How long is your enlistment?

[Eric Hood]

Dear Bootnecks!
How long does a young man have to enlist for in the Royal Marines? If he makes it through that training! Is there a distinction between a Royal Marines Commando and a Royal Marine?
Semper Fi,
Eric

[ricky30091]

Hi Eric,
When I was a young man I signed the dotted line for 9 years. When I joined 40 Cdo RM I was informed of a way to get extra leave; sign on for another 5 years and receive 2 weeks leave. YES!! For 5 years service you got 2 weeks leave. After a couple more years I could then sign on for the full 22 year service and get another 2 weeks, brilliant!!!
A Royal Marines Commando who gains his green beret and Commando flashes, i.e. passes out of training at CTCRM, is a RM Commando.
Take care.
Ricky

[Eric Hood]

Thanks!
I am an associate member of the Royal Marines Association, a fact that fills me with an immense amount of pride. I watched "Commando, on The Front Line" and read the book. What a story!! The training you guys get is excellent. No political correctness. Thanks for your answer. Do you live in the states? I could'nt tell from your profile.
Sempers,
Eric

[ricky30091]

Hi Eric,
Yes, I was drafted to USA, as a civilian, in 2006; enjoying life in Connecticut at present; watch this space........
I'm also a member of the www.rma-us.org in VA.
Take care
Ricky

[MontezumaCpl]

Aye, Commando is an excellent viewing! Hadn't heard of the book, but I will look for it, thanks.
I met a Royal Marine Commando in a airport once. Very pleasant conversation we had. Outstanding uniforms!


Semper Fi all!

[Eric Hood]

Hi Ricky!
I am a member too. I know John, via e-mail. I want to go to England someday, never been. How does it work in the RM--you give a years notice? You have to sign a new contract for x-amount of years? I wish, we had had the "Tarzan Course"!
Per Mare, Per Terram,
Eric

[ricky30091]

Hey Eric,
Hopefully England will still be there when you travel.
I'm pretty sure it's all changed since I was medically discharged in 1986 but you could always buy yourself out which was dependent on numerous things.
The tarzan course was good but my favourite was the endurance course; each to his own eh?
No doubt we'll meet one day Eric, maybe this year's remembrance parade.
Take care
Ricky