View Full Version : Royal Marines - attitude advice
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 05:41 PM
Hi all,
Being a young lad (23) who's currently a bit unsure as to what career direction I might be heading since graduating from uni, I've come back to looking at the forces again, more specifically the Royal Marines. It's not a completely idle whim, I've done 5 years in the Army Cadets in the past, progressing up to Colour Sergeant. I know that's not the 'real thing' but I reckon it means I have a better idea of what the task may really involve on a day-to-day basis than guns & glory. I can't honestly say I'm one who would be doing it as a 'lifelong ambition', more as a reasoned choice of a career that offers some of the best training in the world, varied and interesting challenges, serious responsibilities & a chance to 'do something positive'. I wanted to ask a question aimed at anyone on here who is in the forces, and there seem to be a few of you.
I am a person who considers myself to be a 'strong character' or individual, whatever that may mean. I would probably classify myself as an extrovert, one who enjoys standing up for what I believe in, challenging people to defend their arguments and beliefs, engaging in debate. I don't take any nonsense from people just because it is the easy option, and I like to hear reasoned justification for something. I will make it clear if I think something is wrong, or could be done better.
Would these characteristics make me unsuitable for a miltary career?
Is individuality seen as a positive, or something detrimental to the military ethos that needs to be broken?
If it's of importance, if I pursue this further I would be looking to enlist as an officer. Does this make any difference in that individuality is more tolerated in those in command than it is in the men they must lead?
Much obliged for any opinions anyone is willing to express, one way or another. It's the major stumbling block for me atm, wondering whether I as a person am simply not tailored to fit the lifestyle.
You will go through an interview process to see if you are what they want not the other way round tbh, saying that though if you want to be there thats half the battle, good luck with it all the same.
Jools'SV Now
08-02-08, 05:48 PM
the fact that you've asked the question of yourself probably shows that you will have an understanding of when to and when not to question what you're being told.
the balance you'll have to find is between questioning orders and clarifying them.
Welsh_Wizard
08-02-08, 05:50 PM
I sound like a similar character to yourself and I passed the PRMC about 8yrs ago. Couldn't complete basic training due to injury and ended up leaving under mutual decision which sometimes I think was the best thing that could have happened and also the worst as I was really 'up for it..'
Been in offices ever since but its never been enough.
Start with Gwent Police in April ;)
take out your brains and mush them up and put only a few back in and you will have the right mentality for a career in the marines. Hope I dont offend any marines on here. I was in the wrns for 4 years and had to work with marines from arbroath and they were all mad, seriously unhinged. saying that they would do anything for each other which I think in their line of work is more important than being able to sit and have a pint without having to drop their trousers and stick their willies in each others drinks. im sure you will love it lol
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 05:55 PM
take out your brains and mush them up and put only a few back in and you will have the right mentality for a career in the marines. Hope I dont offend any marines on here. I was in the wrns for 4 years and had to work with marines from arbroath and they were all mad, seriously unhinged. saying that they would do anything for each other which I think in their line of work is more important than being able to sit and have a pint without having to drop their trousers and stick their willies in each others drinks. im sure you will love it lol
Now you see that was the stereotype that I was trying to refer to without saying it quite so directly :) As it happens, I met a few of that 'willies in pints' bunch in my college at uni who were thinking of heading into the Marines and who conformed to the ignorant meathead pattern quite well.
I was just hoping that was the exception not the rule.
im sure they are not all like that. just the majority of the ones I met lol. The officers were not as bad as the oiks. We just referred to them all as green meat. The beret will get you lots of sex no matter what you look like lol
timwilky
08-02-08, 06:00 PM
My neighbour across the road was once the youngest to complete the commando course in modern time. He left school on the friday and was on a train on the Sunday.
Stories he tells me is that the Neanderthal is alive and well within the Royal Marines. He tells people he was not a marine. They are soft yanks. He was a Royal Marine and emphasises the Royal bit.
Nasty stories about sticking their fingers up their **** and then wiping them under another's nose. Soggy biscuits and throwing new recruits out the first floor windows etc.
He did tell me though that when out together they fight other squadies for pleasure. He did time in a military nick for thumping a navel officer in portsmouth that wouldn't give him a chip. Bit unfair as the officer was ****ed.
Other thing is he liked was about 2 years spent in Norway on artic warfare. Although he reckons the cold/damp has left him with arthritis. And a thunderflash in the face has left him with only one eye. but a military pension
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 06:02 PM
Not meaning to sound like a gimp, but I probably wouldn't be interested in the sort of women who are up for it because of the beret :rolleyes:
Yep, that probably did sound like an oversensitive/overpicky gimp. Gotta work on that technique :-k
Not meaning to sound like a gimp, but I probably wouldn't be interested in the sort of women who are up for it because of the beret :rolleyes:
Yep, that probably did sound like an oversensitive/overpicky gimp. Gotta work on that technique :-k
think you would need to change that attitude before considering joining up. You will be required to stick your best pal in all sorts of places a double bagger will be the least of your problems
in case anyone hasnt heard of the phrase a double bagger is a member of the opposite sex who is so ugly you put a paper bag over their head and one over yours just in case theirs falls off during the act. lol:o
Pedrosa
08-02-08, 06:17 PM
If the Royal Marines was for you,you would not be wasting your time asking dumb ass questions about it on a bike forum.Harsh I know but get real fella. University did not give you any decision making skills did it?
(bring on the flames of hurt and outrage!):p
take out your brains and mush them up and put only a few back in and you will have the right mentality for a career in the marines. Hope I dont offend any marines on here. I was in the wrns for 4 years and had to work with marines from arbroath and they were all mad, seriously unhinged. saying that they would do anything for each other which I think in their line of work is more important than being able to sit and have a pint without having to drop their trousers and stick their willies in each others drinks. im sure you will love it lol
Yeah, but you hung around with the Jockanese scumbags that are 45 Commando, not all Marines are created equal.
You'd have got a far better class of skullduggery and ladishness if you'd been anywhere near Bickleigh Barracks.
sv-robo
08-02-08, 06:21 PM
but I probably wouldn't be interested in the sort of women who are up for it because of the beret :rolleyes:
Yep, that probably did sound oversensitive:-k
now then,where did i put my beret?:)
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 06:21 PM
If the Royal Marines was for you,you would not be wasting your time asking dumb ass questions about it on a bike forum.Harsh I know but get real fella. University did not give you any decision making skills did it?
(bring on the flames of hurt and outrage!):p
Consider them brung.
Because you'd be a f**cking idiot to walk into a commitment of that magnitude before asking the most pertinent questions. IMO asking a question like that suggests an appreciation of what may be involved and seeking opinions that may/may not provide another perspective. Especially considering many users of this forum appear to be in the forces.
My conclusion is that you are a first class t**t. Stay out of the conversation if you have nothing more constructive to add.
Yeah, but you hung around with the Jockanese scumbags that are 45 Commando, not all Marines are created equal.
You'd have got a far better class of skullduggery and ladishness if you'd been anywhere near Bickleigh Barracks.
well ill count myself lucky i was not anywhere near Bickleigh (where ever that is) lol
Consider them brung.
Because you'd be a f**cking idiot to walk into a commitment of that magnitude before asking the most pertinent questions. IMO asking a question like that suggests an appreciation of what may be involved and seeking opinions that may/may not provide another perspective. Especially considering many users of this forum appear to be in the forces.
My conclusion is that you are a first class t**t. Stay out of the conversation if you have nothing more constructive to add.
woohoo fight fight fight (oooh the memories) lol:rolleyes:
Hi all,
Being a young lad (23) who's currently a bit unsure as to what career direction I might be heading since graduating from uni, I've come back to looking at the forces again, more specifically the Royal Marines. <snip>
You sound far too intelligent to waste your time signing up for a commission. You can spell, and everything.
Seriously though, the life of an RM officer is not easy. For a start your training is tougher than that of the men you will lead and you'll be at Lympstone for longer proving yourself fit enough to do the job. From there on a mind like yours would work well at thinking things through before acting, a trait not often found in army officers. RAF officers basically have all their thinking done for them by their ground crew or office staff.
I say do it, but take it from me, the training is a proper fookin killer, and I only did the 30 week variety, an officer does another 2 weeks on top of that with higher levels to acheive IIRC. Whatever you do, if you get the choice, go for 42 and in particular 'K' Co. if you can swing it.
Pedrosa
08-02-08, 06:28 PM
Consider them brung.
Because you'd be a f**cking idiot to walk into a commitment of that magnitude before asking the most pertinent questions. IMO asking a question like that suggests an appreciation of what may be involved and seeking opinions that may/may not provide another perspective. Especially considering many users of this forum appear to be in the forces.
My conclusion is that you are a first class t**t. Stay out of the conversation if you have nothing more constructive to add.
By the way soldier.....you've not gained any stripes yet......so hold on to the ordering about will yer? LOL
Now then soldier ,soldier....calm under fire and all that. Your self cotrol immediately indicates that you are unfit for service in the military. Although you would sooon be knocked in to shape. You being a bit gobby and full of attitude is something they have all seen a thousand times before.
I still beg to differ..there are some on here who are ex and even serving service personnel...to say that there are "many" is a gross exaggeration.
No one is born a natural soldier,it is a matter of who can swallow the BS and conform to a group ethic? Did you not learn anything in the cadets? Did you not research some time ago which branch of the armed forces might be best for you?
I tell you something,joining the Marines and then let slip in company what some of your thoughts and attitudes were before you joined and you will get well sorted.
I hope this is more of a value to you? Or would you like to offer another caveman like insult? carry on.:p
woohoo fight fight fight (oooh the memories) lol:rolleyes:
Oh, the fights!
I used to live in Plymouth..............in Union Street for those who know the area:D I had a flat there three floors up, and when I was bored I would watch out of the window until a bunch of matelots and a bunch of bootnecks passed each other under my window, then I'd throw something at one of the groups. Mayhem always ensued:smt077
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 06:30 PM
I used to live in Plymouth..............in Union Street for those who know the area:D
Oh you poor bugger! Read that, when they were trialling the 'field hospitals' as they dubbed them, to deal with routine scuffles/cuts/stitches etc. on Fri and Sat nights, they chose Union Street as the pilot scheme :drink:
Oh, the fights!
I used to live in Plymouth..............in Union Street for those who know the area:D I had a flat there three floors up, and when I was bored I would watch out of the window until a bunch of matelots and a bunch of bootnecks passed each other under my window, then I'd throw something at one of the groups. Mayhem always ensued:smt077
So it was you?
Oh you poor bugger! Read that, when they were trialling the 'field hospitals' as they dubbed them, to deal with routine scuffles/cuts/stitches etc. on Fri and Sat nights, they chose Union Street as the pilot scheme :drink:
Never a dull moment on Union Street, that's for sure:D
oh more memories union street lol. i was not based inplymouth for long and dont remember any particular pubs or clubs. we spent most of our time in torpoint as leave expired at midnight - not that I was ever back on time. saw a lot of the captain and his table lol
bootnecks are fags!!!! Fact, LOL
your training will be differant but you will do the commando course which if Finh nails mate. Officers are a diferent breed to the lads you wounf have to stick your finger up your bum (unless you are into that) or anything like it. You will however have to be a strong character and have some balls about toyu because you WILL be leading men into combat situations in Afgan and Iraq. If they dont like nor respect you you are FUBAR'd
can i ask why Marines?? if its not a life long ambition why choose the hardes basic training course in the world??? why not join as rupert in the army or RAF or Navy. If you want some excitement then apply for Para commisioning. Then you will do Snadhurst followed by P company the get assigned your post. Trust me the Paras are just as bad.
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 06:40 PM
By the way soldier.....you've not gained any stripes yet......so hold on to the ordering about will yer? LOL
Now then soldier ,soldier....calm under fire and all that. Your self cotrol immediately indicates that you are unfit for service in the military. Although you would sooon be knocked in to shape. You being a bit gobby and full of attitude is something they have all seen a thousand times before.
I still beg to differ..there are some on here who are ex and even serving service personnel...to say that there are "many" is a gross exaggeration.
No one is born a natural soldier,it is a matter of who can swallow the BS and conform to a group ethic? Did you not learn anything in the cadets? Did you not research some time ago which branch of the armed forces might be best for you?
I tell you something,joining the Marines and then let slip in company what some of your thoughts and attitudes were before you joined and you will get well sorted.
I hope this is more of a value to you? Or would you like to offer another caveman like insult? carry on.:p
Firstly, don't come in to a discussion with deliberately provocative statements and then try to retreat from what you rightly deserved whilst trying to make yourself appear the reasonable one.
Second, my reply was direct and to the point, though not out of control. Controlled anger is something I believe is espoused by the Marines. Also, unless you can prove otherwise, forgive me if I don't take your view as Gospel when it comes to my suitability for the forces. What's more, there's a difference between being gobby and standing one's ground. Gobby would've been if I began the discussion by mouthing off. Instead I think I asked a pretty reasonable series of questions...
No point in getting semantic over how many members of the .org are in the forces. It isn't vitally important. There are a number, that will suffice.
Of course I know the difference between the forces, and that is why, although my current thinking is directly related to the Marines, the question was quite clearly a general one. After all, I think the biggest decision is choosing a military career, after that the subdivision becomes less crucial than the initial one if you follow my drift. Marines or Army is a refinement, unlike Marines or Stockbroker for example.
Sorry, what are the views of mine that I should be careful about 'letting slip' in the company of Marines? And when it comes to insults, try to be more reasonable in the first place rather than coming in with your own to a perfectly reasonable thread. Then you might find I'll treat you with more civility like I do everyone else.
I've spent the night in HMS Nelson... not a nice Hotel, but they did give me a full breakfast in the morning before get they got me a free Taxi (RMP's) to take me back to my parent unit...
Mate don't join the Marines, join the RAF, alot better for your health...
If I'd had my time again thats what I'd be doing.
Best of luck with your choice.
Pedrosa
08-02-08, 06:42 PM
Firstly, don't come in to a discussion with deliberately provocative statements and then try to retreat from what you rightly deserved whilst trying to make yourself appear the reasonable one.
Second, my reply was direct and to the point, though not out of control. Controlled anger is something I believe is espoused by the Marines. Also, unless you can prove otherwise, forgive me if I don't take your view as Gospel when it comes to my suitability for the forces. What's more, there's a difference between being gobby and standing one's ground. Gobby would've been if I began the discussion by mouthing off. Instead I think I asked a pretty reasonable series of questions...
No point in getting semantic over how many members of the .org are in the forces. It isn't vitally important. There are a number, that will suffice.
Of course I know the difference between the forces, and that is why, although my current thinking is directly related to the Marines, the question was quite clearly a general one. After all, I think the biggest decision is choosing a military career, after that the subdivision becomes less crucial than the initial one if you follow my drift. Marines or Army is a refinement, unlike Marines or Stockbroker for example.
Sorry, what are the views of mine that I should be careful about 'letting slip' in the company of Marines? And when it comes to insults, try to be more reasonable in the first place rather than coming in with your own to a perfectly reasonable thread. Then you might find I'll treat you with more civility like I do everyone else.
Apology accepted young man. Carry on.:salut:
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 06:43 PM
Oh, and thanks to Lozzo and Neio for the comments and information. Have taken/am taking them onboard. Give me a minute and I'll reply to you both as best I'm able.
Pedrosa
08-02-08, 06:47 PM
ok,ok so I am nasty horrible person who does nothing but provoke! I am a bad person.
I have never told anyone,(not even those I have met in person from this site) that I myself was in the Royal marines. For the record 40 Commando.
My tours of duty included Northern Ireland,Congo and the Gulf War.
That is all I will say about my time in the services.
Thankyou.
another thing to consider is how long you sign up for. my cousin was in raf and only had a 2 year contract. when i joined the wrns i signed up for 22 years and had to give 18 months notice. the notice changed when it was decided by court of human rights it was excessive. I dont know about the army
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 06:50 PM
I believe, though I shall double-check this, it is a 12-year commission in the RM, though 3-5 years is the minimum service. Or at least that's what I read on their site.
Not too dissimilar to short service commission in the army.
another thing to consider is how long you sign up for. my cousin was in raf and only had a 2 year contract. when i joined the wrns i signed up for 22 years and had to give 18 months notice. the notice changed when it was decided by court of human rights it was excessive. I dont know about the army
All forces peeps nowadays join on a 22 year open engagement for soldiers and 16 years for officers. Minimum service is 4 years after ou have gone past the 12 week period. You have 12 weeks from enlistment to get out free so to speak. After that you are stuffed unless you go AWOL or are medically discharged. when in you have to give 12 month notice to leave but there is good reason for it so you can prepare for life in civvy street.
so dont worry about what contract you wil serve under.
my ex did 22 years in navy and then transferred to officer branch and has got a further 12 years. sometimes those who go thru the ranks are tolerated better than those who join straight as officers. i always remember my divisional officer being younger than me and him saying any problems just to go to him and I thought it was like talking to my wee brother (not that I have a wee brother) lol
saying that I think everyone should do a year in the services. Not enough discipline these days.
husky03
08-02-08, 06:56 PM
Best thing you could do is to speak to serving guys and see what your gut feeling is.Where do you see yourself if you get in?officer? or otherwise?.I'd be bearing in mind that if you are sucessful and do get in and pass all your training your looking to be sent somewhere in the middle east for active service-high chance that you could get killed-you ready to put you life on the line?-if you need to think twice about that i'd say don't do it.
Good luck in making your mind up it takes balls to join any of the armed forces and those that do have my utmost respect.
husky
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 06:59 PM
sometimes those who go thru the ranks are tolerated better than those who join straight as officers.
I suppose that's always one of the biggest challenges for a new officer, managing to strike the right balance of comraderie, leadership & respect with a group of guys who will have been serving for a number of years already. Of course that's what the serg. and the corporals are there for, to help with that balance, but still a tightrope I imagine.
Bit like teachers, some have the respect, some don't. Can be quite hard to pinpoint why someone falls into one camp and not the other though. I know what that's like when I was teaching in China for a year, group discipine is a black art ;)
Pedrosa
08-02-08, 07:00 PM
Lack of discipline and too many Mummy's boys looking to sign up these days. All makes for a great PC military service.:smt067
I was asked to go n as officer because of my quals, if you tip up with a degree they will try and rail road you into officer.
you can of course join as a grunt and then apply to go officer later if you are reccomended to.
either way you will be dodging incomming while trying to build sandcastles!!
if you dont mind me saying (even if you do) mr pedrosa - im sensing some bitterness as regards the services. didnt you have fun?
I've spent the night in HMS Nelson... not a nice Hotel, but they did give me a full breakfast in the morning before get they got me a free Taxi (RMP's) to take me back to my parent unit...
Mate don't join the Marines, join the RAF, alot better for your health...
If I'd had my time again thats what I'd be doing.
Best of luck with your choice.
Theres a man who knows what he,s talking about
This might help you decide
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=104129
MeridiaNx
08-02-08, 07:10 PM
Best thing you could do is to speak to serving guys and see what your gut feeling is.
Have been doing so when I can get the chance. Chatting to a guy who is in 'a force' who's just come back from an operation. Also working with a guy who did 10 years in the RM so I'm picking up what I can from him. Will chat to my cousin when he comes back from Afghan. as well.
Where do you see yourself if you get in?officer? or otherwise?.
I'd say officer, but I don't mean to sound arrogant by saying so. My reasoning would be:
1) Qualification-wise I am above the requirements for an officer and feel it might be somewhat of a 'waste' not to use them.
2) While at school I was looking at an Army bursary before concluding that I would leave the decision 'til after uni, and so as they had wanted me to join as an officer it kinda felt the natural choice. Maybe I have been groomed in some way to think that...
3) Most importantly, even only in the cadets I spent most of that time teaching and leading the younger lads. I enjoy the responsibility, I relish the challenge of bringing a team together and getting them to realise their potential in achieving the goal as a unit. I have teaching experience in a classroom environment, and feel capable of the broad range of skills required to be an officer, though of course I accept that there is masses to learn, and that being an officer means setting the example i.e. being at the top of your game at all times.
I'd be bearing in mind that if you are sucessful and do get in and pass all your training your looking to be sent somewhere in the middle east for active service-high chance that you could get killed-you ready to put you life on the line?-if you need to think twice about that i'd say don't do it.
Can I be absolutely 100% certain about how I would react in a battle situation? I don't think I can but nor do I think saying that is a sign of weakness. I think it would be blind hope/trying to convince yourself to say that. But I think that the environment would be the ultimate use of the training provided and as such would be the goal I would wish to attain. I don't believe I would crack under the pressure, and would trust on the training to solidify that determination into certainty. Hope that answers the point properly.
Cheers for the comments Husky.
Whatever service you go into make sure its the right one for you, Id go back in the Air force in a heartbeat, but too old now so cant, but its not nessecarily an easy life whatever you choose, btw dont let people put you off and wind you up, just do it.
bootnecks are fags!!!! Fact, LOL
If you want some excitement then apply for Para commisioning. Then you will do Snadhurst followed by P company the get assigned your post. Trust me the Paras are just as bad.
My uncle was in 1 Para. Hard, hard, hard man!
He's in his late 70's now, but I'd still back him to drop most people without even blinking.
every one of the forces has its good and bad points. i enjoyed the social side of the wrns but didnt cope well at sea. good luck with whatever you decide
My uncle was in 1 Para. Hard, hard, hard man!
He's in his late 70's now, but I'd still back him to drop most people without even blinking.
Sounds like my mum... 74 yrs old and I'm still scared stiff of her.
Pedrosa
08-02-08, 07:20 PM
if you dont mind me saying (even if you do) mr pedrosa - im sensing some bitterness as regards the services. didnt you have fun?
My experiences could certainly be put in the pigeon hole marked..."interesting." Not am I suggesting though that I have bitterness toward my time spent in the service.
My uncle was in 1 Para. Hard, hard, hard man!
He's in his late 70's now, but I'd still back him to drop most people without even blinking.
yep they are, we have our own Signal Sqn attached to them also a Signal regiment attached to the SAS, so we get some quite good postings. There are Scaleys getting some serious rounds down on tour!! oh we a area hard bunch anyway LOL ;)
every one of the forces has its good and bad points. i enjoyed the social side of the wrns but didnt cope well at sea. good luck with whatever you decide
i bet you did!! being one of a few girls on a ship!! :rolleyes: I bet the lads enjoyed the social side with you as well ;)
yep they are, we have our own Signal Sqn attached to them also a Signal regiment attached to the SAS, so we get some quite good postings. There are Scaleys getting some serious rounds down on tour!! oh we a area hard bunch anyway LOL ;)
i bet you did!! being one of a few girls on a ship!! :rolleyes: I bet the lads enjoyed the social side with you as well ;)
hmmm 18 stone hairy unwashed sailors - be still my beating heart lol. Its a great life when your single. the navy is not so family orientated, especially submarine service. my ex used to go to sea for months at a time. you would get a 30 word telegram once a week if you were lucky. felt like a single parent all the time so I divorced him and dont have to deal with his dirty washing every few months lol
hmmm 18 stone hairy unwashed sailors - be still my beating heart lol. Its a great life when your single. the navy is not so family orientated, especially submarine service. my ex used to go to sea for months at a time. you would get a 30 word telegram once a week if you were lucky. felt like a single parent all the time so I divorced him and dont have to deal with his dirty washing every few months lol
Now that kids, that's devotion.
oh yeah 12 long years and I never got a long service good conduct medal
Dangerous Dave
12-12-08, 11:54 PM
So many facts, and so much BS. Yet so few actual Royal Marines on this forum!
So it took over 10 months to post a reply...
Let's put it down to bad comm's.
Handbags at dawn gentlemen. ;) :lol:
So it took over 10 months to post a reply...
Let's put it down to bad comm's.
Blame Neio, he's our resident scaleyback.
yorkie_chris
13-12-08, 02:20 AM
ex-resident scaley :-P
ex-resident scaley :-P
I thought bikers were supposed to have good observations?
I've now got a silly vision in my head of Neio in full CS95 kit with little cut-out pictures of SVs pinned all over himself, typing furiously away on a laptop from the little OP he's built up from SV Haynes manuals - so well camouflaged that YC can't spot him.
tinpants
13-12-08, 10:51 AM
ex-resident scaley :-P
I think he still lurks in the background but doesn't post much.
Dangerous Dave
13-12-08, 12:02 PM
So it took over 10 months to post a reply...
Came across it by mistake, somehow in here somewhere is a word related to a search I did.
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