Joining as Officer VS Recruit

[Groundgame12]

So for a few years now I have been very intrigued and inspired by the Royal Marines and it is definitely a career I want to go into, however, the decision between Officer and recruit is what I am torn between.

Ideally I would like to join as an officer, mainly for better pay, but also, without trying to sound big headed, leading a group is often what I end up doing, weather it be a camping expedition with my friends or paintballing, a lot of people, and even older ones at that, often look to me to make decisions or decide what the plan of action will be,obviously this is not on the same level as the RM but I believe the basis could be there.

Anyway, staying on for A-levels at school does not tickle my fancy, instead I would like to go into an apprenteship, or go to a specialist college to study a course after GCSE, which I would earn UCAS points for, now would also be a time to say that acedemically I am quite bright, being in the top classes at school.

I have been on the Royal Navy live chat numerous times asking about my eligibility to join as an officer if my UCAS points were not from A-levels, to which my replies varied, some said "the UCAS points have to be from 2 non overlapping subjects, and so would restrict your chances of going through to selection if they were not from A-levels" while others said "The UCAS points are supposed to be from 2 non overlapping subjects but personal character and mindset are just as important as grades when choosing an officer"

However joining as an officer also has its drawbacks for me, as I believe if I join as a recruit first, I would gain more experience and street knowledge of the Marines before jumping in at the deep end, as well as this, I feel like an officer that has been one of the lads and worked his way up has more respect and trust from his men

So to sum up my question is, Is it possible for me to join as an officer, after doing an apprenteship or other course at college? Or would I be best off joining as a recruit?

Thanks

 

[telemark]

However joining as an officer also has its drawbacks for me, as I believe if I join as a recruit first, I would gain more experience and street knowledge of the Marines before jumping in at the deep end, as well as this, I feel like an officer that has been one of the lads and worked his way up has more respect and trust from his men

While possible, it's rare to go from trained rank to O. It isn't just a matter of taking some leadership course somewhere. You have to re-do RT. All of it. If you're that much of a masochist, may as well go O then go to selection.

Also don't forget that you can be a leader without being an officer. Troops need leaders during training, corporals, sergeants, etc.

 

[Caversham]

@Ninja_Stoker will advise you on your UCAS points, but suffice to say that applications for a commission far outweigh the number of places available each year, so competition is extremely fierce and the educational standard only gets you to the starting line.

To successfully get into the once a year intake for RM officers, you have to pass the POC, which is similar to the PRMC and then the AIB for in depth assessment. Have a look at the YO threads on here and you will get a picture of what is required, but there are far more dissapointed applicants than there are successful ones. Additionally, there are a large number of Marines who hold full degrees, but chose to go OR.

If you decide to go OR, then the opportunities for a Corps Commission are even harder, one or two per year and even none in some years. There is scope for SNCOs to gain a commission, but that would be 10 years plus after passing out and then you will not be doing the work of a Troop Commander, more an admin role.

If being an officer is your priority then get a degree and concentrate on your life skills. Get experience of being a leader in voluntary groups. Saying on your AIB that you lead at paint balling won't cut it I'm afraid. You have youth and confidence on your side, so take time to make your mind up and good luck.

Alan

 

[ThreadpigeonsAlpha]

So for a few years now I have been very intrigued and inspired by the Royal Marines and it is definitely a career I want to go into, however, the decision between Officer and recruit is what I am torn between.

Ideally I would like to join as an officer, mainly for better pay, but also, without trying to sound big headed, leading a group is often what I end up doing, weather it be a camping expedition with my friends or paintballing, a lot of people, and even older ones at that, often look to me to make decisions or decide what the plan of action will be,obviously this is not on the same level as the RM but I believe the basis could be there.

Anyway, staying on for A-levels at school does not tickle my fancy, instead I would like to go into an apprenteship, or go to a specialist college to study a course after GCSE, which I would earn UCAS points for, now would also be a time to say that acedemically I am quite bright, being in the top classes at school.

I have been on the Royal Navy live chat numerous times asking about my eligibility to join as an officer if my UCAS points were not from A-levels, to which my replies varied, some said "the UCAS points have to be from 2 non overlapping subjects, and so would restrict your chances of going through to selection if they were not from A-levels" while others said "The UCAS points are supposed to be from 2 non overlapping subjects but personal character and mindset are just as important as grades when choosing an officer"

However joining as an officer also has its drawbacks for me, as I believe if I join as a recruit first, I would gain more experience and street knowledge of the Marines before jumping in at the deep end, as well as this, I feel like an officer that has been one of the lads and worked his way up has more respect and trust from his men

So to sum up my question is, Is it possible for me to join as an officer, after doing an apprenteship or other course at college? Or would I be best off joining as a recruit?

Thanks

Just a quick post, agreed with all above. In short:

Having a degree goes in your favour. Makes you more favourable. As long as it isn't in Art or Basket Weaving.

You won't be a Troop Boss after working your way up, you will be given other Officer duties if I remember correctly.

That being said I knew a lad with something silly like 4 degrees in various scientific voodoo stuff and he was happy being Other Ranks.

I know I gob off a lot about Orifices, er, I mean Officers, but Corps commision or straight from a Batch, both have Respect of the lads and the RM undoubtedly produces the best Officers in the Forces.

 

[Chelonian]

However joining as an officer also has its drawbacks for me, as I believe if I join as a recruit first, I would gain more experience...

Sound advice in the posts above. I'll throw in something else to consider:

Research and get a firm understanding of the roles of Other Rank and Officer. Doing so will help you to decide which career path to take. Best of luck.