You could apply to join the marines through an HM Forces Serviceperson Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

You'll apply directly to the marines to find the best apprenticeship route for you. This will depend on your qualifications and which service role you're interested in.

Entry requirements

• entry requirements vary

You can join the Royal Marines Reserve to get some experience of what life is like in the service and to learn new skills at the same time. You'll do the same commando training as the regulars, but over a longer period.

If you're between 13 and 18 years old, you can join the Royal Marines Cadets.

You can apply directly to join the Royal Navy as a commando. You don't need any specific qualifications, but you will need to meet the navy's eligibility requirements. For example, you must:

• be aged between 16 and 32
• be at least 145cm tall
• pass fitness tests

If your application is accepted, you'll be invited to talk to someone at your local armed forces careers office about what you want to do. You will then do the Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA) followed by an interview.

If you have the right skills, you'll be asked to attend the 3-day Candidate Preparation Course. This includes further interviews, fitness, medical and aptitude tests. If successful, you'll be offered a place at the commando training centre at Lympstone in Devon.

You'll need:

• physical fitness and endurance
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• concentration skills and quick reactions
• active listening skills and the ability to work in a team
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• thinking and reasoning skills for making quick decisions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• be a UK, Republic of Ireland or Commonwealth citizen
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass security checks
• pass enhanced background checks

As a Royal Marines commando, you could:

• carry out special combat missions
• intercept drug smugglers at sea or deliver humanitarian aid
• collect, co-ordinate and interpret intelligence reports
• fly aircraft and helicopters
• lead training exercises, such as beach assaults and mountain survival

You could work at a military base, on a ship or in a warzone.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and outdoors in all weathers.

You may need to wear a uniform and protective clothing.