whats the difference...

[shifty_uk]

Ive used the search tool btw before anyone says!!

I see quite alot of people really wanting to join the RM's as officers and others just wanting to join as a Marine even though they have the neccessary qualifications.

I would quite like to know the difference in both jobs, what makes one better than the other and what differences is there in their day to day role as a Commando?

Thanks!

[Bliartheliar]

Ive got GCSE's and A Levels, so technically im qualified enough to join as an officer, and considered this route for some time. However, baring in mind that most officers have degrees (although they are not neccessary) i've decided to go in as a recruit - basically because I want to join as soon as im prepared and dont want to spend another 3 years in education. Id also rather go in as a recruit and get a commission later on.

I think it boils down to the fact that officers are trained to lead, therefore have more administrative duties to perform. Training lasts a full year for officers while recruit training lasts 32 weeks, and they have to pass all the commando tests in a quicker time than recruits - for example recuits have 8 hrs to pass the 30miler, officers have 7 (most recruits pass with only minutes/seconds to spare).

[Woody]

I know this may be a daft question to ask, but what is the difference between a commisioned and a non commissioned officer ?

[Woody]

Cheers

As a Marine (please read JNCO or SNCO including WOs of both flavors) going for a SOL(E) commission (i.e. become an officer from the ranks)

[friendlyfireaintfriendly]

Personally the reason i want to join as an officer is so i can actually be making a difference and leading men as opposed to sitting round following orders and then getting promoted and perhaps giving a couple. Id feel like i was wasting time not using my brain as well as body

[Bliartheliar]

I doubt you would be wasting your intelligence if you joined as a recruit. They wouldnt take on thick bastards.

[beardo]

''The thinking mans soldier'' (from the green bible)

[sinno]

I have a degree and am trying for a comission. However, I dont feel that my degree is in any way an advantage. If anything, maybe the 3 years extra life experience has been of value but to be honest I am the same person I was when I walked out of my A-level exams!!

I think what matters to any marine (correct me if I'm wrong) is a good world knowledge which is something that is built up from newspapers and current affairs programs etc.

[Leigh Dowell]

There is no better or worse, it's what you want to do when/if you get in.
I joined to be an infantryman after a couple of years I went for/got talked into going for a corps commission I passed the POC then decided not to continue(no guarantee I would've passed the AIB though) as I felt I hadn't achieved what I wanted as a soldier, I had just got into Recce Tp and had a lot of things on the horizon, I felt I would leave it and come back to it later and try SD officer when sitting in a shell scrape piss wet through and cold wasn't so appealing anymore(not that it really ever is).
I talked to officers who were direct entry and corps commission and got the impression your career is plotted out for you from day 1 ie 18 months as a troop boss, staff college, 2ic of a company etc. Even my future troop boss who whilst interviewing me had to take a break from a pile of paperwork the size of a Scoobie sandwhich, it wasn't for me.
They are two different worlds, but if you join as an officer there is no going back, if you join as an OR then you can always try for a commission later.
I don't want to give advice just tell you how it seemed to me at the time.

[friendlyfireaintfriendly]

Thats actually something i was worried about. Just ive been told by everyone military or not if youve got the brains do it as an officer and dont bother with going in as "cannon fodder" I would want to specialise as an officer personally and if i would prefer to do troop boss then go in to specialise as either weapons instruction or PEdO seeing as instruction and giving a hand basically are what i enjoy.

[Doc]

......... and giving a hand basically are what i enjoy.

Massage parlour it is then?

[friendlyfireaintfriendly]

What!? PTIs new "softer" role?

[Artist]

freindlyfireaintfriendly

Marines most certainly never "sit around" waiting for orders!
And NCO's don't give just the odd order either!
They make sure your foods always available, your transport is there when you need it, Your Pay goes in every month, You and your men have ammunition when you need it. The people you hope to lead are fully trained.

I suggest that if your going to join with that kind of attitude towards the men you had better not bother! They will suss out your feelings towards them straight away and you will find yourself very much alone. And that also includes your fellow Officers. The Corp is and always will be egalitarian. As in respect works both ways. Without it your going to be in trouble.

Nearly all the Young Officers instructors are SNCO's and they will teach you the Bulk of what you need to know. So bin the Condesending attitude or your time in the Corp will be short and sweet.

Artist

[jase25064342]

the main thing is a commisioned officer is saluted and addressed as sir and the other is not,apart from a warrant officer who classed as non-commisioned but is called sir,but not saluted.
the other difference is the lifestyle generally an officer is snobb and the non commisioned is a workingmans leader. (from my years of working in the officer's mess)