJ?

I’m 14 years old, and I was thinking of joining at 16, I currently don’t know how to train to get to the standard of confidently passing PTFJ. I currently run 7KM in 41:29 minutes with a 236 meter climb in the run. I have a quite weak upper body which is my downside but I’m beginning to start doing pushups, again, I can do about 20 good form pushups now.

So, if you were in my position, what would be the next course of action.

Hi all,

I’m looking to join RM but was told I may be wasting a lot of my skills.

I’m an ex pro fighter, actor, chemistry graduate and I teach chemistry/physics/basic engineering.

I wanted a more active physical role which is possibility human intelligence based, but still be able to use the above skills. What I be a fit of the RM? And what is typical daily life like?

Cheers for the help!

Hi lads,
Looking for a bit of advice on my training.
I’ve got my PJFA at the end of September and I’m currently hitting the minimum standards, but I don’t just want to scrape through—I want to be as prepared as possible before moving on to CPC and recruit training.
I’ve heard mixed opinions about the Commando Ready app, with some people saying it’s fine for reaching the minimums but not enough if you want to perform well. I also don’t really want to spend money on a paid programme if I can avoid it.
At home I’ve got a barbell with plates and a multi-use pull-up bar ,but I don’t have access to a gym.
If you were in my position, how would you structure the next couple of months? What would you prioritise for running, strength, and bodyweight work? Any advice from people who’ve passed recently or are serving would be massively appreciated.

Just trying to tick off basics before I go through with an application, any info is greatly appreciated, thank you!

Hello, I would like some advice.

I’d like to change careers and try to become a Royal Marine. The advice I’d like is whether I should sign up now or later.

I’m 23 now, turning 24 in October. Work in finance and feel like I've wasted my life so far, having spent the last 3 to 4 years attempting to become a triathlete.

I could sign up right now, but I feel like since I’ve pretty much done nothing with my life, and already lived a “civvi” life, I should probably go travelling a bit before I do get stuck in. I’m very "everything or nothing," so if I do sign up and go through the whole process, my focus will be on becoming the best I can be inside, which could later set me up for my potential aspirations.

Everyone (not many) I’ve spoken to says to go travel and “chill” for 6 to 12 months and then go through the process. But I feel like I’ve pissed my life away already, due to the fact I wanted to be an RM from a very young age, and thus later wanting to attempt to go Special Forces one day.

I feel at my age now, have I pissed that opportunity away?

The same people have also told me not to worry and to focus on getting in. However, my fitness is decent, and due to being in the Cadets for a lot of my younger years, I gained a very good foundation of skills. Because of this, I feel capable of attempting something like this.

But I just feel that, due to my age now, and if do take 12months out, the opportunity has since passed me as I’d be, say, 30 on SF selection (I know the limit is 32). I just feel that I’m being optimistic on the time frame, and the 2-year window could easily be pushed back if I get stuck somewhere or if injury sets me back, ultimately pushing me out of the age range.

Should I put to bed my aspirations, thus not trying to rush it,

Or go sign up and all in now??

The JSP says its good but they sent me a little like leaflet saying that hypermobility will preclude entry, what should i follow.

Been discharged from the hospital, physiotherapy, asymptomatic, no dislocations in about 10 years.

Already apploed but idk

Sorry to be a pain but I’ve searched and I can’t find exactly what each part is, as i know the names of each test (eg determination)but not what’s in them,if anyone could recommend a video or even explain here that would be great thanks a lot

I’ve heard that Royal Marines are told what specialisation they’ll do rather than being able to pick and guarantee they can specialise in that thing. I’d like to know because this would have a pretty big impact on whether I join the Army or the Royal Marines.

Right now I'm 23 and really struggling for purpose, my grandad was in a similar position and joined the royal marines and it sorted him right. However I'm currently on adhd and depression medication and have a failure to provide breath sample from november 2025, which led in a 1 year driving ban. What are my odds?

Got my online interview on the 29th. Any tips would be appreciated thanks.

Hi,

Going on my CPC next week. Kit list says “swimming costume (no baggy surf like shorts)”

Unsure what exactly it is they want us to bring as I’m not sure if regular swimming trunks would class as “baggy”

Could someone let me know exactly what it is I need to buy?

TIA,

I don’t know if I can get in with my eyesight I’ve seen conflicting info. My eyesight is:

LEFT EYE: 6/6 perfect vision

RIGHT EYE: SPH: + 2.00 CYL: -3.50
unassisted vision 6/12
Assisted vision 6/6

I realise that my cyl is to high in the base medical standard but I’ve read that in the MOD JSP 950
They allow a range of cyl +/- 3.00 - 5.00 in an appeal as long as the eye is healthy and the vision isn’t severe. Does anyone have experience with this, is there any hope for me lol.

Morning all, just a quick Q.

Was originally planning on going for YO batch next yr (am 21yrs atm). However ive just been offered a wicked civvi job id like to do for a few yrs.

I understand i have to be under 25 to apply for YO training, so ive a max of 2-3yrs to have fun in my new job before ive got to apply for YO.

Problem is i understand RMR training (would be rmr scotland) lasts about 2 yrs, so im not sure whether they'd be happy with me leaving within months after passing out? Is it reasonable to apply for RMR in this situation?

Cheers

Currently doing the 4 week pre entry training programme on the website. Struggling every time I get to 2nd sets in week 1 to complete all exercises. Any advice? I think I’m just going to repeat week 1 until I get to a level thats good enough but open to other suggestions.

Hi all, would be grateful if any reservists could share their experiences in balancing commitments alongside life/work.

- How much flexibility is there during training? Is every weekend/evening a must attend?

- Once fully trained, does the commitment change? Is there an attendance quota you need to hit to remain a commando or does it rely on voluntary attendance, given they can’t threaten you with being backtrooped?

Would appreciate any advice on the above, and also just balancing RMR with life more generally. Thanks

the time for a cpc is now 2 months from your PJFA date or you will need to re do it but what happens if you have your test 1 and a half months in and end up failing won’t that mean you’ll have to retake the PJFA anyway as it will be more than 2 months untill the next cpc? Only saying this because I’ve just passed my PJFA but wasn’t high scores at all
Bleep test:10.8
Pushups:34
Sit-ups:46
Pull ups:10
So I’m wondering if I should wait till after the instructors summer break or take the option of August the 2nd which is 3 days after my 10 day holiday and my scores definitely need to be atleast 10-15 higher for my standard

Saw an article in the news lately about women being supported to train for arduous courses like RM Commando training, and they interviewed a woman from the Royal Marines Band Service that had attempted (but not passed) the Royal Marines Commando course.

The only way to become a Royal Marines Commando is to pass the full 32 weeks RM Commando course. If you pass the AACC from the other services you're and Army/Navy/RAF Commando. Makes sense.

Now if you're in the RM Band Service you're still technically a Royal Marine, just not a Royal Marines Commando, so if a band service member did the AACC, what shoulder flash would they wear on their arm? Have they back-doored it into being a Royal Marines Commando?

Royal Marines Band Service Commando? Does that shoulder flash even exist?

Appreciate this is a stupid/pointless question and I'm not about to try to back door it into being an RM Commando by playing a trumpet and then doing the AACC. Purely curiosity...

Good day

I’m a serving Bootneck and wasn’t long ago since I’ve passed out and wanted to know from anyone who’s been in for a while if there are any hidden benefits that aren’t well advertised to serving personal and this is excluding the obvious ones like cheap housing ,free healthcare and all that but instead small little hidden gems that isn’t talked about much ?

Trying to find a suit for cpc just wondering if it need to be any specific Colure or anything needs to be specific or in a range

I’m not sure wether to join the parachute regiment or the Royal Marines, i want to be able to jump out of planes but i also know Royal Marines do everything and get deployed more often, which is my type of thing, i wanted to ask if it is possible for Royal Marines to parachute aswell?

Hi everyone,

I'm 16 and I've just finished my GCSEs. I'm planning on joining the Armed Forces after college, but I'm trying to make sure I choose the right branch rather than rushing into something.

For a long time I was set on joining the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineer because I liked the idea of working on amphibious ships and alongside the Royal Marines. I was also really interested in becoming a Boarding Officer. After speaking to people and doing more research though, I've been told that as an ME I'd probably never get to do the All Arms Commando Course, and even if I did it wouldn't really change what my job is.

Because of that I've started looking more seriously at the Royal Marines, especially 42 Commando. The maritime side of things like boarding operations, counter piracy and ship security sounds exactly like the sort of role I'd enjoy.

I know you can't just choose your unit, but is there any way of showing a preference for 42 Commando or is it completely down to where you're needed?

Also, what is day to day life actually like in the Marines when you're not deployed? How difficult is training really, and what can I be doing over the next couple of years to give myself the best chance of passing? Based on what I've said, does it sound like the Marines would suit me more than the Navy, or am I looking at it the wrong way?

I'm also wondering if it's worth going to speak to a recruiter now with my dad, who was in the Navy and supports my decision but prefers me to earn a trade in the Navy, or if I should wait until I'm closer to applying.

One thing I want to be honest about is that I'm trying to understand what the job is actually like. I'm not looking for a career because I think combat is exciting. I know it's serious, and I'd rather ask questions now than find out after I've signed up.

I'd really appreciate any advice. Thanks.

Has anyone been down to CPC and passed but put MOH ?

If so how long did it take before they came back with a verdict ?