Promotion from the ranks

[speed freek]

http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/static/pages/4128.html

This should answer your last question mate, I'll paste the important bit here but there's other stuff on there too!

Initial Training (Weeks 1-10)
To a certain extent YO initial training mirrors that received by recruits. It includes fitness training, personal administration and basic military skills. Corps history and regimental traditions are also included.

Military Training (Weeks 11-24)This phase teaches and tests tactics up to troop level. Students are introduced to Military doctrine and operational procedures, including instruction in the receiving and giving of NATO orders. This process requires the YO to have a sound understanding of the combat estimate. Leadership attributes are developed through command appointments at both section and troop level. Toward the latter end of Military training, the YO starts his transition from infanteer to an amphibious infantryman. Helicopter and small boat drills are taught and practised and YOs are briefed on the employment of amphibious assets.

Commando Course (Weeks 25-28)
As with recruits the object of the Commando Course is to meet the universal commando standard and earn the right to wear the Green Beret. The tests are the same in content as for RM Recruits, but the qualifying times allowed for completion are reduced. Most of the Course is spent on physically and mentally demanding field exercises, away from Lympstone. Advanced Military Training (Weeks 29-49). This is an intense programme of instruction which embraces tactics to company level. Practical skills and ability are tested through demanding field exercised, the culmination of which is Exercise FINAL NAIL where a company of trained Marines from a unit in the RMC join the Batch to undertake a series of company level raids launched from land bases and subsequently from a Landing Ship Logistic. In addition to the tactical element to this phase the academic pressure is increased and the YOs are taught the skills necessary to effectively administer their men and manage their careers.

SO(LE) Course
A single 13 week course is programmed annually. Newly commissioned SO(LE) Officers have extensive and varied experience from many years service within the Royal Marines. Naturally they are already commando trained and a certain high level of knowledge is understandably assumed. The course concentrates upon administration, military law, defence writing, but also includes a one week tactics package. Presentations on such diverse topics such as International Affairs, Defence Studies and Military Doctrine are included. This is by no means the limit of CW output. Other services provided include: estimate training for Royal Marines Special Forces Officer candidates, pre Junior Officer Training Education Scheme, and training for newly commissioned officers of the RMR.

[Wee Willy Winkie]

thanks for the reply speed freek, its really informative, but yes ha ha, ich habe another question for the masses. I have heard that there are specialty's an officer can be such a landing craft and PTI, can anybody tell me the full list of specialisations an RM officer can be, Cheers again again Andy

[Wee Willy Winkie]

that is really worthwhile Sticky, ta mate. im guessing the same regualtions apply for the pilot as in the RAF, you cannot be one if you wear glasses of any prescription? that is perhaps the only one i'd might consider, or possibly the SBS or PTI but there a long way off yet